Abstract:
A reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device for providing an easy and unique way to absorb fluids from raw, thawed, or cooked foods. The device features two outer layers that sandwich two middle layers and an absorbent gasket. The gasket is positioned between the two middle layers. Borders are disposed on each side edge of the device. The device may be used in combination with a holding system that includes a base and a serving tray.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to absorbent materials and devices, more particularly to a reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device, which can remove or filter fluids and other waste material from foods before being consumed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention features a reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device (a reusable “absorbing filter pad device”). The device can be used for many purposes including but not limited to allowing a user to remove excess liquid from his/her food in some embodiments, the device is recyclable. 
     The device features an absorbent layer (middle layer) and two outer layers. The middle layer may feature two layers with an absorbent gasket in the middle of the two layers. The device is made with borders to help harness fluids. The borders can be found on outer edges of the device. The borders may be made from similar materials as the top and bottom layers. The borders can be permeated by a clipping method, a staple method, a glue method, a thermal setting method, a torch design method, or a punch-hole method. The borders can be shaped into a design by a method including a water jet cut method, a knife cut method, and/or a torch design method. 
     The device&#39;s ability to be reused and used for multiple functions creates uniqueness. The device offers the end user an array of benefits at his/her disposal. The device is suitable for home and commercial use. The device (filtration system of the device) of the present invention may even allow for capturing of oil from water supplies during an oil spill, and oil can be extracted from the filter/pad to be used. The device may be constructed from materials comprising recyclable synthetic fibers such as cellulose fiber and/or wood fiber. 
     The present invention includes a holder system (e.g., a serving tray or base tray and a base). The base of the holder system has drawers for storing used or unused filter/pads, and the serving tray (or base tray) of the holder allows food to be placed on a table or counter (or other location). Fluid strains to the bottom below the holder. The holder system of the present invention can be hand washable as well as dishwasher safe. This holder system of the present invention can also be utilized as a storage/serving basket. 
     The present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, for example to remove/filter non-healthy fluids from food whether the food is fried, frozen, grilled, broiled, rinsed, sautéed, steamed, thawed, etc. The present invention can also be used as a multi-function pad, for example the device provides a filtration process in multiple applications. The present invention&#39;s outer layers (e.g., top and bottom layers) can be derived from several materials. For example, in some embodiments, the device is constructed from a material comprising recyclable fibers such as wood fiber and/or cellulose fiber. Other material may include metal, polymers, brass, copper, numex, aluminum, and polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These materials may be made into the screen then fitted with sizable holes and/or slits (e.g., wire mesh). The middle layers can be made from non-woven material, which is comprised of loosely arranged fibers, such as Batt, to harness fluids. Examples of Batt material include a diaper innards (inside) and numerous blankets. The present invention&#39;s cover layers can be comprised with design technology on center of top and bottom layer accomplished using methods such as stitching, torch design, and thermal fusing. The designs centered on the device create sturdiness within the device, which makes the device durable by preventing disintegration of fluff-batt (middle layer) instead of compressing the middle layer. This reusable grease/waste filtration device has a thickness to fulfill its design function with a diameter of any size to deliver its usage when requested. 
     Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention can be used for multiple purposes. For example, in some embodiments, the device is used under carpets as padding, used as padding for leather seats in the winter/summer (e.g., thermal insulation), and used as a work-out pad minimizing perspiration. The device can be used as a mechanic&#39;s pad when lying underneath a vehicle. The device can be used as a working walking or stand-on pad (e.g., in machine shops, production or manufacturing plants, when cooking/washing dishes, etc.). For example, greasy parts can be stored on top of the device, the device can help catch grease while cooking to help prevent greasy surfaces, the device can prevent slippery surfaces from water splashing when doing dishes, the device can provide comfort when standing on top of it. The device can even be used as a mouse pad or a Frisbee. The device can be used as a sound reduction/barrier for noisy situations, e.g., music rooms, noisy neighbors. The device can be used as a restaurant fast food tablemat or as a fast food/restaurant tray (e.g., serving any grease soiled foods, finger food, etc.). The device can be used as a kitchen utensil holder. The device can be used as clean-up pads at farms or animal stalls, for example for farm animal feces clean up. The device can be used at veterinary hospitals for surgery waste control or in animal shelters of all sorts. The device can serve as a vehicle liner, for example placed in the bottom of the trunk for tools and/or oily parts. The device can be used as a liner for pick-up trucks. The device can be used as moving company pads to cushion fragile valuables during the moving process. The device can be used as a pad/serving tray for hot pizza. The device can be used when changing oil or removing replacing auto parts. The device can be used as a pad for vomit. The device can be used during tailgating parties, serving as a food serving pad. The device can be used to separate oil from water. The device can be used as a sitting pad when wet clothes are present to help prevent mold and mildew build up. The device can be used as window padding for homes/business to help keep out the cold during the winter and keep in the cool air during the summer. The device can be used as makeshift earmuffs. The device can be used by soccer moms when transporting children that have soggy bottoms. The device can be used as a microwave food plate and/or food cover. The device can be used in the bottom of a pet&#39;s area or in an infant&#39;s crib. The device can be used as a mop or broom. The device can be used for filtration in car filter systems, e.g., air, gas, oil, etc. The device can be used to help remove contamination in the home (residential or commercial) filtration systems. The device can be used as a filter for electronic devices such as computers and car engine computers. The device can become a makeshift air freshener with added designs. The device can be a sunscreen for vehicles. The device can serve as a sweatband for humans or animals. The device can be used as back or arm padding. The device can be used as padding for camping (for sleeping). The device can be an inner sole for various types of shoes. The device can be used to provide a resting area for hot cooking utensils. The device can be used as an oven glove. The device can be a chair cushion. The device can be a shoe/boot holder for dirty shoes (e.g., a shoe mat). The device can be used as a floor mat placed in front of cooking appliances to catch foreign particles and/or liquid waste during cooking. The device can be a hat. The device can be used as an oil-spill filter (e.g., ocean liner spills). The device can help with thawing food (e.g., to help capture up liquid from thawing food). The device can be used as a food mat for babies, disabled persons, seniors, and toddlers. The device can be used as an absorbent table for diaper changing. The device can be used as a filtration cover for bedwetting. The device can be used as a surgical table disposal pad at medical facilities. The device can be used as a disposable diaper for animals. The device can be used as cushioning on boat seats. The device can be used as an airplane pillow. The device can be used as an ashtray pad. The device can be used when eating to catch crumbs (or to wipe hands, etc.). 
     The device of the present invention is heat resistant and dishwasher safe. The device can be created with decorative patterns and shapes. 
     The present invention also features a tray (e.g., part of the “holder system”). The tray (serving tray) can be aluminum, plastic, or other metal. The tray offers options to prevent movement (e.g., retractable legs attached to tray, rubber feet attached to the legs). The tray also offers options to store food and serve food. 
     The present invention features a system comprising a holder system  500  and an absorbing filter pad device  100 . The holder system  500  comprises a base  510  having an inner cavity and a drawer  520  slidably disposed in a first side of the base  510 , the drawer  520  can slide in and out of the inner cavity; and a serving tray  610  having a bottom surface  616 , sides, an inner cavity, and an open top, the open top provides access to the inner cavity, a bottom lip  640  extends downwardly from outer edges of the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 , the bottom lip  640  engages a the top surface  515  of the base  510  forming a gap between the top surface of the base  510  and the bottom surface of the serving tray  610 , a mesh layer  618  is disposed in the inner cavity of the serving tray  610  above the bottom surface  616 , the mesh layer  618  creates a bottom space  690  between the mesh layer  618  and the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 , a slot  680  is disposed in a side of the serving tray  610  near the bottom surface  616 , the slot  680  provides access to the bottom space  690 . The absorbing filter pad device  100  comprises a first middle layer  120   a  and a second middle layer  120   b ; an absorbent gasket  130  sandwiched between the first middle layer  120   a  and the second middle layer  120   b ; a first outer layer  110   a  and a second outer layer  110   b , the outer layers  110  sandwich the middle layers  120  and gasket  130 ; and a first border  151  disposed on a first side edge, a second border  152  disposed on a second side edge, a third border  153  disposed on a third side edge of, and a fourth border  154  disposed on a fourth side edge, wherein the outer layers are constructed to resemble a mesh or a screen, the middle layers  120  are constructed from a material comprising a sponge-like material, a batting material, or a diaper material, and the gasket  130  is constructed from a material comprising a fusible non-woven interfacing, wherein the absorbing filter pad device  100  is adapted to slide in and out of the slot  680  in the serving tray  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the serving tray  610  comprises a lid  630  removably attachable to the serving tray  610  over the open top, the lid  630  can move between at least an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity of the serving tray  610 . In some embodiments, a handle  635  is disposed on the lid  630 . In some embodiments, retractable legs  650  are disposed on the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is circular or rectangular. In some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are metal wire mesh screens. In some embodiments, the outer layers are constructed from a materials including aluminum, brass, copper, polyester fabric, or polyester therephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are constructed from non-woven material. In some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are constructed from a material comprising wood fiber or cellulose fiber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the holder system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the holder system of the present invention. The holder system comprises a serving tray and a base. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the reusable absorbent filter pad device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the serving tray of the holder system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross sectional view of the holder system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the absorbing filter pad device of the present invention. The two outer layers, the two middle layers, the absorbent gasket, and borders are shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1-5 , the present invention features an absorbing filter pad device  100 , which can be used for a variety of purposes (see Summary above) including but not limited to removing excess oil or fluid from foods. Either side of the device  100  can be used. 
     The absorbing filter pad device  100  of the present invention comprises a first outer layer  110   a  (e.g., a top layer or top cover), a second outer layer  110   b  (e.g., a bottom layer or bottom cover), a first middle layer  120   a , a second middle layer  120   b , and an absorbent gasket  130 . The absorbent gasket  130  is sandwiched between the first middle layer  120   a  and second middle layer  120   b . The absorbent gasket  130 , the first middle layer  120   a , and the second middle layer  120   b  are together sandwiched between the first outer layer  110   a  and second outer layer  110   b.    
     The absorbent gasket  130  provides enhanced absorbent capacity. Placing the absorbent gasket  130  between the two middle layers  120  may increase the ability of the middle layers  130  to absorb more liquid (e.g., oil) The absorbent gasket  130  may help to pull oil or other liquid from the middle layers  120  in the event that the middle layers  120  are full. 
     The device  100  has a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, and a fourth side edge. Disposed on the first side edge is a first border  151 , disposed on the second side edge is a second border  152 , disposed on the third side edge is a third border  153 , and disposed on the fourth side edge is a fourth border  154 . 
     The absorbing filter device  100  may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, in some embodiments, the absorbing filter device  100  is constructed in a square or rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the absorbing filter device  100  is constructed in a circular, oval shape, other geometric shape, or irregular shape. The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned shapes. 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is between about 8 to 12 inches in length as measured from the first border  151  to the second border  152 . In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is between about 12 to 16 inches in length as measured from the first border  151  to the second border  152 . In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is between about 16 to 20 inches in length as measured from the first border  151  to the second border  152 . In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is between about 20 to 24 inches in length as measured from the first border  151  to the second border  152 . In some embodiments, the absorbing filter pad device  100  is more than about 24 inches in length. 
     In some embodiments, the first outer layer  110   a  is attached to the first middle layer  120   a  via an attachment means (e.g., a glue, a stitching, the like). In some embodiments, the second middle layer  120   b  is attached to the second outer layer  110   b  via an attachment means (e.g., a glue, a stitching, the like). 
     The first outer layer  110   a  and the second outer layer  110   b  are constructed to resemble a screen or sieve. In some embodiments, the first outer layer  110   a  and the second outer layer  110   b  are aluminum wire mesh screens. In some embodiments, the outer layers are constructed from materials including but not limited to metal, aluminum, brass, copper, numex, polymers, polyester fabric, polyester therephthalate (PET), film with holes or slits, polymer film with holes or slits. In some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are constructed from non-woven material in some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are constructed from a mesh-like material. In some embodiments, the outer layers  110  are constructed from a material comprising wood fiber and/or cellulose fiber. The outer layers  110  can be manipulated into screens or films with openings such as holes and slots and pores. For example, materials may be made into a screen and then fitted with sizable holes and/or slits (e.g., forming a wire mesh). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned materials for constructing the outer layers  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the middle layers  120  (e.g., sponges) are constructed from an absorbing material such as batting (e.g., fluff-batt, fluff material). Examples of batting include diaper innards and/or cloth. Diaper materials are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the middle layers  120  are constructed from a sponge-like material. In some embodiments, the middle layers  120  are constructed from non-woven material (e.g., loosely arranged fibers). 
     The device has a thickness to fulfill its designed function. The middle layer  130  may have a thickness of any size. In some embodiments, the borders  151 ,  152 ,  153 ,  154  are constructed from the same material as the outer layers  110  (e.g., screens, film with openings, polymers, metal, and aluminum, non woven material, plastic, or wire mesh, etc.). In some embodiments the borders have the same thickness as the outer layers  110 . 
     In some embodiments, a user can place the absorbing filter pad device  100  on a plate or on a countertop (or in the holder system  500 ) and then place his/her food atop the top layer of the absorbing filter pad device  100 . The excess grease or liquid is drained from the food through the first outer layer  110   a  (e.g., top layer, mesh) into the first middle layer  120   a  (e.g., batt material). In some embodiments, grease or other liquid from the first middle layer  120   a  (acting like a sponge) drains to the gasket  130  between the two middle layers  120 . In some embodiments, the device  100  is flipped over and food is placed atop the second outer layer  110   b  (with liquid or grease draining into the second middle layer  120   b  and optionally the gasket  130 . In some embodiments, a user can throw away the device  100  after one or several uses. In some embodiments, the device  100  is reusable. In some embodiments, the device  100  is recyclable. 
     The present invention also features a holder/base tray (a holder system  500 ). As shown in  FIG. 1-4 , the holder system  500  comprises a base  510 , which resembles a cabinet or drawer chest. Cabinets and drawer chests are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the base  510  has an inner cavity adapted to store absorbing filter pad devices  100  (used or unused). In some embodiments, one or more drawers  520  are slidably disposed in the base  510  and can slide in and out of the inner cavity via a first side of the base  510 . 
     The holder system  500  further comprises a serving tray  610  adapted to be placed on or attached to the top surface  515  of the base  510 . The serving tray  610  has a bottom surface  616 , sides, an inner cavity, and an open top. The sides create a basket-like effect for the food. The open top provides access to the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the serving tray  610  comprises a lid  630  removably attachable to the serving tray  610  over the open top. The lid  630  can move between at least an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity of the serving tray  610  in some embodiments, a handle  635  is disposed on the lid  630 . 
     In some embodiments, retractable legs  650  (e.g., a first retractable leg, a second retractable leg, and a third retractable leg; or a first retractable leg, a second retractable leg, a third retractable leg, and a fourth retractable leg) are disposed on the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 . Retractable legs are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and are commonly found on folding tables, card tables, and the like. For example, the retractable legs  650  pivot via pivot points  660 . 
     Extending downwardly from the outer edges of the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610  (or a portion of the outer edges of the bottom surface  616 ) is a bottom lip  640 . The bottom lip  640  engages (e.g., snaps onto) the top surface  515  and/or sides) of the base  510 . When the bottom lip  640  engages the base  510 , a gap exists between the top surface of the base  510  and the bottom surface of the serving tray  610 . The gap provides room for the retractable legs  650  (e.g., see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Disposed in the inner cavity of the serving tray  610  above the bottom surface  616  is a mesh layer  618 . The mesh layer  618  is generally parallel to the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 . The mesh layer  618  creates a bottom space between the mesh layer  618  and the bottom surface  616  of the serving tray  610 . In some embodiments, the mesh layer  618  is removable. In some embodiments, the mesh layer  618  rests atop notches or lips disposed in the inner cavity of the serving tray  610 . The filter pad can be placed inside the serving tray as well as in the slot (bottom space  690 ) to accommodate more liquid (e.g., grease) simultaneously. 
     Disposed in a side of the serving tray  610  near the bottom surface  616  is a slot  680 . The slot  680  is positioned adjacent to the bottom space  690  and provides access to the bottom space  690 . The slot  680  allows an absorbing filter pad device  100  to be slid in and out of the bottom space  690 .  FIG. 4  shows an absorbing filter pad device  100  engaged in the bottom space  690 . 
     As an example, a user may remove an absorbing filter pad device  100  from a drawer  520  in the base  510  and insert it into the slot  680  in the serving tray  610 . Then, he/she may remove the serving tray  610  from the base  510  and set up the retractable legs  650 . Next, the user may place food atop the mesh layer  618 , allowing grease or liquid to be absorbed into the absorbing filter pad device  100 . 
     Briefly, the absorbing filter pad device  100  comprises a first middle layer  120   a  and a second middle layer  120   b ; an absorbent gasket  130  sandwiched between the first middle layer  120   a  and the second middle layer  120   b ; a first outer layer  110   a  and a second outer layer  110   b , the outer layers  110  sandwich the middle layers  120  and gasket  130 ; and a first border  151  disposed on a first side edge, a second border  152  disposed on a second side edge, a third border  153  disposed on a third side edge of, and a fourth border  154  disposed on a fourth side edge, wherein the outer layers are constructed to resemble a mesh or a screen, the middle layers  120  are constructed from a material comprising a batting material, and the gasket  130  is constructed from a material comprising a fusible non-woven interfacing, wherein the absorbing filter pad device  100  is adapted to slide in and out of the slot  680  in the serving tray  610 . Batting material is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., blend of cotton, polyester, and wool). Fusible non-woven interfacing is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., see Pellon® brand). 
     Example 1 
     Example 1 describes the construction steps and supplies for creating the device  100  of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these supplies and construction steps. 
     Supplies: 
     1. 36×25 Phifer Fiberglass or Aluminum Insect Screening (black, grey) 
     2. Self-Healing Cutting Mat 
     3. Rotary Blade 
     4. Double-Sided Tape 
     5. Fabric Ruler 
     6. Fusible Pellon non-woven interface material/fabric 
     7. Roll of Cotton Batting material (e.g., Wal-Mart) 
     8. Brother brand or Equal Sewing Machine 
     9. White Sewing Thread (spools of) 
     Instructions for Construction: 
     1. place Self-Healing Cutting Mat on a flat surface 
     2. place fiberglass insect screening on Mat and measure 12×12 in. squares using the Fabric Ruler and cut accordingly with Rotary Blade 
     3. repeat step 2 with Fusible Pellon fabric/material and with Batting fabric/material 
     4. Place one 12×12 square of Fiberglass Screen material for bottom layer on the Mat. Then, center one 12×12 square of Batting material on top. Next, place Pellon material atop the Batting Layer to serve as a gasket. Next, another square of Batting material, and on top of that another square of Fiberglass Screening. Align all evenly. 
     5. Create Borders 
     A. Measure and cut a separate sheet of Fiberglass Screening into four 12×12 in. squares, now referred to as border strips. 
     B. Adhere Double-Sided tape lengthwise on half of each border strip. Approximately 4-5 slices of Double-Sided Tape intermittently lengthwise-making sure to place a slice near each end. 
     6. Place Sheet square on top of border strip which has no tape adhered. Note! Important to place square at edge of taped border to keep even. Once aligned, fold taped border over top layer pressing hard to ensure Adhesion. Now, turn square sheet completely over and then repeat double sided tape placement to the other half of the border strip. Fold over and press to adhere. Repeat above steps until each border has been attached. 
     7. Now utilizing Brother (model) sewing machine-set to low stitch pattern number 2 (two), 3 (three) or preferably 4 (four). Complete stitching on all sides (4). Best if sewn where taped border-ends seal around Wave3. Make sure to overlap stitch pattern at each corner when sewing; this action will complete seal of all fluids in the device, the Recyclable All Climate Multi-Functional Pad/Filter. 
     Note: two (2) absorbent (middle) layers with gasket were used since top and bottom layers are reusable 
     The following disclosures of the following U.S. patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Application No. 2006/0288999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,229; U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,977; U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,869; U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,248; U.S. Pat. Application No. 2002/0185013; U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,524. 
     Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. 
     The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.