GB2573301A

GB2573301A - A fuel ignition device and method

Info

Publication number: GB2573301A
Application number: GB1807146.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fitzgerald Stuart
Original assignee: WHITE HORSE BEDDING Ltd
Current assignee: WHITE HORSE BEDDING Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-01
Filing date: 2018-05-01
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Also published as: GB201807146D0

Abstract

A solid-fuel ignition device 10 has a housing 12 with one or more side walls 14 defining a space within which an inner container (28 Fig. 5) of solid fuel is located. The container has a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel (36 Fig. 5) which in use defines a chimney. The container may be a flammable paper bag which is sealed and contains charcoal, and the housing may be of corrugated cardboard and may include a base, legs 26, air vents 20, and may be formed from a one-piece blank – Fig 6. The one-piece blank may be assembled and held in the desired shape by tabs (38, 44, 48 Fig. 6) and slots (40, 50 Fig. 6). The arrangement can be provided fully assembled or as a kit of parts for which the housing is assembled and the inner container, such as a bag of charcoal, is placed inside. The housing may include push-outs (22, 24 Fig. 6) that enable air to flow through the middle of the housing via the channel chimney, and in conjunction with the wall vents, speeds up the burning of the solid fuel. The arrangement finds use for lighting barbeque or other solid fuel devices.

Description

A FUEL IGNITION DEVICE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a fuel ignition device and method. The invention is particularly but not exclusively suitable for igniting charcoal and charcoal alternatives. Aspects of the invention relate to a solid fuel ignition device, a kit for a solid fuel ignition device, a method of manufacturing a solid fuel ignition device and a method of using a solid fuel ignition device.

BACKGROUND

Solid fuels, such as charcoal, are commonly used as a fuel for cooking foodstuffs, particularly for outside cooking using solid fuel stoves, for example barbeques. Conventionally, charcoal is supplied in large bags and the desired amount is transferred to the barbeque or other cooking device. This conventional approach has several disadvantages. The charcoal is dirty and messy, and transferring the charcoal to the barbeque or cooking device can create dust. The large bag of charcoal is heavy and may contain more charcoal than is required, with the excess charcoal requiring storage. Charcoal can be difficult to light and there can be significant delay before the charcoal has burned down sufficiently to be ready for cooking. Alternatives to charcoal include fuels made from foodstuffs such as bananas, coffee and maize and from animal waste.

It is an object of the invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention provides a solid fuel ignition device comprising:

a housing, said housing comprising one or more side wall defining an internal space;

a container for solid fuel, the container being located within the internal space;

wherein the container has a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel which in use defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

The chimney provides good airflow to the charcoal. Use of a surface of the container to define the chimney reduces the barrier between the charcoal and the airflow in the chimney. In addition, it reduces the number of components required.

The container may comprise at least one flexible container wall. The container may comprise a flexible membrane arranged in a ring to define the central channel. The inner container may comprise a bag, folded into a ring shape. The bag may be rectangular or any other suitable shape. The bag may comprise a flammable material, such as paper or other suitable materials. The flexible container may comprise two ends and two sides and may be dimensioned so that when folded and located in the internal space, opposite ends are adjacent one another. The two sides may be positioned at the top and bottom of the internal space respectively.

Alternatively, the container may comprise a continuous ring-shape. In this case, the at least one flexible container wall may be either flexible or rigid.

The container may contain a solid fuel, such as charcoal.

The housing may comprise a base and legs which extend below the level of the base. This provides a passage for air to flow beneath the base. The legs may form an integral part of the housing. Alternatively, the legs may be mounted onto the housing.

The housing may comprise a top and base, and wherein the one or more side wall, top and base are formed from a one-piece blank. This enables ease of storage and shipping of the housing prior to assembly.

Alternatively, the one or more side walls may be formed from a one-piece blank, with at least one of the top and blank being formed from separate components.

The one or more side walls may comprise multiple side walls. In one embodiment, the housing may have a hexagonal cross-section; in this case, there are six side walls. Other embodiments include four, five, seven or eight side walls. In one embodiment, the housing has a circular cross-section with one side wall.

The housing may comprise a flammable material. In one embodiment, the cardboard comprises at least one layer of corrugated cardboard. The cardboard may comprise a layer of corrugated cardboard between two planar layers of cardboard (also known as a double wall construction). This construction is strong, whilst also enabling air flow through the corrugated layer.

In one embodiment, an easily combustible fuel source, such as a firelighter, is releasably attached to the housing. The easily combustible fuel source may be attached to an internal surface of the housing, so that it is stored within the internal space. For example, the easily combustible fuel source may be releasably attached by an adhesive, such as adhesive tape.

The one or more side wall may be provided with at least one air vent. The one or more side wall may be provided with multiple air vents. The multiple air vents may extend to at least ¹/2 the height of the one or more side wall. The multiple air vents may extend to at least 3/5 of height of side wall. The provision and arrangement of air vents provides good air flow to the device during burning.

The use of both a housing and a container has the advantage that dust from the solid fuel will not escape through the air vents in the housing due to the solid fuel being contained in the container.

The housing may comprise a base, wherein a push-out panel is provided on the base. The push-out panel may be aligned with the channel of the container. The housing may comprise a top, wherein a push-out panel is provided on the top. The push-out panel may be aligned with the channel of the container. The perimeter of the push-out panel on the top and/or bottom may be scored or perforated to allow ease of removal. The push-out panels in the top and/or base may be aligned with the chimney. Removal of the push-out panels in the top and base provides allows a path for air flow into the housing via the base, through the chimney and out of the housing via the top.

The solid fuel may comprise charcoal. The solid fuel may comprise charcoal alternatives, including fuels made from foodstuffs such as bananas, coffee and maize and from animal waste

An aspect of the present invention provides a kit for a solid fuel ignition device, the kit comprising:

a housing comprising one or more side wall configured to define an internal space; and a container for solid fuel, configured to be located within the internal space to form a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel, which in use defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

The container may comprise a bag, configured to be folded into the ring shape. The bag may comprise a paper bag. The bag may contain solid fuel, such as charcoal.

The housing may comprise a one-piece blank configured to be assembled to define the internal space. The one-piece blank may comprise a top and base. The one or more side wall may be provided with multiple air vents. The housing may comprise a base and legs which extend below the level of the base. The housing may comprise cardboard. The cardboard may comprise at least one layer of corrugated cardboard.

The kit may comprise an easily combustible fuel source.

An aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a solid fuel ignition device, the method comprising:

forming a housing, said housing comprising one or more side wall defining an internal space;

placing an inner container for solid fuel into the internal space; and configuring the inner container of solid fuel, such that the container has a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel, which in use defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

Forming the housing may comprise assembling the housing from a one-piece blank.

The container may contain solid fuel, such as charcoal. The inner container of solid fuel may comprise a bag of solid fuel. The step of configuring the inner container of solid fuel may comprise folding it into a ring-shape.

An aspect of the invention provides a method of using a solid fuel ignition device, the method comprising:

placing an easily combustible fuel source at a desired location;

lighting the easily combustible fuel source; and placing the solid fuel ignition device over the lit easily combustible fuel source.

The housing may comprise a top with a first push-out portion and a base with a second push-out portion, and wherein the method comprises the step of removing the first and second push-out portions.

An aspect of the present invention provides a solid fuel ignition device comprising:

a container for containing solid fuel, the container being located within the internal space.

The solid fuel ignition device may comprise a chimney extending through the internal space. The chimney may be defined by a surface of the container.

The container may comprise one or more container wall. The one or more side wall of the housing may be rigid. The one or more container wall may be flexible. The thickness of the side walls of the housing may be thicker than the thickness of the walls of the container.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise and contain and variations of the words, for example comprising and comprises, mean including but not limited to, and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an external side view of an embodiment of the charcoal ignition device;

Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig 1;

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig 1;

Figure 4 is an internal side view of the embodiment of Fig 1;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 1; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of the unassembled housing of the embodiment of Fig 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the fuel ignition device of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. The fuel ignition device 10 has a housing 12, fabricated from a one-piece blank which is folded to form the three-dimensional housing. In this embodiment, the housing 12 has a hexagonal cross section, with six side walls 14, a top 16 and a base 18.

The side walls are provided with air vents 20, in the form of multiple holes on each side wall. The side walls are shaped so that legs 26 protrude from the bottom edge, thereby creating an air gap between the base 18 and the bottom of the legs 26.

The top 16 and base 18 are both provided with push out sections 22 and 24 positioned centrally. These are perforated to aid pushing out.

A fire lighter (not shown) is attached to the internal surface of the top, for example by adhesive such as adhesive tape.

Inside the housing 12 is a container 28 in the form of a flammable paper bag, having a rectangular shape. The bag contains charcoal 34 and is sealed.

The container 28 has a first side 30 and a second side 32. The container 28 is folded into an approximately circular shape and inserted into the housing 12, such that the first side 30 is adjacent the side walls 14 and the second side 32 defines a channel 36. The dimensions of the bag are chosen, so that the length of the bag is approximately equal to the internal circumference of the housing, to allow the bag to be folded into a closed circle which fits inside the housing.

The channel 36 defined by the container 28 is aligned with push-outs 22,24, enabling air to flow through the middle of the housing via the channel 36, which acts as a chimney.

The housing 12 is formed from a one-piece blank, as shown in Fig 6. The blank comprises six side walls 14, separated by score lines and a seventh wall panel 46 which when folded will lie behind the first side wall. Once the side walls of the housing are folded, they are held in position by tabs 48A,B and corresponding slots 50A,B.

The top 16 has a hexagonal shape and is jointed to a side wall 14 on one side and is provided with tabs 38 on the other five sides. Score lines are provided where folds will be required. Each tab is provided with a slot 40 in the central region where it joints the top 16.

In use the top 16 is folded to sit on the top edge of the side walls 14, with the five tabs 38 being folded to lie on the internal surfaces of the side walls 14. Tabs 44 at the upper edge of the side walls 14 are slotted into the slots 40 to hold the top in position.

The base 18 is folded and secured into position in a corresponding manner.

The base 18 joins the side wall 14 at join line 54. It can clearly be seen from Fig 6 that the side walls 14 are provided with legs 26 which protrude below the level of the join line 54. This arrangement results in the base of the assembled housing being raised from the surface on which it is placed.

Once the housing has been assembled, a bag of charcoal is placed inside. The bag of charcoal is typically a rectangular bag which is folded into a circle so that the outer side of the bag sits adjacent to the inner surface of the sidewalls, whereas the inner side forms a channel, which will act as a chimney.

The charcoal ignition device will typically be sold assembled but could also be sold as a kit made of the housing and bag of charcoal.

To use the assembled charcoal ignition device, the fire lighter is removed and placed on the surface on which the charcoal is to be lighted, for example a barbeque. The push out panels in the top and base are removed. The fire lighter is lit and then the housing is positioned over the fire lighter.

The charcoal ignition device provides good airflow into the charcoal, which speeds up the charcoal burning. For example, air can easily enter the centre of the device via the chimney 5 and on the outside of the device via the air vents. Furthermore, the combination of the raised base and the chimney provide good air flow to the charcoal in the centre of the housing. The choice of material, for example the double wall construction cardboard, also allows for good air flow on the edges of the housing. The use of air vents extending up the side walls of the housing also improves the air flow into the charcoal, whilst the double constructions of container and housing prevent dust exiting through the air vents before use.

The charcoal ignition device ensures that the charcoal can be cleanly and conveniently stored without dust or mess before use.

Claims

1. A solid fuel ignition device comprising:

wherein the container has a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel, which defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

2. A solid fuel ignition device according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one flexible container wall.

3. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner container comprises a bag, folded into a ring shape.

4. A solid fuel ignition device according to claim 3, wherein the bag comprises a paper bag.

5. A solid fuel ignition device according to preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a base and legs which extend below the level of the base.

6. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a top and base, and wherein the one or more side wall, top and base are formed from a one-piece blank.

7. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises cardboard.

8. A solid fuel ignition device according to claim 7, wherein the cardboard comprises at least one layer of corrugated cardboard.

9. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, comprising an easily combustible fuel source releasably attached to the housing.

10. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more side wall is provided with at least one air vent.

11. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more side wall is provided with multiple air vents.

12. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein each one or more side wall is provided with at least five air vents.

13. A solid fuel ignition device according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the multiple air vents extend to at least Vi the height of the one or more side wall.

14. A solid fuel ignition device according to claim 13, wherein the multiple air vents extend to at least 3/5 of height of side wall.

15. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a base, and wherein a push-out panel is provided on the base.

16. A solid fuel ignition device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a top, and wherein a push-out panel is provided on the top.

17. A kit for a solid fuel ignition device, the kit comprising:

a housing comprising one or more side wall configured to define an internal space; and a container for solid fuel, configured to be located within the internal space to form a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel, which defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

18. A kit according to claim 17, wherein the container comprises a bag, configured to be folded into the ring shape.

19. A kit according to claim 18, wherein the bag comprises a paper bag.

20. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the housing comprises a one-piece blank configured to be assembled to define the internal space.

21. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the one-piece blank further comprises a top and base.

22. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the one or more side wall is provided with multiple air vents.

23. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the housing comprises a base and legs which extend below the level of the base.

24. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the housing comprises cardboard.

25. A kit according to claim 24, wherein the cardboard comprises at least one layer of corrugated cardboard.

26. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 25, comprising an easily combustible fuel source.

27. A method of manufacturing a solid fuel ignition device, the method comprising:

placing an inner container for solid fuel into the internal space; and configuring the inner container of solid fuel, such that the container has a ring-shaped configuration with a central channel, which defines a chimney extending through the internal space.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein forming the housing comprises assembling the housing from a one-piece blank.

29. A method according to any of claims ΊΊ to 28, wherein the inner container of solid fuel comprises a bag of solid fuel and wherein configuring the inner container of solid fuel comprises folding it into a ring-shape.

30. A method of using a solid fuel ignition device according to any of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising:

placing an easily combustible fuel source at a desired location;

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the housing comprises a top with a first push-out portion and a base with a second push-out portion, and wherein the method comprises the step of removing the first and second push-out portions.