Portable overnight degreasing system and method of use

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable overnight degreasing system, a work station and a method of use. The invention includes a portable soak tank with a disposable liner bag liner removably placed within the interior of the soak tank. The liner bag is then filled with a cleaning solution and soiled items are lowered into the bag liner upon removable grates. An agitator pump is positioned within the portable soak tank to agitate the cleaning solution. The soiled items remain within the locked soak tank overnight or until grease and carbon falls off of the soiled items. An optional heater may be used within the soak tank to increase the speed of degreasing. The soak tank also includes a slanted floor that funnels fluid from the interior of the soak tank into a pipe that connects to a valve on the front wall of the soak tank. Fluid is removed from the system through the valve and then the empty liner bag is disposed. When used as a workstation, a protective cover is placed over the lid and upper portion of the soak tank and a cutting board is placed over the protective cover in a recessed pocket for use by kitchen staff.

Claims

1. A portable degreasing system comprising: A soak tank comprising four adjacent walls, wherein the adjacent walls are each perpendicular to one another, a slanted floor in an interior of the soak tank for urging solutions towards an opening at a front end of the slanted floor, proximate to a front wall of the soak tank a removable, disposable bag liner disposed within the interior of the soak tank during use, wherein the bag liner extends from an open end of the soak tank to the floor of the soak tank, a removable grate disposed within the soak tank, wherein the grate is held steady by a catch and/or legs during use, a valve mechanism for starting and stopping the flow of fluid from the interior of the soak tank to the exterior, wherein the valve mechanism is disposed in an outer face of the front wall of the soak tank, wherein the valve mechanism further comprises a drain opening disposed on the front wall of the soak tank, and wherein the valve mechanism comprises at least one of a knife gate, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, or a disk valve, the front wall is slanted at 30-60 degrees with respect to the horizontal, so that that an outer surface of the front wall is adapted to be slanted substantially downward towards the ground beneath the tank when the tank is positioned on the ground, thereby assisting in complete drainage from the interior of the soak tank, a lockable lid for enclosing the interior of the soak tank during use, wherein the lockable lid comprises a recessed pocket sized and configured to receive a cutting board; a cutting board removably positioned within the recessed pocket; a cleaning solution for removing carbon and grease from equipment configured to be placed in the soak tank, during degreasing; an impermeable protective cover configured to be placed over the lid and at least half of the soak tank during use as a work station, wherein the impermeable protective cover is disposed between the recessed pocket and the cutting board during use as a work station; and a plurality of caster wheels.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of caster wheels is attached to a bottom of the soak tank, wherein the caster wheels swivel 360 degrees.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of caster wheels includes one of four or six wheels.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the caster wheels are 10 to 12 inches in diameter to allow the system to roll over bumps and cracks.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the slanted floor of the interior of the soak tank is slanted towards the front wall of the interior of the soak tank at a 3 percent downgrade from a rear wall of the soak tank, thereby forcing the fluid to flow towards the drain opening.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable, disposable bag liner is 3 mils thick to provide durability and flexibility simultaneously.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the removable, disposable bag liner is constructed of at least one of a durable plastic, rubber or composite.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the grate includes handles or indentations graspable by the user.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the grate comprises two coplanar grates within the soak tank during use.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises rigid supports positioned on a rear wall of the soak tank; wherein the supports can support the weight of the soak tank resting upon them.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the soak tank further comprises a concave portion on the front wall; wherein the drain opening is disposed on the concave portion of the front wall.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a donut plug configured to provide an impermeable seal between perimeter of the donut plug, an aperture in the disposable bag liner and the drain opening of the soak tank near the front wall.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the donut plug further comprises a rubber gasket around the perimeter, a rod that bisects the donut plug into two semi-circular passageways that allow the passage of fluid, and the rod is configured to function as a graspable handle.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises vents in the lid for exhausting fumes and pressure from the interior of the soak tank.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the lid further comprises a gasket around the inner perimeter of the lid for forming a seal with the exterior of the soak tank.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an agitator that is positioned within the soak tank and configured to agitate the cleaning solution.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an optional heating element that is positioned within the soak tank and configured to heat the cleaning solution.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprising a storage compartment between the slanted floor and a closed end of the soak tank, wherein the storage compartment includes a lockable hinged door.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a sealed, clean package that holds the protective cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as, a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective and exploded diagram of the preferred embodiment of the overnight portable degreasing system.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top sectional view of the system in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the system in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a rear sectional view of the system in FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front sectional view and a side sectional view of the third embodiment.

(8) FIG. 7 is a rear sectional view and a perspective view of the system of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid.

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the grates.

(11) FIG. 10 is a side view of the system of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) The present invention comprises a portable overnight degreasing system and a method of using the system to remove carbon and grease from kitchen appliances without the need for heat.

(13) With reference to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1 a portable overnight degreasing system comprises a portable soak tank 1 having an open upper end 2, a closed lower end 3, and four lateral walls, wherein each wall is perpendicular to the adjacent walls. The size and shape of the soak tank 1 can be modified to accommodate a variety of appliances and kitchens. A disposable liner bag 4 is disposed within the interior of the soak tank 1, wherein the liner bag 4 includes a liner bag opening 5 in the lower front portion of the liner bag. The liner bag 4 is flexible and constructed of a durable plastic, rubber, or composite. The liner bag opening 5 is connected to the interior of the front wall 17 of the soak tank 1, wherein the liner bag opening 5 comprises either a male or female connection that is lockably connected to a male or female connection with a lock on the interior of the front wall 17.

(14) The front wall 17 includes a drain positioned 16 inches above the floor and on the exterior of the front wall 17. The drain passageway is coextensive with the connection of the interior of the front wall 17 and the liner bag opening 5. The drain comprises a valve mechanism 9, wherein the valve mechanism 9 is preferably a knife gate, but may be ball valve, butterfly valve, disk valve, or any other valve suitable for controlling flow through a drain. A hose 19 may be connected to the distal end of the drain, as shown in FIG. 5, to direct fluid from the system to a floor drain, slop tank, commode, or the like. The length of the hose 19 may vary to accommodate the distance to the waste receptacle and the diameter of the hose 19 may vary to complement the diameter of the drain.

(15) The disposable liner bag 4 holds a grate 6. The grate 6 and liner bag 4 are held in place by catches 8 positioned along the interior walls of the soak tank 1. The catches 8 are a lip that project from the interior of the walls of the soak tank 1 and circumscribes the interior circumference of the soak tank 1. The grates can also include legs which can be positioned on the floor to hold the bag in place. The kitchen appliances being cleaned are lowered into the liner bag 4 via the grate 6 and the grate handles 7. The grate handles 7 can be grasped by the user while lowering or raising the grate 6 into or from the liner bag 4.

(16) The upper end 2 of the soak tank 1 includes a lid 11 that is connected to a lateral side of the soak tank 1 via a hinge. The lid 11 is able to be locked upon the open end 2 of the soak tank 1 when the lid 11 is in the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The lid 11 also comprises ventilation holes 18 that allow exhaust, if necessary, to escape from the interior of the soak tank 1 during use.

(17) FIG. 2 shows the hinge 14 where the lid 11 is rotatably connected. A handle 13 is positioned on a wall perpendicular to the wall where the hinge 14 is positioned. The handle 13 is positioned on one or both of the longitudinal ends of the soak tank 1, depending on the preference of the user. Opposite of the open upper end 2 is a slanted floor 12. The slanted floor 12 is bilaterally slanted towards the front wall at an angle of up to 33 degrees, and the slanted floor 12 is slanted towards the drain at an angle of up to 45 degrees. The slant increases the rate of flow into the drain.

(18) The slanted floor 12 results in an empty space between the floor 12 and the closed lower end 3. The area is filled with storage compartments 15. The storage compartments 15 hold objects, such as extra bag liners 4, gloves, aprons, etc. The storage compartments 15 are shielded from the outside via a hinge, lockable door 16, as shown in FIG. 4. The storage compartments 15 may be divided into four areas, as shown in FIG. 4, or divided into more or less compartments depending on the intended usage.

(19) The closed lower end 3 of the soak tank 1 comprises four to six caster wheels 10 attached to the lower surface of the closed lower end 3. The wheels 10 include: two 10 to 12 inch swivel caster wheels 10 positioned on the front of the lower surface; two 10 to 12 inch swivel caster wheels 10 positioned on the back of the lower surface; and two 10 to 12 inch stationary caster wheels 10 positioned in the center of the bottom surface on lateral sides. The swivel wheels 10 on the front and back allow the system to rotate 360 degrees about an axis of rotation that is drawn vertically through the center of the system, which is advantageous for maneuvering into small spaces because the system does not have to make wide turns. The two stationary wheels help steady the device and prevent incidental lateral movement while moving the system. All the wheels 10 are 10 to 12 inch in size to allow the system to roll over bumps and cracks without becoming stuck due to the wheels being small enough to fit into the cracks or not tall enough to roll over a bump.

(20) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment where an optional electric heater 20 may be included in the soak tank 1 to reduce the time necessary for cleaning the kitchen appliances

(21) FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the soak tank 23. The soak tank includes a front wall 36, where the front wall is slanted at 30-60 degrees relative to the horizontal, to allow a complete drainage of the drain, piping and interior of the soak tank 23. The soak tank 23 utilizes the same interior surface and pipping as the first embodiment of the soak tank 1. The front wall 36 includes a concave portion 24 in the exterior surface of the front wall, where the drain 37 is positioned. The drain 37 does not extend beyond the most forward portions of the front wall to prevent damaging the drain 37 while maneuvering the soak tank 23. As shown in FIG. 6, when the soak tank 23 is viewed laterally the drain 37 cannot be viewed because it is positioned in the concave portion 24 of the front wall. The rear wall 38, opposite the front wall, includes supports 22 that extend horizontally from the rear wall. The supports 22 are rigid and made of material with sufficient strength to not buckle or bend under the weight of the soak tank 23. This allows the soak tank 23 to be rested upon the supports 22, thereby minimizing the amount of floor space occupied by the soak tank 23 during storage or transportation. The supports 22 may be made of stainless steel, rubber, plastic or any other rigid material that can support the weight of the soak tank 23 without deformation.

(22) FIG. 7 shows the rear wall 38 where handles 27 are positioned to steer the soak tank 23 during movement. An agitator 26 is also shown in an exploded view, wherein the agitator would be secured to the rim of the soak tank 23 on the interior surface during use. The agitator 26 would rest far enough into the soak tank to contact the cleaning fluid during use. The agitator 26 also creates turbulence within the cleaning fluid, during use, which accelerates the cleaning process. FIG. 7 also depicts the donut plug 25. The donut plug 25 includes a rubber gasket 39 that circumscribes the perimeter of the donut plug 25 and a rod 40 that bisects the donut plug 25. The rod 40 divides the donut plug 25 into two semi-circular passages 41 that allow the passage of fluid there through. The rod 40 also functions as a handle for positioning or removing the donut plug 25 from the aperture in the disposable liner bag 4 and the soak tank 23; thereby providing or removing a fluid impermeable seal between the donut plug 25, disposable bag liner 4 and the opening in the floor of the soak tank 23.

(23) FIG. 8 shows the lid 28 of the third embodiment 23. The lid 28 includes vents 30 that are utilized during the degreasing process to exhaust the chemicals, but are not used when the soak tank 23 is used as a clean workstation. The lid 28 also includes a recessed pocket 29 sized and configured to allow the placement of a cutting board 34 within the pocket 29, even while a protective cover 33 is disposed over the pocket 29 and below the cutting board 34. The lid 28 is secured to the soak tank 23 by hinges and is lockable to the soak tank 23, in the same manner as the lid and soak tank are secured in the first embodiment.

(24) FIG. 9 shows the grate 31. The grate 31 may be used in any embodiment. The grate 31 includes two separable halves, wherein each half includes four legs 32 that are positioned on the lower surface of the grate 31. When positioned within the tank the legs 31 rest upon the interior floor of the soak tank with the liner bag disposed there between. The legs 32 keep the bag liner 4 flat on the interior floor of the soak tank.

(25) FIG. 10 shows the system of the third embodiment in its workstation mode. The soak tank 23 is in its upright position upon the caster wheels, the lid 28 is closed and locked and the protective cover 33 is secured over the lid 28 and at least half of the soak tank 23. The protective cover 33 thereby covers the vents 30 and the recessed pocket 29. The cutting board 34 is then placed upon the protective cover 33 within the recessed pocket 29. The protective cover 33 is an impermeable layer that creates a clean workstation upon the lid 28 of the soak tank 23 and is secured by a band or ties 35.

(26) The above-mentioned features of the portable overnight degreasing system are illustrative, but not limited to the exact design, shape, size, form, materials, parts, function and usage. The illustrative features that form the basis of the portable soak tank 1, 23 can be changed or modified by those skilled in the art to accommodate the needs of the business, organizations or individuals who can benefit from the invention. This system can be utilized in a variety of cleaning methods, from sustained emersion in chemical solutions, to the use of heating elements 20 and pumps to expedite the cleaning process. Those skilled in the art can take advantage of the latest green technology to provide additional cleaning methods for this invention.