Cooking system

Abstract

Cooking system apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. An apparatus according to an embodiment includes a combustible material. The combustible material is formed as a unitary structure and includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface and a second surface. The body defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface of the body forms a substantially planar upper surface of the combustible material. The plurality of support columns is extended from the second surface of the body to form at least a portion of a substantially non-planar lower surface of the combustible material. The plurality of support columns define an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings.

Description

Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018COOKING SYSTEMCross-Reference to Related Application^)

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 680,556, titled “Cooking System,” and filed on August 7, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate generally to a cooking system, and more particularly to a portable cooking system with a unitary structure of combustible material with an improved design for ignition in undesirable conditions and for improved heat distribution to a cooking surface.Background

[0003] Known portable grills, including single use and disposable grills, can include multiple pieces of charcoal (e.g., in the form of briquettes, disks or the like) disposed in a tray, and a grilling surface (e.g., a grate) disposed over the charcoal for cooking / grilling food thereon. An external igniter (e.g., a lighter or match) is used to ignite a subset of the charcoal, which in turn proceeds to cause the remainder of the charcoal to combust. The need for an external igniter can be problematic, for example in windy conditions or in instances when such an external igniter is unavailable. Additionally, imperfect combustion and / or imperfect distribution of the charcoal within the tray can lead to an undesirable heat distribution across the grate / grilling surface, negatively affecting the grilling / cooking experience.

[0004] Thus, a need exists for a portable cooking system that may be ignited in undesirable conditions and provides more uniform heat distribution for cooking.Summary

[0005] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a combustible material. The combustible material is formed as a unitary structure and includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface and a second surface. The body defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface of the body forms a substantially planar upper surface of the combustible material. The plurality ofAttorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 support columns is extended from the second surface of the body to form at least a portion of a substantially non-planar lower surface of the combustible material. The plurality of support columns define an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings.

[0006] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a tray and a combustible material. The tray has a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls extended up from the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the plurality of sidewalls collectively define an interior region. At least one sidewall from the plurality of sidewalls defines an opening. The combustible material is disposed within the interior region of the tray. The combustible material includes a body that has a first surface and a second surface. The body defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The combustible material further includes a plurality of support columns extended from the second surface of the body. The plurality of support columns defines an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings, the air gap being adjacent the opening of the at least one sidewall of the tray.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method includes generating, via an igniter coupled to a combustible material, a thermal event in response to an activation event. The method includes combusting, in response to the thermal event, the combustible material. The combustible material is a unitary structure that includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface that is substantially planar and a second surface. The body defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The plurality of support columns is extended from the second surface of the body. The plurality of support columns defines an air gap for air to flow between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings at the second surface of the body of the combustible material.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0009] FIG. l is a schematic view of a cooking system, according to an embodiment.2322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of a cooking system, according to an embodiment, in a disassembled configuration.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray of the cooking system of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thermal barrier of the cooking system of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of an igniter and the thermal barrier of the cooking system of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the thermal barrier and the igniter of FIG. 5 disposed in the tray of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIGS. 7-9 are top perspective, top, and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a combustible material, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the cooking system of FIG. 2 in a partially assembled configuration with a combustible material disposed on the thermal barrier of FIG. 6 and each disposed in the tray of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the cooking system of FIG. 2 in a partially assembled configuration with a spacer disposed on the combustible material.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the cooking system of FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration.

[0019] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of the cooking system of FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration with the combustible material of FIGS. 7-9, and with a comer cut-away for illustration purposes.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for operating a cooking system, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIGS. 14-18 are images of operation of the cooking system of FIG. 2, including preactivation or ready -for-use (FIG. 14), removal of a safety tab (FIG. 15), actuation of an actuator (FIG. 16), after ignition (FIG. 17) and post-combustion / during operation (FIG. 18).

[0022] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an igniter according to an embodiment.3322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0023] FIG. 20 is a side view of a portion of the igniter of FIG. 19.Detailed Description

[0024] Described in various embodiments herein, are systems, apparatuses and methods for a cooking system for preparing (e.g., cooking, grilling, etc.) food over a heat source. Specifically, the apparatuses and methods described herein can include a disposable combustible unitary structure configured to produce a substantially even heat distribution across a cooking surface disposed above the combustible unitary structure and that include a plurality of openings between a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of supports extended from the second surface.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cooking system 100, according to an embodiment. The cooking system 100 is configured to provide a heat source for preparing food. The cooking system 100 is configured to produce heat in response to receipt of an actuation input (e.g., actuator engagement, external igniter, etc.), which heat is within a sufficient temperature range and persists for a sufficient amount of time to cook food thereon. In some embodiments, the cooking system 100 is configured to be in a portable form factor. For example, the cooking system 100 may be sized so that it may be carried by a user by hand, in a backpack, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the cooking system 100 and / or components thereof are configured to be disposable (e.g., after a single use). In some implementations, the cooking system 100 is self-contained, meaning, for example, that the cooking system 100 is operable without any external ignition source, fuel source, cooking surface, and / or the like being utilized to operate the cooking system 100. In some implementations, the cooking system 100 is configured to operate in various environmental conditions, including windy and / or damp / wet outdoor conditions. More particularly, the cooking system 100 is configured to produce sufficient and consistent heat to effectively cook food thereon despite the presence of windy and / or damp / wet environmental conditions.

[0026] The cooking system 100 includes a combustible material 130, and optionally can include one or more of a tray 110, stand(s) 170, a thermal barrier 120, an igniter 140 coupled to an actuator 142 and a safety tab 144, a cooking surface 150, a spacer 152, and packaging 160. The tray 110 is configured to provide a partially enclosed space in which the cooking system 100 can contain combustion and / or a byproduct of combustion / cooking (e.g., ash, food byproduct, etc.). For example, the tray 110 can define a bottom portion 112 and one or more4322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 sidewalls 114 extended (e.g., upwards when the bottom portion is disposed on a support surface) from the bottom portion 112. The bottom portion 112 and the sidewalls 114 collectively define an interior region 116. The tray 110 can be open at a top portion of the tray (e.g., corresponding to an upper end of the sidewall(s).

[0027] In some implementations, one or more sidewalls 114 can include one or more openings 118 (e.g., hole, vent, aperture or the like) configured to permit air flow therethrough. More particularly, the opening 118 can allow for air to enter from the external environment around a perimeter of the tray into the interior region 116 of the tray 110, for or during combustion. In some implementations, the one or more openings 118 can be included on one or more sidewalls. In some implementations, the openings 118 can be distributed evenly (e.g., along a length and / or height of at least a portion of a sidewall), in a predetermined pattern on a sidewall, or sporadically throughout at least a portion of the sidewalls 114. In some embodiments, the one or more openings 118 can be aligned with, or otherwise in fluid communication with, an air gap 136 as described herein in reference to the combustible material 130. In some implementations, at least one of the openings 118 can be sized (e.g., optionally larger than one or more other openings 118) to accommodate a portion of the actuator 142. For example, the opening 118 can be sized to allow for a portion of the actuator 142 to be passed through the opening. In some embodiments, the tray 110 can be placed on stand(s) 170 which can include one or more features configured to separate the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110 from an external surface (not shown in FIG. 1) on which it is disposed. In this manner, the stand 170 is configured to decrease any likelihood of heat from the cooking system 100 damaging the external surface. The stand 170 can include feet, risers, and / or any similar feature configured to provide a space between the bottom portion of the tray 110 and the external surface, while allowing for an air gap 111 (e.g., insulating air gap) between the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110 and the external surface. In some implementations, the tray 110 can be any suitable shape (e.g., square, circular, rectangular, etc.). In some embodiments, for example, the tray 110 is substantially rectangular.

[0028] The tray 110 is formed of a material that may not be damaged by the heat produced by the cooking system 100. In some implementations, the tray 110 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), ceramic, and / or other similar material that is capable of withstanding cooking heat. In some implementations, the tray 110 may be formed of a disposable or recyclable material. In some implementations, the tray 110 may be formed of a reusable5322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 material so that the tray 110 can be reused multiple times. In some implementations, the tray 110 is a unitarily-formed object. In some implementations, the tray 110 is formed of one or more components.

[0029] The optional thermal barrier 120 can be disposed within the interior region 116 of the tray 110 (e.g., on the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110) and is configured to provide a thermal barrier or insulation layer between the combustible material 130 and the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110, and thus the external surface on which the cooking system 100 is disposed. The thermal barrier 120 can be configured to deflect heat emitted from the combustible material upward towards the cooking surface 150 and away from the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 is formed of a material with a low thermal conductivity such as a ceramic, ceramic fiberboard, perlite, calcium silicate, and / or the like. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 is configured to cover substantially an entirety of the bottom portion of the tray 110 (e.g., more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90%, or more than about 95%). In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 can have an outer perimeter (e.g., from a top view) with dimensions that are substantially similar to or the same as dimensions of an outer perimeter (from a top view) of the combustible material 130. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 can be formed of one or more pieces (e.g., layers). The thermal barrier 120 can have a substantially planar upper surface and / or a substantially planar lower surface.

[0030] In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 can define a cavity (e.g., hole, recess, etc., not shown in FIG. 1) to receive at least a portion of an igniter, such as the igniter 140. For example, the cavity can be defined in the upper surface of the thermal barrier 120. In some implementations, the cavity is shaped to prevent the igniter 140 from being displaced from the cavity during actuation. In some implementations, the igniter 140 can be coupled to the thermal barrier 120 by an adhesive, resistance fit, locking tabs, or other suitable coupler. As such, the cavity can be configured to help retain the igniter 140 with respect to the thermal barrier 120 during actuation. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 120 can include or be formed of multiple materials. For example, the thermal barrier 120 may be wrapped in a thermally reflective material (e.g., aluminum foil, metal foil, etc.) prior to receiving the igniter 140 in the cavity such that the thermally reflective material can help to reflect or deflect heat away from the bottom portion 112. In another example, the thermal barrier 120 can include a base material6322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 and a thermally reflective coating applied to at least a portion of the base, such as an upper surface of the base material opposite the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110.

[0031] The combustible material 130 is configured to be disposed within the interior region 116 of the tray 110, and, for example, can be disposed on an upper surface of the thermal barrier 120. The combustible material 130 is configured to combust when ignited. The combustible material 130, when combusted, can burn for at least a predetermined period of time. In some implementations, for example, the combustible material 130 is configured to bum for at least about two (2) hours or at least about three (3) hours. The combustible material 130, when combusted, can also produce a sufficient heat during at least a portion of the predetermined period of time to cook food. In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is configured to reach cooking temperatures (e.g., between about 200°F, or about 93°C, and about 550° F, or about 288°C) in less than about 10 minutes. In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is configured to reach cooking temperatures in about 5 minutes or less. In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is formed of a combustible biomass such as charcoal and / or the like. The charcoal can include or be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, coconut husk, poplar, Chinese fir, eucalyptus (e.g., eucalyptus tree), bamboo, mixed hardwoods, or other suitable plant-based charcoal. In some implementations, the combustible material 130 can include additives such as a quick-light additive, lighter fluid, and / or the like incorporated therein to quickly ignite. In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is configured to provide substantially even heat distribution (e.g., across substantially an entirety of an area of the upper surface of the combustible material 130, and thereby across substantially more than half, and in some embodiments about 75% to about 100%, of the grilling surface). In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is configured to bum without flames (e.g., flameless combustion). In some implementations, the combustible material 130 can be extinguished using water, limiting oxygen, and / or the like. The combustible material 130 can be configured to cease combustion (e.g., “bum out”) after a predetermined period of time (e.g., after about 3 hours, about 4 hours, or more).

[0032] In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is a unitarily-formed object formed of a single piece of combustible material. The combustible material 130 can be substantially planar on a first (e.g., upper) side thereof and can be substantially non-planar on a second (e.g., lower) side thereof. Said differently, the second side of the combustible material7322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018130 is not flat, including when viewed from any of a front view, a side view, or a cross-sectional view taken along a length or width thereof. The combustible material 130 defines a body having a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The body of the combustible material 130 can have a third surface (e.g., a side surface) extended between the first surface and the second surface. The body of the combustible material defines openings (e.g., holes) (not shown in FIG. 1) extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The openings are configured to permit airflow therethrough. More particularly, the openings are configured to permit hot air from combustion to travel up through the openings (e.g., an updraft toward the cooking surface 150, and therefore toward a food item disposed on the cooking surface) during operation of the cooking system 100. In some implementations, the openings may have a variable size depending on the location of a particular opening with respect to the body of the combustible material 130. For example, one or more openings closer to a center of the body can be larger in diameter than one or more openings that are closer to an edge or the third surface of the body. In some implementations, the location and / or size of the openings can be configured to provide an even heat distribution across the combustible material body. In some implementations, the openings can be arranged in a predetermined pattern. For example, a first set of openings can be in a first linear arrangement with respect to the first surface of the body of the combustible material, and a second set of openings can be in a second linear arrangement with respect to the first surface of the body of the combustible material (e.g., that is transverse, orthogonal to, or parallel with the first linear arrangement). In some implementations, one or more openings can have cross sections that are circular, rectangular, triangular, ovular, and / or other similar shapes. In some implementations, the one or more openings can form elongate channels having a center axis that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the first surface of the combustible material 130 body. The opening (or channel formed therefrom) can have a substantially constant diameter along a depth (e.g., substantially an entirety of the depth) thereof between the first surface and the second surface of the combustible material 130 body.

[0033] In some implementations, the combustible material 130 is slightly smaller than the tray 110 (e.g., from a top view) so that the air gap 111 (e.g., perimeter air gap) may exist between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material 130 and the sidewalls 114 (e.g., an inner surface of one or more sidewalls 114) of the tray 110. Air entering the tray through an opening 118 of the sidewall 114 can enter the air gap. For example, the combustible material 130 can be sized to cover about 50% or more of the surface area of the bottom portion 112 of the tray8322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018110. In another example, the combustible material 130 can be configured to cover at least 75% of the surface area of the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110. In still another example, the combustible material 130 can be sized to cover about 75% to about 95% of the surface area of the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110.

[0034] One or more support columns 138 can extend from the second surface of the body of the combustible material 130. In some implementations, at least one support column 138 (or portion thereof) can be disposed proximate to a perimeter of the body of the combustible material 130, such that a surface of the support column and a surface of the side of the body are coplanar. In some implementations, at least one support column 138 can be inset with respect to (or spaced apart from) the perimeter of the body of the combustible material. The support columns 138 can define, in part, the air gap 136. More specifically, the air gap 136 can be defined collectively by and disposed between the second surface of the body of the combustible material, the support columns, and optionally the thermal barrier 120 (or other support surface, such as the bottom portion 112 of the tray 110, upon which the support column(s) can be disposed). The air gap 136 can provide a pathway for air to flow, e.g., during combustion of the combustible material 130, from an area outside of a perimeter of the combustible material 130 (e.g., the perimeter air gap and / or openings in the sidewall(s) of the tray 110), between the support columns 138 and beneath the second surface of the body of the combustible material, and to the openings in the body of the combustible material 130. In this manner, the support columns 138 can be configured so that the combustible material 130, when disposed on the thermal barrier 120 (or other support surface) can receive air from below the body of the combustible material 130 via the air gap (rather than just across the top and / or at the side(s) of the combustible material 130). The air flow, when heated, then can flow up through the openings in the body of the combustible material, and toward the cooking surface 150.

[0035] In some embodiments, a single support column can define any suitable outer perimeter shape (e.g., circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.). In some implementations, each support column can have a corresponding outer perimeter shape as one or more other support columns. In other implementations, one or more support columns can have a first outer perimeter shape, and one or more support columns can have a second outer perimeter shape different from the first outer perimeter shape. In some implementations, each support column can be of substantially the same size. In other implementations, one or more support columns9322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 can have a first size (e.g., diameter, outer perimeter length, bottom surface area, or the like) and one or more support columns can have a second size (e.g., diameter, outer perimeter length, bottom surface area, or the like) different from the first size.

[0036] The igniter 140 is configured to generate a thermal event that causes combustion of the combustible material 130. The thermal event is configured to last long enough (e.g., for at least a predetermined period of time) to trigger the combustion of the combustible material 130. Depending on the material used for the combustible material 130, the thermal event provided by igniter 140 (when activated) could be a spark generation, a small burn event (e.g., a burning fuse), a chemical reaction, or the like, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the thermal event can burn in the range of approximately 1 second to approximately 5 seconds. In some implementations, the igniter 140 can include a first portion and a second portion. In some implementations, the first portion is a spark generator. In some implementations, the second portion is a fuse. For example, the first portion can, when activated, produce a spark that can ignite the fuse of the second portion. In some implementations, the first portion and the second portion can be coupled together to form a body of the igniter 140. In some implementations, the thermal event may include a first thermal event and a second thermal event, ignited by the first thermal event. For example, the first thermal event can be a spark and the second thermal event can be the fuse burning. In some implementations, the igniter 140 is operatively coupled to the actuator 142 and / or the safety tab 144. The igniter 140 is configured to be positioned proximate to a second (or bottom) surface of the combustible material 130. In some implementations, the igniter 140 is in contact with the combustible material 130 or at least is in sufficiently close proximity to the combustible material such that a thermal event produced by the igniter 140 can cause the combustible material to combust. The igniter 140 can be configured to be at least partially disposed in the cavity of the thermal barrier 120.

[0037] The first portion of igniter 140 can be one of a variety of mechanically activated (e.g., friction-type) sparking devices such as, but not limited to, pull-type spark generators and / or push-type spark generators, including those used in conventional gas grills. The second portion of igniter 140 can be any known fuse or primer cord that combusts to define a short-term burn event (e.g., on the order of approximately 1-5 seconds) when exposed to a spark (e.g., from the first portion). In use, when the first portion is activated (e.g., by an actuation event), the first portion generates a spark. The second portion, when exposed to the spark, combusts to define10322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 a burning fuse for a time. In some implementations, combustion of the second portion generates the thermal event such that the burning second portion ignites the combustible material 130.

[0038] In some embodiments, the igniter can optionally be replaced with an external thermal source such as a match, lighter, electric arc lighter, torch, etc. In some embodiments, the igniter can be or include a quick-start fuel source (e.g., fuse) that, when ignited, provides a thermal event of sufficient duration and temperature to trigger combustion of the combustible material 130.

[0039] The actuator 142 is coupled to the igniter 140. In some implementations, the actuator 142 is coupled to the first portion of the igniter 140. The actuator 142 is configured to actuate the thermal event in the igniter 140 via an actuation event. The actuator 142 can be any suitable type of feature configured to actuate the igniter 140. For example, if the first portion of the igniter 140 is or includes a pull-type device (e.g., spark generator), the actuator 142 can be or include a line / string coupled to first portion of the igniter 140 and extended through an opening of the tray 110 such that a portion of the actuator 142 is accessible on the outside of tray 110. However, generally, the actuator 142 is a manually operated element that activates igniter 140 such that igniter 140 produces the above-described thermal event. As mentioned above, the manual operation applied to the actuator 142 does not include the application of any external source of thermal energy. The actuator 142 can be realized by a structure that is manually pulled or manually pushed where such action activates igniter 140.

[0040] The safety tab 144 can be removably coupled to the igniter 140. The safety tab 144, when coupled to the igniter 140, prevents generation of the thermal event that combusts the combustible material 130 that would otherwise be produced by the igniter 140 in response to actuation of the actuator 142. For example, at least a portion of the safety tab 144 can be positioned between the igniter 140, or a portion thereof, and the combustible material 130. In other embodiments, the safety tab 144 can be at least partially disposed in or through the igniter 140, when the safety tab 144 is coupled thereto. In some implementations, the safety tab 144 can include an end portion removably coupled to the igniter 140 and an opposing end portion disposed external to a portion of the cooking system 100 (e.g., through an opening of the combustible material 130). In this manner, shortly prior to use of the cooking system 100, a user can pull on the end portion of the safety tab 144 disposed through the opening of the combustible material 130 to remove the safety tab 144 from the igniter 140. The safety tab 144, when removed from the igniter 140, allows (or otherwise discontinues preventing) generation11322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 of the thermal event. Although the safety tab 144 is described as being pulled to be removed from the igniter 140, in some implementations, the safety tab 144 can be pushed or pressed to be uncoupled from the igniter 140 or can be otherwise punctured or broken (e.g., to interrupt the barrier between the first and second portions of the igniter 140) such that the igniter 140 can produce the thermal event. Generally, it can be desirable for the safety tab 144 to be (e.g., fully) removed from the cooking system 100 after disengaging from the igniter 140 to prevent the safety tab 144 from burning during combustion of the combustible material 130.

[0041] In some implementations, when the igniter 140 includes a first portion (e.g., spark generator) and a second portion (e.g., fuse), the safety tab 144 can be configured to prevent the second portion of the igniter 140 from being exposed to the spark produced when the first portion of the igniter 140 is activated, thereby preventing combustion of the second portion of the igniter 140. In some implementations, the safety tab 144 may be disposed between the first portion of the igniter 140 and the second portion of the igniter 140, thus preventing (e.g., via a physical barrier) the spark from the first portion to ignite the second portion.

[0042] In some implementations, the actuator 142 can be configured to activate the igniter 140 to generate the first thermal event independently of whether the safety tab 144 is coupled to the igniter 140. More specifically, even when the safety tab 144 is coupled to the igniter, the actuator 142 can be configured to activate the first portion of the igniter 140, as described above. When the safety tab 144 is coupled to the igniter 140, however, the safety tab 144 prevents the spark from the first portion of the igniter 140 from igniting the second portion of the igniter 140, and thereby generation of the second thermal event is prevented. The safety tab 144, when removed from the igniter 140, allows (or otherwise discontinues preventing) combustion of the second portion by the first portion of the igniter 140.

[0043] The safety tab 144 can be removable, for example, by pulling the safety tab from the igniter 140 or at least a sufficient distance to remove the safety tab 144 (or a first end portion thereof) from being disposed between portions of, or otherwise coupled to, the igniter 140. The opposing end portion (or a second end portion) of the safety tab 144 can be manually gripped by a user to pull to remove the safety tab 144 from the igniter 140. In some embodiments, the safety tab 144 can have a generally “T”-shaped configuration or a generally elongate shaped configuration with a wider grip portion at the second end portion, and the vertical bar portion of the “T” (or a narrower elongate portion extended from the wider grip portion) can be extended through the combustible material 130 (and optionally to or through the cooking12322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 surface 150), such that the opposing end portion (or first end portion) of the safety tab 144 is inserted into and / or coupled to the igniter 140. In some embodiments, the safety tab 144 can be constructed of any suitable flame or fire-retardant material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or copper) or a fire-retardant fabric or fiber. In some embodiments, the safety tab 144 may not be fire-retardant but may be suitable to prevent a spark from the first portion from activating the second portion. Igniters, actuators, and safety tabs suitable for use with the cooking system 100 are further described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2024 / 0263781 Al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0044] The cooking surface 150 provides a surface on which a food product can be disposed so that the food product does not make direct contact with the combustible material 130. In other words, the cooking surface 150 is configured to support a food product thereon so that the food product is vertically spaced apart from the combustible material 130. In some implementations, a bottom surface of the cooking surface 150 can contact the combustible material 130. In other implementations, the bottom surface of the cooking surface 150 is spaced apart from the combustible material 130. The cooking surface 150 can be a grate, a grill, a heat conductive substrate, a flat surface, and / or the like. The cooking surface 150 can optionally be formed of or coated with a food-safe material. In some implementations, the cooking surface 150 can be formed of a metal (e.g., steel, iron, etc.). For example, the cooking surface can be constructed of stainless steel, such as a stainless steel woven mesh. The cooking surface 150 is configured to be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the tray 110. For example, the cooking surface 150 can be configured to be disposed on a top surface of two or more sidewalls 114 of the tray 110. In some embodiments, the sidewalls can include features (e.g., tabs, pins, shoulder, recess, etc.) configured to receive and / or secure the cooking surface 150 in place and to the tray 110. In some embodiments, the cooking surface 150 may be separated from the combustible material 130 via a spacer 152. The spacer 152 can help to support the cooking surface 150 and reduce deformation of the cooking surface 150, for example, during use such as due to the weight of a food product or cooking utensil disposed on the cooking surface. The spacer 152 can be a wire frame configured to provide structural support to the cooking surface 150. In some implementations, the cooking surface 150 (alone or in combination with the spacer 152) can be configured to support a cooking utensil such as a pot, griddle, and / or the like.13322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0045] In some implementations, the components of the cooking system 100 can be stored in a packaging 160. The packaging 160 is configured to store the cooking system 100 and / or protect the cooking system 100 from damage, moisture, and / or the like. In some implementations, the cooking system 100 can be stored assembled, or partially assembled, in the packaging 160. In some implementations, the packaging 160 can include additional components such as additional combustible materials 130 and / or additional igniters 140 to replace spent combustible material 130 and / or igniter 140. The packaging 160 can be configured to be removed from being disposed about the cooking system 100 (or the cooking system can be removed from the packaging) prior to use. In some implementations, the packaging 160 can be constructed of a material that can be burned (e.g., via the cooking system), composted, and / or recycled.

[0046] Referring generally to FIGS. 2-12 and 12A, a cooking system 200 is shown in various stages of assembly. The cooking system 200 and its components can be functionally and / or structurally similar to, or the same as, the cooking system 100 of FIG. 1 and its components.. The cooking system 200 is configured to be or provide a heat source for preparing food. In some embodiments, the cooking system 200 is configured to be in a portable form factor; for example, the cooking system 200 can be sized to be hand-carried by a user, transported in a backpack, and / or the like. The cooking system 200 can be self-contained, meaning, for example, that the cooking system 200 can be operable without any external ignition source, fuel source, cooking surface, and / or the like being utilized to operate the cooking system 200. The cooking system 200 can be configured to operate in various environmental conditions, including windy and / or damp / wet outdoor conditions. More particularly, the cooking system 200 is configured to produce sufficient and consistent heat to effectively cook food thereon irrespective of (or even despite) the presence of windy and / or damp / wet environmental conditions.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooking system 200 includes a combustible material 230, and optionally can include one or more of a tray 210, stands 270, a thermal barrier 220, a thermal wrap 222, an igniter 240 coupled to an actuator 242 and a safety tab 244, , a cooking surface 250, a spacer 252, packaging base 262, and packaging 260. The cooking system 200 is configured, when assembled and in response to receiving an actuation event, to be or provide a heat-emitting source for cooking / grilling food. In some implementations, at least a portion of the components of the cooking system 200 can be configured to be disposable, recyclable,14322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 compostable, and / or the like. In some implementations, at least a portion of the components of the cooking system 200 can be reusable. For example, the tray 210, the thermal barrier 220, the cooking surface 250, the spacer 252, and / or the stands 270 may be reusable.

[0048] The tray 210 is configured to provide a partially enclosed space in which the cooking system 200 can contain components of the cooking system 200, as described in more detail herein, and can contain combustion and / or a byproduct of combustion / cooking (e.g., ash, food byproduct, etc.). The tray 210, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a bottom portion 212 and sidewalls 214 extended from the bottom portion 212. The sidewalls 214 can be contiguous with the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210. Each sidewall 214 can also be contiguous with an adjacent sidewall. The bottom portion 212 and the sidewalls 214 form an interior region 216, for example, which can be used to catch ash, food, and / or other waste products produced during use of the cooking system 200. The tray 210 can be open at a top portion of the tray (e.g., corresponding to an upper end of the sidewalls 214. The bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 is shown as being substantially rectangular (e.g., from a top or bottom view), but may be another suitable shape (e.g., square, oval, circular, or the like) from a top or bottom view. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 is substantially planar. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 includes one or more slightly raised sections (see, e.g., FIG. 12A). One or more sidewalls (or each sidewall) 214 defines a top edge or shoulder 215 that can be used as a surface for a portion of (e.g., a perimeter of) the cooking surface 250 to be disposed on. The shoulder 215 can include a portion extended away from the shoulder 215 that can be folded on the perimeter of the cooking surface, for example, to lock the cooking surface 250 in a desired position and / or to help retain the components of the cooking system 200 within the interior region, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A. The tray 210 is configured to be placed on the stands 270 to separate the tray 210 from a surface on which the cooking system 200 is disposed.

[0049] The sidewalls 214 of the tray 210 define a one or more openings 218 (e.g., hole, vent, aperture or the like) configured to permit air flow therethrough. More particularly, the openings 218 are configured to allow for air to enter the interior region 216 of the tray 210 (e.g., from an external environment). Such air flow into the interior region 216 can contribute to desired combustion characteristics with respect to the combustible material 230, as described herein. The openings 218 in the sidewall(s) 214 can be in a substantially horizontal linear arrangement. In some implementations, the openings 218 are arranged or positioned with respect to the15322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 sidewall 214 (e.g., vertically between the bottom portion 212 and the shoulder 215 and / or horizontally, such as between comers of the tray 210) to align with a space, also referred to herein as an air gap (e.g., see air gap 336 in FIGS. 7, 9 and 12 A), defined between portions of the combustible material 230. In this manner, the arrangement or position of the opening(s) 218 permits air to enter the interior region 216 via the openings 218 and to flow substantially directly in between portions of the combustible material (e.g., support columns). At least one of the openings 218 in the sidewall 214 of the tray 210 can be sized (e.g., optionally larger than one or more other openings 218) to accommodate a portion of the actuator 242. For example, the opening 218 can be sized to allow for a portion of the actuator 242 to be passed through the opening. The tray 210 can be placed on the stands 270 to separate the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 from an external surface on which it is disposed. In this manner, the stand 270 is configured to decrease heat transfer from the cooking system 100 to the external surface that may otherwise damage, heat or ignite the external surface. The stands 270, as shown in FIG. 2, can each be a substantially inverted V-shape and can include a cut out portion that receives a portion of the tray 210 when the tray 210 is placed across the cut out portions. The stands 270 are formed of metal but may be formed of another flame-retardant or otherwise thermally resistant material.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the thermal barrier 220 is configured to be disposed in the tray 210 (e.g., within the interior region 216, such as on the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210). The thermal barrier 220 is configured to provide a thermal barrier between the combustible material 230 and the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 and / or the external surface on which the cooking system 200 is placed. The thermal barrier 220 is configured to deflect heat emitted from the combustible material during use upward towards the cooking surface 250 and away from the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 and / or the external surface. The thermal barrier 220 can be formed of a material with a low thermal conductivity such as a ceramic, ceramic fiberboard, perlite, calcium silicate, and / or the like. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 220 has a length and a width such that the thermal barrier 220 can substantially cover an entirety of the bottom portion of the tray 210 (e.g., more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90%, or more than about 95%). The thermal barrier 220, as shown in FIG. 4, is substantially rectangular (from a top view) and corresponds to the shape of the bottom portion 212. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 220 can have an outer perimeter (e.g., from a top view) with dimensions that are substantially similar to or the same as dimensions of an16322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 outer perimeter (from a top view) of the combustible material 230. In some implementations, the thermal barrier 220 can be formed of one or more pieces (e.g., layers).

[0051] The optional thermal barrier 220 can be disposed within the interior region 216 of the tray 210 (e.g., on the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210) and is configured to provide a thermal barrier or insulation layer between the combustible material 230 and the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210, and thus the external surface on which the cooking system 200 is disposed. The thermal barrier 220 can be configured to deflect heat emitted from the combustible material upward towards the cooking surface 250 and away from the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210. The thermal barrier 220 is formed of a material with a low thermal conductivity, such as a ceramic, ceramic fiberboard, perlite, calcium silicate, and / or the like.

[0052] The thermal barrier 220, as shown in FIG. 4, has a first (or top or upper) surface, a second (or lower) surface (not shown in FIG. 4) and has a thickness T220 therebetween. Each (or both) of the first surface and second surface can be substantially planar. The thermal barrier 220 can be substantially solid, such that no opening extends therethrough between the first surface and the second surface. The thickness T220 is sufficient to limit the temperature of the surface of the thermal barrier 220 that contact the tray 210 from exceeding a desired temperature (e.g., safe operable temperature). In some implementations, the thickness T220 can be between about 0.25 inches and about 2.5 inches, inclusive of all ranges and values therebetween. The thermal barrier 220 is configured to cover substantially an entirety of the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 (e.g., more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90%, or more than about 95%). The thermal barrier 220 has an outer perimeter (e.g., from a top view) with dimensions that are substantially similar to or the same as dimensions of an outer perimeter (from a top view) of the combustible material 230 (or combustible material 330). In some implementations, the thermal barrier 220 can optionally be covered with the thermal wrap 222, as shown in FIG. 5. The thermal wrap 222 can be a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil, etc.) or other similar material configured to reflect heat away from the thermal barrier 220.

[0053] A cavity 221 is defined in a surface of the thermal barrier 220 (e.g., the first surface). The cavity 221 is configured to receive at least a portion of the igniter 240. For example, the cavity 221 can have an outer shape like that of the igniter 240 and can be configured to receive at least a portion of the igniter 240 (e.g., approximately a lower half of the igniter 240). In this manner, the cavity 221 can be configured to prevent the igniter 240 from being displaced from the cavity during actuation and / or during movement of the cooking system 200. Said17322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 differently, walls of the cavity 221 can prevent the igniter 240 from being laterally displaced from the cavity, such as during actuation of the actuator (described in more detail herein). As shown in FIG. 5, the igniter 240 can be inserted into or otherwise at least partially received in the cavity 221 (optionally, over the thermal wrap 222, which is pressed into the cavity 221 when present). Although the igniter 240 is shown and described herein as being retained to the thermal barrier 220 via the cavity 221, in some implementations, the igniter 240 can also or alternatively be retained or coupled to the thermal barrier 220 in another suitable manner, such as by an adhesive, resistance fit, locking tabs, and / or other suitable coupler. As such, the cavity 221 can be configured to help retain the igniter 240 with respect to the thermal barrier 220 during actuation.

[0054] The igniter 240 is disposed within the cavity 221 such that the actuator 242 and the safety tab 244 extend away from the igniter 240. For example, the actuator 242 can extend from the igniter 240 in a first direction (e.g., substantially parallel to or coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the igniter 240, or laterally from an end of the igniter 240 along a portion of the first surface of the thermal barrier 220) (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The actuator 242 can be a pulltype actuator, such as a string, cord, line or the like, that, when pulled (e.g., in the first direction, or more particularly in a direction away from the igniter 240), actuates the igniter 240 to produce a thermal event (e.g., first thermal event). Referring briefly to FIGS. 19-20, in some embodiments, the igniter 240 can be substantially similar or identical to igniter 440. For example, the igniter 440 can include a first portion 441 and a second portion 443. The first portion 441 can be or include, for example, a spark generator. The second portion 443 can be or include, for example, a fuse. The first portion 441 can, when activated by an actuator 442, produce a spark that can ignite the second portion 443. This can, for example, produce a thermal event including a burning fuse that can cause the combustible material to ignite. In some implementations, the first portion 441 and the second portion 443 can be coupled together, for example by a housing 445, to collectively form a body of the igniter 140. In some implementations, the thermal event produced by the igniter 440 can include a first thermal event and a second thermal event, ignited by the first thermal event. For example, the first thermal event can be a spark and the second thermal event can be the fuse burning.

[0055] The first portion 441 of the igniter 440 can be or include a variety of mechanically activated friction-type sparking devices such as, but not limited to, a pull-type spark generator or push-type spark generator. The second portion 443 of the igniter 440 can include any known18322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 fuse or primer cord that combusts to define a short-term burn event (e.g., on the order of approximately 1-5 seconds) when exposed to a spark (e.g., from the first portion 441) and sufficient to ignite the combustible material. In use, when the first portion 441 is activated (e.g., by an actuation event), the first portion 441 generates a spark. The second portion 443, when exposed to the spark, combusts to define a burning fuse for a time. Combustion of the second portion 443 generates the thermal event such that the burning second portion ignites the combustible material. The igniter 440 can include one or more spark generators (e.g., two, as shown in FIG. 19) and / or one or more fuses (e.g., two, as shown in FIG. 19). In some embodiments, the igniter 440 is operatively coupled to the actuator 442 and / or a safety tab 444 (which can be substantially similar or identical to safety tab 244, and vice versa). The safety tab 444 is configured to be disposed between the first portion 441 and the second portion 443 of the igniter 440. In this manner, the safety tab 444 is a physical barrier disposed to prevent a spark from the first portion 441 of the igniter 440 from igniting a fuse (or the like) of the second portion 443 when the safety tab 444 is coupled to the igniter 440. The safety tab 444 is configured to be removed or otherwise uncoupled from the igniter by pulling the safety tab at least a sufficient distance so that an end portion of the safety tab is removed from between the first portion 441 and the second portion 443, and optionally from the housing 445 and thus completely from the igniter 440. The igniter 440 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the cavity of a thermal barrier (e.g., thermal barrier 220, described herein).

[0056] Returning to FIGS. 2-12 and 12 A, the safety tab 244 can extend from the igniter 240 in a second direction (e.g., substantially transverse or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the igniter 240). The safety tab 244, when coupled to the igniter 240, prevents activation of the igniter 240 from producing the thermal event. In some embodiments, the safety tab 244, when coupled to the igniter 240, prevents activation of the igniter 240. The safety tab 244 can be removed from the igniter 240 (e.g., by pulling the safety tab 244 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the igniter 240, such as up and away from an upper surface of the thermal barrier 220). Removal of the safety tab 244 permits activation of the igniter 240 to produce the thermal event. As shown in FIG. 6, the assembly of the thermal barrier 220, the thermal wrap 222, and the igniter 240 is disposed in the interior region 216 of the tray 210 such that the igniter 240 is opposite of the bottom portion 212 of the tray 210 with respect to the thermal barrier 220. The actuator 242 is configured to extend through one of the openings 218 of the tray 210. In some embodiments, a portion of the actuator 242 can be pulled through an opening 218 that is specifically configured to receive the actuator 242. For example, as discussed above,19322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 the opening 218 that receives the actuator 242 can be larger or otherwise differently shaped and / or sized, than other openings 218.

[0057] The combustible material 230 is configured to be disposed within the interior region 216 of the tray 210. The combustible material 230 is configured to be disposed on the thermal barrier 220 and over the igniter 240 so that the thermal event produced by the igniter 240 can ignite the combustible material 230. The combustible material 230 can be substantially identical or similar in many respects (functionally and / or structurally) to a combustible material 330 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7-9, and thus is not separately described in detail. Referring briefly to FIGS. 7-9, the combustible material 330 is configured to burn for at least a predetermined period of time after combustion. In some implementations, for example, the combustible material 330 is configured to burn for at least about two (2) hours or at least about three (3) hours. The combustible material 330, when combusted, can also produce a sufficient heat during at least a portion of the predetermined period of time that is of a sufficient temperature to safely cook food. In some implementations, the combustible material 330 is configured to reach cooking temperatures (e.g., between about 200° F, or about 93 °C, and about 550° F, or about 288°C) in less than about 10 minutes. In some implementations, the combustible material is configured to reach cooking temperatures in about 5 minutes or less. In some implementations, the combustible material 330 is formed of a combustible biomass such as charcoal and / or the like. The charcoal can be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, coconut husk. In some implementations, the combustible material 330 can include additives such as a quick-light additive, lighter fluid, and / or the like, incorporated therein, to quickly ignite. In some implementations, the combustible material 330 is configured to provide substantially even heat distribution (e.g., across substantially an entirety of an area of the upper surface of the combustible material 330, and thereby across substantially more than half, and in some implementations 75% to 100%, of the grilling surface). In some implementations, the combustible material 330 is configured to bum without flames (e.g., flameless combustion). In some implementations, the combustible material 330 can be extinguished using water, limiting oxygen, and / or the like. The combustible material 130 can be configured to cease combustion (e.g., “bum out”) after a predetermined period of time (e.g., after about 3 hours, about 4 hours, or more). The combustible material 330 can be a unitarily-formed object formed of a single piece of combustible material.20322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0058] The combustible material 330 can have a first (or upper) surface that is substantially planar across an entirety of the surface thereof and a second (or lower) surface that is non- planar (or otherwise not flat). The combustible material 330 includes a body 331 that has a first surface 332 (e.g., top surface) (see, e.g., FIG. 7) and a second surface 334 (e.g., bottom surface) (see, e.g., FIG. 9), opposite the first surface 332. The body 331 of the combustible material 330 has a third surface 337 (e.g., a side surface) extended between the first surface 332 and the second surface 334. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the body 331 of the combustible material defines holes or openings 333, described in more detail herein, each extended through the body 331 from the first surface 332 to the second surface 334.

[0059] The body 331 has a thickness T330. The thickness T330 is defined as the distance between the first surface 332 and the second surface 334 (or, alternatively, a height of the third surface 337). In some implementations, the thickness T330 is configured so that the combustion of the combustible material 330 is desirable. For example, the thickness T330 may be thick enough so that the combustible material 330 burns for a desirable amount of time. In some implementations, for example, the body 331 of the combustible material 330 has a thickness within the range of about 9 mm to about 90 mm (or about 0.375 inches to about 3.5 inches). In some implementations, the body 331 has a thickness T330 within the range of about 10 mm to about 55 mm. In some implementations, for example, the thickness T330 of the body 331 can be about 17.5 mm.

[0060] The shape of the body 331 (e.g., an outer perimeter shape from a top view or a bottom view) can be substantially similar to that of a thermal barrier (e.g., such as the thermal barrier 220) and / or a bottom portion of a tray (e.g., such as the tray 210). In some implementations, the body 331 may be smaller (e.g., about 75% of the size of) the thermal barrier and / or the bottom portion of the tray.

[0061] The combustible material 330 includes support columns 338 that each extend from the second surface 334 of the body 331 of the combustible material 330. The support columns 338 form, in part, the non-planar second surface of the combustible material 330. In some implementations, the combustible material 330 can include about 4 to about 40 support columns 338 (or portions thereof), about 20 to about 40 support columns (or portions thereof), about 30 to about 35 support columns 338 (or portions thereof), or about 31 support columns 338 (or portions thereof). As shown in FIG. 9, the support columns 338 are distributed substantially evenly across the second surface 334 the body 331. In this manner, each support21322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 column 338 is spaced apart from an adjacent support column 338 (e.g., by substantially the same distance). In some embodiments, one or more of the support columns 338 can be arranged close to or adjacent the perimeter of the body 331 (from a bottom view). In some implementations, the support columns 338 can be distributed according to a predetermined pattern. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 8 from the position of the locations 335 devoid of openings 333 and corresponding to a support column 338 extended from the opposing surface 334 of the body 331, the support columns 338 can be arranged such that a first row of support columns is offset from a second row of support columns adjacent to the first row of support columns. In this manner, the support columns 338 can be arranged in a substantially staggered grid pattern (e.g., in contrast to a straight grid pattern). The support column 338 defines a height from a first end at the second surface 334 of the body 331 to a second (opposite or free) end of the support column 338. The height of the support column 338 can be less than the thickness T330 of the body 331 of the combustible material 330. In some implementations, the height of the support column 338 can be about half, or less than half, of the thickness T330 of the body 331. Said differently, the thickness T330 of the body 331 of the combustible material 330 can be about twice as great, or more, than the height of the support column 338. For example, the support column 338 can have a height within the range of about 5 mm to about 40mm. In some implementations, the height of the support column 338 can be within the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, or more specifically about 7.5 mm. Thus, the combustible material 330 defines an air gap 336 collectively defined between the support columns 338, the second surface 334 of the body 331, and optionally the second end(s) of the support column(s) 338 (or a surface on which they are disposed). Said another way, the height and spacing of the support columns 338 defines channels between the support columns 338 and beneath the body 331 of the combustible material 330 to permit air flow to pass between the support columns 338 and beneath the body of the combustible material 330. Thus, the air gap 336 allows for air to flow in from the outer perimeter of the combustible material 330 and flow between the support columns below the combustible material 330 (e.g., rather than just across the top of the combustible material 330). During combustion, the air is heated, and the heated air can flow up through the openings 333 in the body 331 of the combustible material 330 and toward the cooking surface (e.g., cooking surface 250) (e.g., via an updraft of the heated air).

[0062] In some implementations, the cross-sectional area of a support column 338 can be of various shapes (e.g., the cross sectional area can be circular, semicircular, rectangular, triangular, and / or the like) or sizes (e.g., a diameter can be about 1 cm to about 5 cm, about 222322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 cm to about 3 cm, or more specifically, about 2.5 cm or 1 inch). In some implementations, one or more support columns 338 disposed along an edge of the body 331 can have a different shape than one or more support columns 338 disposed more interiorly or centrally from the edge. For example, one or more support columns 338 disposed along the edge of the body 331 can have a semi-circular cross-section (e.g., from a bottom view), such that a flat edge of the support column is coplanar with a side edge of the body 331. In this manner, the support columns 338 can be collectively positioned within an overall maximum perimeter (from the top or bottom view) of the combustible material 330, or, said differently, positioned such that no portion of any one support column 338 is extended laterally beyond an overall width or length (from the bottom view) of the body 331 of the combustible material 330. In some implementations, the support columns 338 can each have a substantially constant diameter or cross-sectional area along a height (or length) thereof between the first end of the support column and the second end of the support column. In other implementations, the support columns 338 can include a taper (e.g., to a narrower foot or to a wider foot), and / or other features. As the support columns 338 are configured to engage a top or upper surface of a thermal barrier (e.g., such as the thermal barrier 220), or a thermal wrapper (e.g., thermal wrapper 222) of the thermal barrier, or other support surface, the support columns 338 can be arranged so that there is a gap where an igniter (e.g., such as the igniter 240) is disposed.

[0063] The openings 333 defined by the combustible material 330 are configured to permit airflow therethrough. More particularly, the openings are configured to permit hot air from combustion to travel up through the openings (e.g., toward the cooking surface 250 of assembled cooking system 200 and therefore toward a food item disposed on the cooking surface). As shown in FIG. 8, the openings 333 defined by the body 331 of the combustible material 330 can be substantially circular (e.g., from a top or bottom view). The openings 333 can define a substantially cylindrical opening in the body 331 of the combustible material, between the top surface 332 and the bottom surface 334 of the body 331. The openings 333 can be of various sizes (e.g., diameters). In some embodiments, the size of an opening 333 can be associated with the location of that particular opening with respect to the body 331 of the combustible material 330. The combustible material 330 can define openings 333 having two, three, or more different sizes (e.g., diameters, from a top or bottom view). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the combustible material 330 can include openings 333 of substantially a first size disposed generally close to and / or around the perimeter of the body 331 (from the top view) and can include openings 333 of substantially a second (different) size interiorly with23322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 respect to the openings of the first size. In another example, also referring to FIG. 8, a first set of openings 333a having a first diameter can be positioned proximate curved corners of the combustible material 330 body 331. A second set of openings 333b (examples of which are called out using dashed line boxes in FIG. 8, for illustration purposes only) having a second diameter different (e.g., larger) than the first diameter of the first set of openings 333a can be positioned proximate to the third surface 337 (or, said differently, proximate to a perimeter or edge of the first surface 332 of the body 331) and / or at least partially between individual openings of the first set of openings 333a. A third set of openings 333c (examples of which are called out using dashed line boxes in FIG. 8 for illustration purposes only) having a third diameter that is different (e.g., larger) than the first diameter and the second diameter of the first and second sets of openings 33a, 33b, respectively, can be positioned within an interior region defined by the first set of openings and / or the second set of openings.

[0064] In some embodiments, the openings 333 can be arranged in a pattern, symmetrically, sporadically, and / or the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the openings 333 may be arranged in diagonal rows that intersect other diagonal rows to define a general diamond pattern. In some implementations, the pattern can define straight rows of openings 333 along at last a portion of the width and / or the length of the combustible material 330. In some implementations, the openings 333 close to and / or along the perimeter of the combustible material 330 may be smaller than the openings 333 closer to the middle of the combustible material 330. For example, the openings 333 having the third (or largest) diameter can be arranged in the diamond pattern (see, e.g., a diamond pattern formed at least in part by the called out set of openings 333c in FIG. 8), and at least a portion of the openings 333 having the second diameter can be substantially linearly arranged parallel to an edge of the body 331 of the combustible material 330 (see, e.g., the linear arrangement of the set of openings 333b called out in FIG. 8 and extended parallel to shorter sides of the combustible material 330 body 331, and / or the linear arrangement of a portion of the set of openings 333b called out in FIG. 8 and extended parallel to longer sides of the combustible material 330 body 331)). An opening 333 in the combustible material 330 that is larger in size (e.g., diameter) than another opening 333 of the combustible material 330 can permit air to flow through the larger opening faster and / or in greater volume than the smaller opening. The openings 333 are arranged as to not extend through the body 331 at locations 335 corresponding to a support column 338 (representative locations 335 are identified in FIG. 8, however other locations can be present, such as within each “diamond” of a diamond pattern). As described herein, the openings 33324322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 allow for hot air to travel from the air gap 336 between the support columns 338 up and out of the first surface 332 side of the body 331 of the combustible material. The arrangement of the openings 333 (e.g., their location and / or size) can allow for the combustion of the combustible material 330 to release substantially even heat across the first surface 332 of the body 331, thus allowing for consistent and substantially even cooking / grill of the food product thereon.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, referring again to cooking system 200, the combustible material 230 (or combustible material 330) can be disposed in the interior region 216 of the tray 210 and on the thermal barrier 220. The combustible material 230 and the openings 218 on the sidewalls 214 of the tray 210 are arranged such that the openings 218 of the tray 210 provide air flow between the support columns (e.g., like support columns 338) of the combustible material 230. Prior to use, the safety tab 244 is disposed through an opening 233 of the combustible material 230. In use, safety tab 244 is configured to be pulled through the opening 233 of the combustible material 230, for example, to remove the safety tab 244 as described herein in preparation for operation of the cooking system 200.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, the spacer 252 can be disposed on a first (or upper) surface of the combustible material 230. In this manner, the spacer 252 forms a gap between the first surface of the combustible material 230 and the cooking surface 250, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A. The cooking surface 250 provides a surface for cooking / grilling food and prevents the food from contacting the combustible material 230. As shown, the safety tab 244 can be disposed through an opening of the spacer 252 and / or cooking surface 250 and can be removed by being pulled through the opening(s). The cooking system 200, as shown in FIG. 12, is ready for use. During operation, which is shown in and described in reference to FIGS. 15-18, a user may first remove the safety tab (e.g., via a pulling motion) and then may pull the actuator 242 away from (e.g., to the side of) the tray 210 to activate the igniter 140 to produce the thermal event. The thermal event ignites the combustible material 230, which can then combust and provide heat for a period of time sufficient to cook food on the cooking surface 250. The arrangement of the cooking system 200 as shown in FIG. 12 can also be stored in the packaging 260. For example, the cooking system 200 can be placed on the packaging base 262 and inserted into the packaging 260, which can be sealed to protect the cooking system 200 from moisture and / or damage prior to use and to retain the fully or partially assembled components together during transport. In some implementations, the cooking system 200 can be inserted into the packaging 260 without the packaging base 262.25322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0067] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method 1300 for operating a cooking system, according to an embodiment. The cooking system can be any of the cooking systems described herein and / or include components substantially similar or identical to components of any of the cooking systems described herein, such as the cooking system 100 of FIG. 1 and / or the cooking system 200 of FIGS. 2-12 and 12A. The method 1300 can be used to cook a food item disposed on or within a predetermined distance above the cooking system.

[0068] At 1302, the method 1300 optionally includes activating an igniter. In some implementations, the combustible material can be coupled to an igniter. In some implementations, the combustible material can be in contact with, or adjacent within a predetermined distance to, the igniter. Activating the igniter can be in response to actuating an actuator. The actuation of the actuator can include pulling, twisting, pushing, and / or the like of the actuator. For example, activating the igniter can be caused in response to an actuator string being pulled. In some implementations, activating the igniter can include activating a first portion of the igniter. For example, actuation of the actuator (e.g., the actuator being pulled) can cause the first portion of the igniter (e.g., a spark generator) to produce a spark.

[0069] At 1304, the method 1300 optionally includes preventing, via a safety tab coupled to the igniter, the igniter from producing a thermal event sufficient to cause the combustible material to ignite. For example, the safety tab can interrupt a chain reaction within the igniter that produces the thermal event. More specifically, for example, the safety tab can prevent a spark produced by a first portion of the igniter (e.g., during the activating at 1302) from igniting a second portion of the igniter (e.g., a fuse). Because the second portion of the igniter is prevented from being ignited, it does not bum and therefore the igniter does not produce the thermal event. The safety tab, when present, can provide a barrier between the first portion of the igniter and the second portion of the igniter so that the actuation of the first portion does not ignite the second portion. In some implementations, the safety tab can prevent an actuator from activating the igniter. In some implementations, a method optionally includes removing the safety tab prior to activating the igniter.

[0070] At 1306, the method 1300 includes generating, via the igniter, a thermal event in response to the activation event (e.g., the activating at 1302). In some implementations, the igniter can be an igniter internal to the cooking system as described herein. In other implementations, the igniter can be or include an external thermal source, such as a match, a26322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 lighter, a torch, and / or the like. The thermal event can be configured to combust the combustible material.

[0071] At 1308, the method 1300 includes combusting, in response to the thermal event, the combustible material. Combustion of the combustible material can include a warmup period and an operable period. The warmup period may include a quick-start additive configured to quickly heat up the combustible material and then the combustion developing until the combustible material produces a desirable amount of heat for cooking. During the operable period, one or more food items can be disposed on a cooking surface over the combustible material for cooking and / or grilling.

[0072] At 1310, the method 1300 optionally includes intaking air (or otherwise causing air to flow in) into an air gap of the combustible material. In some embodiments, the air enters via one or more openings in a sidewall of a tray. In some embodiments, the air is pulled through the opening(s) of the tray and into the air gap on an underside of the combustible material (e.g., a body of the combustible material). The air provides a suitable amount of oxygen for the continued combustion of the combustible material, for example to maintain a desirable burn rate and / or heat dissipation. In some implementations, the air is caused to flow in from the opening(s) in the sidewall of the tray, through the air gap on the underside of the combustible material and to one or more openings defined by the combustible material.

[0073] At 1312, the method 1300 optionally includes venting, via the opening(s) of the combustible material, hot air from the combustion out of the top of the opening(s) of the combustible material. In other words, the opening allows for hot air from the air gap below the combustible material to flow through the opening and up out of the top of the combustible material. In some implementations, the venting is caused to occur more quickly in a first subset of the openings than a second subset of the openings. For example, an opening of the first subset of the openings can be larger in size (e.g., diameter) than an opening of the second subset of openings, thereby permitting air to flow through the first subset of the openings faster and / or in greater volume than the second subset of openings.

[0074] At 1314, the method 1300 optionally includes transferring thermal energy from the hot or heated air to a food item, such as a food item disposed on or within a predetermined distance over a cooking surface stacked above the combustible material. The cooking surface can be27322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 spaced slightly away from the combustible material so that the food item does not contact the combustible material.

[0075] Referring generally to FIGS. 14-18, operation of the cooking system 200 is shown. In FIG. 14, the cooking system 200 is assembled with the tray 210 disposed on the stand 270 and is ready for use. As shown, portions of the tray 210 extended from the shoulder at the top of the sidewalls 214 are folded over edges of the cooking surface 250 to retain the cooking surface to the cooking system 200 assembly. The safety tab 244 is coupled to the igniter to prevent inadvertent activation of the igniter. An end of the safety tab 244 is extended through the combustible material 230, through the spacer, and through the cooking surface 250 so that the end is accessible to a user from an exterior of the cooking system 200.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 15, a user can grasp the safety tab 244 in preparation to remove the safety tab 244 from the igniter. More specifically, for example, the user can remove (or at least partially separate) the safety tab 244 from the cooking system 200, optionally while providing an opposite force (e.g., by the user’ s other hand) to stabilize the cooking system 200. The safety tab 244 can be pulled to remove or otherwise decouple the safety tab 244 from the igniter. Once the safety tab 244 is decoupled from the igniter, the igniter can generate a thermal event. As shown in FIG. 16, the user can actuate the actuator 242, such as by pulling a portion of the actuator 242 that is extended externally from the cooking system 200 away from the cooking system 200. The actuator 242 can activate the igniter to produce the thermal event, which can then begin combustion of the combustible material 230. Referring to FIG. 17, smoke is shown emanating during combustion of the combustible material 230. In some implementations, the smoke can be associated with a quick starting material that aids in ignition of the combustible material 230. Once the quick starting material bums off (e.g., within about 20 seconds), the combustible material’s primary fuel source can combust without smoke or with minimal smoke, as shown in FIG. 18. At the stage of operation shown in FIG. 18, a food item can be placed on the cooking system 200 for cooking. The cooking system, in some embodiments, can provide heat for cooking food items for at least about two hours.

[0077] The advantages of the cooking system described herein are numerous. The cooking system is configured to be operable without any externally supplied source of thermal energy, and thus matches, lighters, etc., are not needed for its use. The cooking system is completely self-contained with its igniting thermal event devices being protected from wind thereby assuring its effectiveness in undesirable or hostile (e.g., windy, damp) environments. The28322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 cooking device’s chain of thermal events for combusting the combustible material for cooking is triggered by a single and simple mechanical action. At the same time, because the mechanical activation of the cooking system involves a series of purposeful events, i.e., removal of the safety tab and actuation of the actuator, the chance of its inadvertent ignition is greatly reduced or minimized. The cooking system is also formed of materials that are disposable so that the cooking system can be used when camping, hiking, on the beach, and / or the like, and can optionally be discarded in appropriate recycling and / or trash containers.

[0078] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and / or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and / or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having any combination or sub-combination of any features and / or components from any of the embodiments described herein. Further, although methods have been described herein in reference to a specific embodiment, the methods can be executed using any suitable device embodiment described herein.

[0079] For example, although a safety tab is described as being pulled to be removed from the igniter or spark generator, in some implementations, a safety tab can be pushed or pressed to be uncoupled from the igniter such that the igniter can produce the thermal event (or such that a spark from the first portion of the igniter can cause a second portion of the igniter to burn). In another example, a safety tab can be broken, punctured, or the like to permit transfer of a spark from a first portion of the safety tab to cross the safety tab to ignite a second portion of the safety tab (e.g., a fuse).

[0080] In another example, any of the cooking systems described herein can include a thermal barrier coupled to the igniter similar to the thermal barrier 120 illustrated and described herein with respect to cooking system 100. Although the thermal barrier is described as defining a cavity to receive at least a portion of the igniter, in some implementations, the igniter can be coupled to a different component of the cooking system, such as the combustible material or the tray.29322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0081] In another example, although the combustible material 230 is illustrated and described herein as including a plurality of openings, in some implementations, the combustible material 230 can include a different number (e.g., fewer or more) openings, can include openings of a different shape, and / or can include openings of a different pattern (e.g., concentric rings).

[0082] Although the safety tab is shown and described herein as being a pull-type safety tab, in other embodiments, a safety tab can be differently configured. For example, in some implementations, an apparatus can include a safety tab that is configured to be rotated from a first position in which the safety tab prevents a thermal event of the igniter to combust the second material to a second position in which the safety tab discontinues preventing the thermal event of the igniter to combust the second material. In such implementations, for example, the housing could include a pivot about which the safety tab is configured to rotate from its first position to its second position.

[0083] Although the combustible material 330 is shown and described herein as being monolithically formed (i.e., a unitary structure or object formed of a single piece of combustible material), in other implementations, the body portion can be monolithically formed, and the support columns can be coupled to the second surface of the body.

[0084] In some implementations, an apparatus includes a combustible material formed as a unitary structure and includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface and a second surface and defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface of the body forms a substantially planar upper surface of the combustible material. The plurality of support columns is extended from the second surface of the body to form at least a portion of a substantially non-planar lower surface of the combustible material. The plurality of support columns defines an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings.

[0085] In some implementations, the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings having a first cross-sectional diameter and a second set of openings having a second cross- sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter. Each opening of the first set of openings and each opening of the second set of openings has a substantially consistent cross- sectional diameter along a depth of the opening.

[0086] In some implementations, the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings that have a first cross-sectional diameter and a second set of openings that have a second cross-30322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter. The second set of openings is inset from an edge of the body by a distance greater than a distance by which the first set of openings are inset from the edge of the body.

[0087] In some implementations, the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a first linear arrangement and a second set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a second linear arrangement, and the first linear arrangement is substantially transverse to the second linear arrangement.

[0088] In some implementations, the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a first linear arrangement and a second set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a second linear arrangement, and the first linear arrangement is diagonal to the second linear arrangement so that the plurality of openings form a diamond pattern on the first surface of the body of the combustible material.

[0089] In some implementations, each support column from the plurality of support columns is positioned with respect to the body of the combustible material at a location that is offset from an opening from the plurality of openings.

[0090] In some implementations, at least one support column from the plurality of support columns includes a surface that is coplanar with a third surface of the body of the combustible material that extends between the first surface and the second surface. In some implementations, the combustible material is charcoal.

[0091] In some implementations, an apparatus includes a tray having a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls extended up from the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the plurality of sidewalls collectively define an interior region. At least one sidewall from the plurality of sidewalls defines an opening. The apparatus also includes a combustible material disposed within the interior region of the tray. The combustible material includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface and a second surface and defines a plurality of openings extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The plurality of support columns is extended from the second surface of the body. The plurality of support columns defines an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings. The air gap is adjacent to the opening of the at least one sidewall of the tray.31322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018

[0092] In some implementations, the apparatus further includes a thermal barrier disposed on the bottom portion of the tray, and the thermal barrier is configured to deflect heat towards the combustible material. In some implementations, the opening of the at least one sidewall of the tray is one of a plurality of openings in the at least one sidewall of the tray. The plurality of openings is configured to permit air flow from an exterior of the tray into the air gap defined by the plurality of support columns of the combustible material when the combustible material is disposed within the interior region of the tray.

[0093] In some implementations, the apparatus includes a cooking surface disposed above the combustible material. A perimeter portion of the cooking surface can be received in a fold of a shoulder portion of the at least one sidewall of the tray to couple the cooking surface to the tray.

[0094] In some implementations, the apparatus includes an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material. The igniter can be configured to be mechanically activated to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the combustible material.

[0095] In some implementations, the apparatus includes a thermal barrier and an igniter. The thermal barrier is disposed within the interior region of the tray between the combustible material and the bottom portion of the tray. The igniter is at least partially disposed within a recess defined by a first surface of the thermal barrier and between the thermal barrier and the combustible material. The igniter is configured to generate a thermal event sufficient to combust the combustible material.

[0096] In some implementations, the apparatus includes an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material. The igniter is configured, upon activation of the igniter, to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the combustible material. The apparatus also includes an actuator coupled to the igniter. At least a portion of the actuator can be extended through the opening in the at least one sidewall of the tray such that a portion of the actuator is disposed exterior to the tray. The actuator is configured to activate the igniter when the actuator is pulled.

[0097] In some implementations, the apparatus includes an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material. The igniter is configured, upon activation of the igniter, to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the32322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018 combustible material. The apparatus also includes a safety tab that includes a first end portion coupled to the igniter and a second end portion extended through an opening from the plurality of openings defined by the body of the combustible material.

[0098] In some implementations, a method includes generating, via an igniter coupled to a combustible material, a thermal event in response to an activation event. The method includes combusting, in response to the thermal event, the combustible material. The combustible material being a unitary structure that includes a body and a plurality of support columns. The body has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the body is substantially planar. The body defines a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface. The plurality of support columns is extended from the second surface of the body. The plurality of support columns defines an air gap for air to flow between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings at the second surface of the body of the combustible material.

[0099] In some implementations, the method includes venting, via the plurality of openings, hot air produced during combustion of the combustible material through the plurality of openings in a direction from the second surface of the combustible material towards the first surface of the combustible material. The plurality of openings includes a first set of openings that have a first diameter and a second set of openings that have a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The second set of openings is inset further from an edge of the body of the combustible material than the first set of openings. In some implementations, the method includes intaking air into the air gap via an opening of a tray within which the combustible material is disposed.

[0100] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

[0101] As used herein, the terms “about” and / or “approximately” when used in conjunction with numerical values and / or ranges generally refer to those numerical values and / or ranges near to a recited numerical value and / or range. For example, in some instances, “about 40 [units]” can mean within ± 25% of 40 (e.g., from 30 to 50). In some instances, the terms “about” and “approximately” can mean within ± 10% of the recited value. In other instances, the terms33322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018“about” and “approximately” can mean within ± 9%, ± 8%, ± 7%, ± 6%, ± 5%, ± 4%, ± 3%, ± 2%, ± 1%, less than ± 1%, or any other value or range of values therein or therebelow. The terms “about” and “approximately” may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, although a numerical value modified by the term “about” or “approximately” can allow for and / or otherwise encompass a tolerance of the stated numerical value, it is not intended to exclude the exact numerical value stated.

[0102] In a similar manner, term “substantially” when used in connection with, for example, a geometric relationship, a numerical value, and / or a range is intended to convey that the geometric relationship (or the structures described thereby), the number, and / or the range so defined is nominally the recited geometric relationship, number, and / or range. For example, two structures described herein as being “substantially parallel” is intended to convey that, although a parallel geometric relationship is desirable, some non-parallelism can occur in a “substantially parallel” arrangement. Such tolerances can result from manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances, and / or other practical considerations (such as, for example, minute imperfections, age of a structure so defined, a pressure or a force exerted within a system, and / or the like). As described above, a suitable tolerance can be, for example, of ±1%, ± 2%, ±3%, ±4%, ± 5%, ± 6%, ± 7%, ± 8%, ± 9%, ± 10%, or more of the stated geometric construction, numerical value, and / or range. Further, although a numerical value modified by the term “substantially” can allow for and / or otherwise encompass a tolerance of the stated numerical value, it is not intended to exclude the exact numerical value stated.

[0103] The specific configurations of the various components described herein can also be varied. For example, the size and specific shape of the various components can be different from the embodiments shown, while still providing the functions as described herein. Additionally, the relative size of various components of the devices shown and described herein with respect to the size of other components of the devices are not necessarily to scale.

[0104] Similarly, where methods and / or events described above indicate certain events and / or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and / or procedures may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.34322515575

Claims

Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-2018Claims1. An apparatus, comprising: a combustible material formed as a unitary structure including a body and a plurality of support columns, the body having a first surface and a second surface, the body defining a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface, the first surface of the body forming a substantially planar upper surface of the combustible material, the plurality of support columns extended from the second surface of the body to form at least a portion of a substantially non-planar lower surface of the combustible material, the plurality of support columns defining an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings having a first cross-sectional diameter and a second set of openings having a second cross-sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter, each opening of the first set of openings and the second set of openings having a substantially consistent cross-sectional diameter along a depth of the opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings having a first cross-sectional diameter and a second set of openings having a second cross-sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter, the second set of openings being inset from an edge of the body by a distance greater than the first set of openings are inset from the edge of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a first linear arrangement and a second set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a second linear arrangement, the first linear arrangement being substantially transverse to the second linear arrangement.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings includes a first set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a first linear arrangement and a second set of openings positioned with respect to the body in a second linear arrangement, the first linear arrangement being diagonal to the second linear arrangement so that the plurality of openings form a diamond pattern on the first surface of the body of the combustible material.35322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-20186. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each support column from the plurality of support columns is positioned with respect to the body of the combustible material at a location that is offset from an opening from the plurality of openings.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one support column from the plurality of support columns includes a surface that is coplanar with a third surface of the body of the combustible material that extends between the first surface and the second surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the combustible material is charcoal.

9. An apparatus, comprising: a tray having a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls extended up from the bottom portion, the bottom portion and plurality of sidewalls collectively defining an interior region, at least one sidewall from the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening; and a combustible material disposed within the interior region of the tray, the combustible material including: a body having a first surface and a second surface, the body defining a plurality of openings extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, and a plurality of support columns extended from the second surface of the body, the plurality of support columns defining an air gap between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings, the air gap being adjacent the opening of the at least one sidewall of the tray.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a thermal barrier disposed on the bottom portion of the tray, the combustible material disposed on a surface of the thermal barrier opposite the bottom portion of the tray, the thermal barrier configured to deflect heat towards the combustible material.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the opening of the at least one sidewall of the tray is one of a plurality of openings in the at least one sidewall of the tray, the plurality of openings configured to permit air flow from an exterior of the tray into the air gap defined by the plurality of support columns of the combustible material when the combustible material is disposed within the interior region of the tray.36322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-201812. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a cooking surface disposed above the combustible material, a perimeter portion of the cooking surface being received in a fold of a shoulder portion of the at least one sidewall of the tray to couple the cooking surface to the tray.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material, the igniter configured to be mechanically activated to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the combustible material.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a thermal barrier disposed within the interior region of the tray between the combustible material and the bottom portion of the tray; and an igniter at least partially disposed within a recess defined by a first surface of the thermal barrier and between the thermal barrier and the combustible material, the igniter configured to generate a thermal event sufficient to combust the combustible material.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a thermal barrier disposed within the interior region of the tray between the combustible material and the bottom portion of the tray; and an igniter at least partially disposed within a recess defined by a first surface of the thermal barrier and between the thermal barrier and the combustible material, a first portion of the igniter configured to generate a spark to ignite a second portion of the igniter, the second portion of the igniter, when ignited, configured to produce a thermal event sufficient to combust the combustible material.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material, the igniter configured, upon activation of the igniter, to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the combustible material; and an actuator coupled to the igniter, at least a portion of the actuator being extended through the opening in the at least one sidewall of the tray such that a portion of the actuator is disposed exterior to the tray, the actuator configured to activate the igniter when the actuator is pulled.37322515575Attorney Docket No. BTRH-003 / 01WO 334968-201817. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: an igniter disposed within the interior region of the tray and proximate to the combustible material, the igniter configured, upon activation of the igniter, to generate a thermal event sufficient to cause combustion of the combustible material; and a safety tab including a first end portion coupled to the igniter and a second end portion extended through an opening from the plurality of openings defined by the body of the combustible material.

18. A method, comprising: generating, via an igniter coupled to a combustible material, athermal event in response to an activation event; and combusting, in response to the thermal event, the combustible material, the combustible material being a unitary structure including a body and a plurality of support columns, the body having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the body being substantially planar, the body defining a plurality of openings extended through the body from the first surface to the second surface, the plurality of support columns extended from the second surface of the body, the plurality of support columns defining an air gap for air to flow between an outer perimeter portion of the combustible material and the plurality of openings at the second surface of the body of the combustible material.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: venting, via the plurality of openings, hot air produced during combustion of the combustible material through the plurality of openings in a direction from the second surface of the combustible material towards the first surface of the combustible material, the plurality of openings including a first set of openings having a first diameter and a second set of openings having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the second set of openings being inset further from an edge of the body of the combustible material than the first set of openings.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: intaking air into the air gap via an opening of a tray within which the combustible material is disposed.38322515575

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