COMBUSTIBLE PACKAGE FOR CONTAINING A FUEL SOURCE Field of invention The present invention relates to a combustible package for containing a fuel source such as charcoal briquettes and use thereof. The invention further relates to a method for folding the outer container of the combustible package from a single piece of material. Background of invention

The concept of outdoors cooking is widely spread in most parts of the world. It is typically associated with social settings in gardens, parks or by the water. One way to cook outdoors is barbequing. The typical fuel for barbequing is charcoal briquettes. Charcoal briquettes are compressed blocks of black porous carbonaceous material used to provide the heat for barbequing or grilling food. Although the blocks can come in several shapes, the blocks are generally pillow-shaped. Typically, charcoal briquettes are placed in the bottom of a grill, ignited, and burn to coals over time providing the heat for cooking of the food. One of the most common packages for charcoal briquettes is a large bag containing a determined weight of charcoal briquettes. The size and weight of the bag varies usually from 2 to 10 kg.

In order to adequately ignite the charcoal briquettes, some sort of kindling or fire starter is required. The most common fire starter is igniting or lighter fluid. Also fire starter blocks made of e.g. wooden pulp saturated with vegetable oil or glycerine can be used. A typical bottle of igniting fluid holds approximately 1 litre, while fire starter blocks are sold in containers holding about 60 to 120 pieces.

Some users own a grill starter, which can be used to speed up the process of burning the charcoal briquettes to coal. A grill starter is usually a metal tube with a handle and a perforated bottom. The charcoal briquettes are poured into the grill starter and ignited from the bottom. The perforated bottom allows air to flow through the burning charcoal briquettes, speeding up the preparation process. When the charcoals are ready, the user grabs the handle and pours the burning charcoals into the grill. The grill starter can be used repeatedly in one or more seasons depending on the quality. Charcoal briquettes are very messy, often leaving a black residue on items such as a user's clothes or skin, upon contact or from dust flying in the air. The transfer of charcoal briquettes from bag to grill is as such undesirable.

Igniting fluid is by design very flammable and thus dangerous. These fluids may also leave an unpleasant odour and/or taste on the food being cooked. Fire starter blocks may also leave an unpleasant odour and/or taste on the food depending on the flammable substance.

The use of a grill starter leaves the user in risk of getting black residue on clothes and skin, and more importantly in risk of getting burned by the red-hot grill starter and coals within. Also the grill starter is a space-consuming object that is only used a couple of times each year during grill season.

In general, the process of preparing the charcoal briquettes can be an inconvenient task. If a grill starter is not applied, it can be difficult to make the charcoal briquettes catch fire. Both with and without a grill starter it is necessary to buy both charcoal briquettes and igniting fluid and/or fire starters. Typically neither of these products are emptied in the process of a single barbequing session, which means they take up space. If the outdoor cooking is moved to a location farther from home such as a park, the beach or the like, the process gets even more complicated.

Alternative solutions for single use packages for charcoal briquettes are known in the art. The alternative packages may contain only enough charcoal briquettes for one use and not require additional handling of the charcoal briquettes because the packages are combustible. Some consist of a wound paper tube, others of a paper bag and others yet of more complex structures involving internal panels to create flues or chimneys, see e.g. WO 2009/1 17433 and WO 2008/049100, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

WO 2009/1 17433 discloses a single-use grill starter. The disclosed grill starter is essentially a paper bag holding charcoal briquettes. The container is likely to collapse and/or completely burn away prior to the charcoal briquettes being ready to use for cooking due to the thin material used for the container. In addition, the strength of the sides and bottom is likely not sufficient to withstand collapse of stacked containers during transport. Ignition of the charcoal may also be a problem as there are no air holes present in the bottom of the container, apart from the single centrally placed chimney hole, to ensure sufficient air supply. Finally, when using this grill starter, the container is placed on top of two triangular shaped fire starters. This is unstable and consequently unsafe as the container may fall over after ignition of the charcoal thus leading to spillage of burning coals.

WO 2008/049100 discloses a single-use grill starter made from cardboard, wherein the sides and top of the container may be folded from a single piece of cardboard. The bottom of the container is obtained from a separate piece of cardboard. The taught construction method in WO 2008/049100 leads to waste of a large amount of cardboard during production due to the irregular shape of the cardboard structure for the sides and top and accordingly high production costs as compared to when the sides and bottom of the container are folded from a single piece of substantially rectangular cardboard and no top is present. Furthermore, the implementation of both a top and a bottom hinders a steady flow of air through the charcoal briquettes.

There are two primary concerns concerning the existing alternative solutions. Either they do not function well as a grill starter or the production costs of the packaging material (containers) are too high. To function well as a grill starter the packaging should allow a concentrated airflow through the charcoal briquettes in a period no shorter than 10 minutes. However it should burn away as soon as the charcoal briquettes reach a sufficient temperature for cooking after about 15-20 minutes. If the packaging burns too soon no grill starter effect is accomplished. If the packaging is too thick, material will remain when the charcoals are ready for cooking.

Cost is always an issue with packaging. However, the cost of charcoal briquettes packaging is especially sensitive. Charcoal briquettes and its packaging are used only once and then disposed of. Therefore consumers are unwilling to spend any significant amount on the packaging.

Also, the charcoal briquettes often used in these alternative solutions are presoaked with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, to initiate the burning of the charcoal. This causes the charcoal to burn too quickly and leaves an unpleasant odour and/or taste on the food being cooked.

Summary of invention

In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a package that:

Holds charcoal briquettes for single use

Optionally holds one or more fire starters for single use

Functions well as a grill starter for at least 10 minutes

- Burns away when the charcoal briquettes are ready for use

Does not leave odours, taste or harmful substances in the food being cooked

Is inexpensive to produce

Is uncomplicated to handle and convenient to acquire

Embodiments of the present invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing a combustible package for containing a fuel source and optionally one or more fire starters. The package according to the invention comprises an outer container with an open top (i.e. no lid) and a perforated bottom for sufficient air flow. The charcoal briquettes are stored within the outer container.

Hence, the present invention relates to a combustible package containing a fuel source, said package comprising:

i) a container with a wall and a bottom folded out of one piece of material, ii) a fuel source held within the container, and optionally

iii) one or more fire starters.

wherein said bottom comprises more than one hole.

The combustible package may further comprise an inner container for holding the one or more fire starters. The material used for the package of the present invention is preferably hard cardboard of a sufficient thickness to allow the package to function well as a grill starter for at least 10 minutes and completely burn away when the charcoals are ready for use.

Description of Drawings

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The numbering of the elements is as follows:

1. Outer container

2. Outer container wall

3. Charcoal briquettes

4. Inner container

5. Inner container wall

6. Inner container air holes

7. Fire starter(s)

8. Radial support for bottom

9. Outer container bottom air holes

10. Outer container locking mechanism

1 1. Outer container side support ("feet")

12. Outer container air vent

13. Locking mechanism (flap) for assembly

14. Slit for inserting flaps

15. Locking mechanism for bottom of outer container

16. Flaps for securing the position of the inner container within the outer container

17. Locking mechanism for assembly of inner container

18. Flaps for securing the position of fire starters in inner container

19. Stabilising horizontal wall

20. Barbs to secure position of a firestarter

21. Swing to secure position of a firestarter

Figure 1 shows an exemplary combustible package for charcoal briquettes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

A) shows a cross sectional view of a combustible package for charcoal briquettes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It provides an overview of how the components in the product are arranged in relation to each other. B) shows a view of the bottom of the package in A) demonstrating the presence of air holes in the bottom of the outer container (9) and the radial supports (8).

C) shows a side view of the package in A) filled with charcoal briquettes and showing the outer container locking mechanism (flaps) (10).

Figure 2 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the construction is locked together using glue or clamps.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container showing radial supports (8) and air holes (9).

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container with a hexagonal cross section with air holes (6). The inner container is further equipped with flaps extending from the inner container wall to ensure that the inner container is kept in the correct position within the outer container (16).

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container in C).

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 3 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a square cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the construction is locked together using glue or clamps.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container with a square cross section showing radial supports (8) and air holes (9).

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container with a square cross section with air holes (6).

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container in C).

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom. H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 4 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard. The outer container is assembled along the side via flaps, i.e. without the use of external fastening means such as glue or clamps. The construction is finally locked together by inserting the inner container from the top.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container with a hexagonal cross section.

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container in C).

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 5 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard. The outer container is assembled along the side via flaps, i.e. without the use of external fastening means such as glue or clamps. The construction is locked together by inserting the inner container from the bottom.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container.

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container. The folded inner container has a hexagonal cross section in the bottom and a triangular cross section at the top for easy insertion and fastening into the hole in the bottom of the outer container. Inner container assembly mechanism?

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container. Figure 6 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard and the construction is locked together by clicking flaps into slits in the bottom, sides and the inner container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container with a hexagonal cross section. Inner container assembly mechanism?

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container in C).

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container. Figure 7 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a square cross section out of one piece of cardboard and the construction is locked together by clicking flaps into slits in the bottom, sides and the inner container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded inner container with a square cross section.

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container in C).

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded outer container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 8 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container sides and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard and the construction is locked together by clicking flaps into slits in the bottom, sides. The inner container is folded out of the same piece of cardboard as the sides and bottom.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container. C) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

D) shows a side and partial bottom view of a folded outer container, with the inner container as an integrated part of the construction.

Figure 9 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container and bottom are folded into a container with a square cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the construction is glued together so the bottom unfolds, when the container is unfolded. The embodiment shown in figure 9 may further comprise an inner container (not shown).

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) is the assembled outer container folded flat.

D) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

E) shows the partially folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial bottom view of a fully folded outer container.

Figure 10 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the bottom consists of two halves that interlock, when the container is folded. The embodiment shown in figure 10 may further comprise an inner container (not shown).

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a fully folded outer container.

D) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

Figure 11 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container and bottom are folded into a container with a hexagonal cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the bottom consists of one mainly hexagonal shape that is supported in four places, when the container is folded. The embodiment shown in figure 1 1 may further comprise an inner container (not shown).

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side view of the folded outer container. D) shows a side and partial bottom view of a fully folded outer container.

Figure 12 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container and bottom are folded into a container with a square cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the construction is locked together by clicking flaps into the inner container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a fully folded outer container.

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container.

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial view of the folded inner container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 13 shows the layout of one embodiment of the invention, where the outer container and bottom are folded into a container with a circular cross section out of one piece of cardboard, and the bottom consists of six mainly triangular shapes that interlock with the inner container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the outer container.

B) is a view of the bottom of the folded outer container.

C) shows a side and partial bottom view of a fully folded outer container.

D) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding of the inner container.

E) shows a side view of the folded outer container.

F) shows a side and partial view of the folded inner container.

G) shows the folded inner container viewed from the bottom.

H) shows a side view of the inner container.

Figure 14 shows one preferred method of production. First the layout of the outer and inner container is punched out of a cellulose-based material such as cardboard. The inner container is folded into its final shape and fire starters are placed within the inner container. The inner container is closed in both ends to keep the fire starters from falling out. The outer container is folded two places and assembled in the sides while still being flat and the outer container is then folded into its final three dimensional shape by assembling the bottom and inserting the inner container within the outer container. The fuel source is then placed within the outer container around the inner container followed by packaging the outer container in an outer wrapping (shrink wrapping depicted), and finally a label and a handle is provided. Figure 15 shows one preferred method of use. First, the user buys the product in a shop and carries the product by the handle. The user removes the outer wrapping and places the product on the grill. The user tips the product and lights the fire starters and the fire starters ignite the charcoal briquettes. The outer container works as a chimney and allows air to travel through the charcoal briquettes making them burn to charcoal faster. After 10-15 minutes the charcoal briquettes are ready for cooking and the container is burned away.

Figure 16 shows a number of alternative embodiments of the inner container.

Figure 16.1 shows an embodiment of the inner container, where the cross-section goes from hexagonal to triangular from bottom to top. This design gives a structural strong inner container. It also means that the container gains a narrowing angle towards the top, which is beneficial to light the fuel source. The firestarter is placed inside before the top and bottom are closed.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding the inner container

B) shows a side view of the folded inner container

C) shows a side and partial top view of the folded inner container

D) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded inner container

Figure 16.2 shows an embodiment of the inner container, where the firestarter is inserted from the side, when the inner container is folded. Two horizontal walls keeps the construction sturdy.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding the inner container

B) shows a side view of the folded inner container

C) shows a side and partial top view of the folded inner container

D) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded inner container

Figure 16.3 shows an embodiment of the inner container, where the firestarter is held at the top of the inner container in a series of barbs. After lighting the firestarter, it will burn through the barbs holding it in place at the top of the inner container and fall to a lower level of the inner container where it will ignite the fuel source within the outer container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding the inner container

B) shows a side view of the folded inner container

C) shows a side and partial top view of the folded inner container

D) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded inner container

Figure 16.4 shows an embodiment of the inner container, where the firestarter is held in place by a swing at the top of the inner container. Two horizontal walls keep the construction sturdy. After lighting the firestarter, it will burn through the swing holding it in place at the top of the inner container and fall to a lower level of the inner container where it will ignite the fuel source within the outer container.

A) shows the flat cardboard prior to folding the inner container

B) shows a side and partial bottom view of the folded inner container

C) shows a side and partial top view of the folded inner container

D) shows a side view of the folded inner container

E) shows a cross-section of the folded inner container Figure 17 shows an exemplary combustible package for charcoal briquettes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the inner container has the same height as the outer container and further has a swing for holding in place the firestarter is at the top of the product (i.e. the inner container of figure 16.4). The figure shows a cross sectional view of the container and provides an overview of how the components in the product are arranged in relation to each other.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to a combustible package for containing a fuel source and optionally one or more fire starters, wherein said combustible package has the following characteristics and advantages:

Holds charcoal briquettes for single use

- Optionally holds one or more fire starters for single use

Functions well as a grill starter for at least 10 minutes Burns away when the charcoal briquettes are ready for use

Does not leave odours, taste or harmful substances in the food being cooked

Is inexpensive to produce

- Is uncomplicated to handle and convenient to acquire

The package according to the invention comprises an outer container with an open top (i.e. no lid) and a perforated bottom for sufficient air flow. The charcoal briquettes are stored within the outer container.

Hence, the present invention relates to a combustible package containing a fuel source, said package comprising:

i) a container with a wall and a bottom folded out of one piece of material, ii) a fuel source held within the container, and optionally

iii) one or more fire starters.

wherein said bottom comprises more than one hole.

The combustible package may further comprise an inner container for holding the fire starters.

The material used for the package of the present invention is preferably hard cardboard of a sufficient thickness to allow the package to function well as a grill starter for at least 10 minutes and completely burn away when the charcoals are ready for use. In an alternative embodiment, the combustible package of the present invention comprises an empty container, which is supplied flat and partially assembled to the end user. A partially assembled container is assembled along the sides. The end user folds the container into its final three dimensional shape by assembling the bottom of the container and fills the container with an appropriate fuel source. The flat container may e.g. be attached to a bag of charcoal briquettes. Hence, the present invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a partially assembled container, which is folded flat, and a separate fuel source.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Outer container

The term "outer container" is in the present application used interchangeably with the term "container". The main purpose of the outer container is to make a grill starter that functions as a chimney. The principle behind the idea is that air will travel through the chimney and bring oxygen to the charcoal briquettes. As the coals burn hotter the air will get warmer and travel faster through the chimney. This process reduces the time it takes before the charcoals are ready to be used for cooking.

According to the present invention, the outer container is folded from a single piece of cellulose-based material. The outer container is preferably folded from a flat piece of essentially rectangular-shaped combustible cellulose-based material, such as cardboard. This leads to very low production costs of the container as an essentially rectangular shape of the starting material will lead to very little waste of material during production.

The material for the outer container may be any cellulose-based sheet material such as hard cardboard or paperboard, solid board, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard or other types of cardboard. The terms cardboard and paperboard are used interchangeably in the present application.

The material used for the outer container is in a preferred embodiment solid board. Solid board is made by adhering several layers of liner (paper on rolls) together.

Different types and numbers of liner can be combined to make solid board with a particular thickness and qualities.

The hard cardboard used for the outer container may consist of anything from 3 to 12 layers of liner, such as from 3 to 10, for example 3 to 8, such as 3 to 7, for example 3 to 6, such as 3 to 5. In other embodiments, the outer container may consist of anything from 4 to 12, such as 5 to 12, for example 6 to 12, such as 7 to 12, for example 8 to 12, such as 10 to 12.

Each layer of liner may have a density ranging from 100g/m ² to 400g/m ² .

The wall thickness of the outer container should be 0.5 to 5 mm, such as 0.5 to 4 mm, for example 0.5 to 3 mm, such as 0.5 to 2 mm, for example 0.5 to 1 mm. In other embodiments the wall thickness ranges from 1 to 5 mm, such as 2 to 5 mm, for example 3 to 5 mm, such as 4 to 5 mm.

In one embodiment, the material used for the outer container is flame retardant, i.e. treated with one or more flame retardant substances. The material may e.g. include any number of flame retardant liners, i.e. liners treated with one or more flame retardant substances. Also it may consist of only flame retardant liner on the inside, on the outside or on both outside and inside of the solid board, using normal liner for the rest. Also it may consist of any combination of flame retardant and normal liners.

The flame retardant substance used for the liner may either be applied as a coating or mixed in the pulp used for the liner. The flame retardant substance is preferably a non- toxic environmentally friendly substance. Any non-toxic environmentally friendly flame retardant substances known to the skilled person may be used in the present invention.

In one embodiment, the flame retardant substance comprises one or more of the following: Ammonium phosphate, Ammonium sulfamidate, citrate, benzoate and citric acid.

In one embodiment, the flame retardant substance is a combination of Ammonium phosphate and Ammonium sulfamidate, as used in the product PYREX FA from the German company Pfleiderer Teisnach GmbH & Co. KG.

In one embodiment, the flame retardant substance is composed of Ammonium phosphate, a source of citrate ion and a source of benzoate ion as used in the product Burnblock by the Danish company Burnblock Danmark ApS. The flame retardant substance may further be composed of a citric acid and a base, as used in the product Apyrum by the Swedish company Deflamo.

The material used for the outer container may further include one or several layers of water shedding liner.

The outer container of the present invention has an essentially tubular shape to work as a chimney. The outer container may have a plurality of edges ranging from 3 to 8, i.e. the horizontal cross section may be triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal. In other embodiments the outer container has a circular cross-section.

In one embodiment, the outer container has a hexagonal horizontal cross section as seen in e.g. Figure 1. A benefit from this is a shape that is similar to the some of the metal grill starters that are already on the market today. Also the corners have a more obtuse angle, which means they are more likely to burn down in the same time as the rest of the container.

In another embodiment, the outer container may have a square horizontal cross section as seen in e.g. Figure 3. Benefits from this are a simpler layout and fewer assembly operations. Drawbacks may be that the container does not burn down evenly, when the charcoal briquettes are ready. Corners may burn slower than the remainder of the container, and this is not desired. It is important that the ratio between height and width is correct to achieve the chimney effect, which is essential to the product. If the outer container is too low and flat there will be no suction through the chimney. If the outer container is too high and slim the air will not be able to pass freely through the chimney. The height and volume of the outer container may vary depending on the size of grill on which the charcoal briquettes are to be used and the amount of food which is to be cooked.

The volume of the outer container should be about 1-10 dm3 equalling 1 to 10 L. In one embodiment, the volume of the outer container is about 1.5 to 8 dm3, such as about 2 to 7 dm3, for example about 2.5 to 6 dm3, such as about 3 to 5 dm3. In other embodiments, the volume of the outer container is about 2.5 to 4 dm3, such as about 3 dm3. The height of the outer container should be in the range of about 80 to 400 mm, such as about 100 to 300 mm, for example about 150 to 250 mm.

Tests have shown that an ideal ratio between height and volume is about 171 mm to a volume of about 4 dm3, corresponding to a (height (mm)/volume (dm3)) ratio of about 43. Hence, a height/volume ratio of about 30 to 60 is preferred, such as about 40 to 50, for example about 45.

The bottom of the outer container is perforated by holes (9) to allow air to travel through the burning charcoal briquettes and thereby speeding up the process of making the briquettes ready for cooking.

The air holes may be evenly divided on the bottom or they may be concentrated in the centre or at the edges of the bottom. The air holes should make up a large enough percentage of the bottom to ensure a steady flow of air through the grill starter. In one embodiment about 15 to 75% of the bottom is air holes, such as about 20 to 70%, for example about 25 to 65%, such as about 30 to 60%, for example about 40 to 60%, such as about 50 to 60%. Tests have shown that a steady flow of air is achieved when at least 25% of the bottom is air holes, hence in one embodiment at least 25% of the bottom is air holes, such at least 30%, for example at least 40%, such as at least 50%, for example at least 60%, such as at least 70%. In one embodiment, the bottom of the outer container is raised from the surface, cf. e.g. the embodiment shown in figure 1. When the bottom is raised from the surface, the outer container rests on a plurality of side supports (feet) (15) and optionally radial supports (8). In between the side supports are a plurality of air vents (16), which allow sufficient air flow. The height of the feet and the size of the air vents should allow sufficient air flow through the air vents. The height of the feet may be from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. By raising the bottom from the surface a better ventilation of the charcoals is possible.

The outer container is the main bearing construction of the finished product. The products will be stacked on top of each other on pallets during transport and storage. The outer container bottom and walls (sides) should thus be strong enough to withstand stress during storage and transport.

The charcoal briquettes weigh down on the bottom of the outer container. Through storage and transport the stress on the bottom is significant. It is thus important that the bottom is strong and well supported. As shown in e.g. figure 1 , the outer container may have a number of radial supports (8), which provide extra strength to the bottom.

Further support for the bottom may be provided by coupling the bottom of the outer container to the inner container, which in turn rests on the surface on which the grill starter is placed. Preferably, the bottom of the outer container is able to withstand a horizontal load of at least 30kg without collapsing.

The sides of the container should likewise be strong enough to endure stress during transport and storage. Preferably, the sides of the outer container should be able to withstand a horizontal load of at least 100kg without collapsing.

The outer container should be securely assembled. The outer container has two different areas of assembly. Firstly, it is assembled in the sides to make a substantially tubular shape. Secondly, the bottom needs to be assembled to complete the container. Both areas may be assembled with or without the use of an external component such as glue, clamps, pins, etc.

In one embodiment, the container is assembled without the use of an external component such as by locking mechanisms incorporated in the layout of the cardboard (flaps (13) and slits (14)), cf. e.g. the embodiment depicted in figure 4.

An advantage of assembling the container without the use of external components is a reduction in the amount of items needed for construction of the final product. A further advantage of assembling the container without the use of external components is the improved possibility of automatic or at least semi-automatic assembly of the container and consequently lower production costs.

The bottom of the outer container may be assembled by using the inner container as locking mechanism. One solution is shown in Figure 5, where the inner container is inserted from the bottom. Another solution is shown in Figure 4, where the inner container is inserted from the top. Yet another solution is shown in Figure 6, where the inner container is in place, when the bottom is folded into position. The bottom may further be assembled by mechanically locking parts of the bottom together as shown in Figure 6.

Inner container In one embodiment, the combustible package of the present invention comprises an inner container. The purpose of the inner container is to create a small furnace that may hold one or more fire starters. When the inner container and one or more fire starters are burned away it leaves a small ideal fire chamber, from where the heat can spread evenly to the coals held within the outer container. The inner container is preferably placed in the center of the outer container as shown in the figures.

In one embodiment, the inner container holds one or more fire starters. When fire starters are held within the inner container, the inner container is constructed so that the fire starters do not fall out of the bottom of the inner container.

In one embodiment, the inner container has a hole lined with barbs in the side to keep the firestarter in place. This holds the firestarter in place for a longer period of time, before it falls out the bottom of the inner container, cf. figure 16.2. In a particularly interesting embodiment, the one or more firestarters are initially positioned at the top end of the inner container to allow the end user to easily light the product from the top. A short time after lighting the firestarter it will burn through the cardboard holding it in place at the top end of the inner container and fall to a lower level of the inner container where it will efficiently light the fuel source. In one embodiment, the inner container has a horizontal wall at the top. This wall contains a hole with barbs to hold the firestarter in place. This means that the end user can easily light the product from the top end. When the firestarter catches fire it will fall to the bottom of the inner container and light the fuel source, cf. figure 16.3.

In another embodiment, the inner container has a swing at the top, cf. figure 16.4. This will hold the firestarter securely in place and allows the end user to easily light the product from the top. When the fire starter catches fire it will fall to a horizontal wall lower in the inner container, where it will light the fuel source, before it also burns through this and falls out the bottom of the inner container.

In one embodiment, the combustible package of the present invention does not comprise an inner container. The material used for the inner container may be the same as described herein above for the outer container.

In one embodiment, the material used for the inner container is not flame retardant and therefore functions as part of the firestarter by quickly catching fire itself.

In one embodiment, the material used for the inner container is saturated in a fire propellant to ensure fast ignition of the charcoal briquettes. The fire propellant is preferably a non-toxic, environmentally friendly fire propellant known to the skilled person, such as vegetable oils, glycerine, paraffin or other flammable substances.

It is important to have a sufficient amount of air above the one or more fire starters placed within the inner container to make them burn properly. If there is not enough air, the fire starters smoke too much, and do not ignite the charcoal briquettes effectively. A free space of air in the inner container above the fire starters should be about 20-150 mm, such as about 20 to 100 mm, for example about 20 to 80 mm, such as about 20 to 60 mm, such as about 20 to 40 mm. In one embodiment, the amount of air above the fire starters is at least 20 to 40 mm, such as about 30 to 40 mm. In the embodiments of the present invention where the one or more firestarters are placed at the top of the inner container for easy ignition of the product, the free space is achieved after ignition of the firestarter when it falls to a lower level or bottom of the inner container, cf. e.g. figure 16.

The inner container has a substantially tubular shape, which matches that of the outer container, albeit with a smaller diameter. The inner container may have a horizontal cross section, which is the same shape or different from the outer container. In one embodiment, the inner container has a plurality of edges ranging from 3 to 8, i.e. the horizontal cross section of the inner container may be triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal. In another embodiment, the inner container has a circular cross section. In one embodiment, the inner container has a square horizontal cross section as seen in Figure 3.

In one embodiment, the inner container has a hexagonal horizontal cross section as seen in e.g. Figure 2.

In another embodiment, the inner container has a hexagonal horizontal cross section near the bottom and a triangular horizontal cross section in the top. This allows the inner container to travel easily in place, when it is inserted from the bottom, cf. the embodiment shown in figure 5.

The volume of the inner container should have a size sufficient for holding the one or more fire starters and also allow sufficient air above the fire starters. The volume should however be of a size as to leave sufficient room for the fuel source in the outer container. The cross section area of the inner container is preferably matched to fit the size of the fire starters used.

The height of the inner container is in one embodiment between 30mm and 60mm shorter than the height of the outer container, such as about 40 mm shorter than the height of the outer container. Tests have shown that if the inner container is too high, the heat from the fire starters may dissipate through the top instead of reaching the charcoal briquettes, and if the inner container is too short the fire starters may not be able to catch on fire properly. The ideal inner container creates a furnace, from where the heat travels to and ignites the charcoal briquettes in the outer container. In an alternative embodiment, the height of the inner container is approximately the same as the height of the outer container, c.f. figure 17. In this embodiment, the one or more firestarters are initially held in place at the top end of the inner container for easy ignition by the user of the product. After ignition, the firestarter quickly burns through the means holding it in place at the top of the product and falls to a lower level, where it will efficiently light the fuel source. Tests have shown that this embodiment works very well and is user-friendly, since the product can be lit from the top.

In one embodiment, the inner container wall is perforated with one or more air holes (6) to allow the heat from the fire starters to easily travel to and ignite the charcoal briquettes.

In one embodiment at least 50% of the inner container wall consists of air holes. In other embodiments, the inner container wall does not have air holes.

The inner container should be securely assembled, however the need for secure assembly is not as great for the inner container as it is for the outer container, because the inner container will be held in place by the charcoal briquettes contained within the outer container.

The inner container is preferably assembled to make a substantially tubular shape. The inner container may be assembled with or without the use of an external component such as glue, clamps, pins etc as disclosed herein above for the outer container. In one embodiment, the inner container is assembled by locking mechanisms incorporated in the layout of the cardboard.

When the inner container is used as a locking mechanism for the bottom of the outer container, it may be equipped with appropriate indentations, slits or cut-outs fitting the construction of the outer container bottom, cf. Figures 4-6, to ensure that the components stay in place.

Fuel source

The outer container holds a predetermined quantity of a fuel source, such as charcoal briquettes. The fuel source of the present invention may however be any solid fuel source suitable for use in outdoors cooking. Charcoal briquettes are usually pillow-shaped compressed black porous material that once ignited will burn over a period of time generating heat. The quantity of charcoal briquettes can vary according to the size of the grill that the product is intended for and the amount of food to be cooked. In one embodiment, the quantity of charcoal briquettes is in the range of about 0.5 to about 5 kg, such as about 1 to 3 kg.

It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention other charcoal shapes or other fuel sources may be used instead of charcoal briquettes. Other fuel sources may e.g. be lumps of charcoal, charcoal made of coconut or pieces of wood. Fire starter

The combustible package of the present invention may in one embodiment comprise a predetermined quantity or amount of fire starters, such as one or more commercially available fire starters, for example one, two, three, four, five, six or seven fire starters. The number or amount of fire starters should match the size of the combustible package and the amount of fuel source contained therein.

In one embodiment, the combustible package of the present invention comprises a single firestarter.

In one embodiment, the combustible package of the present invention does not comprise a fire starter. In this case, fire starters may be supplied by the end user of the product.

The fire starters are in a preferred embodiment held within the inner container. The fire starters of the present invention are preferably non-odorous, non-toxic fire starters that do not cause an unpleasant taste or smell of the food being cooked. In one embodiment of the invention, the fire starters may be a wooden pulp or cardboard material saturated with vegetable oils, glycerine, paraffin wax, glycerine or other suitable substances.

In a preferred embodiment, the fire starters of the present invention are commercially available fire starters comprising a compressed wooden pulp saturated with vegetable oils.

The fire starters should burn for approximately 5-10 minutes to sufficiently ignite the fuel source.

Ignition mechanism

The product may be ignited by tipping the product and igniting the fire starters directly using a match or lighter. However, it may be desirable for the user to be able to light the product through an easy accessible igniting mechanism and thereby not having to tip the product over. Hence, in one embodiment, the combustible package may further comprise an igniting mechanism for igniting the fire starter. For simplicity sake only, this embodiment is not depicted in the figures. The igniting mechanism may in one embodiment comprise or consist of an elongation of one or more of the sides of the inner container wall through the top of the product. This will allow the user to light the product from the top. The ignited elongated wall will burn down to and ignite the fire starters held within the inner container. In other embodiments, the igniting mechanism may comprise or consist of a piece of paper saturated in a fire propellant and placed at the bottom of the product. This will allow the user to ignite the paper through the holes in the bottom or through the air vents in the sides of the outer container. In yet other embodiments, the igniting mechanism comprises or consists of a match inserted in the inner container. The user will be able to strike the match, which will burn down to and ignite the fire starters. The match should be long and sturdy. The igniting mechanism may further comprise or consist of a particular area of the bottom of the outer container to which a flammable substance is applied. This will allow the user to ignite the bottom of the outer container, and the flame will travel to the inner container and light the fire starters. In a particularly interesting user-friendly embodiment, the product is lit from the top end, e.g. by lighting a firestarter(s) placed at the top end of the inner container, wherein said inner container is substantially the same height as the outer container c.f. e.g. the embodiments shown in figure 16 and figure 17. The placement of the firestarter(s) at the top end of the product renders further ignition means superfluous and/or avoids the need for tipping the product over to ignite it from the bottom.

Outer wrapping

In one embodiment, the combustible package comprises an outer wrapping. The outer wrapping functions to hold the package securely in place and prevent coal dust from escaping the package during transport and storage.

The outer wrapping of the present invention may be any suitable wrapping material known to a person of skill, such as a shrink wrapping, paper, cardboard or foil wrapping.

In one embodiment, the outer wrapping is a shrink wrapping. Shrink packaging works by wrapping the product in a piece of plastic, sealing all sides around the product and applying heat so that the plastic is sucked tight around the contours of the product.

The outer wrapping is preferably removed prior to ignition of the combustible package. Handle

The combustible package may further be equipped with a handle for easy

transportation of the package by the user.

In one embodiment, the handle comprises or consists of a piece of plastic or paper, which is attached in both ends to the top or the sides of the product.

In one embodiment, the handle comprises or consists of a sticker with a geometry that allows it to function both as a handle and a label.

In one embodiment, the handle is an integrated part of the outer wrapping.

Method of production

The invention further relates to a method of producing the combustible package of the present invention comprising folding the outer container of the combustible package from a single piece of cellulose-based material. Hence in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a combustible package containing a fuel source comprising the steps of:

i) providing a piece of cellulose-based material,

ii) providing a fuel source,

iii) optionally providing one or more fire starters,

iv) folding a container comprising an outer wall and a bottom from the cellulose- based material in i), and

v) placing the fuel source and optionally the one or more fire starters in the

container,

thereby obtaining a combustible package containing a fuel source.

The combustible package may further be produced by the following steps:

i) the layout of the outer container is punched out of a single piece of cellulose- based material,

ii) the layout of the inner container is punched out of a single piece of cellulose- based material, iii) the outer and inner container are folded two places and assembled in the sides while still being flat,

iv) the inner container is folded into its final shape,

v) optionally fire starters are inserted into the inner container,

vi) the inner container is closed in both ends to keep the fire starters from falling out, vii) the outer container is folded into its final shape,

viii) the inner container is assembled with the outer container,

ix) the fuel source is placed within the outer container around the inner container, x) the outer container with contents is packaged in the outer wrapping, and xi) labels and a handle is attached.

The steps mentioned herein above should not be construed as limiting for the present invention. Method of use

The invention further relates to a method of using the combustible package of the present invention. Hence, the present invention relates to use of the combustible package according to the invention comprising the following steps:

i) providing a combustible package comprising a container folded from a piece of cellulose-based material, a fuel source and one or more fire starters, ii) placing said combustible package on a suitable surface, such as a grill, iii) igniting the one or more fire starters which in turn ignite the fuel source, and iv) waiting a sufficient amount of time, such as 10-15 minutes, until the container is burned away and the fuel source is ready for cooking.

In one embodiment the method of using the combustible package comprises the following steps:

i) the user buys the product in a shop,

ii) the user carries the product by the handle,

iii) the user removes the outer wrapping,

iv) the user places the product on the grill,

v) the user tips the product and lights the fire starters, vi) the fire starters ignite the charcoal briquettes,

vii) the outer container works as a chimney and allows air to travel through the charcoal briquettes making them burn to charcoal faster,

viii) after 10-15 minutes the charcoal briquettes are ready for cooking.

The steps mentioned herein above should not be construed as limiting for the present invention.

Examples

Example 1. Strength of the bottom of the outer container

Purpose: The purpose of this test is to ensure that the bottom of the outer container is strong enough to withstand load of charcoal briquettes during transport and handling

Equipment: Outer container, inner container, weights

Setup: Bottom of outer container is subdued to static pressure in vertical direction

The test is carried out according to the table below:

Index Action Result

1.1.1 Assemble three outer

containers with

inserted inner

containers

1.1.2 Place 5kg evenly

distributed on the

bottom of the outer

container

1.1.3 Repeat index 3.2.2

until the bottom

collapses

1.1.4 Register how much >30kg

mass placed on the

bottom of the outer

container before it

collapsed, and repeat

index 3.2.2 to 3.2.4

until three results are

registered.

1.1.5 Evalute the results. Are No

any of the results

below 30kg? If no the

test is passed.

Example 2. Strength of the sides of the outer container

Purpose: The purpose of this test is to ensure that the sides of the outer container are strong enough to withstand the load of several products stacked on top of each other during transport.

Equipment: Outer container, inner container, charcoal briquettes, fire starters, weights.

Setup: Sides of outer container is subdued to static pressure in vertical direction The test is carried out as described in the table below:

Index Action Result

1.2.1 Assemble three

outer containers

with inserted inner

containers, fire

starters and

charcoal briquettes

1.2.2 Place 5kg evenly

distributed on the

sides of the outer

container

1.2.3 Repeat index 3.2.2

until the sides

collapses

1.2.4 Register how much > 100kg

mass placed on the

sides of the outer

container before it

collapsed, and

repeat index 3.2.2

to 3.2.4 until three

results are

registered.

1.2.5 Evalute the results. No

Are any of the

results below

100kg? If no the

test is passed.

Example 3. Time from the fire starters are ignited to the outer container burns down

Purpose: The purpose of this test is to ensure that the outer container does not burn down too soon or too late. The charcoal briquettes should be sufficiently ready to use for cooking when the outer container is consumed.

Equipment: Outer container, inner container, fire starters, charcoal briquettes, weights.

Setup: The fire starters are ignited and time is measured until the outer container is burned down.

The test is carried out as described in the table below:

Index Action Result

1.3.1 Assemble three outer

containers with

inserted inner

containers, fire

starters and charcoal

briquettes

1.3.2 Place one of the

outer containers with

content on an

elevated grill

1.3.3 Ignite the fire starters -

Start a timer

Register when the 3min<X<6

first brown spot min

appears on the

outside of the outer

container

Register when the 5min<X<1

first hole appears in 2min

the outside container

1.3.4 Register when the 10min<X<

outer container burns 15min

down

1.3.5 Distribute the

charcoal briquettes in

an even layer, where

no briquette lay on

top of another

1.3.6 Take a picture of the - charcoal briquettes

1.3.7 Look at the picture of >75%

the charcoal

briquettes and count

what percentage of

the charcoal

briquettes are

covered in white ash. Repeat index 1.3.2 to 1.3.7 until three results are

registered.

Evalute the results. No Are any of the outer containers burned down outside the interval of 10- 15minutes? Is the percentage of

charcoal briquettes covered in white ash less than 75%? If the answer is no on both accounts the test is passed.