CN112601480B - FOG disposal article - Google Patents

Abstract

An article, container and method for handling fat, oil and/or grease (FOG). The article may include a top portion including a top opening and a perimeter edge, and a body portion connected to and below the top portion, the body portion having a continuous FOG-impermeable film and upper and lower body portions. The body portion may include a body intermediate surface that separates the upper body portion from the lower body portion and may be disposed on at least a portion of the surface. The lower body portion may be sized to fit within a drain pipe. The container may comprise an integrally formed continuous housing comprising: an at least partially hollow interior; a top portion having a top opening; and a liquid impermeable bottom portion and an upper portion; and an intermediate portion separating the top and bottom portions and including at least one intermediate edge for placement on the first surface.

Description

FOG disposal products

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims priority rights to U.S. Patent Application No. 15/860,212 filed on January 2, 2018, which claims priority rights to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/499,288 filed on September 29, 2014. , U.S. Patent Application 14/499,288 claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/021,033 filed on July 4, 2014, and the entire disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of articles for the proper disposal of fat, oil and/or grease ("FOG"). In particular, the present invention relates to articles for preventing FOG from blocking pipes.

Background technique

The kitchen is often a busy, hectic place where the pressure to perform certain tasks on or at a planned time is compounded by potentially hazardous activities such as handling hot objects and liquids. Proper disposal of FOG, a common cooking byproduct in hot liquid form, can be time-consuming and even dangerous. For example, handling and disposing of hot liquid FOG often carries the risk of spilling from the cooking vessel and/or "jumping" of the cooking vessel in small quantities, which can cause burns, damage to surrounding kitchen items, not to mention creating additional mess. On the other hand, waiting to dispose of FOG can be problematic because FOG can cool, harden, and condense on cooking utensils (such as frying pans), making cleaning and disposal more difficult. Due at least in part to the lack of attractive alternatives for proper disposal of FOG, FOG unfortunately often pours in liquid form into drains where it flows into sewer lines. Once in sewer lines, FOG cools, thickens, condenses, and sticks to the pipes, slowing drainage and eventually completely clogging and blocking the flow of water. Such clogs and obstructions can cause significant damage, such as damaging the sink, causing environmental damage (including soil and/or water contamination) and health hazards, emitting noxious odors, and attracting insects and pests. Conventional methods of eliminating FOG buildup in pipelines are either unsatisfactory or very costly. For example, the common practice of boiling hot water and pouring it into a pipe only temporarily liquefies the FOG, but does not prevent the FOG from resolidifying as it flows further down the pipe, which can cause the same problem. Also ineffective is the method of pouring detergent down the drain along with FOG. Therefore, pipes clogged with FOG must be replaced frequently, which may require the services of a professional plumber.

Although a variety of devices and methods have been created in an attempt to solve the problem of proper disposal of FOG, there remains a need for a device, article, and/or method that can reduce the costs associated with proper disposal of FOG in a safe, convenient, economical, and environmentally responsible manner. The time and steps required require an alternative to pouring FOG down the drain.

Contents of the invention

This article describes an article and container and method for disposing of FOG. According to at least one embodiment, an article for treating FOG is disclosed. In some examples, the article may include a top portion including a top opening and a perimeter rim, and a body portion connected to and beneath the top portion. In some examples, the body portion may include a continuous FOG-impermeable membrane, an upper body portion having a first maximum width, and a lower body portion having a second maximum width and a concave shape. Additionally, the body portion may include an intermediate body surface that separates the upper body portion and the lower body portion and may be configured to rest on at least a portion of the first bottom surface of the sink surrounding the first drain pipe. The lower body portion may also be sized to fit within the first drain pipe.

In some examples of articles, the interior of the body may also include FOG absorbent material. In some examples, the upper body portion may have a top maximum width adjacent the top portion and a bottom maximum width adjacent the body midsurface. In some examples, the top maximum width can be larger than the bottom maximum width.

In some examples of articles, the lower body portion may have an upper maximum width contiguous with the body midsurface and a lower maximum width defining a bottom of the body portion. The upper maximum width can be greater than the lower maximum width. In some examples of articles, the body midsurface may be flat.

In some examples of articles, the first drain tube can have a first maximum drain width that is greater than a second maximum width of the lower body portion. In some examples, the first drain pipe may have a depth that is less than the height of the lower body portion. In some examples, the body mid-surface may have a maximum mid-surface width that is greater than the first maximum drainage width.

In some examples, the top opening may be defined by a perimeter edge. In some examples, the perimeter edge may be configured to rest on at least a portion of a second bottom surface of the second sink surrounding a second drain pipe having a second maximum drain width. In some examples, the upper body portion may be concave and sized to fit within the second drain pipe. In some examples, the perimeter edge may have a maximum width that is greater than the second maximum drainage width. In some examples, the second maximum drain width may be greater than the first maximum drain width.

In some examples, the first maximum width of the upper body portion may be less than the second maximum drain width of a second drain sized to receive the upper body portion of the article. In some examples, the first maximum width may be greater than the second maximum width. In some examples, the exterior of the body portion may be defined by a continuous FOG-impermeable membrane.

According to at least another embodiment, a container for disposing of FOG is disclosed. In some examples, the container may include an integrally formed continuous shell including an at least partially hollow interior, a top portion having a top opening, a liquid-tight bottom portion, and connected to and adjacent both the top portion and the bottom portion. The liquid-tight upper part. In some examples, the container may also include an intermediate portion that separates the top portion and the bottom portion and includes at least one intermediate edge for placing the container on the first surface surrounding the first drain pipe. The first drain pipe may have a first maximum width, and the bottom portion may have a shape that at least partially conforms to a hollow interior of the drain pipe so as to be at least partially positioned within the interior of the first drain pipe. The housing may be configured to receive the FOG through the top opening without allowing the FOG to exit through the bottom or upper portions. In some examples, the bottom portion may include a second maximum width that is less than the first maximum width of the first drain pipe.

In some examples of containers, at least one intermediate edge may include a flat surface for placing the container on a first surface surrounding the first drain pipe. In some examples, the planar surface may have a third maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width. In some examples, the top portion may include at least one top edge for placement on a second surface surrounding a second drain pipe having a fourth maximum width. In some examples, at least one top edge may include a rim having a fifth maximum width that is greater than a fourth maximum width. In some examples, the fourth maximum width may be greater than the first maximum width, and the upper portion may have a sixth maximum width that is less than the fourth maximum width and greater than the second maximum width. In some examples, at least one intermediate edge may include at least two edges.

According to another embodiment, a method for treating FOG is disclosed. The method may include positioning at least one edge of the container on a first bottom surface of the sink surrounding a first drain of the sink such that a top opening of the top portion of the container faces upward and at least some body portion of the container is located in the first Below the bottom surface and within the first drain pipe. In some examples, the body portion has a FOG impermeable membrane. In some examples, the method may further include pouring the FOG through the top opening into a body portion of a container that prevents the FOG from passing downward through the first drain pipe.

In some examples of the method, positioning may include resting at least two edges of the container on the first bottom surface. In some examples, at least two edges may be on different sides of the container. In some examples, at least two edges may be located on opposite sides of the container.

In some examples, at least one edge may include a first perimeter edge. And in some examples, positioning may include resting the first perimeter edge of the container on the first bottom surface. In some examples, the first perimeter edge may be located at the top portion of the container. In some examples, the first perimeter edge may be located at the body portion. In some examples, the body portion may include an upper body portion and a lower body portion. In some examples, the first perimeter edge may separate the upper body portion and the lower body portion.

In some examples, the body portion may have a first maximum width, and the first drain pipe may have a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width. And in some examples, the first perimeter edge may have a third maximum width that is greater than the second maximum width. In some examples, the container may include a second perimeter edge having a fourth (or second perimeter) maximum width that is greater than the third maximum width. In some examples, the method may further include resting a second perimeter edge on a second bottom surface of the sink surrounding the second drain pipe. In some examples, the second drain pipe may have a fifth maximum width that is less than the fourth maximum width. In some examples, the fifth maximum width may be greater than the second maximum width.

In some examples, the body portion may have a concave shape, and the positioning may include positioning at least one edge of the container on the first bottom surface such that at least some of the concave body portion is located within the first drain pipe. In some examples, the interior of the body portion may include absorbent material. In some examples, the method may further include using an absorbent material to absorb at least some of the FOG poured into the body portion.

In some examples, the FOG-impermeable membrane of the body portion may be liquid-impermeable. In some examples, the body portion can be connected to and located below the top portion. In some examples, the FOG-impermeable membrane may be continuous.

According to at least another embodiment, an article for treating FOG is disclosed. The article may include a perimeter rim defining a top opening, the perimeter rim being configured to be placed on a kitchen sink bottom surface surrounding an internally hollow type drain such that the body of the article into which the FOG is poured may be located at the perimeter below both the rim and the top opening, and may usually, but not necessarily always, be located at or below a lower level than the bottom surface of the sink, and fit within the interior hollow portion of the drain, the body having a shape capable of resting stably within the drain lumen and maximizes the volume to receive FOG poured into it. Where the body of the article has a shape that conforms to the internal hollow cavity of the drain pipe and is configured to fit stably within the internal hollow cavity of the drain pipe, the FOG can be poured into the top opening of the article where the FOG can be stored in, rather than into the drain pipe. Since many kitchen sink drains have a circular cross-section (the interior of the ring forming a drain surface that defines a cavity in the drain), in many embodiments the perimeter edge of the article may be circular , which is wider in circumference than the top of the drain pipe that abuts the bottom surface of the kitchen sink.

In some embodiments, the article body may include a film perimeter made of a liquid-impermeable hard lining material or other rigid outer film that is liquid-impermeable FOG. Other embodiments may include an outer membrane (ie, membrane perimeter) that is substantially impermeable to liquid FOG. For example, in one embodiment, the outer membrane may be composed of corrugated cardboard or recycled paper molded into a predetermined drainage shape (eg, molded using a molded pulp process).

In some examples, article embodiments may also include an interior section of absorbent material for converting FOG absorbed thereby from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-liquid state. In one embodiment, the absorbent material may be at least partially surrounded by an outer membrane to prevent FOG from passing through the (possibly supersaturated) absorbent material and entering the drain. In some embodiments, the entire lower interior of the membrane body may be filled with absorbent material. The absorbent material can be configured to receive FOG through the top opening. The absorbent material may also include materials and designs designed to maximize the amount of FOG that can be absorbed given limited body volume (or, for embodiments including a container, size of the container) (as described in more detail below). description) or other absorbent members. In one embodiment, the FOG absorbent material may include polyurethane, and in one specific embodiment, may also resemble a foam sponge constructed from cellulosic materials such as wood pulp or other earth-friendly materials. In some embodiments, the entire article and/or portions thereof may be disposable and/or biodegradable. For embodiments that include an absorbent member, the container may be placed in a trash can as the FOG transitions from a liquid state to at least a semi-solid state without the container being punctured (which would cause the FOG contents to leak into the rest of the waste in the container) Less risky.

The article may also include additional features for maximizing FOG absorption, such as, in one embodiment, may include a cover for placement in the top opening for causing FOG to be poured thereon in a predetermined amount. Distributed on the absorbent material in a manner to increase the FOG saturation of the absorbent material. In one embodiment, the cover may have a radially positioned array of slit annular openings for distributing liquid onto the absorbent material, the slits having a narrow width to capture captured Collected and condensed FOG remains contained within the body for disposal. In addition to or as an alternative to absorbent material or other absorbent members, some embodiments of the body may include an interior absorbent surface (in another embodiment, it may include a removable interior made of, for example, aluminum foil or heavy paper such as wax paper. lining).

In one embodiment, the article may include a predetermined size and/or body volume (and amount of absorbent material) for containing the amount of FOG cooking by-products produced for a single home cooking instance. For example, in one particular embodiment, the body may have a volume for holding substantially four ounces of FOG; and an absorbent member configured to receive a maximum amount of FOG within the body volume. Dimensions designed for optimal and efficient single use without the need for other uses to efficiently utilize the container without wasting container material can save the user from tedious and time-consuming disposal steps such as multiple storage, sealing and unsealing lids, and Place the container in the refrigerator or freezer.

In one embodiment, the outer membrane of the body configured to be placed in the interior hollow portion of the drain is rigid (to prevent, among other benefits, hot liquid FOG poured thereon from damaging the membrane's profile), and Forming a container that rests stably in the drain, when pouring FOG into the container through the top opening, the sides of the container do not extend significantly above the level of the bottom surface of the kitchen sink, thus making it possible to keep the cooking utensil for pouring FOG in Lower heights and a better vantage point. In some container embodiments, the outer film includes a rigid shell for receiving, retaining, and disposing of FOG, the rigid shell being separable from the portion of the article that includes the absorbent member. Thus, in some embodiments, the FOG absorbent or adsorbent member may be discarded without having to discard the remainder of the article. In other container embodiments, the entire article may be designed to facilitate disposal with the FOG absorbent/absorbent member.

The shape of the body, which is constructed to be placed in the drain, also provides greater stability and less unmanageability when pouring FOG. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the body may include an inner surface that can be continuously sloped downward to facilitate the FOG to continue to flow downward due to gravity and fill the lowermost portion of the container interior first, or to otherwise strategically move the liquid FOG transferred to the absorbent material section. With the article stably placed in the drain, FOG can be poured into it with less risk of spillage until the FOG absorbent member is fully saturated to the maximum extent and/or until the adsorbent member has also reached its full capacity . In one embodiment, the article body may include a rigid flat bottom surface for placing the container on another flat surface, such as a countertop, without fear of FOG spillage. In certain embodiments with downwardly sloping sides (and as described in greater detail in the Figure Description section), the flat bottom surface may have a width of substantially 2.6 inches. Some embodiments (not necessarily limited to removable shell or container embodiments) may also include other features for more convenient and/or safer handling of the article, such as a perimeter edge that includes a perimeter edge for The remainder of the rim remains sufficiently elevated above the bottom surface of the kitchen drain surface (but still not substantially above the bottom surface of the kitchen drain surface) to facilitate grasping the article with fingers and removing it from the kitchen drain surface after pouring the FOG into it. A leg or block or other member removed from a drain pipe.

Accordingly, embodiments of articles, containers, and methods enable the disposal of FOG in a more rapid, economical, efficient, environmentally friendly, regulatory compliant, and safe manner. The above-described embodiments are considered to be but a few examples of articles, containers, and methods. It should be understood that the embodiments illustrated in the drawings below and described above are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope. Accordingly, changes, modifications, and further applications that would occur to those skilled in the relevant art are also contemplated.

Description of the drawings

1 is a top perspective view of a first article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the article of FIG. 1 with a FOG distribution cover positioned over a top opening in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 2 placed in a kitchen sink drain in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 3 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an article for treating FOG, the article being detached, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the article of Figure 5 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the article being unisolated;

Figure 7 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 6 placed in a kitchen sink drain in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

8 is a top perspective view of a third article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 8 placed in a kitchen sink drain in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

10 is a top perspective view of a fourth article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 10 placed in a kitchen sink drain in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

12 is a top perspective view illustrating the article of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, stably positioned in a kitchen sink and receiving FOG poured therein in its use environment;

13A is a top perspective view of another article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 13B is a side view of the article embodiment of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 13C is a top view of the article embodiment of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 14A is a side view illustrating the article embodiment of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure in a use environment;

14B is a side view illustrating the article embodiment of FIG. 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure in another use environment;

15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

For many people, existing art articles, methods and equipment for disposing of FOG simply do not provide an attractive enough alternative to pouring FOG down the drain. For example, it is certainly not advisable to pour hot liquid FOG directly into the trash can, because it may burn the waste, garbage bags, damage the garbage container or even cause a fire. Condensed FOG stored in trash cans may also begin to emit noxious odors. Putting the FOG in a bag or container with a non-rigid or film and then putting it in the trash is again not advisable as the container/bag may get punctured and the FOG may be at some point be reheated, causing the FOG to return to its liquid and potentially problematic form. In addition to the risk of puncture, non-rigid and thin container membranes (such as those made from certain plastics and/or thin metal foils) may also be melted or deformed by hot liquid FOG, and/ Or it may be bent and deformed by the weight of FOG or external objects falling on it. For example, after pouring liquid FOG into a container/bag with a non-rigid membrane, such container/bag is more likely to assume the shape of the liquid contents inside and is therefore difficult to handle, thereby increasing the likelihood of spillage. There is an even greater risk of spillage when/if the bag is not sealed soon after placing the FOG in it. Similarly, if such a bag opening is not completely sealed, the lack of a substantially rigid membrane increases the likelihood of FOG leaking and spilling through cracks in the seal.

On the other hand, containers/bags with thicker and more impermeable membranes are generally more expensive to produce. Since these costs are typically passed on to the consumer, and prior art containers/bags containing condensed FOG must often be disposed of with the FOG, such more expensive containers/bags are frequently used and disposed of by cost-conscious consumers. Bags may be impractical. In addition to the higher cost, many such containers/bags with thicker impermeable membranes (and even those with thinner, more permeable membranes) are less biodegradable and therefore more harmful to the environment. For example, while some containers may be recyclable when not contaminated with FOG, condensation and adhering FOG may eliminate this functionality, potentially resulting in additional environmental hazards (especially if the container is not biodegradable ).

The size of many prior art containers/bags that are much larger than the volume in which liquid FOG is placed may also unnecessarily (but slightly) increase environmental hazards. Specifically, when the oversized container, which is only partially filled with FOG, is discarded in the trash can, unnecessary container material is wasted and more space in the trash can is also taken up. On the other hand, when using such larger containers/bags to dispose of FOG in a manner that does not waste material - requiring reuse multiple times for different instances of FOG-generating cooking activities to "fill" the volume of the container - then it is necessary More time-consuming steps for proper disposal. For example, many containers/bags seem to be designed to hold about a quart of FOG or more, but the FOG byproduct from a non-commercial cooking session is usually much less than a quart. It's not uncommon, for example, the amount of FOG byproduct produced by a home cooking session isn't much greater than 4 ounces, and ranges from 2 ounces to 6.5 ounces. Regardless of the precise amount of FOG by-product produced, larger containers/bags often must be reused multiple times before disposal to avoid wastage of container material and thus require additional and time-consuming steps associated with such reuse . These steps include, for example, proper storage of FOG and containers in the interim between each addition of FOG by-products from different cooking instances, during which time bacteria and pests may be attracted and/or unpleasant odors may be emitted. In an attempt to combat these and other negative effects, containers/bags containing FOG are often placed in the refrigerator or freezer, thus requiring additional space, attention and time, or e.g. sealed with a removable lid and then when to be stored Put more FOG in it before opening it, and sealing and opening will take extra time. Arguably, due to a number of different factors, using containers/bags multiple times to dispose of FOG without the additional step of wasting (potentially expensive) container materials may be undesirable (e.g. too time consuming) and lead to concerns about FOG Improper disposal, such as pouring down drains. Despite the desire for an environmentally friendly disposable product that would eliminate some disposal steps and provide a practical, cost-effective, waste-free solution for efficient and appropriate disposal of FOG, few disposables are available. The product is specifically designed to dispose of only a limited amount of FOG produced in a single cooking session at home (this is a single use that is highly efficient and eliminates the need for reuse) to avoid wasting material.

It would be further desirable if such novel articles existed and also included other features to facilitate easy and safe use (eg pouring) without having to waste material and/or significantly increase costs. For example, not only are larger containers/bags more expensive to produce than smaller containers/bags (all else being equal), but they may also be less easy to use in the kitchen in some situations, especially when one hand is too tight to hold the container. When occupied with FOG cooking utensils. And, while sealing with a lid can help avoid spills when placing the container in the trash, containers with lids are more expensive to manufacture, and the cost typically increases with the size of the lid. On the other hand, smaller lids require smaller openings, which provide smaller targets for pouring FOG into the container.

In addition to difficulty of use and opening size, multiple other factors can make pouring FOG into existing technology containers and bags a challenging task. For example, hot "liquid" FOG may include clumps, ash, or even small food particles, and when poured, the inconsistency can cause irregular flow. Additionally, FOG can be produced in various cooking utensils that are not conducive to precise pouring, such as cooking pans with gradually curved edges and flat edges (i.e., without spouts or other features for collecting or directing liquid flow). Furthermore, the potential high temperatures of such cooking utensils, especially soon after cooking when the FOG is still in hot liquid form, coupled with the potential for messiness due to, for example, the heated FOG particles may have left the cooking utensil during cooking. , oily and/or slippery surfaces may cause cooking utensils to be difficult to grip. Similarly, the handle of such an appliance may not be designed to provide optimal leverage, favorable pouring points, or control of pouring. For example, where the cooking utensil is a pan, this can usually be accomplished by holding the pan away from the body with the protruding walls, then slowly tilting one side of the pan toward the container and trying to monitor the liquid with the naked eye. Flow to dump FOG.

Since placing the container/bag on a high kitchen countertop and the larger sides of such prior art containers/bags causes the top opening of the container/bag to rise, possibly even above the height of the kitchen countertop, the container/bag's The challenge of controlling the dumping of this FOG is often exacerbated by the often elevated position (whether the person dumping is consciously aware of it or not). The elevated position of this "entry point" for pouring FOG may require the use of arms and hands to hold the FOG pouring cooking utensil (such as a pan) in an even higher and more difficult to control position. However, the higher you hold hot liquid FOG, the more dangerous it can be if it spills or if the FOG leaves the confines of the cooking vessel due to high temperatures "jumping" off the cooking vessel. Also, to achieve greater stability when holding the cookware in a high pouring position, it is often possible to use two hands to grasp the cookware or its handle, which may not free both hands to pour the FOG stream depending on where it is poured. To adjust the position or stabilize the container/bag, unsupported containers/bags may later be inadvertently knocked over by cooking utensils (possibly causing spillage). Therefore, it would be desirable to have a container with a substantially rigid membrane that enables more stable pouring of FOG at a lower, more controllable and safe location.

As mentioned above even when liquid FOG is successfully poured into a container/bag and then placed in the trash, at some point during the disposal process (e.g. from trash to landfill), the membrane of the container/bag It can also be damaged and the FOG may be reheated and return to harmful liquid form. To possibly prevent this, some municipalities prohibit placing FOG in the trash in a free-flowing liquid form or in a form that changes to a liquid when heated. However, some municipalities may allow the disposal of FOG if it is bound in a stable solid form. This can be achieved, for example, by absorbing the FOG with a solid or semi-solid medium. Although different types of absorbent materials can provide a variety of advantages such as weight, absorption rate, and saturation, few methods and devices include methods for more efficient use of absorbent materials and/or for making the interior of the container containing the absorbent material more efficient. A design or shape that maximizes space. However, efficiently utilizing absorbent materials and maximizing such containers may be beneficial for articles designed to integrate space for efficiency, size, and convenience purposes. Therefore, in order to comply with municipal regulations or simply to avoid the potential disadvantages associated with liquid form of FOG, it would be useful if the container used to dispose of FOG, in addition to being practical, convenient, effective, single-use, disposable, and environmentally friendly, as described It would be beneficial for the container to also include absorbent material for converting the FOG from a liquid form to a semi-stable solid form despite the application of heat. If such a container includes an absorbent material design for maximizing the amount of FOG saturation in a limited amount of absorbent material volume and includes a substantially rigid membrane and a design that provides stability when FOG is poured into it, it will be More hopeful.

Described herein are such articles for disposal of FOG that overcome one or more of the above challenges, such as those associated with: substantially non-rigid membranes (which may result in Difficulty handling, spillage and bending/deformation of the film), FOG must be poured from an elevated position into elevated entry point (i.e. opening) of the container/bag, waste of container material, time consuming steps required, excessive price High (when disposing of the container after each FOG-generating cooking session), inability to maximize FOG saturation of the absorbent material, and environmentally unfriendly. Described articles for overcoming one or more of such challenges may provide consumers with an attractive alternative and practical solution to pouring FOG down drains (which can cause environmental harm), among others. benefit.

In lieu of pouring FOG down the drain, the relative convenience of placing the product securely in the hollow section of a kitchen sink drain can encourage proper disposal and serve as an effective reminder to users not to pour FOG down the drain. Furthermore, a stable position for holding the container within the inner hollow drain when pouring FOG into the inner hollow drain without the need to use other supporting devices such as a funnel or by human hands may enable a person to use two hands to carefully Pour FOG into the product.

Additionally, placing the article in a substantially lower elevated location on the drain, such as along the base of a kitchen sink, may allow one to place pans or other cooking utensils in a lower position more easily and in a more controlled manner. The point remains above the container, thus avoiding the expenditure of more energy and enabling more control. In the event that hot liquid FOG "jumps" out of the container or pan, it may also be advantageous to pour at a height below the countertop and/or essentially at the surface of the kitchen sink. Additionally, keeping it at a low altitude would take advantage of gravity and allow such unstable FOG particles to bounce, and if they do occur, it would be less likely to cause burns to people's skin or damage to surrounding objects, for example. cause damage or injury. For example, the sides of a kitchen sink may also serve more effectively to prevent FOG from affecting the sink area by placing the product (and the top opening, the entry point for poured FOG) at a lower level in the kitchen drain or garbage disposal. The role of a protective wall from outside causing injury, damage or mess. Also, standing closer to the container and from a vantage point with the ability to look down into the drainpipe to view the product in the drain can also aid in careful pouring without spillage. Additionally, the size of the top opening of the article may be substantially equal to the width (or diameter) of the drain opening, thereby providing a sufficiently large "target" for pouring the FOG (as opposed to the narrower diameter of some conventional containers). compared to the opening). Furthermore, because the top opening of some article embodiments may be substantially no wider than the diameter of the drain opening or substantially no higher than the kitchen sink floor surrounding the drain, the article may be placed in the drain without substantially impeding the drainage of water. An area above or around the tube (especially one that is not encumbered by container volume that may not be used) that may be more readily available for careful handling of cooking utensils holding and/or pouring FOG.

Although it may not be necessary to seal the container (in container embodiments) once the FOG is absorbed and at least partially converted to a solid form, in some embodiments (including those without an absorbent member), the FOG After pouring therein, the top opening can be closed and resealed, and in other embodiments can be reopened and resealed according to user preference.

In some embodiments, the article exterior film may also include support rods to provide additional structural support, which may further assist in maintaining the desired shape without requiring a thicker exterior film. It is further contemplated that, in one embodiment, the article may include a material that is not only impermeable to hot liquid FOG, but may also include a heat absorbing material on the exterior, thereby enabling it to be grasped and held without burning a person hand risk.

Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a first article embodiment 13 for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The article 13 may include an absorbent material 14 housed within an outer body perimeter (i.e., an outer membrane forming the shape of the body) 16 and a top opening 15 above the absorbent material 14 and adapted to receive passage through In the case of FOG, the top opening 15 is defined by a perimeter edge 17 having a width greater than the width of the body perimeter 16 .

2 is a top perspective view of the article of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The article 13 may also include a cover 18 for placement over both the top opening 15 and the absorbent material 14 located below the top opening 15 . In the illustrated embodiment 13, the cover 18 may include a design for more evenly distributing the FOG 19 over the absorbent material 14 when placed over the top opening 15 defined by the perimeter edge 17.

3 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 2 placed in a kitchen sink drain in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Perimeter rim 17 may include a size and/or shape suitable for placement on kitchen sink bottom surface 21 surrounding internal hollow drain 22 such that article body 16 (or other part) may fit within the drain lumen 20 and rest stably therein. Furthermore, body 16 may include a shape that conforms to internally hollow drain lumen 20 and is configured to maximize the amount of absorbent material 14 and available volume for receiving FOG 19 therein.

The drain pipe 20 shown is similar to a drain pipe typically formed along the bottom surface 21 of a kitchen sink, including a circular annular cross-section. Accordingly, the perimeter edge 17 of the illustrated article embodiment 13 may also be circular, with a circumference greater than the circumference of the top 23 of the drain (adjacent to the kitchen sink bottom surface 21) so as to be placed over the drain, the body 16 may also have a circular cross-section and be sized to securely place the article 13 within the recessed drain pipe 20 . The circumference and/or width of the top opening 15 defined by the perimeter edge 17 may also substantially approximate the circumference and/or width of the top 23 of the drain, thereby providing a larger "target opening" for injection of FOG therethrough. . For example, in the embodiment shown, the combined width of top opening 15 and perimeter edge 17 may be substantially 4.4 inches. In the embodiment shown, the height of the perimeter rim 17 may be substantially 0.75 inches or other height such that the top opening 15 is substantially no higher than the height of the sink bottom surface 21 , or even substantially the same height as the sink bottom surface 21 . Pretty much. In the embodiment shown, the height from the top of perimeter edge 17 to the bottom of article 13 may be substantially 2.38 inches. In the illustrated embodiment 13, the body 16 may also include an inner surface 24 adjacent the absorbent material 14 that is continuously sloped downwardly and may have a slope of substantially 18 degrees in the illustrated embodiment. to promote continued downward flow of FOG 19 so that the absorbent material 14 is more likely to become saturated from the bottom upward first. In this manner, pouring the FOG 19 into the top opening 15 prevents the FOG 19 from pouring down the drain 20 and into the pipe 22 and provides an attractive alternative.

4 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 3 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the particular embodiment 13 shown, the absorbent material 14 may have a sponge-like texture (which may include polyurethane) and may convert the liquid FOG 19 absorbed thereby into a solid or semi-stable, more stable state 25 . Once so converted, the FOG is ready for proper disposal and can be removed from the drain of Figure 3 and placed on another surface 26 (or in the trash) without worrying about the solid FOG 25 contents Material may escape from the product 13. Furthermore, the perimeter body 16 of the illustrated embodiment 13 may be constructed of an environmentally friendly rigid/semi-rigid material (such as a cardboard liner) such that the article 13 even when the liquid FOG 19 therein has not cooled or condensed or converted to a solid/ The semi-solid FOG maintains its shape even at state 25.

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an article for treating FOG, the article being detached, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. A second article embodiment 27 for proper disposal of FOG may include a body perimeter that is a shell container 28 that is also shaped for at least partial fitting within a drain pipe 20, similar to what was previously discussed above. A first embodiment 13 describes a body perimeter (in FIG. 3 ), which body perimeter has a circular cross-section and also includes a perimeter edge 32 . The second article embodiment 27 may also include a top opening 31 and absorbent material 29 configured to fit within the shell container 28 , and may further include a filter 30 for placement over the top opening 31 and absorbent material 29 . However, the top opening 31 does not necessarily have to be defined by the perimeter edge 32, but may be formed by a liner 35 configured to be placed within the shell container 28, which liner 35 may also include an absorbent material 29. The dimensions of the absorbent material 29 in the second embodiment 27 may also include a predetermined size and/or body volume and/or material type for absorbing the amount of FOG cooking by-products produced by a home cooking session. Perimeter rim 32 may also include legs 33 for holding the remainder of perimeter rim 32 elevated for easier gripping, as described in greater detail below. The second embodiment 27 also includes a slot 34 overflow area for catching FOG when the absorbent material 29 becomes saturated. The groove 34 area may be formed by an outer membrane 36 surrounding the sides of the absorbent material 29 that engages/intersects the downwardly medial sloping wall of the liner 35 .

6 is a top perspective view of the article of FIG. 5 without separation in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. And FIG. 7 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 6 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure when placed in a kitchen sink drain. As shown in Figure 6, the liner 35 can be placed inside the housing/container 28 (and the liner 35 can also be removed from the housing/container 28), and as shown in Figure 7, the filter 30 can be placed inside above the top opening 31 and absorbent material 29 and the article 27 may be placed in the drain 20 along the kitchen sink bottom surface 21 with the legs 33 of the perimeter edge 32 resting along the top of the drain 23 so that the shell/container 28 is stable The ground rests inside the drain pipe 20. The trough 34 formed by the outer absorbent liner/membrane 36 and the downwardly sloping center wall of the liner 35 can capture any excess FOG 19 that pours into the filter 30 and top opening 31 but is not absorbed by the absorbent material 29 . After the absorbent material 29 has absorbed the liquid FOG 19 and the excess FOG 19 has been properly disposed of, only the liner 35 (including Absorbent material 29) is disposed of for disposal. Thus, in one embodiment 27, the shell/container 28 may help fit more securely within the drain 20 and/or provide an additional layer of caution to ensure that the FOG 19 does not escape from the drain 20.

8 is a top perspective view of a third article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As with the third article embodiment 37 shown in FIG. 8 , some embodiments may not necessarily include a housing container 28 , but may simply include a rigid outer membrane 38 for placement within the drain pipe 20 . Embodiment 37 also need not include a filter 30 (as with second article embodiment 27 shown in FIGS. 5-7 ), but may include an exposed top opening 39 defined by a perimeter edge 41 , which may also Constructed to be placed on top of the drain pipe 23 adjacent the sink bottom surface 21 . The outer membrane 38 may also be constructed of a substantially rigid material such that the outer membrane 38 does not lose some of its form when the FOG 19 is placed therein and over the absorbent material 40 .

9 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 8 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure when placed in a kitchen sink drain. As shown in FIG. 9 , the inner hollow portion of the drain pipe 20 can have a middle section 51 and a bottom section 52 , and the outer membrane 38 can also have a middle section 53 and a bottom section that generally conform to the middle section 51 and the bottom section 52 . Bottom section 54. As shown in FIG. 9 , in some examples, the cross-section of the middle section 53 can be greater than the cross-section of the bottom section 54 , the height of the middle section 53 can be greater than the height of the bottom section 54 , and/or the middle section 53 The slope of may be greater than the slope of bottom section 54 . Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a fourth article embodiment for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 10 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The construction of the absorbent material can vary in a manner designed to maximize the amount of saturation in limited space situations. As shown in Figure 10, a fourth article embodiment 42 may include a cone 43 design in the middle and below the top opening 45, the cone 43 being designed to more evenly distribute the FOG 19 to the absorbent material surrounding the cone 43 Ring 44. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when article 42 is placed over and in drain 20, and when FOG 19 is poured through top opening 45 and onto cone 43, FOG 19 can be distributed to On the absorbent material 44 surrounding the cone 43, the height of the top of the cone 43 may be greater than the height of the absorbent material 44. Cones 43 and other designs may be used to evenly distribute FOG onto the absorbent material 44.

12 is a top perspective view illustrating the article of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure in its use environment when stably positioned in a kitchen sink and receiving FOG poured therein. Some embodiments, such as those mentioned and described above in the context of their use (eg embodiments 13, 27, 37, 42), may be stably positioned in the drain pipe 20 at the bottom of the kitchen sink surface 21 Having the FOG 19 contained therein may be advantageous in a number of ways, encouraging proper disposal rather than pouring the FOG 19 down the drain pipe 20. For example, (as shown in FIG. 12 ) the perimeter rim 17 may rest on top of the drain pipe 23 in a manner that does not substantially rise above the sink bottom surface 21 . When disposing of FOG 19 by pouring it into the top opening 15 of the article 13, this position may enable the cooking utensil 46 from which the FOG is poured to be held at a lower and more controlled height by a person 47 and may not It will be too much higher than the bottom surface 21 of the sink.

Furthermore, the stiffness of body 16 (Figs. 1-3) and its configuration to fit within drain pipe 20 and its inability to move laterally may provide increased stability, resulting in better stability when dumping FOG 19 control. Furthermore, said stabilization is achieved without having to hold the article 13 with one's hands 48 , which also frees both hands 48 of the person 47 to carefully pour the FOG 19 into the article 13 . Furthermore, with both the article 13 and the cooking utensil 46 kept at a lower height, the pouring person 47 may have the ability to stand closer to the laterally proximal end of the article 13 and be able to look down at the article 13 in the drain pipe 20 More preferred vantage point. Furthermore, having the pouring occur substantially within the boundaries of the sink 49 at a level below the countertop 50 also reduces the likelihood of hot liquid FOG 19 jumping erratically up from the cooking appliance 46 and out of the sink 49 (which might otherwise injure and/or or soiling surrounding people and objects).

Figure 13A is a top perspective view of another article embodiment 1300 for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Article 1300 may include a top portion 1305 having a top opening 1310 . Article 1300 may also include a body portion 1315 connected to and underlying top portion 1305 . In some examples, body portion 1315 may include a continuous FOG-impermeable membrane 1320. In some examples, FOG-impermeable membrane 1320 may be located externally of body portion 1315 . In other examples, the FOG-impermeable membrane 1320 may be located within the body portion 1315 .

In some examples, body portion 1315 may have an upper body portion 1325 and a lower body portion 1330 . Lower body portion 1330 and/or upper body portion 1325 and/or portions thereof may have a concave shape.

Body portion 1315 may also have an intermediate body surface 1335 that separates upper body portion 1325 and lower body portion 1330 . In some examples, body midsurface 1335 may have different features than upper body portion 1325 and/or lower body portion 1330 . For example, in some examples, body midsurface 1335 (and/or a portion of membrane 1320 thereof) may have a different slope or slope than upper body portion 1325 and/or lower body portion 1330 (and/or a portion of membrane 1320 thereof). Spend. For example, in one variation, body midsurface 1335 or at least some portion thereof may be flat, such as substantially horizontal or perpendicular to vertical axis 1340 extending from the center of top opening 1310 to the lower body A line defining the center of bottom surface 1345 of portion 1330 .

Although shown in FIG. 13A as a circular outwardly projecting edge extending horizontally around body portion 1315, it will be appreciated that other variations of body midsurface 1335 are also contemplated. For example, in some examples, body midsurface 1335 may include at least one edge that may extend discontinuously all the way around body portion 1315 . In some examples, at least one edge may include two edges that are, for example, directly opposite only one other edge and aligned along the same horizontal axis 1350 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 1340 . In some examples, the at least one edge may include three or more edges that are evenly spaced but substantially aligned along a horizontal axis 1350 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 1340 . In some examples, the at least one edge may have a length (e.g., a distance the at least one edge extends around a portion of the circumference or exterior of body portion 1325 along horizontal axis 1350 at body midsurface 1335 ) and a width (e.g., from a lower body portion 1330 adjacent the body midsurface 1335 to the coordinate of the upper body portion 1325 along the horizontal axis), and other coordinates used to define the dimensions and/or characteristics of at least one edge.

Figure 13B is a side perspective view of the article embodiment of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Upper body portion 1325 can have a first maximum width 1355 and lower body portion 1330 can have a second maximum width 1360 . In some examples, first maximum width 1355 may be greater than second maximum width 1360.

Upper body portion 1325 may have a first maximum width 1355 near or adjacent top portion 1305 and a bottom maximum width 1365 adjacent body midsurface 1335 . The top maximum width of 1355 can be larger than the bottom maximum width of 1365. In some examples, the top maximum width 1355 may be less than five inches. In some examples, the top maximum width 1355 may be greater than five inches. In some examples, the bottom maximum width 1365 may be greater than two inches. In some examples, the bottom maximum width 1365 may be less than two inches. Lower body portion 1330 may have an upper maximum width 1360 adjacent body midsurface 1335 (which, in some examples, may be a second maximum width 1360 ), and a lower maximum width 1370 , which, in some examples, is A bottom surface 1345 of the body portion 1315 may be defined wherein an upper maximum width 1360 may be greater than a lower maximum width 1370 . In some examples, the upper maximum width 1360 may be less than 1.9 inches. In some examples, the upper maximum width 1360 may be greater than 1.9 inches. In some examples, the lower maximum width 1370 of the bottom surface 1345 may be defined to be greater than 1.3 inches. In some examples, the lower maximum width 1370 defining the bottom surface 1345 may be less than 1.3 inches. Body midsurface 1335, or a portion thereof, may be flat or have a flat portion 1385 (which, in some examples, may be aligned with horizontal axis 1350 shown in Figure 13A). Some variations of article 1300 may have substantially different (eg, larger) dimensions.

Body portion 1315 may have an interior 1375 . Interior 1375 may include FOG absorbent material 1380. Top portion 1305 may also have legs or blocks 1390.

Figure 13C is a top view of the article embodiment of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Top portion 1305 may include a top opening 1310 , which may be defined by perimeter edge 1395 . In some examples, and as discussed above, the top portion may further include a filter portion 1398 for filtering FOG entering the body portion 1315 from the top opening 1310 (as shown in Figure 13A). Additionally, top portion 1305 may include a removable cover 1397 that may be transparent or opaque as shown, and in some examples may be provided as a separate component from top portion 1305 . In some examples, removable cover 1397 may be slightly larger/wider than top portion 1305 to fit over and cover top portion 1305 by various means known to those skilled in the art or of ordinary skill in the art. Sealed article 1300 or container.

Figure 14A is a side view illustrating the article embodiment of Figure 13 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure in a use environment. Article 1300-A may be configured to be placed on at least a portion of the first bottom surface 1405 of the sink surrounding the first drain 1410. In some examples, body mid surface 1335 -A may be configured to rest on at least a portion of first bottom surface 1405 of the sink surrounding first drain 1410 . In some examples, body midsurface 1335-A may include features for stably placing article 1300-A on at least a portion of first bottom surface 1405 of the sink surrounding first drain 1410. In some examples, at least some portions of body midsurface 1335-A may be substantially flat, or have substantially the same slope as first bottom surface 1405. In some examples, body midsurface 1335-A can be configured to maximize the area of body midsurface 1335-A that can rest on first bottom surface 1405 for greater stability. In some examples, body midsurface 1335-A may include legs or blocks (not shown), similar to leg blocks 1390.

Lower body portion 1330-A of article 1300-A may be sized such that when article 1300-A is placed (e.g., when at least one edge of body midsurface 1335-A is placed or positioned) on first bottom surface 1405 At least a portion is assembled in the first drain pipe 1410 when mounted. The first drain pipe 1410 may have a first maximum drain width 1415 that is greater than the second maximum width 1360-A of the lower body portion 1330-A. In some examples, body midsurface 1335 -A may have a midsurface maximum width 1430 that is greater than first maximum drain width 1415 . The first drain pipe 1410 may also have a depth 1420 that is greater than the height 1425 of the lower body portion 1330-A. In some examples, the height 1425 of the lower body portion 1330-A may be greater than 1.4 inches. In some examples, the height 1425 of the lower body portion 1330-A may be less than 1.4 inches, such as in the range of about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or may be, for example, less than the height of a drain in which the lower body portion 1330-A is placed. any value for depth.

Figure 14B is a side view illustrating article embodiment 1300-B of Figure 13A in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure in another use environment. In some examples, top portion 1305-A may include top opening 1310-A, and may include perimeter edge 1395-A. Additionally, in some examples, top opening 1310-A may be defined by perimeter edge 1395-A. The perimeter edge 1395-A may be configured to rest on at least a portion of the second bottom surface 1430 of the second sink surrounding the second drain pipe 1435 having the second maximum drain width 1440. In some examples, top portion 1305-A (and in some examples, its perimeter edge 1395-A) may include legs or blocks 1390-A for stable placement on at least a portion of second bottom surface 1430 A. In some examples, upper body portion 1325-A may be concave and sized to fit within second drain pipe 1435. The depth 1450 of the second drain pipe 1435 may also be greater than the height 1455 of the upper body portion 1325-A plus the height 1425-A of the lower body portion 1330-B.

In some examples, the height 1455 of the upper body portion 1325-A may be greater than 2.3 inches. In some examples, the height 1455 of the upper body portion 1325-A may be less than 2.3 inches. In some examples, the combination of height 1455 of upper body portion 1325-A and height 1425-A of lower body portion 1330-1B may be greater than 3.7 inches. In some examples, the combination of height 1455 of upper body portion 1325-A and height 1425-A of lower body portion 1330-1B may be less than 3.7 inches, or, for example, in the range of about 3 inches to 5 inches, or in some examples is a value less than the depth of the drain pipe in which the upper body portion 1325-A is placed (eg, the depth 1450 of the second drain pipe 1435 mentioned below).

In some examples, perimeter edge 1395-A may have a maximum perimeter edge width 1445 that is greater than a second maximum drain width 1440. In some examples, the maximum perimeter edge width 1445 may be greater than five inches. In some examples, the maximum perimeter edge width 1445 may be less than five inches. In some examples, the second maximum drain width 1440 may be greater than the first maximum drain width 1415. In some examples, the first maximum width 1360-B of the upper body portion 1325-A may be less than the second maximum drain width 1440 of the second drain pipe. In some examples, the second maximum drain width 1440 may be sized to receive the upper body portion 1325-A of the article 1300-B. Some variations of articles 1300-A and 1300-B may have substantially different (eg, larger or smaller) sizes for use with drains of corresponding (eg, much larger or smaller) sizes. .

Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1500 for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. At block 1505 , the method may include positioning at least one edge of the container on a first bottom surface of the sink surrounding a first drain of the sink such that a top opening of the top portion of the container faces upward and at least some body of the container A portion is located below the first bottom surface and within the first drain pipe. In some examples, the body portion may have a FOG impermeable membrane. At block 1510, the method may further include pouring the FOG through the top opening into a body portion of a container that prevents the FOG from passing downwardly through the first drain.

Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for treating FOG in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. At block 1605, the method may include positioning at least one edge of the container on a first bottom surface of the sink surrounding a first drain of the sink such that a top opening of the top portion of the container faces upward and at least some body of the container The portion is located below the first bottom surface and within the first drain pipe. In some examples, the body portion may have a FOG impermeable membrane. In some examples of the method, positioning may include resting at least two edges of the container on the first bottom surface. In some examples, at least two edges may be on different sides of the container. In some examples, at least two edges may be located on opposite sides of the container.

At block 1610, the method may further include pouring the FOG through the top opening into a body portion of a container that prevents the FOG from passing downwardly through the first drain.

In some examples, the body portion may have a concave shape. At block 1615, positioning may include positioning at least one edge of the container on the first bottom surface such that at least some of the concave body portion is located within the first drain pipe.

In some examples, at least one edge may include a first perimeter edge. Accordingly, at block 1620, positioning may include placing the first perimeter edge of the container on the first bottom surface. In some examples, as described above, the first perimeter edge may separate the upper body portion and the lower body portion. In some examples, the body portion may have a first maximum width, and the first drain pipe may have a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width.

At block 1625, the method may further include removing the container from the first bottom surface and then resting the second perimeter rim on the second bottom surface of the sink surrounding the second drain. In some examples, the second drain pipe may have a fifth maximum width that is greater than the second maximum width. In some examples, the second perimeter edge can be rested on the second bottom surface without the first perimeter edge of the container having been previously rested on the first bottom surface. In some examples, the second perimeter rim can be rested on the second bottom surface, the container can then be removed from the surface, and the first perimeter rim can then rest on the first bottom surface.

In some examples, the interior of the body portion may include absorbent material. At block 1630, the method may further include using an absorbent material to absorb at least some of the FOG poured into the body portion. Absorption may occur while the container is resting on the first bottom surface, or may occur while resting on the second bottom surface. Additionally, the absorbent material can be removed from the container. Or alternatively, the absorbent material may be discarded with the entire container after it is intended to be used.

The foregoing description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, and/or examples set forth in the claims. It will be appreciated that other variations are also conceivable such as those apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Changes may be made in the function and/or arrangement of the features discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, and/or add various features as appropriate.

Claims (31)

1. An article for handling grease (FOG), comprising:

a top portion comprising a top opening and a perimeter rim, wherein the top opening is defined by the perimeter rim;

a body portion connected to and below the top portion, the body portion comprising:

A continuous FOG-impermeable film;

an upper body portion having a first maximum width;

a lower body portion having a second maximum width and a concave shape;

a body intermediate surface separating the upper body portion and the lower body portion, and

configured to be placed on at least a portion of a first bottom surface of the sink surrounding the first drain pipe, the lower body portion sized to fit within the drain pipe;

wherein the FOG-impermeable membrane of the body portion is liquid impermeable.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the interior of the body portion comprises a FOG absorbent material.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the upper body portion has a top maximum width adjacent the top portion and a bottom maximum width adjacent the body intermediate surface, the top maximum width being greater than the bottom maximum width.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the lower body portion has an upper maximum width adjacent the body intermediate surface and a lower maximum width defining a bottom of the body portion, wherein the upper maximum width is greater than the lower maximum width.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the body intermediate surface is planar.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the first drain pipe has a first maximum drain width that is greater than a second maximum width of the lower body portion.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the first drain pipe has a depth less than a height of the lower body portion.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein the body intermediate surface has a maximum intermediate surface width that is greater than the first maximum drain width.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge is configured to rest on at least a portion of a second bottom surface of a second sink surrounding a second drain pipe, the second drain pipe having a second maximum drain width.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the upper body portion is concave and sized to fit within the second drain pipe.

11. The article of claim 9, wherein the perimeter edge has a maximum perimeter width that is greater than the second maximum drain width.

12. The article of claim 9, wherein the first drain pipe has a first maximum drain width that is greater than a second maximum drain width of the lower body portion, the second maximum drain width being greater than the first maximum drain width.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein the first maximum width of the upper body portion is less than a second maximum drain width of a second drain pipe sized to receive the upper body portion of the article.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the first maximum width is greater than the second maximum width.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein the exterior of the body portion is defined by a continuous FOG-impermeable film.

16. A container for handling grease (FOG), comprising:

an integrally formed continuous housing comprising: an at least partially hollow interior; a top portion having a top opening; a liquid impermeable bottom portion; a liquid impermeable upper portion connected to and contiguous with both the top portion and the bottom portion; an intermediate portion separating the top and bottom portions and including at least one intermediate edge for placing the container on a first surface surrounding a first drain pipe, the first drain pipe having a first maximum width, and the bottom portion having a shape at least partially conforming to a hollow interior of the first drain pipe for placement at least partially inside the first drain pipe;

The housing is configured to receive a FOG through the top opening without the FOG exiting through the bottom portion or the upper portion, and

wherein the bottom portion includes a second maximum width that is less than the first maximum width of the first drain pipe.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate edge includes a planar surface for placing the container on a first surface surrounding the first drain pipe, the planar surface having a third maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the top portion includes at least one top edge for placement on a second surface surrounding a second drain pipe, the second drain pipe having a fourth maximum width.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the at least one intermediate edge comprises a rim having a fifth maximum width that is greater than the fourth maximum width.

20. The container of claim 18, wherein the fourth maximum width is greater than the first maximum width and the upper portion has a sixth maximum width that is less than the fourth maximum width and greater than the second maximum width.

21. The container of claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate edge comprises at least two edges.

22. A method for disposing of grease (FOG), the method comprising:

positioning at least one rim of a container on a first bottom surface of a sink surrounding a first drain pipe of the sink such that a top opening of a top portion of the container faces upward and at least some body portion of the container is located below the first bottom surface and within the first drain pipe, wherein the body portion is located below the top portion and has a FOG-impermeable film;

pouring the FOG through the top opening into a body portion of the container, the container preventing the FOG from passing downwardly through the first drain;

wherein the at least one edge comprises a first peripheral edge, and the positioning comprises resting the first peripheral edge of the container on the first bottom surface;

wherein the first peripheral edge is located at the body portion;

wherein the FOG-impermeable membrane of the body portion is liquid impermeable.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the positioning comprises resting at least two edges of the container on the first bottom surface.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least two edges are located on different sides of the container.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least two edges are located on opposite sides of the container.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the body portion comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion, and the first peripheral edge separates the upper body portion and the lower body portion.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the body portion has a first maximum width and the first drain pipe has a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width and the first peripheral rim has a third maximum width that is greater than the second maximum width.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the body portion has a concave shape and the positioning includes positioning at least one edge of the container on the first bottom surface such that at least some of the concave-shaped body portion is located within the first drain pipe.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein the interior of the body portion comprises an absorbent material, the method further comprising:

At least some of the FOG poured into the body portion is absorbed using the absorbent material.

30. The method of claim 22, wherein the body portion is connected to and below the top portion and the FOG-impermeable film is continuous.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the container includes a second perimeter edge having a fourth maximum width that is greater than the third maximum width, the method further comprising:

removing the container from the first bottom surface; and

the second perimeter edge rests on a second bottom surface of the sink surrounding a second drain pipe having a fifth maximum width that is less than the fourth maximum width but greater than the second maximum width.