Charcoal igniter

Abstract

The charcoal igniter provides for the pre-ignition of charcoal, prior to placement of the charcoal within a barbecue or grill. The charcoal igniter includes a charcoal receptacle having at least one sidewall, a lower wall and an open upper end. The lower wall has an opening formed therethrough and the charcoal receptacle defines a charcoal-receiving chamber therein. A support is mounted on a gas cylinder, adjacent the nozzle thereof. When the charcoal receptacle is mounted on the support, the nozzle projects through the opening formed through the lower wall. Charcoal is then received within the charcoal-receiving chamber and gas flowing through the nozzle may be ignited. Once the charcoal is ignited, the receptacle may be lifted off the support for dispensing of the ignited charcoal into the barbecue of grill.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to devices for igniting fuel, and particularly to a charcoal igniter for igniting charcoal in a barbecue grill or the like.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Charcoal briquettes for use in barbecues, grills and the like are typically inserted directly within the grill, doused with lighter fluid, and ignited. The lighter fluid, however, creates thick smoke, which is dangerous for both the environment and for people and animals surrounding the grill. Further, as lighter fluid is highly flammable, the lighter fluid often burns almost instantly, leaving the charcoal unignited. In addition, the fumes and smoke generated by the lighter fluid may taint the food being cooked in the grill, which not only may alter the taste of the food, but may represent a health hazard to people ingesting the food.[0005]Also, lighter fluid is typically carried in small plastic canisters and administered d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The charcoal igniter is a device that can be used to ignite charcoal before placing it in a barbecue or grill. It includes a receptacle for holding charcoal, with a wall that has fluid passages to allow gas to flow through and ignite the charcoal. The charcoal receptacle is mounted on a support that is attached to a gas cylinder, allowing for easy handling and dispensing of the ignited charcoal. The igniter can also be used to repel insects by delivering gas to the receptacle and igniting it. The technical effects of the invention include improved charcoal ignition and protection from insects."

Problems solved by technology

The lighter fluid, however, creates thick smoke, which is dangerous for both the environment and for people and animals surrounding the grill.

Further, as lighter fluid is highly flammable, the lighter fluid often burns almost instantly, leaving the charcoal unignited.

In addition, the fumes and smoke generated by the lighter fluid may taint the food being cooked in the grill, which not only may alter the taste of the food, but may represent a health hazard to people ingesting the food.

Flame from the charcoal, or an outside spark, could ignite the stream of lighter fluid, causing the canister to explode in the user's hands.

Although such grills remove the hazards described above with regard to lighter fluid, users are often left desiring the particular taste associated with charcoal grilling.

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