Abstract:
The present invention relates to a food oil delivery and storage system including: a delivery container, where the delivery container includes a delivery container output for dispensing food oil, and where the delivery container output is in fluid communication with a delivery nozzle; and a storage container including a storage container input configured to receive cooking oil from the delivery nozzle, and storage container input including a removable plug, and a storage container output for dispensing food oil to food preparation equipment, and where the storage container output includes a controllable valve for selectively dispensing food oil to the food preparation equipment; and relates to a method of storing and delivering food oil including providing food oil to a delivery container, transferring food oil from the delivery container to a storage container, and subsequently transferring additional food oil from the delivery container to the storage container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system and method for dispensing food oil or oils, and in particular for re-filling and dispensing oils in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces waste. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Food and cooking oils (collectively referred to herein as “food” oils herein for clarity and convenience), are an integral part of modern food preparation. By way of non-limiting examples, such oils include, for example, soy oil, canola oil, olive oil such as virgin or extra virgin olive oil, olive oil blends, pomace oil, coconut oil such as winterized premium coconut oil, grape seed oil, rice oil, bran oil, corn oil, and blends of any of the above. Commercial use of food oils is extensive. It is estimated that worldwide consumption of food oils will exceed 170 million tons in years 2014 and 2015. Typically, restaurants utilize an average of 400 pounds of oil per week, or over 20,000 pounds per year. 
         [0003]    Currently, the provision, storage and use of food oils suffers from several disadvantages. Oil is typically delivered and maintained in one of two packaging arrangements: 35-pound jugs or 1-gallon bottles, the latter of which are typically delivered in cases of six. Handling and moving these heavy containers or cases poses potential injury for drivers and restaurant workers. Storage of the containers can occupy up to eight cubic feet of dry storage space. Perhaps most importantly, disposal of packaging and containers creates significant waste. A restaurant disposing 400 pounds of food oil per week will dispose of hundreds of plastic, metal and/or cardboard containers and boxes per year. 
         [0004]    It is desired to have an system for delivery, storage, and provision of food oils that avoids those and other disadvantages, including: handling hot oil, workers compensation claims, spills, added labor costs, lack of security, decreased cleanliness, damaged or lost oil, unsanitary storage, pest problems, and trash and recycling requirements and costs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention overcomes the above and other shortcomings of current credit evaluation and scoring. It can be summarized in the following exemplary aspects. 
         [0006]    In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a food oil delivery and storage system includes: (1) a delivery container, where the delivery container includes a delivery container output for dispensing food oil, and where the delivery container output is in fluid communication with a delivery nozzle; and (2) a storage container including a storage container input disposed on an upper portion of the storage container and configured to receive cooking oil from the delivery nozzle, and storage container input including a removable plug, and a storage container output disposed on a lower portion of the storage container for dispensing food oil to food preparation equipment, and where the storage container output includes a controllable valve for selectively dispensing food oil to the food preparation equipment. 
         [0007]    In a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of storing and delivering food oil includes providing food oil to a delivery container, transferring food oil from the delivery container to a storage container, and subsequently transferring additional food oil from the delivery container to the storage container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side view of exemplary steel drum containers for use with the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary delivery container for use with the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary storage container according to the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of an exemplary valve for use with the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of the exemplary valve of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3C  is a front view of the exemplary valve of  FIG. 3A   
           [0014]      FIG. 3D  is a side view of an exemplary spout for use with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the exemplary storage container of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary storage container of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a further exemplary storage container according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a flow chart of an exemplary method according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a flow chart of another exemplary method according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The present invention involves the delivery and/or storage of food oils in a manner that is more efficient, less expensive, safer and more environmentally sound than previous methods. The invention is generally achieved through a re-fillable and re-usable storage container for food oil, which may be filled by a fixed or portable delivery container for food oil. The delivery container in turn may be filled from storage drums, directly from rail car, or by other suitable means. The storage container may be maintained in a commercial facility such as a restaurant, and may provide a convenient supply of food oil as useful or necessary, without need to handle or discard boxes, jars, containers or the like. 
         [0021]    In general, food oil is provided to a delivery container for use with the present invention, and then transferred to a storage container for use with the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows one exemplary mechanism for providing food oil to a storage container, in particular storage drum  101  that may be used to store food oil that has been delivered in bulk. Preferably, storage drum  101  is formed of stainless steel or another useful material that can withstand the fluid pressure and maintain food oil without undue spoilage or contamination. In a preferred embodiment, storage drum includes a storage drum input  103  to receive food oil, and a storage drum output  105  to dispense food oil, for example to a delivery container as described herein. In a particularly preferred embodiment, storage drum  101  includes input  103  at an upper portion of storage drum  101 , and output  105  at a lower portion of storage drum  101 . It is understood that multiple storage drums  101  may be utilized with the present invention. 
         [0022]    Storage drum  101  may, for example, be located in proximity to a railway station or truck depo (not shown), so that food oil may be delivered by rail car, truck or other large shipping container in bulk and deposited directly in storage drum  101 . Any useful or convenient rail car mechanism as known in the art may be utilized to transport food oil. Alternatively, any known truck or roadway mechanism may be used to transport food oil may to storage drum  101  (e.g., trailer). Alternatively, any other useful mechanism known to transport fluids may be utilized to delivery food oil to storage drum  101 . Further, any known mechanism may be utilized to transfer food oil from rail car or truck (or other transportation means) to storage drum  101 . 
         [0023]    It is understood, however, that storage drum  101  need not be utilized. Instead, food oil may be provided to storage container  201  (described below) directly from any of the transport means described above or otherwise known. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary delivery container  201  according to and for use with the present invention. Delivery container  201  may be any useful size, for example holding between 200 and 4000 liters of food oil, and more preferably between 400 and 2000 liters of food oil. In a preferred embodiment, delivery container  201  is a “2100 pound” container that can hold approximately 272 gallons, or approximately 1,030 liters of food oil. It is understood that the term “delivery container” is utilized herein for convenience only. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more delivery containers  201  may be transported to restaurants or other locations to provide food oil to one or more storage containers  301 . In other embodiments, one or more storage containers  301  may be transported to one or more delivery containers  201  for the provision of oil to the storage containers  301 . 
         [0025]    Multiple delivery containers  201  may be utilized according to the invention. That is, multiple delivery containers  201  may be maintained in a distribution facility, and/or a delivery vehicle may carry multiple deliver containers  201  for use in transporting food oil to locales such as restaurants or other commercial or private establishments. 
         [0026]    In a preferred embodiment, delivery container  201  is formed in two parts: a delivery container body  231  and a delivery container support structure  233 . Delivery container body  231  may be formed of any suitable material. In an exemplary embodiment, delivery container body  231  is preferably formed of thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, and/or metal materials such as polyamide, polypropylene, HDPE, melamine formaldehyde, aluminum, stainless steel, or combinations of the above. Delivery container body  231  may be formed in any useful shape. In a preferred embodiment, deliver container is formed, for example, in a cubic or rectangular shape for efficient storage with additional like-sized and/or like-shaped containers. Generally, delivery container  201  also includes delivery container input  203  for providing food oil to delivery container  201 , and delivery container output  221  for removing oil from delivery container  201 . 
         [0027]    Delivery container output  221  is in fluid connection with an output nozzle, such as output nozzle  229 . It is understood that the term “output nozzle” as utilized herein is construed broadly to include any useful mechanism to delivery food oil from delivery container  201  to another container, for example various forms of mechanical or electrical valves, mechanical or electrical nozzles. An “output nozzle” may be directly connected with delivery container  201 , or may be in fluid connection through an intermediate component such as a hose or pipe. 
         [0028]    Delivery container support structure  233  is preferably formed as a series of metal bars forming a cage structure that generally encloses and protects delivery container body  231  from impact, deformation or similar stresses. Delivery container support structure  233  may be formed of any useful material. In a preferred embodiment it is formed of metal, for example stainless steel or aluminum. 
         [0029]    Other exemplary features of delivery container  201  are described herein with respect to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 2 , which includes delivery container body  231  and delivery container support structure  233 , but it is understood that the various features described herein may be selectively utilized, as useful or desirable, with other embodiments of a delivery container  201  according to the invention. 
         [0030]    In particular, delivery container input  203  may be located in any useful location on delivery container  201 , but preferably is located on or near a top surface. Input  203  may include a removable cover or closure (not shown) to allow selective access to delivery container  201 . It is understood that “removable” as used herein includes arrangements, for example hinged arrangement, in which the cover or closure is still attached to delivery container  201 ; as well as arrangement, such as a threaded arrangement, in which the cover or closure is completely detached from delivery container  201 . 
         [0031]    In an exemplary embodiment, delivery container output  221  may feed output hose  223 , which provides fluid communication for food oil to a pump  225 . In an exemplary embodiment, delivery container input  203  may be co-extensive with delivery container output  221 , so that disconnecting or removing output hose  223  and/or all or part of delivery container output  221  allows access to delivery container  201  for refilling. 
         [0032]    Pump  225  may, for example, be connected at the downstream end with nozzle hose  227 , which terminates at output nozzle  229 . Output nozzle  229  may preferably be a hand-operated nozzle similar to a vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle, but any useful nozzle or other terminating feature may be utilized with delivery container  221 . 
         [0033]    In a further preferred embodiment, delivery meter  228  is provided, for example in line with nozzle  229 , to provide an indication of the amount of food oil delivered. Deliver meter  228  may be any useful meter, but in a preferred embodiment may be a digital or analog flow meter such as a rotameter. 
         [0034]    In a further preferred embodiment, delivery container  221  may include casters  251  for convenient movement within a location or between locations. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show an exemplary storage container  301  for food oil according to the present invention. Storage container  301  may be of any useful size, but in a preferred embodiment may store between 10 and 100 liters of food oil. In further preferred embodiments, storage container  301  may store approximately 30 to approximately 50 liters. In particular preferred embodiments, storage container  301  may store approximately 30 liters or approximately 50 liters of food oil. 
         [0036]    Storage container  301  may be constructed of any useful material or materials. In a preferred embodiment, storage container is formed of a metal such as stainless steel, or a thermosetting plastic and/or thermoplastic material as identified above (recognizing that various components of storage container  301  may be formed of a variety of such materials). 
         [0037]    Exemplary storage container  301  is generally cylindrical or drum-shaped, and may include an upper portion  303  and lower portion  304 . It is understood that any useful shape of storage container  301  may be utilized for storing food oil. Storage container  301  may include, for example at the upper portion  303 , an access opening  305  that is selectively accessed by an access lid  306 . Preferably, access lid  306  and access opening  305  are threaded, but any useful engagement or fitting feature may be utilized, for example clasps, friction fit, and the like. Access lid may include an access handle  307 , with which storage container  301  may be lifted, shifted, and/or transported. Preferably access lid  306  is formed of the same material as main body of storage container  301 , but any useful material may be utilized. 
         [0038]    Storage container may also include storage container input  311 , along with input plug  313 . Storage container input  311  may be of any useful size that would allow filling and/or re-filling of storage container  301  with food oil. Preferably, storage container input  311  is constructed a suitable size and shape to cooperate with nozzle  229  of delivery container  201 . In this way, food oil may efficiently and conveniently be provided from delivery container  201  to storage container  301 , while reducing effort, waste and/or spillage. In a preferred embodiment, storage container input may include a fill plug of an appropriate size, a particularly preferred size being approximately 1.0 inches; along with a pipe coupling of an appropriate size, a particularly preferred size being approximately 1.0 inches. 
         [0039]    Storage container input  311  and input plug  313  may be constructed to cooperate in any manner that would allow input plug  313  to be selectively removed from storage container input  311 , thereby allowing access to storage container input  311 . 
         [0040]    Preferred embodiments of storage container input  311  and input plug  313  are shown in  FIG. 5 . In these preferred embodiments, storage container input  311  and input plug  313  are both threaded, with input thread  333  of storage container input  311  cooperating with plug thread  334  of input plug  313 . In this embodiment, input plug  313  may further be formed with a hex head  331  or other bolt-style head, to allow efficient opening and closing by rotation, using a wrench or other suitable tool. Alternatively, input plug  313  may include a recessed feature such as an Allen or hex keyhole, Phillips head or slotted head, to facilitate opening and closing by rotation of input plug  313 . In a preferred embodiment, input plug  313  further includes a through-hole, for example a one-eighth inch through hole, for venting. 
         [0041]    In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the hex head  331  (or other feature) is maintained away from the surface of storage container  301  and storage container input  311  by neck  332  and or shoulder  336  (for example the rounded shoulder  336  as shown in  FIG. 5 ). This may provide space for ease of manipulation of input plug  313 . In some instances, such features may not be desirable. As just one example, the location and surrounding area of storage container  301  may make turning such an input plug  313  difficult. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of input plug  313 . In the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 6 , input plug  313  is formed without neck  332  and/or shoulder  336 , so that input plug  313  is substantially flush with storage container  301 . It is understood that “substantially flush” includes configurations in which hex head  331  (or other feature) extends peripherally from storage container  301  by at least the depth of hex head  331 . 
         [0043]    As with other components, storage container input  311  and input plug  313  may be formed of any useful material, but preferred embodiments are formed of stainless steel or a thermoplastic material. 
         [0044]    As variously shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , in a preferred embodiment, storage container input  311  and input plug  313  may be located on an angled shoulder  309  of storage container  301 . Shoulder  309  may be located, for example, on upper portion  303  of storage container  301 , below access opening  305 . Storage container  301  may also include one or more lift handles  307 , which may preferably be located adjacent to shoulder  309 . Lift handle(s)  307  may be formed of any useful material, but preferred embodiments are formed of metal such as stainless steel or a thermoplastic material. Lift handle(s)  307  may be formed integrally with storage container  301 , or may be formed separately and then attached in any useful manner, for example via bolts or via welding. 
         [0045]    In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , storage container  301  may also include one or more circumferential ribs  315  to provide strength and/or rigidity. Preferably a plurality of ribs  315  are provided, spaced apart vertically along storage container  301 . 
         [0046]    Storage container  301  also preferably includes a storage container output  317 , which may be located for example on lower portion  304  of storage container  301 . In a preferred embodiment, storage container output  317  includes a valve  318  including an exemplary valve handle  319  that operates the valve. Valve  318  selectively permits the flow of food oil from storage container  301 . In a further preferred embodiment, storage container output  317  includes a spout  321 . Spout  321  may be formed in any suitable shape or configuration to allow easy and efficient dispensation of food oil to any sort of container, food product, serving implement, plate, etc (collectively referred to herein for convenience as “food preparation equipment”). Spout  321  may also be rotatable and/or bendable to further facilitate dispensing food oil, and/or to assist preventing the flow of oil when not desired (for example by rotating spout  321  so that it points upward when not in use). 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  show an exemplary valve  318  that may be utilized with the present invention, which preferably includes valve body  320  and valve handle  319 .  FIG. 3D  shows an exemplary spout  321  that may be utilized with the present invention. An interior surface of valve body  320  may include internal threads  323  (not shown, but location identified in  FIG. 3C ), which cooperate with external threads  325  on spout  321 . Spout  321  further preferably includes spout neck  329  that directs food oil into a desired container, dish or other useful item or area. Spout  321  may also preferably include a rotatable hinge  327  to allow rotation of spout neck  329  relative to the remainder of the assembly, as described above. 
         [0048]    In a preferred embodiment, storage container output  317  is formed with a pipe nipple of an appropriate size, a particularly preferred size being approximately 0.5 inches; ball valve (shown as  317 ) of an appropriate size, a particularly preferred size being approximately 0.5 inch NPT (National Pipe Thread); and a storage output plug of an appropriate size, a particularly preferred size being approximately 0.5 inch NPT. As noted above, these may be formed of any useful material, but preferred materials include metals such as stainless steel. In an alternate embodiment, storage container output may include a flapper valve spigot. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show exemplary methods of providing and/or storing food oil according to the present invention. It should be understood that, generally, for the exemplary methods elucidated in  FIGS. 7A and/or 7B , the order of steps may vary from that shown. In the same manner, the order of steps recited in any claim below may also vary as desired or useful. Moreover, in each exemplary method of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , certain steps may be omitted as desired, or additional steps included. Such variance is understood to be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0050]    In the exemplary method of  FIG. 7A , food oil is received at a storage facility in step  701 . It is understood that the term “storage facility” is construed broadly, to include any type of storage location or mechanism, particularly those designed to handle and/or store large volumes of fluid. It is further understood that a storage drum  101  as described above may constitute such a storage facility, or may be part of such a storage facility. 
         [0051]    In exemplary step  703 , food oil is transferred from a storage facility (such as or including a storage drum  101 ) to a delivery container  201 . It is understood that any delivery container  201  described herein may be utilized as a delivery container within step  703 . In an alternate embodiment, other delivery vessels such as tankers may be utilized. Further, it is understood that step  703  may include embodiments in which food oil is provided to delivery container  201  directly from means other than a storage facility. For example, food oil may be provided to a delivery container  201  directly from rail car, shipping container, tanker truck or other suitable means. Each of these embodiments is understood to be included within step  703  of  FIG. 7A  (and of  FIG. 7B , as set forth below). 
         [0052]    In exemplary step  705 , an order for food oil is received from a destination facility (such as a restaurant or other commercial establishment, or a private establishment). It is understood in particular that this step may occur at any point in the described method, or at various points in the described method, or before or after all other steps of the described method. It is further understood that the term “order” is construed broadly, to including any indication from a destination facility that food oil is required or desirable. Such orders may, for example, take place substantially contemporaneously (i.e., within days) of one or more other steps of the method, or distant in time. Such orders also include, for example, recurring, automatic, or prescheduled deliveries of food oil. 
         [0053]    In exemplary step  707 , food oil is transported to the destination facility within delivery container  201 . This may be accomplished in any useful or desirable manner as understood within the art. In a preferred embodiment, one or more delivery containers  201  are carried by truck or other motor vehicle. 
         [0054]    In exemplary step  709 , food oil is transferred to a storage container  301 . It is understood that any storage container  301  as described herein may be utilized as a storage container within step  709 . With food oil in storage container  301 , the food oil may be utilized in any desired manner within the destination facility. 
         [0055]    In the exemplary method of  FIG. 7B , steps sharing reference numerals with  FIG. 7A  may be performed as described above. The exemplary method of  FIG. 7B , however, provides an alternative to step  707 , which involves the transportation of delivery container(s)  201  to storage container(s)  301 . Instead, in step  708  of  FIG. 7B , one or more storage containers  301  are transported to one or more delivery containers  201 . This may be accomplished in any useful or desirable manner as understood within the art. In a preferred embodiment, one or more storage containers  301  are carried by truck or other motor vehicle. In step  710 , one or more storage containers  301  are returned to the destination facility. 
         [0056]    In each exemplary method according to the present invention, storage container  301  may be refilled using like steps, to avoid waste and decrease costs. 
         [0057]    It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the invention shown in any of the Figures may be optionally combined with aspects shown in one or more other Figures. The exemplary description and Figures set forth herein provide some examples of such variation, combination, substitution and/or omission, but it is understood that any other useful or desired combination of such features is within the scope of the invention. Use of the term “comprise” or “comprising” and their conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. As further described above, the invention may be implemented by means of components comprising several distinct elements or elements formed unitarily. The fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. All such variants apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the above disclosures should be considered within the scope of the invention.