GB2273891A

GB2273891A - Funnel for liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2273891A
Application number: GB9300022A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Barnard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-01-04
Filing date: 1993-01-04
Publication date: 1994-07-06
Also published as: GB9300022D0

Abstract

A funnel 10 for use in adding oil to a motor vehicle engine has on its stem 16 a shoulder 18 which abuts the rim of the engine filler neck and in addition has two diametrically opposite, radially protruding bayonet pins 20 which engage in corresponding internal bayonet tracks 22 in the filler neck 12. The bayonet tracks 22 normally receive bayonet pins on the filler cap of the engine. The engagement between the funnel and the engine holds the funnel in the appropriate orientation for pouring oil into the engine thus leaving both hands free to hold and control the container. Tabs, ears or a screwthread may replace pins 20. <IMAGE>

Description

FUNNEL This invention relates to funnels for use in adding oil to a motor vehicle engine.

Adding oil, particularly from the larger sizes (e.g. 51) of container, to a motor vehicle engine can be a difficult and messy procedure often resulting in oil being spilled over the exterior of the engine.

This is not only wasteful of oil but results in a fire risk and an unsightly and dirty engine which in turn makes subsequent maintenance an even dirtier job than it would otherwise be. Unsightliness is particularly undesirable with engines which have specially-finished cam or rocker covers, for example polished alloy or chromium plated covers.

The present invention provides a funnel having on its stem means for engagement with the filler opening of a motor vehicle engine.

The engagement between the funnel and the engine holds the funnel in the appropriate orientation for pouring oil into the engine. The need for the funnel to be held manually is therefore avoided. Both hands are left free to hold and control the container.

The engagement means may comprise one or more abutments on the exterior of the funnel stem, the abutments engaging the rim of the filler opening when the funnel is used.

Preferably however the engagement means are arranged to co-operate with means provided on the engine for engagement with its own filler cap. Thus, the funnel can engage the engine in the same way as the engine's own filler cap. Typical engagement means are bayonet pins, protruding tabs or ears, a screw thread, and so on. For use with engines in which the filler cap is a simple push fit, for example over an upstanding filler neck, the funnel step can be dimensioned to fit snugly inside the filler neck.

The shape of the funnel can be specially adapted to the orientation of the filler opening of the particular engines, especially ones having inclined or inaccessible filler openings.

The funnel can conveniently be moulded in one piece of plastics material, so as to be an inexpensive disposable and/or promotional item.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawing of this specification, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a funnel fitted to a motor vehicle engine, and Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the funnel of Figure 1 and the adjacent part of the engine.

The drawing shows a funnel 10 fitted to a filler neck 12 around a filler opening in the rocker cover 14 of a motor car engine. As can be seen from Figure 2, the neck 16 of the funnel has an external circumferential shoulder 18 which abuts the rim of the filler opening around the top of the filler neck 12.

In addition, the funnel has two diametrically opposite, radially protruding bayonet pins 20 which engage in corresponding internal bayonet tracks 22 in the filler neck 12. The bayonet tracks 22 normally receive bayonet pins on the filler cap of the engine.

It will be seen that the funnel is now locked securely in place, in engagement with the means provided for locking in place of the filler cap.

With the funnel in this position, both hands are free for holding the oil container and directing the oil into the funnel. If trapped air in the engine gives rise to any problems, the engine dipstick can be removed to allow for escape of air.

As modifications, either the shoulder 18 or the bayonet pins 20 can be omitted, the funnel then relying on one means or the other for engagement with the engine.

Claims

1. A funnel having on its stem means for engagement with the filler opening of a motor vehicle engine, whereby, in use, engagement between the funnel and the engine holds the funnel in the appropriate orientation for pouring oil into the engine.

2. A funnel according to claim 1, in which the engagement means comprise one or more abutments on the exterior of the funnel stem, the abutments engaging the rim of the filler opening when the funnel is used.

3. A funnel according to claim 1, in which the engagement means are arranged to co-operate with means provided on the engine for engagement with its own filler cap.

4. A funnel according to claim 3, in which the engagement means comprise bayonet pins.

5. A funnel according to claim 3, in which the engagement means comprise protruding tabs or ears.

6. A funnel according to claim 3, in which the engagement means comprise a screw thread.

7. A funnel according to any preceding claim, the funnel being a one-piece plastics moulding.

8. A funnel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing.