Embodiments of the present invention relate to the transferring of fluids from one container to another; and more particularly, to a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container secured at a first end of a drain funnel adapter body, to a second, independent container secured at a second end of the drain funnel adapter body.
Impurities and/or water mixed with gasoline can be problematic for motor driven devices, such as boats. Water in boat engines prevents the boat from operating properly. Engine failure in open waters leaves the boat unable to safely navigate. This can result in a very dangerous situation, as the boat may only be capable of drifting through the water. Fuel/water separators are found on many boats to prevent engine failure due to water and/or impurities. Such separators are designed to deliver clean fuel, i.e. no water, to the engine. Some fuel filter water separators use a fluid collecting canister to collect filtered off water. Once separated, the water must be drained from the fluid collecting canister. Usually, tubing connected to the fluid collecting canister aids in this process. While simple and cheap, use of tubing can be messy. Improved devices, which are simple and easy to use, preventing water leakage during the draining process are needed.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another using a funnel.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a device for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to a second container.
It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another, wherein the drain funnel adapter engages with and/or secures to a fuel filter water separator.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another, wherein the drain funnel adapter engages with and/or secures to a fluid collecting unit.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another, wherein the drain funnel adapter engages with and/or secures to a fuel filter water separator at one end, and to a fluid collecting unit at a second end.
It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another, wherein the drain funnel adapter is keyed to engage with and secure to a corresponding, conjugately shaped portion of a fuel filter water separator.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a drain funnel adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another, wherein the drain funnel adapter is constructed and arranged to direct fluid into an attached fluid collecting unit.
Other objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
An adapter for facilitating the transfer of a fluid from one container to another using a funnel. As illustrated in
The drain funnel adapter main body 16 includes a flanged portion 24 integrally formed or attached to the drain funnel adapter first end 12. The flanged portion 24 is illustrated as a wall 26 having a first, outer surface 28 and a second, inner surface 30. The wall 26 extends out from the main body 16 and around the main body 16 perimeter. A first opening, referred to as a first end opening 32, is sized, shaped, and arranged to allow the drain funnel adapter 10 to secure to a first container. A second opening, referred to as a second end opening 34, see
The drain funnel adapter 10 is designed to secure a first container at the first end 12, a second container at the second end 14, and allow for fluid to pass through the interior, from the first end 12 towards the second end 14. In an illustrative use, the drain funnel adapter 10 may be used for draining water that has collected in a fuel filter water separator collection bowl. Accordingly, the drain funnel adapter 10 is constructed and arranged to fit or engage with and secure to a fuel filter water separator 42 at the first end 12 and to a fluid container 44 at the second end 14, see
The drain funnel adapter interior 46 comprises a first end locking unit 48 (may also be referred to as a first locking or engagement member), see
The embodiment illustrated in
Each of the engaging members 50 extend from the first end 12 towards the second end 14, terminating in an inner surface 78, see
In use, the drain funnel adapter 10 may first be secured to the fluid container 44, see
Each of the self-venting water drain screw head side walls or surfaces 76 align with two engaging members 50, with each side wall or surface 76 resting on or at, and sealing against, the front walls or surfaces 64 of two adjacent engaging members 50. In this engagement, the hose attachment 74 (and thus any fluid exiting therefrom) is directed towards or within the stem 80. Any fluid that may escape from the sides of the drainage port 68, i.e. out from the sides, not through the hose attachment 74, will be directed to and flow through the fluid flow channels 56. Directing any excess fluid to flow through the fluid flow channels 56 prevents, or minimizes, fluid build-up/blockage within the drain funnel adapter 10 and fluid flow along the outside of the drain funnel adapter 10 (and correspondingly, along the outside of the fluid container 44).
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/484,287, entitled “DRAIN FUNNEL ADAPTER”, filed on Feb. 10, 2023. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63484287 | Feb 2023 | US |