Structure and Method for Using a Funnel

Abstract

A device ( 100, 200 ) for transferring material ( 11, 211 ) into a bag ( 40, 240 ) including a funnel ( 10, 210 ) having a sidewall ( 58, 258 ) with a step ( 13, 213 ), and the funnel ( 10, 210 ) includes an outlet end ( 52, 252 ). The bag ( 40, 240 ) having an opening ( 45, 245 ) receives the outlet end ( 50, 252 ) of the funnel ( 10, 210 ) and the step ( 13, 213 ). Further, the device ( 100, 200 ) includes a support ( 20, 220 ) for receiving the funnel ( 10, 210 ) in combination with the bag ( 40, 240 ). The support ( 20, 220 ) includes a top surface ( 12, 212 ). The step ( 13, 213 ) rests generally above a portion of the top surface ( 12, 212 ) to substantially secure the bag ( 40, 240 ) between the funnel ( 10, 210 ) and the support ( 20, 220 ).

The invention we claim is: 
     
         1 . A method of transferring a material into a bag, comprising:
 forming a funnel-bag combination by disposing a portion of a funnel having a step into the bag;   positioning a support generally around the funnel-bag combination and anchoring the bag at least between the step and the support; and   suspending the funnel-bag combination and conveying the material from a source through the funnel and into the bag.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein disposing the portion of the funnel into the bag includes opening the bag and inserting the portion of the funnel though an opening of the bag. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes inserting the funnel-bag combination between arms of the support. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes positioning a closure mechanism of the bag above the step. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising forming at least one point of attachment between the support and a surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes grasping a handle of the support with a hand and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes attaching the support to a surface and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support. 
     
     
         8 . A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising:
 a funnel having a sidewall with a step, and the funnel includes an outlet end, wherein the bag having an opening receives the outlet end of the funnel and the step; and   a support for receiving the funnel in combination with the bag, and the support includes an top surface, wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface to substantially secure the bag between the funnel and the support.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the sidewall comprises upper and lower portions separated by the step. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the bag is secured to the support at least by an interference fit between the support and the lower portion of the funnel. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the support further includes a handle and at least two arms. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising an attachment mechanism connected to the handle. 
     
     
         13 . A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising:
 a funnel with a sidewall having upper and lower portions separated by a step;   a support for receiving the funnel and the support having a top surface and an inner edge, wherein the bag is securely interposed between the step and the top surface and between the lower portion and the inner edge.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the top surface and the inner edge of the support are substantially transverse with respect to each other. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprises an attachment mechanism connected to a portion of the support. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprises a plurality of attachment mechanisms connected to portions of the support. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a first right angle in transitioning from generally along the upper portion to along the step. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a second right angle in transitioning from along the step to along the lower portion. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the support extends completely around the funnel.