U.S. patent application number 11/364022 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for carton with integral detachable funnel.
Invention is credited to John W. JR. Cargile.
Application Number | 20060191983 11/364022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36390240 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191983 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cargile; John W. JR. |
August 31, 2006 |
Carton with integral detachable funnel
Abstract
One or more disposable funnels are provided as integral and
detachable portions of the walls of a carton in which cans or
bottles of a pourable product such as oil are enclosed. In this
manner, the funnels are can be conveniently marketed along with the
product, and are handy, disposable, and economical and they are
constructed by perforating preexisting carton walls. Each funnel is
defined by a substantially continuous severance line that
distinguishes the periphery of the funnel from the remainder of the
carton wall. The funnel is detached from the carton wall by
breaking the severance line. Then, the funnel is configured for use
by folding or otherwise reshaping the funnel to include a channel
for controlling the flow of the product as it is poured from a
container, and a handle for holding the funnel in position.
Inventors: |
Cargile; John W. JR.;
(Decatur, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARKS KNOWLTON LLC
1117 PERIMETER CENTER WEST
SUITE E402
ATLANTA
GA
30338
US
|
Family ID: |
36390240 |
Appl. No.: |
11/364022 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60657025 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/368 20130101;
B65D 5/743 20130101; B65D 77/245 20130101; B65D 25/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/103 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/00 20060101
B65D005/00 |
Claims
1. A carton having a plurality of walls, the carton comprising; a
substantially continuous frangible line extending across at least a
portion of at least one of the walls; and a detachable funnel at
least partially integral to the carton and defined by the frangible
line, the detachable funnel comprising a channel that is
configurable to controllably direct the flow of a poured
substance.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the channel is defined in part by
at least one fold line that extends at least partially across the
length of the channel.
3. The carton of claim 1, wherein the detachable funnel further
comprises a catch for securing the channel in the configured
condition.
4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the catch comprises a tab and a
notch.
5. The carton of claim 3, wherein the catch comprises at least one
securing means for securing the channel, the securing means
comprising one or more of the following: magnets, non-permanent
adhesives, permanent adhesives, and hook and loop fasteners.
6. The carton of claim 1, wherein said channel comprises a
relatively narrower end and a relatively wider end.
7. The carton of claim 1, wherein the channel is configurable into
one of the following configurations: a cone, a trough, or a
furrow.
8. The carton of claim 1, wherein the detachable funnel further
comprises a handle connected to the channel, the handle being for
stabilizing the channel as the substance is poured.
9. A package, comprising: a plurality of containers, each container
containing a pourable substance; and a carton enclosing the
containers, the carton comprising: a plurality of walls, each
hingedly connected to at least one other wall; a substantially
continuous frangible line extending across at least a portion of at
least one of the walls; and a detachable funnel at least partially
integral to the carton and defined by the frangible line, the
detachable funnel comprising a channel foldable along its length
into a configuration that enables controllably pouring a substance
through the channel.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein the detachable funnel further
comprises a handle connected to the channel, the handle being for
stabilizing the channel as the substance is poured.
11. A package for enclosing containers, each container containing a
pourable substance, the package comprising: a plurality of
containers; and a carton enveloping the containers, the carton
comprising: a plurality of walls formed from foldable sheet
material, each wall being hingedly connected to at least one other
wall; detachable means for channeling the pourable substance as it
is poured from one of the containers, the channeling means being
formed from at least a portion of at least one of the walls, the
channeling means comprising a channel for directing the flow of the
pourable substance.
12. The package of claim 11, wherein the detachable funnel further
comprises a handle connected to the channel, the handle being for
stabilizing the channel as the substance is poured.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. application No.
60/657,025, filed Feb. 28, 2005, the entirety of which is herein
incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to packaging and materials
handling, and more particularly, to a carton having an integral
funnel that can be detached and configured to channel the flow of a
pourable substance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Adding or changing engine oil can be a messy job,
particularly when the oil is poured from its original container
into the engine via the relatively small oil inlet opening that is
typically located on the engine valve cover. Many different
versions of channeling devices such as funnels and pour spouts have
been developed to reduce the likelihood that oil will spill onto
the engine and the ground below. Such channeling devices usually
have a relatively wider end that provides a larger aperture into
which to pour the oil, as well as a relatively narrower end that
channels the oil into the oil fill hole.
[0004] Typical funnels and pour spouts are made from a sturdy
reusable material such as plastic or metal. The difficulty with
such devices arises when one is needed and cannot be found, or when
a used channeling device has to be stored. The former problem
commonly afflicts those having cluttered garages and those have
vehicles that require oil at inconvenient times, such as when the
operator of the vehicle is away from home. The latter difficulty is
common to all who employ reusable funnels--the device must be
cleaned before it can be stored or oil will contaminate the storage
location. The cost of reusable devices generally discourages
disposing of oily channeling devices after every use. Further,
users frequently do not clean the funnels between use, which allows
dirt and grit to collect on the oily interior surface. This problem
introduces impurities into the engine that may cause damage.
[0005] What is needed is a funnel or other channeling device that
is conveniently provided with the oil or other pourable substance,
is inexpensive, and is easily disposable after a single use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The various embodiments of the present invention overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a disposable
channeling device that is integral to and detachable from at least
one of the walls of a carton that encloses containers filled with
the liquid that is to be poured. The channeling device is
preferably a funnel that is defined and distinguished from the
remainder of the carton wall by a perforated line. A user can
detach the funnel by breaking the perforations and separating the
funnel from the carton wall. The funnel can then be configured into
a usable shape by furling, folding, creasing, bending, or otherwise
creating a configuration that can be used to control and direct the
flow of a pourable substance that is poured through the funnel.
[0007] Generally described with reference to the various exemplary
embodiments, the funnel is integral to a carton for enclosing one
or more containers, such as cans or bottles, each containing a
pourable substance such as engine oil. The user detaches the
funnel, folds the funnel into its usable configuration, and
positions the funnel so as to channel the pourable substance as it
is poured from one of the containers. While pouring the substance,
the funnel is preferably but not necessarily positioned in close
relation to the container or to the inlet opening of the receptacle
into which the pourable substance is poured.
[0008] The funnel is preferably provided as part of a package,
carrier, or other means for enclosing a convenient number of singly
or multiply-packed containers. For instance, for the consumer's
convenience, oil can be provided in packages enclosing several cans
or bottles having an aggregate volume that is sufficient to change
the engine oil in an automobile. Such a package is commonly
referred to as a case or a multi-pack. More than one funnel may be
provided as an integral part of a single package. That is, a case
of engine oil may include several detachable funnels that are
identical, or that have varying types sizes, or configurations
[0009] For the purpose of clarity and not of limitation, in the
exemplary embodiments, the means for enclosing the containers is a
rectangular carton having six enclosed walls, although one or more
of the walls may be at least partially open or missing
altogether.
[0010] In certain embodiments, each of the walls is formed from a
foldable sheet material that enables each wall to hingedly connect
to at least one other wall. Examples of suitable sheet materials
include paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, or the like. The
carton is preferably formed from a unitary blank. In certain other
embodiments, one or more of the carton walls is formed from a more
rigid material than the other carton walls, such as to provide a
relatively stronger base. The material, its thickness, its burst
and tensile strengths, and other associated characteristics are
design choices that can be determined by considering the weight of
the containers enclosed, the shape and size of the carton, and the
manner and degree of handling that the package must withstand.
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one
carton wall includes a detachable funnel integrally formed
therefrom. The funnel is defined by a severance line that is
preferably weakened to facilitate breaking the severance line to
remove the funnel from the carton wall. It is contemplated that the
severance line is weakened by any suitable means, such as but not
limited to, perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short
slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, any combination of
perforations, slits, and half cuts, short score lines, or the
equivalent. To easily initiate tearing of the severance line, the
severance line may include a tear initiation means such as a more
extensively weakened portion or a pull tab.
[0012] The detachable funnel functions as means for channeling the
pourable substance as it is poured from one of the containers.
After being detached, the detachable funnel is configurable to form
a channel that may be connected to a handle. The handle provides a
means for preferably single-handed holding of the funnel and
supports the channel. Alternatively, the funnel may be supported by
the inlet opening, where the relatively narrower end of the funnel
is seated inside the inlet opening of the receptacle, and the inlet
opening holds the funnel in place while the substance is poured
into the inlet opening and through the funnel.
[0013] The channel is foldable into a usable shape, such as a cone,
trough, or a furrow, for directing the flow of the pourable
substance. That is, with some manipulation by the consumer, at
least the channel portion of the originally flattened funnel is
folded, curled, bent, spooled, or otherwise configured to assume a
configuration that is conducive to channeling a liquid or other
pourable substance. It should be noted that folding the channel
into the usable shape does not necessarily entail creasing any
portion of the channel, which may be only curved instead of
permanently or temporarily creased along a fold line.
[0014] The funnel preferably includes fold lines disposed along the
length of the configured channel, such that one end of each fold
line extends toward the end from which the pourable substance exits
the channel. The fold lines facilitate configuring the channel by
indicating where the channel should be folded, curled, or otherwise
reshaped. Each fold line may be defined by any suitable means for
facilitating controlled folding, including but not limited to
scores, half cuts, perforations, and the like. Alternatively, the
fold lines simply may consist of printed lines that indicate where
a fold should be made or that illustrate the direction of flow of
the pourable substance.
[0015] When configured for pouring, the channel preferably narrows
along the direction of flow. In other words, the channel can be
wider at the end into which the substance is poured, and relatively
narrower at the end from which the substance exits the channel.
[0016] In certain embodiments, single-handed use of the funnel is
facilitated by securing the channel in its configured condition
using a catch. The catch can include a tab that is inserted into a
recessed notch. Alternatively or additionally, the catch may
include any combination of securing means, such as tabs, notches,
temporary adhesives, permanent adhesives, semi-permanent adhesives,
or hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO.RTM..
[0017] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and
features of the present invention, which should be construed to be
merely illustrative of various potential applications of the
invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the
disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the
disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more
comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by
referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to
the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a carton including a
detachable channeling device that is integral to one of the carton
walls, according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a carton including a
detachable channeling device that is integral to and extends at
least partially across two of the carton walls, according to
certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary channeling device,
according to one of the various embodiments of the invention,
wherein the channeling device is unconfigured.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the channeling device of
FIG. 2, the channeling device having been configured to channel a
pourable substance.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an
exemplary channeling device, the channeling device being
unconfigured.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the channeling device of
FIG. 4, the channeling device having been configured to channel a
pourable substance.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of
an exemplary channeling device, the channeling device being
unconfigured.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the channeling device of
FIG. 6, the channeling device having been configured to channel a
pourable substance.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment
of an exemplary channeling device, the channeling device being
unconfigured.
[0027] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the channeling device of
FIG. 8 operatively associated with a container, the channeling
device having been configured to channel a pourable substance from
the container.
[0028] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the channeling device of
FIG. 8 operatively associated with an alternate type of container,
the channeling device having been configured to channel a pourable
substance from the alternate container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely examples to illustrate aspects of the
invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms.
The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be
exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.
In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been
described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.
Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for
the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art to variously
employ the present invention.
[0030] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings
illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments
of a channeling device that is provided as an integral and
detachable portion of a carton. In the exemplary embodiments, the
channeling device is a funnel, although it is contemplated that the
channeling device may be a pour spout, wicking device, or any other
device for directing the flow of a pourable substance using the
principles and teachings of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary package that
includes a carton 100 that preferably contains several containers
(not shown), each container containing a pourable substance, which
in the exemplary embodiments is engine oil. It should be noted that
the principles of the invention are equally applicable to cartons
containing a single container, and to containers that contain any
pourable substance, which may include liquids, granules, and any
other material that has a tendency to flow.
[0032] The exemplary carton 100 is a simple rectangular box
preferably formed from a single piece of foldable sheet material,
although the shape, size, components, or configuration of the
carton are design choices that are dictated by any number of
practical or marketing considerations. The carton 100 includes six
walls, each hingedly connected to at least one and preferably all
adjacent walls. For example, the carton 100 includes top wall 102,
which is hingedly connected to side walls 104 and 106 and to front
wall 108 and rear wall 110. Similarly, bottom wall 112 is also
hingedly connected to side walls 104 and 106 and to front wall 108
and rear wall 110. The front wall 108 is hingedly connected to side
walls 104 and 106, as is rear wall 110. All of the hinged
connections are along fold lines, such as fold line 114 that
connects front wall 108 to side wall 104, fold line 116 that
connects front wall 108 to side wall 106, fold line 118 that
connects top wall 102 to side wall 106, fold line 120 that connects
side wall 104 to rear wall 110, fold line 122 that connects side
wall 104 to bottom wall 112, fold line 124 that connects top wall
102 to rear wall 110, and fold line 126 that connects top wall 102
to front wall 108. Additional fold lines are similarly situated but
obscured in the figure, although the locations thereof can be
readily anticipated.
[0033] The carton 100 includes a channeling device D that is
integral to and detachable from one of the carton walls--in this
example, front wall 108. The periphery of the channeling device D
is preferably defined by a perforated or otherwise weakened line to
facilitate detachment. The channeling device D may also include
additional fold lines (best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8) that
facilitate configuring the channeling device D for use. By way of
example and not limitation, as shown in FIG. 1B, one or more of the
fold lines on the channeling device D can coincide with a fold line
114 at one of the corners of the carton 100, such as when the
channeling device D extends across more than one carton wall 108,
104.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the outside surface of a first
embodiment of an exemplary channeling device D that is in a
flattened, unconfigured condition still attached to one or more
carton walls a portion of which is shown as wall W. In this
embodiment, channeling device D can be configured (as shown in FIG.
3) to be a funnel 200, the outer periphery of which is defined by
severance line 202. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
any of the severance lines described herein can include
perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line
of half cuts, a single half cut, any combination of perforations,
slits, and half cuts, short score lines or any equivalent means for
weakening a material for controlled tearing. Severance line 202 is
substantially continuous, consisting of severance line segments
202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d.
[0035] Severance line 202 is intersected or approached by four fold
lines 204, 208, 210, 212, each of which radiates from severance
line 203. The funnel 200 includes several sections that cooperate
when the funnel 200 is configured for use. Section 214 is somewhat
semicircular, and is hingedly connected to section 216 along fold
line 204. Section 216, the lower portion of which is somewhat
triangular, is hingedly connected along fold line 208 to section
224. Sections 224 and 230 are also somewhat triangular in shape,
each of the somewhat triangular sections having notches 226, 228
removed from one side, and having one point of the triangle
concavely rounded off by severance line 232. Section 224 is
hingedly connected along fold line 210 to section 230, which is
hingedly connected along fold line 212 to section 214. Thus,
section 214 is defined by severance line segment 202a and by fold
line 204, severance line 203 and fold line 212. Section 216 is
defined by fold lines 204 and 208, as well as by severance line 203
and severance line segment 202b. Section 216 includes a partially
detachable tab 218 that is defined by severance lines 220 and 222
and fold line 206. Section 224 is defined by severance line 203,
severance line segment 202c, and fold lines 208 and 210.
[0036] A recess 226 in section 224 relates to the shape of tab 218,
which has a neck portion 219 that is hingedly connected along fold
line 206 to the substantially triangular lower portion of section
216. Tab 218 also has winged edges 234, 236 disposed on either side
and slightly above neck portion 219. A similarly shaped and sized
recess 228 is formed in section 230, which is defined by severance
line 203, severance line segment 202d and fold lines 210 and 212.
Removable section 232 is defined by severance line 203. The width
of the neck portion 219, as defined by the distance D1 between
severance lines 220 and 222, is less than or substantially equal to
the width of either of the recesses 226 or 228. The height of the
neck is at least as great as the sum of the thickness of the
material comprising section 224 and the thickness of the material
comprising section 230.
[0037] To detach-the funnel 200 from the carton 100, severance line
202 is broken and funnel 200 is torn away from the carton 100.
Alternatively, the severance line 202 may serve to indicate where
the user should cut the carton 100 to remove the funnel 200.
[0038] When the funnel 200 is configured for channeling a pourable
substance, section 214 of the funnel 200 forms a channel, and
sections 216, 224, and 230 forms a catch for maintaining the
configuration of the funnel 200 by locking those sections in place.
To configure the funnel, severance lines 220 and 222 are broken,
thereby partially detaching tab 218. Severance line 203 is broken,
and section 232 is removed and may be discarded. Sections 216 and
224 are folded toward one another along fold line 208 such that the
outside surfaces thereof are brought into a face-contacting
relationship, and sections 224 and 230 are folded toward one
another along fold line 210 such that the inside surfaces thereof
are brought into a face-contacting relationship. In this manner,
the lowest point of each recess 226 and 228 is substantially
aligned with fold line 206. Tab 218 is pressed through recess 226
and 228, its winged edges 234 and 236 being secured by respective
projections 238 and 240. The inside surfaces of sections 214 and
216 may also be folded at least slightly toward one another along
fold line 204.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates the fully configured funnel 200, which is
configured to receive and channel the flow of a pourable substance.
Funnel 200 can be held by grasping tab 218, which serves as a
handle H. Sections 216, 224, and 230 form composite wall
216/224/230, which along with section 214, defines a channel C
having a relatively wide upper opening 302 into which the pourable
substance is poured, and a relatively narrower lower opening 304
from which the pourable substance is directed into the desired
receptacle (not shown). When configured, the shape of the channel C
is somewhat conical, the cone-like portion including a flat side
comprising the composite wall 216/224/230. The conical portion of
channel C tapers toward the lower opening 304, the circumference of
which is designed to funnel the pourable substance into the
receptacle without spilling.
[0040] An alternative embodiment of an exemplary channeling device
D is shown in FIG. 4 as funnel 400. Like funnel 200 (shown in FIGS.
2 and 3), funnel 400 is provided as an integral portion of one or
more carton walls, a portion of which is shown as wall W. Funnel
400 is defined by severance line 402, which includes subsections
402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, and 402f. Funnel 400 is subdivided
into three major sections 424, 426, 428 that are each defined by
one or more fold lines 404, 406, each extending at least partially
across funnel 400. The fold lines 404, 406 indicate the converging
direction of flow and facilitate configuring funnel 400 for
use.
[0041] Section 424 is defined by severance line 408, severance line
segments 402c, 402e, and fold lines 410 and 404. Section 426 is
hingedly connected to section 424 by fold line 404, and is defined
by fold lines 404 and 406, and by severance line segments 402b and
402e. Section 428 is hingedly connected to section 426 by fold line
406. Section 428 is defined by severance line 412, severance line
sections 402a, 402e and by fold lines 406 and 414. Sections 424 and
428 are each hingedly connected to respective tabs 416 and 418 by
respective fold lines 410 and 414. Tab 418 includes a notch 420
that is defined by severance line segment 402f. Thus, tab 418 is
defined by fold line 414, severance line 412 and severance line
segment 402f. Tab 416 includes a slit 422 for matingly engaging
notch 420. Tab 416 is further defined by fold line 410, severance
line 408, and severance line segment 402d.
[0042] To configure funnel 400 for use, as is depicted in FIG. 5,
funnel 400 is detached from the carton by breaking all segments of
severance line 402 and removing funnel 400. Severance lines 408 and
412 are broken, thereby partially detaching tabs 416 and 418 from
funnel 400. Sections 424 and 428 are folded toward one another
along fold lines 404 and 406, thereby creating a channel with a
direction of flow from severance line segment 402b of the funnel
400, the floor of the channel being approximated by section 426 and
the walls of the channel being approximated by sections 424 and
428.
[0043] To maintain this configuration, tabs 416 and 418 are folded
toward one another along respective fold lines 410 and 414 until
notch 420 and slit 422 are in close proximity, at which time the
end 430 of tab 416 is passed through notch 420 and is pressed
downward so that slit 422 matingly engages notch 420. In this
manner, tabs 416 and 418 cooperate to form a catch.
[0044] FIG. 6 is another alternative embodiment of an exemplary
channeling device D, hereinafter referred to as funnel 600, which
is shown in its unconfigured state, still attached at least a
portion of wall W. Funnel 600 is defined by severance line 602,
which facilitates detachment of funnel 600 from the carton 100. Two
fold lines 604 and 606 extend longitudinally at least partially
across funnel 600 and converge toward one another. A first section
608 of funnel 600 is defined by fold line 604 and by severance line
segment 602a, and is hingedly connected along fold line 604 to a
second section 610. Section 610 is defined by severance line
segments 602b and 602f, as well as by fold lines 604 and 606.
Section 610 is hingedly connected along fold line 606 to a third
section 616. A flap 618 is hingedly connected to section 616 along
fold line 614, the flap 618 being partially detachable from section
616 by means of severance line 612. Thus, section 616 is defined by
fold lines 606 and 614, as well as by severance line 612 and
severance line segments 602c and 602e. Flap 618 is defined by fold
line 614, severance line 612 and severance line segment 602d. Flap
618 also includes a notch 620 and an optional fold line 622.
[0045] To configure the funnel 600, sections 608 and 616 are folded
toward one another along respective fold lines 604 and 606, thereby
forming a channel C. Severance line 624 in section 608 is broken so
as to remove section 626, thereby creating an aperture. Flap 618 is
partially detached from section 616 along severance line 612, and
tab 628 is preferably folded along optional fold line 622 at least
some extent, and preferably up to 180 degrees. Flap 618 is folded
along fold line 614 to place a relatively narrow end portion 630 of
flap 618 in alignment with the aperture. With tab 628 folded, end
portion 630 is passed through the aperture and notch 620 is secured
against an edge of the aperture. Tab 628 can then be folded along
fold line 622 substantially to its original position, thereby
creating a catch that secures the flap in association with section
608 and maintains funnel 600 in its configured condition, as shown
in FIG. 7.
[0046] FIG. 8 is yet another alternative embodiment of an exemplary
channeling device D, shown in its unconfigured state as funnel 800,
which is an integral portion of at least one carton wall W. Funnel
800 is defined by a substantially continuous severance line 802,
comprising severance line segments 802a, 802b, 802c, 802d, 802e,
and 802f. Three optional fold lines 804, 806, and 808 extend
longitudinally at least partially across funnel 800, and do not
necessarily converge. Rather, the fold lines 804, 806, and 808
simply facilitate conforming funnel 800 to a container, which may
be provided in any suitable shape. Preferably, the position and
orientation of the fold lines 804, 806, and 808 is determined as a
design choice according to the shape of the particular container
marketed along with the funnel 800.
[0047] Funnel 800 includes four sections. Section 810 is hingedly
connected along fold line 804 to section 812, which is hingedly
connected along fold line 806 to section 814, which is hingedly
connected along fold line 808 to section 816. Section 810 is
defined by severance line segment 802d and by fold line 804.
Section 812 is defined by severance line segments 802e and 802c, as
well as by fold lines 804 and 806. Section 814 is defined by
severance line segments 802f and 802b, as well as by fold lines 806
and 808. Section 816 is defined by severance line segment 802a and
by fold line 808.
[0048] To configure funnel 800 to channel a pourable substance from
a container 900 (such as the bottle shown in FIG. 9A) having an
off-center pour spout S, sections 810 and 816 are folded or curved
toward one another around the periphery of the container 900. The
container 900 is preferably oriented so that sections 812 and 814
are placed in relatively close proximity to the pour spout S. Fold
lines 804, 806, and 808 may be creased to encourage the funnel 800
to conform to the container 900, and to maintain its configured
state. Those skilled in the art will recognize that oil and other
pourable substances is provided in various sizes and shapes of
containers, including the can 902 shown in FIG. 9B, and that the
funnel 800 is flexible so as to be held against the outside of any
such container to act as a channel for directing the flow of the
contents.
[0049] Unlike the previous embodiments, funnel 800 does not require
a catch to be held in its configured state, shown in FIG. 9.
Rather, funnel 800 is held against the container 900 while the
pourable substance is poured from the container 900.
[0050] In use, funnels 200, 400, 600, and 800 can be held at one
end, shown generally as handle H, while a pourable substance is
poured through the channel C. The handle H may be held in the
user's hand during pouring, or may be held against the container
from which the pourable substance is poured. Alternatively, and
particularly but not only in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 5
and 7, the funnels 200, 400, and 600 need not be held by the user
during pouring. Rather, the relatively narrower end of the channel
may be inserted inside the inlet opening of the receptacle into
which the substance is poured, with the tension between the inlet
opening and the narrow end of the channel holding the funnel in
place, the narrow end of the channel being removably seated in the
inlet opening of the receptacle.
[0051] The present invention has been illustrated in relation to a
particular embodiment which is intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the present invention is capable of many
modifications and variations without departing from the scope of
the invention. For example, as used herein, directional references
such as "top", "base", "bottom", "end", "side", "inner", "outer",
"upper", "middle", "lower", "front" and "rear" do not limit the
respective walls of the carton to such orientation, but merely
serve to distinguish these walls from one another. Any reference to
hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring
to a junction including a single hinge only; indeed, it is
envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more
potentially disparate means for hingedly connecting materials.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
package described represents only one example of the various
packaging types and configurations that will be suitable for
implementation of the various embodiments of the invention. In
addition, any suitable material or device may be used as a catch,
including magnets, non-permanent adhesives, or hook and loop
fasteners such as VELCRO.RTM., which is a trademark registered to
Velcro Industries B.V. Accordingly, the scope of the present
invention is described by the claims appended hereto and supported
by the foregoing.
* * * * *