GB2493531A

GB2493531A - Grill cleaning method and container

Info

Publication number: GB2493531A
Application number: GB201113706A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Helen Kirkham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-09
Filing date: 2011-08-09
Publication date: 2013-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-09
Also published as: GB201113706D0; GB2493531B

Abstract

A method of cleaning a cooking grill 7 involves at least partially immersing the grill 7, in a vertical position, in an aqueous solution which is housed within a self-supporting thin-walled container 1. The solution may comprise a surfactant or detergent and is immersed for a minimum for 15 minutes. The associated rectangular cuboid container 1 can be drained and nested after use and may have an internal polypropylene surface, a central brace 5 and flanges 6 to prevent bowing. The container dimensions provide for an arrangement whereby its height 2 (minimum of 60cm) is greater than its depth 4 (3 to 30 cm). Length 3 is also at least 60cm. An immersed grill 7 would be held at an angle 8 of 80.41 degrees within container 1. Alternatively the container may be in the form of a truncated inverted rectangular pyramid (see fig 2).

Description

CLEANING TECHNOLOGY

Field of the lnvcntion

The invention relates to cleaning technology, in particular methods and devices for cleaning cooking grills.

Background to the Invention

Cooking grills become dirtied with burnt food residues during the course of cooking foodstuffs thereon. Methods currently used in the cleaning of cooking grills are associated with a number of problems.

Cooking grills are typically washed in a domestic or industrial sink via scrubbing of the grill by hand. Given that most cooking grills are very large in comparison to such sinks it can be difficult to manipulate the grill within the sink to effect that scrubbing and very difficult to leave any significant part of the grill in the sink to soak. Problems secondary to this include that the area around the sink usually becomes dirtied whilst cleaning the grill and the sink can be damaged (e.g. scratched) whilst the grill is being manipulated for cleaning. Of course, the scrubbing of grills is time consuming.

The use of mechanical dishwashers requires siificant energy expenditure, which may be particularly uneconomical if the grill is cleaned therein on its own (to prevent other items becoming dirtied in the process).

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to these problems.

Summary of the Invention

The inventor provides a method of cleaning a cooking grill, said method comprising the step of at least partially immersing said grill in an aqueous solution housed within a self-supporting container, wherein said grill is held in said solution in an essentially vertical position.

In preferred embodiments said container has an aperture that is configured to hold said grill in said position and/or said container is essentially full of said solution. In preferred embodiments said solution comprises a surfactant, preferably a detergent, such as a biological washing detergent. Preferably, said immersing is carried out for at least 15 minutes, and!or without substantial agitation of said solution and/or substantial abrasion of said grill.

Also provided is any method as described above that further comprises the subsequent steps of (i) removing said grill from said container; and/or (ii) removing said solution from said container.

Preferably, said solution is removed from said container by draining.

The inventor additionally provides a container for carrying out any one of the methods as described above. Preferably said container comprises means for draining solution from its interior and/or has an internal surface that is made of polypropylene. In preferred embodiments said container comprises a brace to prevent bowing of the container.

In an aspect of the invention the container has an aperture that is essentially a rectangular cuboid without a fixed lid, preferably wherein the height of said cuboid is greater than its depth, preferably at least double its depth. In prefened embodiments the height and length of said cuboid are both at least 60cm and/or the depth of said cuboid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm.

In a further aspect of the invention the container is adapted such that when not in use it can be nested within another like container, preferably wherein the container has an aperture that is essentially a truncated, inverted rectangular pyramid without a fixed lid. In such embodiments the height and minimum length of said pyramid are both at least 60cm and/or the minimum depth of said pyramid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between S and 15cm.

Further provided is a method as described above wherein the container comprises a container as also described above.

Also within the scope of the invention is a method of cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein and a container for cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 provides views of a container according to an embodiment of the invention; (a) perspective view and (b) end cross-sectional view; and Figure 2 provides views of an alternative embodiment of the invention; (a) front cross-sectional view and (b) and cross-sectional view.

Detailed description of Preferred Embodimcnt(s

The invention relates to the dcaning of a cooking grill rack (referred to herein for brevity as a cooking grill'). A cooking grill includes any essentially flat device with a series or grid of bars onto which a foodstuff can be placed for cooking via the application of dry heat. A cooking grill includes an oven grill and, in particular, a Barbecue (BBQ) grill.

Cleaning of a cooking grill typically involves reducing the association between the grill and any part of a foodstuff that has become associated (e.g. attached) to the grill as a result of a cooking process.

In the method of the invention said grill is at least partially immersed in an aqueous solution, preferably wherein at least half of the grill is immersed, more preferably wherein the whole grill is immersed. Immersing refers to the act of introducing the grill into the solution and maintaining the grill within the solution thereafter. An aqueous solution includes water itself The aqueous solution is housed within a self-supporting container. The self-supporting nature of the container increases the ease of use of the method and permits the method to be carried out at a location of choice, such as that removed from areas where the uneleaned cooking grill is not desired e.g. the sink, or the kitchen generally, or indeed indoors generally -for instance, an uncleaned grill could be cleaned in a container placed in an outdoor area such as a garden. When the container is not fixed (or is only temporarily or reversibly fixed) to the floor or to any other structure or device, it can be used in the method of the invention in one location and then stored in another. For example, in the domestic setting, a BBQ grill could be cleaned in the container in the garden yet could be stored (after use) in the garage.

In the method of the invention said grill is held in said solution in an essentially vertical position. This should be understood to mean that the plane of the grill is held at least 45° from horizontal, preferably at least 600, more preferably at least 70°, most preferably at least 800. In preferred embodiments the aperture of the container (i.e. the space defined by the interior walls of the container) is configured such that it itself holds the grill in the essentially vertical position.

The inventor has surprisingly found that highly efficient cleaning of cooking grills can be obtained by holding the grill in an aqueous solution in an essentially vertical position.

Without being bound by theory, it is thought that this effect as identified by the inventor is due at least in part to the increased ability of sediments to fall to the bottom of the

S

solution and of hydrophobic material (e.g. fats and oils) to rise to the surface of the solution when the most dirtied parts of the grill bars -their upper and lower parts (with respect to the plane of the grill) -are placed towards or at 900 to the horizontal. Other advantages of such a method include: (i) the ability to immerse the grill using a minimal volume of aqueous solution; (ii) the ability to clean (at least in part) oversized grills because an area of grill can be passed into the aqueous solution without inhibition from the remainder of the grill, which extends up and away from said solution; (iii) the ability to easily drain the aqueous solution from the container housing it; and (iv) the ability to use a container with a relatively small ground-engaging area (decreasing the useable space occupied by the container).

The inventor has surprisingly found that such highly efficient cleaning can take place without substantial agitation of the solution and/or substantial abrasion (e.g. scrubbing) of the grill, and hence in preferred embodiments of the method of the invention the immersing of the grill is carried out without substantial agitation of said solution and/or substantial abrasion of said grill. In this way the time and energy expended to clean the grill is minimised.

In preferred embodiments, the container is essentially full of the aqueous solution, such that the solution occupies at least 80% of the volume of the container, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 98%. In this way the immersion of the grill is maximised.

In prcfcned embodiments the aqueous solution comprises a surfactant, such as a detergent or an emulsifier. Particularly good results are obtained where said surfactant is a detergent, especially a biological washing detergent i.e. comprising a digestive enzyme(s), such as a commercially-available biological washing powder. Preferred emulsiflcrs include degreasers such as those that arc orange-oil based.

The duration of immersion of the grill in the solution will depend on a number of factors such as the level of dirt on the grill and the components of the aqueous solution, but it preferred that the immersing is carried out for at least 15 minutes, preferably at least 30 minutes, more preferably for at least 1 hour, more preferably for at least 6 hours, and most preferably for at least 12 hours.

Once the immersing step is complete the grill can be removed from the container. This might occur before or after the solution is removed from the container. The solution can for example be drained fixm the container e.g. by means allowing such drainage such as a plug or tap (preferably located at or near the bottom of the aperture of the container).

Once removed from the container the grill might need to be wiped clean to remove any residual diit Containers for carrying out the methods of tile invention The inventor further provides a container for carrying out the method of the invention.

In one aspect of the invention the container has an aperture that is essentially a rectangular euboid without a fixed lid. The container may be provided with a lid but that lid must be removable to enable the user to place the solution in the container and the grill in the solution; the lid will also need to be removed for the immersing step if the grill extends above the opening of the container during that step.

In preferred embodiments the height of the euboid is greater than its depth (where the depth is smaller than or equal to the length of the cuboid), preferably at least double its depth.Insuchawaythecuboidcanbcconflguredtopositionagrillplacedwithinitinan essentially vertical position.

In preferred embodiments the height and length of said cuboid are both at least 60em this enables one to place a conventional, large BBQ grill (e.g. 60cm x 60cm square grill or circular grill with 60cm diameter) within the aperture of the container. Extra large BBQ grills of dimensions e.g. 120cm x 60cm can still be cleaned using such a container because one end of the grill can be cleaned (with the other end protruding above the aperture) before thc grill is removed, rotated cndways and immersed again to clean the other end. In particular embodiments one of the height or length (preferably the length, to maintain the stability of the container) is at least 120cm to enable the use to place such extra large BBQ grills entirely within the container's aperture. In preferred embodiments the height and/or the length of the cuboid are no larger than 150cm.

In preferred embodiments the depth of said cuboid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm (such as 10cm). Such a depth enables the user to easily slot a grill into the aperture yet fhcilitates the positioning of the grill in an essentially vertical position.

Figure 1 illustrates a specific embodiment of a thin-walled container (1) of the invention wherein (a) is a perspective view and (b) is an end cross-sectional view. The container has height (2) and length (3) of 60cm and a depth (4) of 10cm. A generally central brace (5) provides support for the mid-section of the container and flanges (6) to prevent bowing of the upper edge of the container, when filled. A grill (7) of dimensions 60cm x 60cm when placed within the container as shown is held at an angle (8) of 80.41° from the horizontal.

In a further aspect of the invention the container is adapted such that when not in use it can be nested within another like container. In this way a number of such containers can be stored in a nested stack. A nested stack is more stable than a stack of containers that are stood upon each other. Stacking of the containers reduces the space required to store them.

One way in which this aspect of the invention may be effected is to construct a container that has an aperture that is essentially a truncated, inverted rectangular pyramid without a fixed lid.

In preferred embodiments the height and uiini,,,um length of said pyramid are both at least 60cm; again, this enables one topl a conventional, large BBQ grill within the aperture of the container. Extra large BBQ grills of dimensions e.g. 120cm x 60 cm can

B

still be cleaned using such a container, for the same reasoning as provided above. In particular embodiments one of the height or minimum length (preferably the minimum length, to maintain the stability of the container) is at least 120cm to enable the use to place such extra large BBQ grills entirely within the container's aperture. In preferred embodiments the hcight and/or the minimum length of the pyramid are no larger than 150cm.

In preferred embodiments the minimum depth of said pyramid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm (such as 10cm). Such a depth enables the user to easily slot a grill into the aperture yet facilitates the positioning of the grill in an essentially vertical position.

Figure 2 illustrates a specific embodiment of a thin-walled container (1) of the invention wherein (a) is a front cross-sectional view and (b) is an end cross-sectional view. The container has height (2) and minimum length (3) of 60cm and a minimum depth (4) of 10cm.

In preferred embodiments of any aspect of the invention the container provides means for draining solution from its interior such as a plug or tap. Preferably said means is located at or near the bottom of the aperture of the container. The internal surface of the container can be made of polypropylene so that a range of detergents can be used in the aqueous solution without causing chemical damage to the container. The container may comprise a brace to prevent bowing of the container (especially when housing an aqueous solution).

In preferred embodiments of any aspect of the invention the container comprises no means for mechanical agitation and/or abrasion.

In preferred embodiments the container is suitable for multi-use (i.e. repeated) application of the methods of the invention, for instance by constructing the container using an essentially rigid material.

In preferred embodiments the container comprises handle means to help the user carry the container, preferably means allowing the user to flAlly grasp said means within the hand (such as, for example, cut-away portions toward the top of the container).

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A method of cleaning a cooking grill, said method comprising the step of at least partially immersing said grill in an aqueous solution housed within a self-supporting container, wherein said grill is held in said solution in an essentially vertical position.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said container has an aperture that is configured to hold said grill in said position.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A method according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said container is essentially full of said solution.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said solution Is comprises a surfactant.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said surfactant is a detergent, preferably a biological washing detergent.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said immersing is carried out for at least 15 minutes.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said immersing is carried out without substantial agitation of said solution and/or substantial abrasion of said grill.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the subsequent steps of: (1) removing said grill from said container and/or (ii) removing said solution from said container.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said solution is removed from said container by draining.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A container for carrying out any one of the methods as defined within claims Ito 9.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A container accordthg to claim 10 that comprises means for draining solution from its interior.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A container according to claims 10 or claim 11 wherein the internal surface is made of polypropylene.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 12 that comprises a brace to prevent bowing of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 13 that has an aperture that is essentially a rectangular cuboid without a fixed lid.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A container accordthg to claim 14 wherein the height of said cuboid is greater than its depth.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A container according to claim 15 wherein the height of said cuboid is at least double its depth.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A container according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the height and length of said cuboid are both at least 60cm.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A container according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the depth of said cuboid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 12 that is adapted such that when not in use it can be nested within another like container.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A container according to claim 19 that has an aperture that is essentially a truncated, inverted rectangular pyramid without a fixed lid.</claim-text> <claim-text>21 A container according to claim 20 wherein the height and minimum length of said pyramid are both at least 60cm.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A container according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the minimum depth of said pyramid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A method according to any one of claims ito 9 wherein the container comprises a container as defined in any one of claims 10 to 22.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A method of cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A container for cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A method of cleaning a cooking grill, said method comprising the step of at least partially;......ersing said grill in an aqueous solution housed within a self.supporting container, wherein said grill is held in said solution in an essentially vertical position, and wherein said container has an aperture that is configured to hold said grill in said position.
2. A method according to claim I wherein said container is essentially full of said solution.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 whcrcin said solution comprises a surfactant.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said surfitetant is a detergent, preferably a Cs! biological washing detergent.
5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said immersing is carried out for at least 15 minutes.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said immersing is carried out without substantial agitation of said solution and/or substantial abrasion of said grill.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims fitrther comprising the subsequent steps of: (9 removing said grill from said container and/or (ii) removing said solution from said container.o
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said solution is removed fmm said container by draining.
9. A container for carrying out any one of the methods as defined within claims 1 to 8.
10. A container according to claim 11 that comprises means fbr draining solution from its interior.
II. Acontaineraccordingto claims9orclaim lowhereintheintcrnalsurfaceismade of polypropylene.
12. A container according to any one of claims 9 to 11 that comprises a brace to prevent bowing of the container.
13. A container according to any one of claims 9 to 12 that has an aperture That is CSJ essentially a rcctangular cuboid without a fixed lid. 15CS!
14. A container according to claim 13 wherein the height of said cuboid is greater than its depth. Co0
15. A container according to claim 14 wherein the height of said cuboid is at least double its depth.
16. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the height and length of said cuboid are both at Icast 60cm.
17. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the depth of said cuboid is bctwccn 3 and 30cm, prcfcrably between 5 and 15cm.
18. A container according to any one of claims 9 to 11 that is adapted such that when not in use it can be nested within another like container.
19. A container according to claim 18 that has an aperture that is essentially a truncated, inverted rectangular pyramid without a fixed lid.
20. A container according to claim 19 wherein the height and minimum length of said pyramid are both at least 60cm.
21. A container according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the minimum depth of said pyramid is between 3 and 30cm, preferably between 5 and 15cm.
22. A method according to any one of claims ito 8 wherein the container comprises a container as defined in any one of claims 9 to 21.
23. A method of cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein.
24. A container for cleaning a cooking grill substantially as described herein. (4 r (4 Co</claim-text>