GB2401850A

GB2401850A - Disposal of waste materials such as cooking oil

Info

Publication number: GB2401850A
Application number: GB0407849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tina Offield
Original assignee: PEARCE JAMIE LEE
Current assignee: PEARCE JAMIE LEE
Priority date: 2003-04-09
Filing date: 2004-04-07
Publication date: 2004-11-24
Also published as: GB0308176D0; GB0407849D0

Abstract

A method of disposing of a waste material includes ```pouring the waste material into a temporary storage container (10) having a chamber (14) to receive the waste material, an inlet (17) through which the waste material is introduced into the chamber (14), and a closure (18) for closing the inlet, and ```disposing of the waste material once an appropriate amount of the waste material is contained within the temporary storage container (10). The container may alternatively comprise a bag in a carton, possibly provided with a funnel, a moulded plastic body, a foil-lined cardboard body, preferably collapsible, a collapsible blow moulded body or a plastic bottle having a top with a funnel and pourer formation.

Description

240 1 850

METHODS AND MEANS FOR DISPOSAL OF WASTE

MATERIALS AND CONTAINERS FOR COOKING OIL AND THE

LIKE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to methods and means for disposal of waste materials and is of particular application to the disposal of fats, oils and greases, such as those produced when cooking and those used for cooking purposes.

The invention also relates to containers for cooking oil and the like.

The objects of the present invention include the provision of improved methods and means for disposal of waste materials.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of container for cooking oil and the like.

Summarv of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of disposing of a waste material, which includes pouring the waste material into a temporary storage container having a chamber to receive the waste material, an inlet through which the waste material is introduced into the chamber, and a closure for closing the inlet, and disposing of the waste material once an appropriate amount of the waste material is contained within the temporary storage container.

The temporary storage container may comprise a bag that is supported within an outer housing and is removed from the outer housing prior to disposal of the waste material.

The temporary storage container may alternatively comprise a bag that is supported within an outer housing, which is disposed of together with the bag once an appropriate amount of the waste material has been placed in the bag.

The temporary storage container may alternatively be in the form of a free-standing structure for disposal in its entirety once an appropriate amount of waste material has been transferred into the container.

The temporary storage container may be supplied to the user in a collapsed condition as part of a multi-pack.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for use in the disposal of waste materials by the method defined above, said container being constructed substantially as hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle for containing cooking oil or some other fluid, the bottle structure including both a pouring spout for the discharge of the fluid from the bottle and a funnel for pouring the fluid back into the bottle.

The pouring spout and the funnel may be combined or separate parts of the bottle structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a device for use in the disposal of fluids or greases, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the disposable parts of the device shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second form of device in accordance with the present invention, Figure 4 is a side view showing the housing of the device of Figure 3 in an open condition, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first form of disposable container, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second form of disposable container, Figure 7 is a sectional view of the container shown in Figure Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third form of disposable container, Figure 9 shows a modified form of the container shown in Figure 8, Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth form of container, Figure 11 shows the container of Figure 10 in its collapsed condition, as supplied to a user, Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth form of container, Figure 13 is a front view of the container shown in Figure 12, Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth form of container, Figure 15 shows a modification of the container shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 14, Figure 17 is a perspective view of a first form of bottle in accordance with the present invention, Figure 18 is a perspective view of a modification to the bottle shown in Figure 17, Figure 19 is a side view of the bottle shown in Figure 18, Figure 20 is a perspective view of a second form of bottle in accordance with the present invention, Figure 21 is a perspective view of a modification to the bottle shown in Figure 20, Figure 22 is a side view of another modification to the bottle shown in Figure 20, Figure 23 is a perspective view of a third form of bottle in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 24 is a side view of the bottle shown in Figure 23.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The device shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes an outer housing 10, which may be in the form of a plastics moulding, that has a flat base to enable it to be placed on a suitable support surface and an upwardly open mouth surrounded by a rim 11 that extends around an inwardly extending lip 12. One or more notches 13 are formed in the rim 11 and the interior of the housing 10 is t hollow for the reception of a flexible bag 14. The bag 14 is attached to a flat plate element 15 that is designed to sit on the lip 12 and there are two diametrically opposed lugs 16 on the plate element 15. The lugs 16 sit in the notches 13 so as to prevent rotation of the bag 14 relative to the outer housing 10.

The flat plate element 15 is formed integrally with an externally threaded cylindrical formation 17 that surrounds a I central opening in the flat plate element 15 and an internally threaded cap 18 can be engaged with the cylindrical formation 17.

A flexible funnel-shaped member 19, formed of the same material as the flexible bag 14, extends downwardly from the surrounds of the central opening in the flat plate element 15. An outer lid 20 may be provided for fitment on top of the cap 18.

A user will typically purchase a single outer housing 10, complete with an outer lid 20, and a plurality of bags 14, each of I them having a cap 18. The outer housing 10 will be placed on a suitable support surface, typically in a kitchen, and, because the outer housing 10 may be in a readily visible position, it will normally have an aesthetically attractive appearance. ! In use, the lid 20 will be removed from the outer housing 10 and the bag 14 will then be placed within the hollow interior of the housing 19 with the plate element 15 resting on the inwardly directed lip 12 and with the lugs 16 sitting in the notches 13. The screw cap 18 is then removed from the bag 14, with rotation of the bag 14 with the cap 18 being prevented by engagement of the lugs 16 in the notches 13. Waste oil (or other waste material) is then poured into the bag 14; the cap 18 is screwed back into position and the lid 20 is replaced.

When the bag 14 is full, or nearly full, of oil or other waste material, the bag 14 is removed from the outer housing 10 and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. A new bag 14 is then placed within the outer housing 10 and the lid 20 replaced.

Use of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings thus enables the user to avoid having to discharge waste oil, grease, fat or other waste materials into the drains, thereby avoiding or reducing the likelihood of the drains being blocked and reducing the problems faced by the Water Authorities in dealing with such materials.

The second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4 includes an outer housing 30 in the form of a carton of rectangular configuration and a bag 14 glued to the underside of the top wall of the housing or carton 30 and a screw cap spout 31 protruding through the top wall of the housing or carton 30.

The screw cap spout 31 is normally closed by a screw cap (not shown). When, however, the user desires to pour waste fat or oil into the bag 14, the screw cap will be removed and a funnel 32 will be inserted in the bore of the spout 31 so as to reduce the likelihood of spillage of any of the fat or oil. The screw cap will be replaced once pouring of the waste oil or fat has been completed and, once the user decides that the bag is sufficiently full, the housing 30 and its contents will be placed in a refuse container for disposal.

The container shown in Figure 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical moulded plastic body portion 40 having a generally open top in which is fitted a drainage funnel 41 to reduce splash- back when the user is pouring a liquid into the container. A snap- on lid 42 is provided for closing the open top of the body portion 40.

The container shown in Figures 6 and 7 also has a substantially cylindrical moulded plastic body portion 45 having a generally open top in which is fitted a drainage funnel 46 to reduce splash-back when the user is pouring a liquid into the container. A screw-on cap 47 is provided for closing the open top of the body portion 45.

As opposed to being of generally cylindrical form, the containers shown in Figures 5 to 7 may be of rectangular form in plan view with a central circular opening in the top of the container and either a screw-on cap or a snap-on lid. The containers shown in Figures 5 to 7 may alternatively be made of cardboard lined with metal foil or of waxed cardboard.

The container shown in Figure 8 includes a generally rectangular body 50 formed from cardboard lined with metal foil I and has an upwardly extending externally threaded sleeve 51 that is connected in a leak-proof manner to the body 50. The sleeve 51 is formed as a plastic moulding and the opening afforded by the sleeve 51 can be closed by a plastic cap 52. The rectangular body is collapsible and will normally be supplied in its collapsed condition to reduce packaging costs.

The container body 55 shown in Figure 9 is similar to the i container body 50 shown in Figure 8 and differs therefrom in that it includes a drainage funnel feature 56 internally of the sleeve 57 to reduce splash- back when the user is pouring a liquid into the container body 55.

The container shown in Figures 10 and 11 includes a collapsible body 60 that is of rectangular form in plan view and is produced from metal-lined cardboard. The body 60 has a large filling opening surrounded by a plastic rim 61 and the opening can be closed by a hinged plastic lid 62. The lid may alternatively have a snap-fit engagement with the rim 61.

The container is typically supplied in a multi-pack in the collapsed condition shown in Figure 11, to reduce transport and packaging costs. When erected, the container will normally be placed in a convenient position in a kitchen and, when the user wishes to dispose of waste cooking oil or other waste materials, the lid 62 will be raised; the oil or other waste material will be poured into the interior of the body 60 and the lid 62 will then be closed. Once the body 60 has been filled, the user will dispose of I the filled container.

The container shown in Figures 12 and 13 is used in a similar way. It includes a metal-lined collapsible cardboard body 70 the top of which is closed by a drainage trough 71 that has a central threaded aperture 72 that can be closed by a plastic cap 73 that includes an externally threaded stem 74. The container also i has a hinged lid 75 to effect complete closure of the container.

The container shown in Figures 12 and 13 is again supplied in a multipack in a collapsed condition to reduce transport and packaging costs. When erected, the container will normally be placed in a convenient position in a kitchen and, when the user wishes to dispose of waste cooking oil or other waste materials, the lid 75 will be raised and the screw cap 73 will be removed. The oil or other waste material will be poured into the interior of the body 70 and the lid 75 will then be closed. Once the body 70 has been filled, the user will dispose of the filled container.

The container shown in Figures 14 and 16 includes a generally cylindrical body 80 formed as a plastics blow moulding and having a concertina-like configuration to permit collapsing thereof. The top of the generally cylindrical body includes an externally threaded ring portion 81 onto which a screw cap 82 can be tightened. The modified form of container shown in Figure 15 includes an internal drainage funnel 83 to reduce splash-back when pouring a liquid into the container.

The sixth form of container is again typically supplied in a multi-pack in a collapsed condition to reduce transport and packaging costs. When erected, the container will normally be placed in a convenient position in a kitchen and, when the user wishes to dispose of waste cooking oil or other waste materials, the screw cap 82 will be removed; the oil or other waste material will be poured into the interior of the body 80 and the cap 82 will then be replaced. Once the body 80 has been filled, the user will dispose of the filled container.

The plastic bottle shown in Figure 17 has a body 90, the top of which includes a funnel and pourer formation 91. The base of the funnel and pourer formation 91 includes a threaded aperture 92 that can be closed by means of a screw cap 93 having a threaded stem 94 that can be inserted in the threaded aperture 92.

A snap-on lid 95 is provided for covering the funnel and pourer formation 91.

In use, the bottle of Figure 17 is purchased full of oil and an appropriate amount of oil will be poured from the bottle and then, when cooking has been completed, the oil will be poured back into the bottle.

The bottle shown in Figure 17 can also be used as a temporary receptacle for waste oil and/or other waste materials.

When the bottle contains an appropriate amount of waste materials, the user can either dispose of the bottle and its contents or transfer the contents of the bottle to some other device, for example, the disposable bag 14.

The bottle shown in Figures 18 and 19 differs from that shown in Figure 17 in that it has a hinged lid 96 instead of a snap- on lid.

The bottle shown in Figure 20 has a discharge opening or spout at its top and this is normally closed by a screw cap 100 so that, if the bottle of Figure 20 is purchased full of cooking oil, the oil can be poured out of the bottle on removal of the screw cap 100.

The bottle of Figure 20 is provided with a separate side opening 101 for use when pouring the oil back into the bottle. The side opening 101 is positioned at the centre of a funnel/drainage area 102 located within an externally threaded ring 103 onto which a large screw cap 104 can be tightened. The side opening 101 is initially closed by means of a tamper seal 105.

In use, the screw cap 100 is removed from the bottle and oil is poured out of the opening at the top of the bottle. The cap at the top of the bottle is then replaced. When the user wishes to pour oil back into the bottle, the bottle is placed on its side and the large screw cap 104 is removed, followed by the tamper seal 105. The oil is then poured back into the bottle, the large screw cap 104 is tightened onto the threaded ring 103 and the bottle returned to its original upright position.

Figures 21 and 22 show bottles that are designed to function in the same way as the bottle of Figure 20, but have different aesthetics.

Figures 23 and 24 show a bottle for containing cooking oil and the bottle is produced in two parts which are secured together.

One part 110 contains the cooking oil, while the other part 111 provides a combined funnel and pourer. Part 1 1 1 has an inclined base 112 which is formed with an opening that, as supplied to the user, is closed by means of a bung 113 which is a screw-fit in the opening. The top of the combined funnel and pourer part 111 is initially closed by a snap-on lid 114.

In use, the lid 114 is removed, followed by the bung 113, to enable oil to be poured from the bottle. The bung 113 and the lid 114 are then replaced. When it is desired to return used oil to the bottle, the lid 114 and the bung 113 are again removed and the oil is poured back into the bottle, being directed into the opening by the shaping of the combined funnel and pourer part 111.

Claims

Claims: 1. A method of disposing of a waste material, which includes: a)

pouring the waste material into a temporary storage container having a chamber to receive the waste material, an inlet through which the waste material is introduced into the chamber, and a closure for closing the inlet, and b) disposing of the waste material once an appropriate amount of the waste material is contained within the temporary storage container.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container comprises a bag that is supported within an outer housing and is removed from the outer housing prior to disposal of the waste material.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container comprises a bag that is supported within an outer housing, which is disposed of together with the bag once an appropriate amount of the waste material has been placed in the bag.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is in the form of a free-standing structure for disposal in its entirety once an appropriate amount of waste material has been transferred into the container.
5. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
6. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
7. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
8. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
9. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

To. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures
10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
11. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.
12. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 17, 18 and 19 of the accompanying drawings.
14. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 20, 21 and 22 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the temporary storage container is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 23 and 24 of the accompanying drawings.
16. A container for use in the disposal of waste materials by the method of Claim 1, said container being constructed substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
17. A bottle for containing cooking oil or some other fluid, the bottle structure including both a pouring spout for the discharge of the fluid from the bottle and a funnel for pouring the fluid back into the bottle.
18. A bottle as claimed in Claim 17, in which the pouring spout and the funnel are combined.
A. A bottle as claimed in Claim 17, in which the pouring spout and the funnel are separate parts of the bottle structure.
20. A bottle constructed and arranged for use substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 17 to 24 of the accompanying drawings.