funnel wall 30 the engagement of the flange 76 against the wall 30 with the spring loading of the flange 76 helps assure that the flange will closely abut the wall over the length of the flange generally the first edge 50 to seal or close the edge against irregularities in the funnel wall 30 generally the shield 44 is positioned below the mouth 22 proximate to the handle 36 while the design and placement of the shield 44 relative to the funnel 20 as shown in the figures is generally symmetric relative to the handle 36 it is envisioned that there may be other relationships between the handle 36 and shield for example if the geometry of the funnel is different the relationship of the movement of liquid and beverage brewing substance in the funnel may dictate placement of the shield 44 in a different location relative to the handle 36 as shown in fig1 the shield 44 prevents the material 82 in the funnel typically liquid and beverage brewing substance in a slurry form from escaping the cavity 48 of the funnel 20 the shield 44 blocks passage or otherwise prevents escape of the material in the area near the handle 36 typically the shield will generally prevent escape of the material 82 should the funnel be removed from the brewer prior to completion of the brewing process if the funnel 20 is removed from the brewer while there is still material 82 therein the material may develop a great degree of momentum 84 toward the handle 36 the shield 44 causes the material 82 to be redirected and deflected back into the cavity 48 during a brewing operation the funnel 20 is situated within a brewing apparatus.