Waste liquid handling container

Abstract

A liquid waste handling container is described. Hot cooking grease and other liquid wastes can be difficult to handle. A container which can withstand the heat and other properties of such wastes is contemplated. The container is configured with an open top, front and back sides having downwardly and inwardly sloping edges, and a closed bottom. The closed bottom can be dimensioned for receipt inside the top of a garbage disposal in a sink or in a stand device so as to be securely held in an upright position. Once the container is filled, the top can be sealed. The filled and sealed container can be easily and safely moved and placed in a waste receptacle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/215,028, entitled “Cone Shaped Metal Foil Grease Container” and filed on Jun. 23, 2008, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the safe-handling and disposal of waste liquids and more particularly to a container for safely receiving hot cooking grease and/or other products requiring special handling.

BACKGROUND

In the setting of a household kitchen, there are many hot, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items that need to be handled with special care. One such item is hot cooking oil or grease; for example, the grease left in a frying pan after cooking bacon. In the past, a common method of handling such grease was to pour it into metal cans, glass jars, or other hard-sided, heat-resistant containers. Soft waste containers made from some plastics, foam, etc. could not be used since the hot grease/oil would melt them. After pouring the waste liquids into such inadequate containers as those discussed above, the containers were then allowed to sit on the stove-top or in the sink to cool. Thereafter, those grease storage containers were then placed under the kitchen sink, in a cabinet, or next to the stove-top to await the next grease-handling need. Storing grease in this manner causes the build-up of unpleasant smells, attracts pests, risks messes from inadvertent spillage, and increases the risks of a kitchen fire. Furthermore, when such grease-containers are full, they are placed in the trash, often causing problems with leaks and spills.

Similarly, commercial kitchens produce waste grease as well. Although such kitchens often use more refined containers, the methods of handling and storing grease and similar waste products are often comparable to those used in household kitchens. There are a number of other situations in which similar waste products need to be safely handled and disposed-of when working in a garage, shop, etc. For example, hot motor oil poses similar problems as hot kitchen grease.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,906 to Hemphill, a cooking grease disposal bag is disclosed. The disposal bag includes an interior aluminum foil layer, an intermediate layer of polyethylene and an outer layer of paper material. The bag also includes fold lines and adhesive strips for securing the bag prior to disposal. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,339 to Graves et al., a cooking grease collection pot is described having a disposal inner container with grease strainer and an outer container with screw lid. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,313 to Wesley, a heat resistant, grease storage container is disclosed. The container is used for collecting left-over cooking oil and grease. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,347 to Amberg et al., a heat resistant, foamed plastic receptacle is disclosed for holding hot grease.

However, none of the above mentioned prior art patents describe the unique features, objects, advantages and functions of the subject waste liquid handling container as described herein.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a lightweight, inexpensive container for safely and easily collecting and disposing of waste liquids or other materials that are otherwise insoluble, biohazardous, etc.

Another object of the invention is the waste container is cone shaped with an open top and closed bottom. The closed bottom can be dimensioned and adapted for receipt in a garbage disposal in a sink. This feature allows the waste container to be held upright above the disposal when pouring waste liquids therein. Since many sinks do not contain garbage disposals, a stand can be provided to hold the waste container upright in such sinks. In either case, filling the waste container in the sink allows for easy clean-up of any spilled or splattered grease, oil, etc.

Yet another object of the waste container is the addition of a sleeve that assists in the unfolding of the container, keeping the container open, and maintaining the shape and structure of the container during use. Furthermore, the sleeve can act as an insulating device to reduce the risk of burns while handling the waste container once filled.

The subject invention includes a liquid waste handling container having an open top; front and back sides having downwardly and inwardly sloping edges; and a closed bottom. The closed bottom can be dimensioned for receipt inside the top of a garbage disposal in a sink or in a stand device. In either case, placement of the waste container therein causes the container to be securely held in an upright position. A portion of the top of the back side of the container can include an upwardly extending flap, which can be folded over and then secured to the front side of the container to ensure that waste liquids are contained therein. In other embodiments, other types of closures are contemplated.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with different types of containers and receptacles used for receiving, handling and disposing of hot grease and other wastes when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as described herein, and more particularly as defined by the claims, it being understood that variations in the embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container prior to being unfolded with an open top and a closed bottom.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container with the closed bottom received inside the top of a garbage disposal in a sink. A cooking skillet is shown pouring hot grease into the container.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container with a foldable flap on a back side of the top of the container. The foldable flap is shown folded over and secured to a front side of the container using an adhesive strip.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealed waste liquid handling container being dropped into a waste basket.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container with a sleeve used to unfold the container from a flat profile into an open, ready-to-use shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container filled with hot grease and a sleeve received therearound for ease in carrying the container prior to sealing the open top and disposing thereof.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 with internal expansion joints 32 and 33.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stand 60 that can be used to hold the container 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the liquid waste handling container is configured with an open top; front and back sides having downwardly and inwardly sloping edges; and a closed bottom. The closed bottom can be dimensioned for receipt inside the top of a garbage disposal in a sink or in a stand device. In either case, placement of the waste container therein causes the container to be securely held in an upright position. In one embodiment, a portion of the top of the back side of the container includes an upwardly extending flap, which can be folded over and then secured to the front side of the container to ensure that waste liquids are contained therein. In another embodiment, two flaps extend upwards, one from the back side and one from the front side; the flaps can be drawn together and sealed to close the filled container. In yet another embodiment, a zippered closure is utilized.

The liquid waste handling container can be positioned in a sink. When the container is filled with, for example, hot cooking grease, any spills or splatters are limited to the sink and therefore make cleanup thereof very easy. Furthermore, the container can be left in place to cool before disposal, if desired. Alternatively, the container can be grasped by the sleeve, the top can be sealed, and the container can be manipulated as needed prior to cooling.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10. The container 10 is shown in this drawing prior to being unfolded from a flat profile into its open shape. The flat profile of the container 10 provides for ease in packaging a plurality of containers one on top of the next for point-of-sale to a consumer. The container 10 includes an open top 12, a closed bottom 14, a foldable flap 16 extending upwardly from a top portion 18 on a back side 20 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2), and a front side 26.

The container 10 can be made of a thin sheet metal, such as aluminum, or any other material that can withstand receiving hot grease 22 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIGS. 2 or 6). Additionally, the container 10 can be constructed in a layered manner having structure materials layered with heat-resistant materials. Such materials can include foils, papers, lined papers, waxed papers, etc. In an alternate embodiment, the container 10 is constructed with materials similar to those used in microwave popcorn bags.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an adhesive strip 24 is disposed on the top portion 18 of a front side 26 of the container 10. The front side 26 and the back side 20 can be similar in size and shape. The adhesive strip 24 is covered with a protective strip cover 28. The strip cover 28 is removed prior to the flap 16 being folded along a fold line 30 and sealed against the adhesive strip 24, as shown in FIG. 3. In an alternate embodiment, the adhesive strip 24 is disposed on the flap 16. In yet another embodiment, a back flap 16 and a front flap can be utilized; wherein either flap (or both flaps) contains an adhesive strip. Alternatively, another closure method could be utilized, such as a zipper (similar to a Ziploc bag), a hook and loop, or one of any other closures existing in the art.

In yet another embodiment, a two-flap closure system could be utilized wherein one of the flaps is longer than the other to encourage a user to pour wastes in from that side ensuring the sealing side is kept clean. Once the container is filled, the two flaps can be brought together in order to close the container and seal in the wastes. Additionally, a tab and slot method could be used to hold the two flaps together. Other closure means are contemplated including three or more flaps folding together in a manner similar to that employed by take-out Asian food restaurants; double-sided tape being placed in the inside top area of either the front side 26 or the back side 20; etc.

The bottom portion of the front side 26 joins the bottom portion of the back side 20 to form the closed bottom 14. The closed bottom 14 can be pressure sealed to insure that no waste liquids can leak out of from the container 10 when receiving and handling hot grease 22 (as shown in FIG. 2) or other liquids. In alternate embodiments, the closed bottom 14 of the container 10 is manufactured without seams, or with glue or some other seam-sealing means. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the closed bottom 14 is generally oval or round in shape and extends in a plane generally parallel with the plane of the open top 12 when the container is in its unfolded position. In alternate embodiments, the closed bottom is formed by joining the bottom portions of the front side 26 and the back side 20 and has basically no other structure of its own.

The container 10 has a length “L” that is preferably in a range of 8 to 12 inches, but can be longer or shorter in other embodiments. The container 10 has a width “W1” that is preferably in a range of 6 to 10 inches next to the open top 12, but can be longer or shorter in other embodiments. The container 10 has a width “W2” that is preferably in a range of one-half to 3 inches next to the closed bottom 14, but can be longer or shorter in other embodiments.

In this drawing, opposite edges 29 and 31 of the container 10 are shown tapered downwardly and inwardly from the sides of the open top 12 down to the closed bottom 14. The edge 29 is formed where the front side 26 meets the back side 20 on the seal edge. The edge 31 is formed where the front side 26 meets the back side 20 on the join edge. The terms “join edge” and “seal edge” are used for reference only and should in no way limit the structure of the edges themselves. The downwardly sloping edges 29 and 31 can be pressure sealed to insure that no waste liquids can leak out of from the edges 29 and 31 of the container 10 when receiving and handling hot grease 22 or other liquids. In alternate embodiments, the container 10 is manufactured without seams, or with glue or some other seam-sealing means.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 with the closed bottom 14 received inside an open top 32 of a garbage disposal 34 in a sink 36. The diameter of the opening in a standard garbage disposal 34 is approximately 4 inches, thereby allowing the closed bottom 14 to be received inside the open top 32 of the garbage disposal 34. The disposal 34 thus holds the container 10 in an upright position, as shown. A cooking skillet 38, held by a human hand 40, is shown pouring hot grease 22 into the container 10. Obviously, the use of the container 10 is not limited to being used in conjunction with a garbage disposal 34 in a sink 36. In an alternate embodiment, a stand is used to hold the container 10 in an upright, open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 with a foldable flap 16 on a back side 20 of the container 10 folded over, as indicated by arrows 42. The flap 16 can be secured to the front side 26 of the container 10 using the adhesive strip 24. In this manner, the hot waste liquid is completely enclosed inside the container 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealed waste liquid handling container 10 being dropped into a waste basket 44 for disposal.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 with an internal, foldable sleeve 46 with sloping edges. The sleeve 46 is used to unfold the container 10, as indicated by arrows 48, from a flat profile, as shown in FIG. 1, into an open, ready-to-use shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 filled with hot grease 22 and an external, foldable sleeve 50, with sloping edges. The sleeve 50 is received around sides 20 and 26 and is used for ease and safety in carrying the container 10 prior to sealing the open top 12 and disposing thereof. The sleeve 50 includes perforations 52 along its opposite sides for ease in unfolding the sleeve 50. Also, the sleeve 50 can be packaged around each of the containers 10 and used for unfolding the flat profile container 10, as shown in FIG. 1, into an unfolded, open container 10 as shown in this drawing.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a waste liquid handling container 10 with internal expansion joints 32 and 33. In this embodiment, the container 10 includes internal expansion joints 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 7 as being located where the front side 26 contacts the back side 20; other locations are contemplated. When waste liquid is poured into the container 10, the expansion joints 32 and 33 expand, increasing the volume of the container 10. Furthermore, when the container 10 is sealed at the top, any squeezing of the waste that occurs is handled by the expansion joints 32 and 33 expanding to accommodate any increase in pressure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stand 60 that can be used to hold the container 10. As illustrated, the stand 60 has a bottom support ring 62 and a top support ring 64. In other embodiments, the stand 60 can have 1, 3, or even more support rings. The stand 60 can be made of metal, heat-resistant plastic, or any other suitable material.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A waste liquid handling container, comprising:

a front side having a first exterior surface, a first interior surface, a first top portion, a first bottom portion, a first join edge, and a first seal edge;

a back side having a second exterior surface, a second interior surface, a second top portion, a second bottom portion, a second join edge, and a second seal edge;

wherein the first join edge is attached to the second join edge to form a first expansion joint and the first seal edge is attached to the second seal edge to form a second expansion joint and the first bottom portion is attached to the second bottom portion such that the first interior surface and the second interior surface slope generally downward and inward to a closed bottom formed by the juncture of the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion;

an open top formed by the first top portion and the second top portion; and

a means for sealing the open top.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion and an adhesive strip disposed on the first top portion.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion and an adhesive strip disposed on the second top portion.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the first top portion.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the second top portion.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises folding the first top portion against the second top portion and inserting a tab into a slot to hold the first top portion sealed against the second top portion.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises bringing the first top portion into contact with the second top portion and activating a zipper that seals the first top portion with the second top portion.

8. The container of claim 1 including a stand that can be used to hold the container in an upright position.

9. A waste liquid handling container, comprising:

a front side having a first exterior surface, a first interior surface, a first top portion, a first bottom portion, a first join edge, and a first seal edge;

a back side having a second exterior surface, a second interior surface, a second top portion, a second bottom portion, a second join edge, and a second seal edge;

wherein the first join edge is attached to the second join edge to form a first expansion joint and the first seal edge is attached to the second seal edge to form a second expansion joint and the first bottom portion is attached to the second bottom portion such that the first interior surface and the second interior surface slope generally downward and inward to a closed bottom formed by the juncture of the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion;

an open top formed by the first top portion and the second top portion;

a means for sealing the open top; and

an internal, foldable sleeve that can be used to unfold the container.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion and an adhesive strip disposed on the first top portion.

11. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion and an adhesive strip disposed on the second top portion.

12. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the first top portion.

13. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the second top portion.

14. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises folding the first top portion against the second top portion and inserting a tab into a slot to hold the first top portion sealed against the second top portion.

15. The container of claim 9 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises bringing the first top portion into contact with the second top portion and activating a zipper that seals the first top portion with the second top portion.

16. The container of claim 9 including a stand that can be used to hold the container in an upright position.

17. A waste liquid handling container, comprising:

a front side having a first exterior surface, a first interior surface, a first top portion, a first bottom portion, a first join edge, and a first seal edge;

a back side having a second exterior surface, a second interior surface, a second top portion, a second bottom portion, a second join edge, and a second seal edge;

wherein the first join edge is attached to the second join edge to form a first expansion joint and the first seal edge is attached to the second seal edge to form a second expansion joint and the first bottom portion is attached to the second bottom portion such that the first interior surface and the second interior surface slope generally downward and inward to a closed bottom formed by the juncture of the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion;

an open top formed by the first top portion and the second top portion;

a means for sealing the open top; and

an external, foldable sleeve received around the first side and the second side.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion and an adhesive strip disposed on the first top portion.

19. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion and an adhesive strip disposed on the second top portion.

20. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the second top portion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the first top portion.

21. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises a foldable flap extending upwardly from the first top potion having an adhesive strip that can be secured against the second top portion.

22. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises folding the first top portion against the second top portion and inserting a tab into a slot to hold the first top portion sealed against the second top portion.

23. The container of claim 17 wherein the means for sealing the open top comprises bringing the first top portion into contact with the second top portion and activating a zipper that seals the first top portion with the second top portion.

24. The container of claim 17 including a stand that can be used to hold the container in an upright position.