Funnelling a better solution

Problem: – with potentially messy results. In the UK alone, women produce 50 million urine samples every year and the number of oil additions to cars is equally large if not greater. The solution to both problems is to use a funnel, but there is never one of these around when you want it. Solution: Dr Vince Forte, a freelance GP, medical writer and forensic physician in Suffolk has created a pop-out, biodegradable funnel. The 'Peezy' comes as a flat pack that springs open with the aid of an elastic band when it is released from its packaging. A key aspect of the design is that the paper should be water resistant for one use only yet water flushable and biodegradable. Paper product designer Corina Fletcher tells us that there are a number of papers that perform in this way. A common approach is to take a biodegradable paper, and coat one side only with a thin film of PVC. The harder challenge, apparently, is ensuring sterility. Applications: The funnel is a perfect solution for providers of any product or service where liquid or fine powder have to be poured into a small container or aperture. For medical purposes, it could be packaged with the sample bottle, and with liquid or fine powder products, it could be made peel off on the side of the container. The device is patented and has won both a MicroSmart Award and the AstraZeneca prize for the Best Medical Innovation in the Medical Futures Innovation Awards. TS Funelly Enough