Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SOLVENTLESS FIRE IGNITION SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of United
States Patent
Application Serial Number 14/828,939, filed August 18, 2015 and entitled
"SOLVENTLESS
FIRE IGNITION SYMMS AND METHODS THEREOF, which claims the benefit of
United States Patent Application Serial Number 62/040,239, filed August 21,
2014 and
entitled "SOLVENTLESS FIRE IGNITION SYTEM AND METHOD THEREOF". The
disclosure of each of the above is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
100021 The present invention relates to devices for use with charcoal
fuel heating
materials. Specifically, the invention relates to devices for use in starting
combustion of
charcoal for subsequent use of the charcoal in cooking (e.g., grilling).
2. Relevant Art
100031 Charcoal heating materials, such as charcoal briquets; are
commonly used for
cooking food. Foods cooked with charcoal can have a unique flavor and have
wide appeal.
Conventional charcoal briquets generally provide a relatively slow-burning
fuel with a high
BTU output.
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100041 One of the shortcomings of conventional charcoal briquets is that
the briquets can
be difficult to ignite and may not continue to burn, even after they appear to
have been
ignited. To address this problem, lighter fluid may be sprayed onto the
briquets by the user
immediately prior to use, or may be applied during manufacture to provide
"easy-to-light"
briquets. Still, some feel that use of such flammable petroleum-based
materials may impart
unwanted flavors to the food. Additionally, the use of lighter fluid emits
volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which could potentially have an effect on air quality.
100051 In addition to the difficulty in lighting conventional charcoal
briquets, once ignited,
conventional charcoal briquets typically must complete an initial "ignition
phase," or
formation of visible ash on a majority of the briquet before they are suitable
for cooking.
Once past the ignition phase, the briquets burn with an intense heat
throughout a "burn
phase" during which a consumer can use the briquets for cooking.
Unfortunately, the ignition
phase of conventional briquets often requires considerable time. As such,
there exists a
continuing need for alternative ways for igniting charcoal briquets,
particularly methods that
could provide for equal or even faster ignition, and "time to cooking
readiness", without the
need for any lighter fluid.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[00061 Implementations of the present disclosure comprise devices, methods,
and kits for
igniting charcoal briquets or another combustible material (e.g., wood, etc.).
For example, at
least one embodiment describes a collapsible combustible charcoal igniting
device that
includes a plurality of first elongate grid members, wherein each of the first
elongate grid
members is generally parallel to one another when the device is in an
expanded, uncollapsed
configuration. The device may further include a plurality of second elongate
grid members,
wherein each of the second elongate grid members is generally parallel to one
another and the
second elongate grid members are transverse relative to the first elongate
grid members when
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the device is in the expanded, uncollapsed configuration, such that the first
and second
elongate grid members define a plurality of chimney cells on which a plurality
of' charcoal
briquets may be placed for ignition. The first and second elongate grid
members may be
formed from a combustible material that can be ignited and that will continue
to burn, and
which will ignite charcoal briquets placed thereon.
[0007] The device may be collapsible. For example, the first elongate grid
members may
be configured to collapse from the uncollapsed configuration in which the
first elongate grid
members are transverse relative to the second elongate grid members to a
collapsed
configuration in which the first elongate grid members and second elongate
grid members are
generally parallel to one another. Such a collapsed configuration greatly
reduces the volume
occupied by the device, e.g., it may be in the form of a collapsed relatively
thin strip in which
the grid members are generally parallel when collapsed, and upon uncollapse,
the first grid
members become transverse relative to the second grid members.
[0008] In an embodiment, each of the first elongate grid members may
include a crease
(e.g., a first crease) so that the creases of each of the first elongate grid
members align with
one another, so that the device is collapsible from opposed sides towards a
crease line defined
by the series of creases. Such a feature reduces the length of the charcoal
igniting device
when in a collapsed configuration. In another embodiment, another crease
(e.g., a second
crease) may be provided in the same first elongate grid members, spaced apart
from the
location of the first crease, to provide for an even more compact collapsed
configuration. In
an embodiment, the sets of creases may be disposed at an intersection of the
first elongate
member with a given one of the second elongate members (i.e., the crease line
is actually a
given one of the second elongate members).
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100091 Another aspect
of the present disclosure is directed to a kit including a plurality of
charcoal briquets and a combustible charcoal igniting device, such as any of
those described
herein.
[00101 Another aspect
of the present disclosure is directed to a method for igniting a fire.
Such a method may comprise providing a combustible igniting device, placing
charcoal
briquets or another combustible material (e.g., wood, etc.) above (e.g., on
top of) the chimney
cells of the combustible igniting device, and igniting the combustible
igniting device to in
turn ignite the charcoal briquets or other combustible material thereabove.
[00111 Further
features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of
prefened embodiments below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100121 To further
clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present
disclosure, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to
specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the drawings. It is appreciated
that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be
considered limiting.
Embodiments of the disclosure will be described and explained with additional
specificity
and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
100131 Figure 1 is a
perspective view of an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting
device;
[00141 Figure
2 is a perspective view of a charcoal igniting device similar to that of
Figure
1, showing the charcoal igniting device partially collapsed about a crease or
fold line so as to
assume a V-shaped configuration;
[00151 Figure
3 is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting device of Figure
2, shown more fully collapsed;
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100161 Figure 4 is a schematic view of another exemplary combustible
charcoal igniting
device, including two spaced apart series of creases to define two crease
lines to allow the
device to collapse to a more compact configuration;
100171 Figure 5 is a schematic view of another exemplary combustible
charcoal igniting
device, which includes a hyperfolded configuration, where each first elongate
grid member is
creased in alternating directions at each successive intersection across the
centrally disposed
second elongate grid members, which allows the device to collapse in a more
compact
configuration;
100181 Figure 6A is a perspective view of another exemplary combustible
charcoal
igniting device having a fan-like configuration and including a securing band
disposed over
the collapsed device prior to its expansion for use;
[0019] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting
device of
Figure 6A, in which the securing band has been removed, and the device begins
to be
expanded;
100201 Figure 6C is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting
device of
Figure 6A, expanded further than in Figure 6B;
[0021] Figure 6D is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting
device of
Figure 6A, expanded further than in Figure 6C;
[0022] Figure 6E is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting
device of
Figure 6A, expanded to a generally circular profile;
[0023] Figure 6F is a perspective view of the combustible charcoal igniting
device of
Figure 6A, in which the left and right ends are beginning to be further
expanded away from
one another. to result in an oval profile;
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100241 Figure
7 is a perspective view showing how the charcoal igniting device can be
received into the bottom portion of a charcoal chimney, for use in igniting
charcoal within the
charcoal chimney;
100251 Figure
7A is a perspective view showing a charcoal igniting device received into
an otherwise bottomless chimney, allowing the charcoal, once ignited, to fall
through the
open bottom once the charcoal igniting device is consumed;
[0026] Figure
7B illustrates a user lighting a charcoal igniting device in a charcoal
chimney such as that of Figure 7A;
100271 Figure
7C illustrates a user lifting the charcoal chimney of Figure 7B upwards, so
that the hot charcoal falls out the open bottom, without requiring any
inversion or tipping of
the charcoal chimney;
100281 Figure
8 is a perspective view of another exemplary combustible charcoal igniting
device similar to that of Figure 1, but including elevated side walls around
the perimeter of
the device;
100291 Figure
9 shows a user lighting an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting device,
to ignite charcoal placed thereon;
100301 Figure
10A is a perspective view of an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting
device used to ignite wood logs;
100311 Figure
10B is a perspective view of an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting
device used to ignite charcoal briquets;
[00321 Figure
11 is a perspective view of a plurality of smaller, modular combustible
charcoal igniting devices that may be positioned together, to form a larger
combustible
charcoal igniting device; and
[0033] Figure
12 shows time lapse photographic comparative testing results for ignition of
charcoal briquets using an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting device as
compared to:
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(1) briquets with pre-applied lighter fluid (e.g., MATCHLIGHT g); (2) briquets
to which
lighter fluid is applied immediately prior to ignition; and (3) use of a
charcoal chimney.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Definitions
[0034] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be
understood that this
invention is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process
parameters that may,
of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not
intended to limit the
scope of the invention in any manner.
100351 All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein,
whether supra or
infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same
extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and
individually indicated
to be incorporated by reference.
[0036] The term "comprising" which is synonymous with "including,"
"containing," or
"characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude
additional, unrecited
elements or method steps.
[0037] The term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to
the specified
materials or steps "and those that do not materially affect the basic and
novel
characteristic(s)" of the claimed invention.
100381 The term "consisting of" as used herein, excludes any element, step,
or ingredient
not specified in the claim.
100391 It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content
clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "surfactant" includes one, two or
more
surfactants.
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[0040] Unless
otherwise stated, any percentages, ratios, parts, and amounts used and
described herein are by weight. In the application, effective amounts are
generally those
amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the descriptions,
which follow hereto.
All measurements are in SI units, unless otherwise specified.
[0041] Some
ranges may be disclosed herein. Additional ranges may be defined between
any values disclosed herein as being exemplary of a particular parameter. All
such ranges are
contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be
understood that
every limit given throughout this specification will include every lower, or
higher limit, as the
case may be, as if such lower or higher limit was expressly written herein.
Every range given
throughout this specification will include every narrower range that falls
within such broader
range, as if such narrower ranges were all expressly written herein.
[0042] For
purposes of description, any directional references may typically be provided
relative to the top of the device, which is where the user would place the
source of charcoal
or other material to be ignited by the device.
[0043]
Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein may include that
value,
and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as
would be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. A stated value should
therefore be interpreted
broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the
stated value to
perform a desired function or achieve a desired result, and/or values that
round to the stated
value. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a
typical
manufacturing or formulation process, and may include values that are within
10%, within
5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value. Furthermore, the terms "substantially",
"similarly",
"about" or "approximately" as used herein represent an amount or state close
to the stated
amount or state that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired
result. For
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example, the term "substantially" "about" or "approximately" may refer to an
amount that is
within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of, a stated amount or value.
100441 Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which the
invention pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar or
equivalent to
those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention,
the preferred
materials and methods are described herein.
Introduction
[00451 In an aspect, the present invention is directed to a combustible
device for igniting
charcoal briquets or other combustible material, which device is collapsible.
The combustible
device may include first and second pluralities of elongate grid members where
when
assembled and in an uncollapsed configuration, the first grid members are
generally parallel
with one another, and the second grid members are generally parallel with one
another, but
transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the first grid members. In this way, the
first and second
grid members define a plurality of chimney cells as a result of the
intersecting first and
second elongate grid members. A combustable material, such as charcoal
briquets may be
placed above or on the chimney cells, and be ignited by igniting the first and
second grid
members.
100461 The chimney cells created by the elongate grid members may be
collapsed to
streamline and reduce the size or profile of the device. To facilitate
relatively more compact
collapse, the first elongate grid members may be creased at a desired location
(e.g., at their
intersection with one of the second grid members). Such creases in one set of
grid members
allows the device to be collapsed from opposing sides toward a crease line
defined by the
creases (e.g., towards the center of the device). Collapse about the series of
creases decreases
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the length of the collapsed combustible device, as compared to collapse where
no such
creases are provided, providing improved storage, packaging, transportation,
etc.
[0047] Kits including a plurality of charcoal briquets and a charcoal
igniting device as
described herein may also be provided. For example, the device may be packaged
with a unit
dose or larger bag of charcoal briquets, for use therewith. The device could
be placed within
the bag, attached to a panel of the bag, etc. Instructions could be provided
to place the
briquets on or over the device (e.g., with a grate therebetween), and ignite
the device under
the charcoal.
III. Exemplary Combustible Charcoal Igniting Devices and Methods
[0048] Figure 1 shows an exemplary combustible charcoal igniting device 100
in an
uncollapsed configuration. Illustrated device 100 is shown as including a
plurality of first
elongate grid members 102 where each of the grid members 102 is generally
parallel to one
another when the device 100 is in its uncollapsed configuration. Illustrated
device 100 is
shown as further including a plurality of second elongate grid members 104
where each of
the grid members 104 is generally parallel to one another and transverse
relative to (e.g.,
perpendicular to) the first elongate grid members 102 when the device 100 is
uncollapsed.
The first elongate grid members 102 and second elongate grid members 104 may
define a
plurality of chimney cells 106 above or on which a plurality of charcoal
briquets may be
placed for ignition when the combustible charcoal igniting device 100 is in
its uncollapsed
configuration.
[0049] The device 100 may be collapsible. For example, the first elongate
grid members
102 may be configured to collapse from the uncollapsed configuration in which
the first
elongate grid members 102 are transverse relative to the second elongate grid
members 104
to a collapsed configuration in which the first elongate grid members 102 and
second
elongate grid members 104 are generally parallel to one another (e.g., see
Figure 3). Such a
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collapsed configuration greatly reduces the volume occupied by the device 100,
e.g., it may
be in the form of a collapsed relatively thin strip (e.g., thin relative to
the uncollapsed square
or rectangle, or other shape) in which the grid members 102, 104 are generally
parallel when
collapsed, and upon uncollapse, the first grid members 102 become transverse
relative to the
second grid members 104.
[0050] The first and second elongate grid members 102, 104 of device 100 may
be formed
from a combustible material that can be ignited and that will continue to
burn, igniting
charcoal briquets or other material placed above or on the chimney cells 106.
Suitable
construction materials may include, but are not limited to, cellulose-based
natural materials
derived from wood or wood products, including paper, paperboard, cardboard,
cardstock,
wood fiber, wood chips, wood pulp, sawdust, lightweight particle board,
compressed recycled
paper, or similar materials. Vegetable fibers, pulp and recycled materials of
plant origin may
also be used. Suitable materials may typically be in the form of a sheet of
material that is
subsequently formed, cut, stamped, die-cut, pressed or otherwise sized or
shaped to the
desired shape, length, thickness, surface finish, density, rigidity, etc.. In
an embodiment, the
outer elongate grid members of the device 100 may be constructed from lighter
grade,
thinner, more easily ignited material, while the inner elongate grid members
(or portions
thereof) may be of heavier stock, with higher BTU and/or burn temperature so
the
combination provides relatively easier ignition, with more prolonged higher
heat production
as the device burns.
[0051] In an
embodiment, the plurality of chimney cells 106 formed by the elongate grid
members 102, 104 are created by interlocking the first and second elongate
grid members 102
and 104 with one another. For example, each first elongate grid member 102 may
interlock
with a plurality of second elongate grid members 104, and each second elongate
grid member
104 may in turn interlock with a plurality of first elongate grid members 102.
The
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interlocking grid members may be engaged with one another such that the device
100 may be
collapsed and expanded without disengaging or otherwise separating the grid
members from
one another.
100521 In an embodiment, the interlocking grid members may form a
substantially planar
top surface when the combustible charcoal igniting device 100 is in its
uncollapsed
configuration. For example, device 100 may be formed from first and second
elongate grid
members 102, 104 of the same or substantially the same height, and the various
grid members
may be interlocked with one another so that the height of device 100 may be
substantially the
same as the height of any individual grid member. In another embodiment, the
various grid
members could include varying or different heights. For example, the device
could include a
greater height towards its center, and relatively shorter height towards the
perimeter edges.
Such may aid in distributing charcoal briquets poured onto the device so as to
have more
uniform thickness. rather than the pile being thicker near its center.
[0053] Interlocking of the first and second grid members may be
facilitated by notching,
cutting, or otherwise providing slots 108a in top edges of one set of grid
members, while
providing corresponding slots 108b in bottom edges of the other set of grid
members. While
termed a "slot", it will be appreciated that a cut, slit, notch, or similar
structure could be used.
For purposes of simplicity, all such structures which aid in interlocking the
grid members
together will be collectively referred to herein as slots. Spacing of the
slots 108a (and 108b)
along any given grid member may be provided so as to be at the point of
intersection with the
other oriented grid members, as shown in Figure 1.
100541 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, one or both slots 108a, 108b may
be flared at
their open ends, to better facilitate insertion of the other grid member (and
other slot) therein.
For example, in the illustrated device 100, grid members 104 each include a
plurality of slots
108b formed in a top edge thereof, which are flared at their open top.
Similarly, the slots 108a
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formed in a bottom edge in grid members 102 are also flared at their open
ends, so that when
the open flared ends of slots 108a and 108b are brought together, they may
facilitate easier
insertion of grid members 102 down into the slots 108b of grid members 104.
Aside from
such flared ends, the slots 108a and 108b may be more than mere cuts (e.g.,
with no real
width), but may include a width associated with the slot, to better
accommodate the passage
of the other grid member therethrough. In an embodiment, either or both of
slots 108a, 108b
may have a width approximately equal to the thickness of the grid member being
received
therein.
100551 In an embodiment, the plurality of chimney cells 106 have length and
width
dimensions such that when charcoal briquets are dumped or otherwise placed on
the top
surface of device 100. the briquets rest on top of the chimney cells, rather
than falling therein.
For example, the length and/or width of cells 106 may be smaller than the
briquet dimensions
the device is provided with, or used with. For example, typical charcoal
briquets may be
about 1.75 inches in width and length, with a depth of about 1 inch. Of
course, other briquet
sizes, shapes, etc. may also be used. By way of non-limiting example, the
dimensions of
chimney cells 106 may be from about 1 to about 1.5 inches in width and length.
The cells
may be square, or approximately square. Other shapes are of course also
possible. The above
described dimensions are sufficiently small to prevent standard sized charcoal
briquets
poured, dumped, or otherwise placed on the top surface of device 100 from
falling into the
cells 106. Rather, the charcoal briquets will remain on top of the cells 106,
supported by the
criss-crossed grid members 102 and 104. Larger sized cells could be used while
still
preventing the briquets from falling therein by placing the device below a
grill grate, and
placing the briquets on the grate, above the device.
[0056] The chimney cells 106 advantageously allow air to come up from the
bottom of
device 100 and more uniformly light the charcoal, as compared to a simple pile
of charcoal
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alone. The presence of such chimney cells 106 avoids the staged lighting that
typically occurs
when using a standard charcoal chimney (see Figure 7), or when just lighting a
pile of
charcoal briquets soaked in lighter fluid. For example, in a charcoal chimney,
the briquets on
the bottom become hot and ready to use the fastest with a gradual decrease in
briquet
readiness from bottom to top. Chimneys cells 106 may aid in directly conveying
heat onto the
briquets. This heat transfer mechanism also differs from that of burning
lighter fluid. For
example, when lighter fluid is used to start briquets, it is the actual
lighter fluid vapor that is
ignited above the briquets, which burning vapor must be hot enough to transfer
sufficient heat
to the briquets, in order to ignite them. As described below, the inventors
have undertaken
some comparative testing, illustrating how use of the present charcoal
igniting devices can
actually result in as fast, or faster lighting of the charcoal briquets as
compared to various
available alternatives (e.g., such as lighter fluid, a charcoal chimney,
etc.), and
advantageously, without the use of any lighter fluid.
[0057] As shown in Figure 1, one or more of grid Members 102 and 104 may
include one
or more ignition aid notches 110 formed therein. For example, any of the grid
members 102
or 104 defining the outer perimeter of device 100 may include such an ignition
aid notch 110.
Such notches 110 could also be positioned within the interior grid members,
although
placement in the perimeter grid members may be advantageous for easier
lighting access by
the user.
100581 As shown in Figure 1, in an embodiment, ignition aid notches 110 may
be
triangular-shaped notches cut out of the base of elongate grid members 102,
104, although
other shapes or configurations are also possible. As such, the term notch as
used in reference
to the ignition aid notches 110 is to be broadly construed, to generally
include any shape,
whether cut (e.g., die cut), punched, or otherwise formed within elongate grid
members 102
or 104 which facilitates insertion of a lit match or other fire starter. For
example, notches 110
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could be in the shape of a circle, polygon, another closed or open shape
formed of lines or
curves, etc. While illustrated with the notches 110 extending to the bottom of
the grid
members 102, 104, it will be appreciated that they could be formed within the
interior of the
grid members (e.g., a closed shape within the grid member).
100591 In an
embodiment, ignition aid notches 110 may also be disposed along the
elongate grid members 102 and 104 such that there is at least one notch 110
along each side
or end. The illustrated embodiment shows 3 ignition aid notches along each
side and end of
the square or rectangular perimeter of device 100. The notches 110 may be
approximately
evenly spaced apart from one another along any Oven side or end, as shown, or
may be
provided with other spacing (e.g., only near the corners, or only at the
center of each side or
end).
[0060] The
illustrated triangular shaped cut-out notches 110 open at the bottom may be
particularly suitable as being inexpensive to manufacture, and quite
effective, although it will
be appreciated that a hole or other pattern cut out or otherwise formed in
elongate grid
members 102 and/or 104 by die cutting or other mechanism may be used. In other
examples,
the ignition aid notches 110 may be simple circular holes cut or punched out
of grid members
102 and/or 104, or a multi-pointed star or starburst pattern. Regardless of
the geometry of
notches 110, the edges of the notches 110 may be roughened (e.g., creating a
"fuzzy" edge),
slitted, fibrillated, thinned, or otherwise altered to create surfaces that
are more easily ignited.
100611 A
material that is more combustible than the underlying paperboard or other
material of grid members 102, 104 may be provided on, over, or next to notches
110. For
example, paper, particularly wax paper, or other easily combustible material
may be provided
covering at least a portion of the ignition aid notches 110, or adjacent
thereto. The easily
combustible material may be ignited to assist in lighting the ignition aid
notch and associated
elongate grid member. In an embodiment, notches 110 may be coated or covered
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flame propagation agent and/or an ignition accelerant (e.g., wax, oil, or
another readily
combustible material that will not readily volatilize away during storage). In
an embodiment,
laminated backing paper (e.g., wax paper) may be provided over an entire span,
or at least a
portion of the span, of one or more elongate grid members 102, 104 (e.g., the
four outer
perimeter grid members).
[0062] In an embodiment, the ignition aid notches 110, other portions of
elongate grid
members 102, 104, or any applied wax, wax paper, or other flame propagation
agent or
ignition accelerant may include a scent (e.g., scented oil). For example,
mesquite or other
scented paper. wax, or other material may be included at or near lighting
notches 110 so that
as this material burns, the user experiences the desired scent (e.g., burning
mesquite, hickory,
etc). Any desired scent or flavor, particularly those common to barbeque
and/or the culinary
field such as hickory, mesquite, BBQ, thyme, smoke, cheny, maple, apple, oak,
pecan, alder,
or the like may be used.
[0063] In an embodiment, ignition aid notches 110 may also act as air vents
to increase air
flow into device 100. The ignition aid notches 110 acting as air vents may be
disposed on the
outer perimeter elongate grid members 102, 104, although it will be
appreciated that
additional notches 110 could be provided on the centrally disposed internal
grid members 102
and/or 104 to provide additional possible lighting areas and/or to increase
air flow towards
the interior of the device.
100641 As shown in Figure 1, in association with any such ignition aid
notches, "light
here" or similar indicia (e.g., a picture of a lit match) could be provided
above, to the side, or
otherwise near the ignition aid notches, to direct lighting of the device by
the user. In an
embodiment, one or more matches could be provided with the device. For
example, a
removable match could be provided, frictionally coupled to a strike region (a
phosphor region
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CA 3005071 2018-05-16
as on a match box), which could enable lighting of the device (e.g., at a
notch 110) by simply
pulling the match.
100651 In an embodiment, for example as depicted in Figure 1, the
combustible charcoal
igniting device 100 may include a securing element 112 to maintain the device
in its
uncollapsed configuration. As shown in Figure 1, the securing element 112 may
comprise
any structure that engages with the elongate grid members 102, 104, with
chimney cells 106,
or both, in order to maintain them in the appropriate uncollapsed orientation,
for lighting.
Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary securing element 112 as comprising a rigid
cross piece that
may be place over an intersection between a first elongate grid member 102 and
a second
elongate grid member 104, helping to maintain them in the desired
substantially transverse
(e.g., perpendicular) orientation. While securing element 112 is shown as
spanning just one
intersection, it will be appreciated that the securing element 112 could be
longer along one or
both arms, so as to span more than one intersection. In addition, more than
one securing
element could be employed, positioned at any desired locations about device
100. Where a
single securing element 112 is used, it may be placed at or near the center of
the device 100.
100661 In another embodiment, the securing element could include one or
more structures
having the shape of the interior of the chimney cells, so as to be tightly
inserted into one or
more of the chimney cells 106. Such a configuration would aid in maintaining
the device 100
in an uncollapsed configuration, similar to illustrated securing element 112.
For example, a
securing element could include two such shapes that could be connected
together at corners,
vertices or otherwise, such that the securing element is insertable into two
(e.g., adjacent)
chimney cells 106 simultaneously. In another embodiment, the securing element
may not
necessarily be the same shape as the interior of the chimney cell, but still
configured to hold it
fully open, or expanded. For example, a circular and/or cylindrical securing
element could be
17
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
inserted into a chimney cell 106 to bear against the four sidewalls thereof,
holding the
chimney cell (and thus the device 100) in a substantially uncollapsed
configuration.
[0067] In an embodiment, the securing element 112 may comprise a
combustible material,
such that the burning of the combustible charcoal igniting device 100 will
cause the eventual
ignition and burning of securing element 112. For example, the securing
element may be
formed from the same or similar material as the elongate grid members 102, 104
(e.g.,
paperboard). In an alternative embodiment, the securing element 112 could be
constructed of
a noncombustible material (e.g., metal). It may be possible to reuse such a
noncombustible
securing element when igniting another device 100.
100681 Figure 2 illustrates how the combustible charcoal devices may
include one or more
aligned creases which serve to reduce the length of the overall device once
collapsed. For
example, Figure 2 shows a device 200 otherwise similar to device 100 of Figure
1, but in
which each of the first elongate grid members 102 include a crease 214 so that
the creases
214 of each of the first elongate grid members 102 align with one another,
forming a crease
line along which the device 200 may be collapsed from either side, towards the
crease line.
Such creases 214 enable the device 200 to be collapsed from opposed sides
towards the
crease line, which may be at or near a center of the device 200. In an
embodiment, the creases
214 defining the crease line may be in each first grid member 102 at the
intersection with a
given one of the second elongate grid members, such that the given second
elongate grid
member becomes the crease line along which the device 200 is collapsible.
Inclusion of such
aligned creases reduces the length of the device 200 when in its collapsed
configuration, as
compared to its collapsed length where no such creases are present.
100691 For example, when a grid-style device as seen in Figure 1 is
collapsed, the first or
second grid members simply pivot about an axis from the generally
perpendicular orientation
seen in Figure 1, to an essentially 0 degree, generally parallel orientation.
For example, when
18
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collapsing the device of Figure 1, the second grid members 104 may pivot from
generally
vertical (if initially so oriented), towards the horizontal, while the first
grid members 102 may
remain generally horizontal throughout the collapse. Without any creases to
reduce the
collapsed length, the device 100 may have a collapsed length that is
approximately equal to
1.9 times the length of the longest side (or either side, where the device is
square).
[0070] With a series of aligned creases 214, as in device 200, the
collapsed length is
significantly shorter than 1.9 times the length of the longest side. This is
advantageous, as the
longer length is often difficult to accommodate on or within a charcoal bag,
as the device is
contemplated to be provided packaged with such a bag of charcoal. Placement of
creases 214
at or near a center of the device (e.g.. at or between the 5th or 61h elongate
member where a
given side or end includes 10 grid members) may decrease the length to about
1.4 to 1.5
times the initial length.
[0071] Inclusion of one such series of aligned creases results in a V-shape
as the device
200 is collapsed about crease line 214, as seen in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows
device 200
partially collapsed, illustrating how a V-shaped collapsed configuration will
result upon full
collapse. Figure 3 shows device 200 nearly fully collapsed. While the total
length of
collapsed device 200 may still be longer than the longest elongate grid
member, it will be
significantly less than 1.9 times the length of the longest grid member.
[0072] It will be appreciated that any distinction between first elongate
grid members 102
and second elongate grid members 104 may be somewhat arbitrary, as the device
may be
rotated, flipped, etc., to assume a different orientation or position. While
various features,
(such as creases 214) are shown as being formed within first elongate grid
members 102, they
could alternatively be formed in second elongate grid members 104. In another
embodiment,
it may be possible to form any such structures in both, e.g., creases in both
may allow the
device to be collapsed along either crease line.
19
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
100731 The combustible charcoal igniting device may include more than one
crease line,
e.g., a plurality of crease lines that are parallel to one another may be
provided. Figure 4
schematically shows a top plan view of a charcoal igniting device 300
including two such
crease lines 316 and 318, and which is partially collapsed about the crease
lines to better
illustrate their presence. In the illustrated embodiment, creases 316 in first
elongate grid
members 102 are shown as being aligned with an intersection of a given one of
the second
grid members (e.g., 4th second grid member .104a). Creases 318 in grid members
102 are
shown as being aligned with an intersection of another second grid member
(e.g., 7th second
grid member 104b). As a result, device 300 is able to fold about both
intersected grid
members 104a and 104b, in a zig-zag, alternating direction, resulting is an
even greater
reduction in width as device 300 is collapsed from opposing ends towards
crease lines
defined by creases 316 and 318, towards the center of device 300.
10074] While illustrated with placement of creases 316 and 318 at the
intersection of a
given crossing grid member (i.e., one of grid members 104 ¨ specifically grid
members 104a
and 104b), it will be appreciated that one or both sets of the creases 316,
318 could
alternatively be positioned between intersecting grid members, as creases 214
in the
embodiment shown in Figure 2.
[0075] Figure 5 shows a hyperfolded configuration of a device 400, where a
crease is
provided at each intersection of elongate grid member 102 with each successive
grid member
104, within the central section of device 400. For example, creases 420 are
shown at the
intersection of each first elongate grid member 102 with the 2hd second
elongate grid member
104c. Creases 422 are shown at the intersection of each first elongate grid
member 102 with
the 3rd second elongate grid member 104d. Creases 424 are shown at the
intersection of each
first elongate grid member 102 with the 4th second elongate grid member 104e.
Creases 426,
428, 430, 432, and 434 are similarly provided at the intersection with second
elongate grid
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
members 104f, 104g, 104h, 104i, and 104j, respectively. No creases are shown
at the
intersection with the outer perimeter second elongate members 104 (those at
the sides or
ends), although such could be provided, if desired. The direction of the
creases is alternated
sequentially along the first elongate grid members 102, resulting in the first
grid members
assuming a zig-zag configuration as they are collapsed. Such a configuration
includes many
(e.g., 8 are illustrated) crease lines, and therefore will have a collapsed
length associated with
device 400 that is shorter than that of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3,
and 4. For
example, the collapsed length will be significantly less than 1.9 times the
length of the
longest grid member. For example, such a hyperfolded configuration may result
in a
collapsed length that is only about 15-20% (e.g., 16%) greater than the length
of the longest
elongate member.
[0076] Figure 5 shows columns (i.e., distance between adjacent crease
lines) of one
chimney cell 106 wide that collapse towards a given second elongate grid
member 104,
whereas Figure 4 shows columns that are three chimney cells 106 wide that
collapse towards
a given second elongate grid member 104a and/or 104b. It should be appreciated
that the
illustrated embodiments are examples only and other configurations will be
apparent to one
of skill in the art, and are encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0077] Figures 6A-6F illustrate progressive opening of a combustible
charcoal igniting
device with a different, fan-like, hyperfolded accordion configuration. As
shown in Figure
6A, the combustible charcoal igniting device 500 is fully collapsed and
retained in that
collapsed configuration by a securing band 534. The securing band 534 may be
made of any
material sufficient to maintain the device 500 in a substantially collapsed
and folded
configuration. This may include, for example, a paper band, a rubber band,
ancUor a band
made from any other suitable material. As folded in Figure 6A, device 500
includes a crease
536 resulting from the elongate members of the fan-like device being folded
over itself once
21
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the various elongate members are already collapsed to be against one another,
and generally
parallel relative to one another.
[0078] As seen in Figures 6A-6F, device 500 may similarly include a
plurality of elongate
members 538, attached to one another along edges or sides 540 of the elongate
grid members
in an expandable fan-like accordion configuration. As seen in the Figures, the
top and bottom
edges 540 where one member 538 joins another member 538 may simply be a crease
therebetween. As a result of such alternating top and bottom creases 540, an
accordion folded
structure results, which allows the elongate members 538 to extend upright
when placed on a
horizontal surface, such as a grill, as will be apparent from Figures 6E and
6F.
[0079] Along one or more of the creases 540, chimney cells 542 may be
provided. In the
illustrated configuration, cells 542 may simply be cut-outs within the top
and/or bottom
creases 540. Such chimney cells formed within the elongate members 538 allow
combustion
air to be introduced to charcoal briquets that may be placed on the top
surface of the elongate
grid members, for ignition. Because the elongate members 538 are generally
upright, an air
cavity will be disposed below chimney cells 542, allowing air to be drawn from
the outer
perimeter, under alternating V-shaped accordion elongate members, and up
through cells 542,
to aid in igniting charcoal briquets placed on the top surface of device 500.
[0080] As the other embodiments described herein, the elongate members 538
may be
formed from a combustible material (e.g., paperboard) that can be ignited and
that will
continue to burn, igniting charcoal briquets placed on a top surface of the
elongate members.
Spacing between adjacent top surface creased edges 540 may be dimensioned as
described
above to support a standard (or other sized) sized charcoal briquet thereon,
supported
between the adjacent high point edges.
[0081] Figure 6E illustrates device 500 in a configuration where it has
been sufficiently
expanded to assume a generally circular shape. It will be readily apparent
that a plurality of
22
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
charcoal briquets or other combustible material could be positioned on the top
surface of the
generally circular device 500 of Figure 6E, and ignited by igniting the device
500 (e.g., by
igniting the outer circular perimeter, by igniting one or more of chimney
cells 542, an outer
perimeter edge, etc. The device 500 may be further expanded, as shown in
Figure 6F, pulling
the opposed ends, to further unfold central creased edges 544, which may
result in an oval
configuration, as seen. Of course, the final shaped configuration may depend
on the particular
geometry of the various elongate members 538, creased edges 540, etc. Various
other
configurations will be apparent to one of skill in the art. A circular or oval
configuration to
the combustible charcoal igniting device may be particularly useful for a
grill, firepit, or other
fire holding apparatus that includes a corresponding circular or oval shape.
While the devices
of Figures 1-5 are shown as square or rectangular, they could similarly be
trimmed to assume
a circular, oval, or other shape, as desired. Various sizes could also be
provided, to
accommodate differently sized grills, etc.
100821 Figure
7 shows how an embodiment of the combustible charcoal igniting device
600 could be configured for use within a charcoal chimney 646. Such a device
600 could be
similar to any of those disclosed herein, e.g., an embodiment such as that
seen in Figures 1-5
could be trimmed along the perimeter so as to have a circular perimeter so as
to fit neatly
within the circular cross-section of the charcoal chimney. A square or
rectangular shaped
device could similarly be used, with a width and length that would fit within
the diameter of
the charcoal chimney. Alternatively, a fan-like accordion folded configuration
such as that of
Figures 6A-6F could be inserted within the charcoal chimney. Other
configurations
employing a similar principal of providing elongate members that extend
upright, and support
charcoal briquets thereon could also be used, where the elongate members are
ignited, to in
turn ignite the charcoal 648.
23
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
100831 In an embodiment, the combustible charcoal igniting device 600 may
be in the
shape of a truncated cone when in its uncollapsed configuration having a
greater height at its
center than perimeter. Similarly, any of the configurations described herein
could include a
greater height at their center than their perimeter. A center region of the
device having a
raised height which tapers to a lower height around the edges and/or sides may
advantageously cause charcoal poured onto the bed to form a more uniformly
thick bed of
charcoal than occurs when one normally pours a pile of charcoal, which
typically results in a
pyramidal shape which is thicker in the center.
[0084] In another embodiment, the heights of adjacent elongate grid members
could be
varied in height to create an orientation of the charcoal that is randomized
during free-
pouring. Such randomized orientation enables the charcoal to adopt a more
compact, efficient
random packing structure with higher fuel density on the surface of the
device, aiding in more
efficient ignition of the charcoal bed.
[0085] In an embodiment, the charcoal chimney 646 may be provided in a
bottomless or
near bottomless configuration (used interchangeably herein), so that if
charcoal were placed
within the charcoal chimney 646, it would fall through the open bottom of the
chimney. By
"near bottomless", it is meant that a portion of the bottom (e.g., adjacent
the perimeter of the
canister shaped chimney) may optionally include a bottom wall or grating,
although any such
bottom wall or grating does not extend inwardly to a sufficient distance to
prevent falling of
charcoal through such a plane. For example, any such portion may not cover the
full bottom
of the charcoal chimney. Rather, it may simply comprise a laterally inwardly
extending,
narrow, bottom flange, but may otherwise be open at the bottom, so that
charcoal falls
therethrough unless some structure is placed therein.
[0086] Figures 7A-7C further illustrate such an embodiment, which may be
used in
conjunction with a combustible charcoal igniting device 600, which fits into
the open bottom
24
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
of charcoal chimney 646, initially closing the bottom, so long as the device
600 remains in
place. As device 600 is combustible, once it burns away, the charcoal 648
positioned
thereabove will fall under force of gravity, to the bottom of the charcoal
chimney (e.g.,
resting on a barbeque grill grating or other similar surface on which the
charcoal chimney is
placed).
100871 Such a bottomless charcoal chimney 646 provides several distinct
advantages
relative to existing charcoal chimneys. For example, where the device 600 is
consumed, so
as to no longer be capable of supporting the charcoal briquets, the hot
charcoal may not need
to be dumped out of the chimney by inverting the chimney to dump the coals
therefrom.
Rather, all that may be needed is for the user to simply lift the charcoal
chimney (without
tipping), and the hot coals simply remain where they've settled during
ignition, or fall out the
bottom of the charcoal chimney 646. It may be helpful to tap the charcoal
chimney while so
doing, to ensure all the hot charcoal falls through the open bottom, as the
chimney is lifted.
Such a system may be provided with one or more such combustible charcoal
igniting devices,
one of which can be inserted and retained within the bottom of the charcoal
chimney during
initial set up. Replacement combustible charcoal igniting devices configured
for insertion
into the chimney may also be provided, e.g., separate from the initially
acquired chimney.
[0088] If desired, a lock and key retaining relationship between the
insertable charcoal
igniting device and the interior of the charcoal chimney may be provided. For
example, slots
in the sidewalls of chimney 646, or projections therefrom, may receive a
complementary
shaped portion of the insertable charcoal igniting device 600 (e.g., a
projection fitting into a
slot). Thus, a system may be provided including a bottomless charcoal chimney
(e.g., formed
of metal or another material that will not burn and be consumed during use),
in combination
with a combustable charcoal igniting device that temporarily serves as a
bottom to the
charcoal chimney, holding the charcoal therein during initial set up and
through ignition of
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
the charcoal. Because such a charcoal chimney does not require a permanent non-
cumbustible bottom member, such a chimney is significantly less expensive than
existing
charcoal chimneys (e.g., approximately half the cost). For example, existing
chimney
designs typically include a bottom member (e.g., a bottom wall or grating)
that is welded or
otherwise attached to the sidewall of the chimney. Such construction is
relatively expensive
and complex as compared to the simplified bottomless charcoal chimney for use
with one
time use combustible inserts for igniting the charcoal. In addition to lower
expense, the
charcoal chimney is easier and safer to use, as DO inversion, tipping and
dumping of the hot
charcoal is needed. The mess and danger associated with such existing charcoal
chimney
systems is a key characteristic as to why some consumers dislike charcoal
chimneys.
[0089] Figure 7B illustrates how a user may light device 600 through a side
vent of
charcoal chimney 646, similar to ignition of the other charcoal igniting
devices described
herein. Alternatively, a user could choose to ignite device 600 from under the
charcoal
chimney. In any case, the charcoal ignition device 600 is configured to ignite
the charcoal
placed in chimney 646 (e.g., on top of device 600) as device 600 burns. As
device 600 burns,
it will lose its structural integrity, eventually not being able to support
charcoal 648
thereabove any longer. At this point, charcoal 648 may fall downward, through
the open
bottom of chimney 646, onto a surface on which the chimney is supported (e.g.,
a grill
grating). As shown in Figure 7C, when the charcoal has been ignited (e.g.,
when ready for
use in cooking), the user may simply lift charcoal chimney 646 upward, and
because chimney
646 is bottomless, the chimney will be removed, leaving the hot charcoal 648
in the desired
pile, ready for cooking.
[0090] Such an insertable charcoal ignition device may have any desired
configuration
(e.g., similar to any of those illustrated or described herein). In an
embodiment, it may
resemble a truncated cone shape, with cells or other openings defined therein,
to provide for
26
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
=
=
desired air flow, and easy lighting of any desired edge portion. The cells or
other structural
form may support charcoal briquets thereon, e.g., as described relative to
various
embodiments herein. Such an insertable embodiment configured for use in a
charcoal
chimney may or may not be collapsible. Collapsibility may be less of an issue,
given the
relatively small size of such a charcoal chimney (e.g., no more than 6-8
inches in any given
width (e.g., diameter), for insertion into a charcoal chimney of standard
width (e.g.,
diameter). For example, such an insert may have a largest width (e.g.,
diameter of 4 inches, 5
inches, 6, inches, 7 inches, or 8 inches). Where desired, an embodiment for
insertion into a
charcoal chimney may be collapsible. For example, such an embodiment (or any
embodiment as described herein) may be provided in an initially collapsed
configuration, and
include a string or other actuation member that is pulled or otherwise
actuated to cause the
initially collapsed charcoal ignition device to expand, to its uncollapsed
configuration.
100911 Figure 8 shows another configuration, similar to that of Figure 1,
but further
including an outer perimeter wind wall 750 around the perimeter of the device
100. The
height of wall 750 may be greater than the height of elongate grid members 102
and 104.
Such an embodiment could be provided by replacing outermost perimeter grid
members with
similar elongate grid members, but which are greater in height than the
interior elongate grid
members 102, 104. The resulting device 700 may provide some protection against
wind
interfering with ignition of the device 100 and charcoal laid thereon, and/or
may aid in
-corralling" the charcoal briquets or other material laid thereon, to keep it
from falling off
device 100.
100921 Wall 750 may be a separate piece that fits around the perimeter of
the combustible
charcoal igniting device 100, or may be attached to and collapsible with
device 100. Wall 750
may be formed from the same or similar materials as described above relative
to the elongate
grid members 102, 104. If desired, one or more vents 752 may be provided,
e.g., in a lower
27
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
portion of wall 750. Such vents 752 may be located at or near the base of wall
750. Such
vents may increase air flow into chimney cells 106, promoting faster, more
uniform
combustion of the combustible charcoal igniting device 100 and associated
charcoal briquets
or other combustible material placed thereon. As shown in Figure 8, one or
more vents 752
may be aligned with ignition aid notches 110, to facilitate easy lighting.
[0093] Figure 9 shows a user inserting a match through vent 752, to light
ignition aid
notch 110 of device 100. Charcoal briquets 754 placed on device 100 will
quickly be ignited
by combustion of underlying device 100. Figure 9 shows 3 other ignition aid
notches (in the
center of each side or end) already having been ignited. While Figure 9 shows
placement of
charcoal 754 directly onto device 100, it will be appreciated that device 100
could be placed
under a grating, and the charcoal placed on top of the grating, but still in
close enough
proximity to the device under the grating so that combustion of device 100
ignites the
charcoal thereabove.
[0094] As described herein, a kit may be provided that includes a plurality
of charcoal
briquets (e.g.. briquets 754) and any combustible charcoal igniting device as
described herein.
In an embodiment, such a charcoal igniting device could be attached to the
charcoal bag in
which the charcoal is provided. In an embodiment, the device may already be
uncollapsed,
e.g., in the top, bottom, or side of the charcoal bag, so that a user may
simply orient the bag
so that the device is at the bottom, and ignite the bag or device.
[0095] Such methods as described herein may be used to ignite charcoal
(e.g., briquets,
lump, etc.), or any other desired material, such as wood, as shown in Figure
10 (e.g., for a
campfire, fire pit, etc.).
[0096] Figure 11 shows a modified version of a combustible charcoal
igniting device,
denoted as 100' in Figure 11. Device 100' similarly includes first and second
elongate grid
members 102 and 104, and may include any of the other features described
herein. Device
28
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
100' as shown may be "miniaturized", allowing a user to position a plurality
of such smaller
modular grid devices 100' into a larger grid, as shown. Such smaller grids
(e.g., only
including two each of the first and second grid members, in a "tic-tac-toe"
arrangement may
be collapsed in a similar manner as device 100, although their relative size
(for given
chimney dimensions) for a 2x2 grid will be considerably smaller than for a
larger (e.g.,
10x1 0) grid, as shown in Figure 1. While a 10x10 grid is shown, other sizes
(e.g., 5-15, or 6-
12 grid members on any given side), may be employed. Such smaller modular
grids may be
more easily packaged with a charcoal bag (or other packaging), with an overall
length for the
group of modular grids that is more manageable than a single larger grid.
Various other
modular sizes (e.g., a 3x3 grid, etc.) could also be provided.
IV. Comparative Testing
[0097] .. Testing was done to compare the time to cooking readiness of
charcoal briquets
ignited through various mechanisms. Time lapse photographs showing the
comparative
testing results are included in Figure 12. As shown, various batches of an
identical number of
charcoal briquets were ignited under the same conditions, other than the
ignition method.
Four different methods for igniting charcoal briquets were tested. One method
included
lighting charcoal briquets with pre-applied lighter fluid (i.e., MATCHL1GHT0).
The second
batch of charcoal briquets used a combustible charcoal lighting device similar
to that of
Figure I (labeled in Figure 12 as "Accordion" due to the expandable and
collapsible nature of
the device). A third batch used lighter fluid, where the recommended volume of
fluid was
applied immediately prior to ignition. Lastly, a fourth batch was ignited by
placing the
charcoal briquets in a charcoal chimney and igniting paper or kindling
material placed
therebelow. The tests were conducted under the same environmental conditions,
and the
results are presented in photographic time lapse format in Figure 12 and in
Table 1 below.
29
CA 3005071 2018-05-16
Table 1
Time to Cooking Readiness (min)
Match Li ght 19
Accordion 15
Lighter Fluid 18
Charcoal Chimney 16.5
[0098] As
shown above, charcoal briquets ignited using a combustible charcoal igniting
device as described herein were cooking ready (determined after the standard
degree of
ashing over is observed) in the shortest period of time. Further, the charcoal
briquets ignited
in this fashion did not use any lighter fluid, yet were still able to arrive
at cooking readiness
before any of the comparative examples.
[0099]
Achieving even a comparable "time to cooking readiness" without use of lighter
fluid is a particularly noteworthy and advantageous result. For example, the
use of lighter
fluid is regulated in many jurisdictions, and standards associated with use of
such materials
are likely to be further tightened. As such, the ability to provide a
practical alternative to use
of lighter fluid, which achieves similar or even improved "time to cooking
readiness"
characteristics is greatly advantageous.
1001001 While
the present invention has been described with reference to what are
presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood
that the
invention is not limited to these embodiments. To the contrary. the invention
is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope
of the appended claims.
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