Field of the Invention

[001] The invention relates to a separable solid fuel block.

Background to the Invention

[002] The making of a fire with toe use of solid fuel, either outdoors or in combustion apparatus, typically commences with the ignition of particulate bulk combustible material, such as wood chunks, broken coal or anthracite, briquettes and the like, stacked or piled together in relatively close proximity while still allowing sufficient space for oxygenated gas such as air to flow around the particulate material Most solid fuels do not, however, ignite relatively easily and are therefore not typically lit merely by applying a spark, lit match or other type of igniter directly to toe fuel, requiring an intermediary firelighter to light toe solid fuel successfully.

[003] Typically, firelighters are fuel in a more combustible form or format so as to enable, support and maintain toe combustion process between the igniter and toe solid bulk fuel. Firelighters commonly comprise chemically-treated or untreated particulate material or unitary elements, or other fuel in liquid or gaseous format Ideally, firelighters are combustible and relatively easily Ignitable yet capable of burning for a sustained period of time and/or at a sufficient temperature in order to light the solid bulk feel effectively;

[004] Many of the chemically-treated firelighters presently on the market are less desirable due to their adverse impact on the environment, including solid or liquid chemical residues or gaseous pollutants that are discharged into the atmosphere during the combustion process, In addition and when stored, some of these firelighters also pose a fire hazard to the surrounding area due to their relatively higher combustible nature. Further and in cases where a fire is made with chemically-treated firelighters for the preparation of foodstuff, the foodstuff can be exposed inadvertently to chemical pollutants during the cooking process. [005] Based on the above risks* many users prefer firelighters such as a kindler, conventionally comprising an easily combustible, unitary element or member, such as a dry piece of wood or an element of bespoke shape or configuration, or kindling, conventionally comprising a number of easily combustible dements or members* such as relatively smaller pieces of wood, twigs or chips, that do not contain combustible chemical constituents. Typically and in order to produce kindling of suitable sizes, a user could use a wood splitting tool such as an axe or a customised wood splitter for splitting wood chunks into smaller pieces that can be lit with ease and used as firelighters.

[006] An example of a known wood splitter, for producing kindling from conventional wood chunks, is disclosed in WO 2014/098622 A1. This prior art splitter comprises a vertically orientated cutting blade that is mounted to a support frame. In use, a user places a wood chunk on the blade and applies pressure to the wood chunk using another tool such as a hammer. Most wood splitters are however relatively heavy and the associated splitting processes relatively cumbersome or laborious, hampering the production of firewood such as kindling and inhibiting the use of fires as possible heating or cooking processes.

[007] In addition, it is often difficult to determine the amount of firelighters, such as kindling, that are reasonably required to light or sustain a fire effectively and the space required or available for such kindling could be limited. Users therefore need to procure and transport sufficient kindling to the location of the fire, Which in turn requires suitable transportation means such as a container.

[008] There are also numerous environmentally friendly bespoke klndlers available on the market that are aimed at overcoming the above difficulties and limitations. A known example of such a kindler is disclosed in WO 2008/036028 A1. This kindter comprises a specifically configured, unitary wooden block, provided with a plurality of grooves, troughs or gaps that forms a number of flanges of waves. A problem with bespoke klndlers, such as this kindler. is the relatively high cost of manufacture, the wastage of material and the bulk of its design, rendering it a relatively limited solution for the above difficulties and limitations.

[009] A further known example of a kindler Is disclosed in US Patent No. 248,849 (Eddy), comprising a unitary wooden block with slats and in-between spaces, the slats extending longitudinally from a common, integral base portion and are cut diagonally to hold and secure a match against accidental ignition while designed to ignite a bundle of wood without splitting, separating or braking off the slats in a preselected manner to provide kindling of a preselected number, width, breadth or length.

[0010] The term "slit" for purposes of this specification shall be interpreted as to include any groove, trough, gap or cut

Object of the Invention

[0011] It Is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a novel, environmentally friendly and relatively simple and inexpensive separable solid fuel block that can be spirt into kindling with relatively little effort and as required or at least an alternative to the wood splitting tools, kindling and kindlers of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to the invention there is provided a separable solid fuel block comprising a body of combustible material with preselected shape and configuration having at least one side and at least one end, the body characterised further in being provided with: a first slit arrangement, extending substantially along a side of the body towards an end of the body, the first arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through at least a material, preselected part of the body to provide a preselected number, breadth and length of first slats, extending coextensively towards a joining, first end portion, defining a corresponding number of lines of weakness extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion; and a second slit arrangement, extending substantially along a side of the body transversely relative to the first slit arrangement and towards an end of the body, the second arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through at least a material, preselected part of the body to provide a preselected number, width and length of second slats, extending co-extensively towards a joining, second end portion, defining a corresponding number of lines of weakness extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion; the first slats and the second slate being separable along the lines of weakness to provide a preselected number, breadth, width and length of individual pieces of kindling.

[0013] The body may have a substantially angular, elongate configuration with preselected dimensions, defining an elongate, first and a substantially transverse, second side and a first and an opposite, second end. The body preferably has a substantially rectangular, elongate configuration, defining four elongate, rectangular sides and two opposed ends. More preferably, at least one of the slit arrangements extend substantially along the length of one rectangular side of the body towards an associated end of the body, the one arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through the entire body to provide a preselected number, breadth and length of associated elongate slats, extending co-extensiveiy freely relative to each other towards an associated joining styb end portion.

[0014] The slits in an arrangement may be substantially equkspaced to provide a number of slats of a substantially equal breadth. The number of slits in an arrangement may be selected to provide a number of slats of a preselected breadth.

[0015] The body with a rectangular, elongate configuration may be characterised in that: the first slit arrangement extends substantially along a first rectangular side of the body towards a first end of the body, the first arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through the entire body to provide a preselected number, breadth and length of elongate first slats, extending co- extensively freely relative to each other towards a first joining stub end portion; and the second Slit arrangement extends substantially along a second rectangular side of the body transversely located relative to the first rectangular side towards the opposed second end of the body, the secorid arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through the entire body io provide a preselected number, width and length of elongate second slate, extending co- extensively freely relative to each other towards a second joining stub end portion; the first end portion and the second end portion being located respectively at the first and the opposite second ends of the body.

[0016] Alternatively, the body preferably has a substantially cylindrical, elongate configuration, defining an elongate, cylindrical side and two opposed ends. More preferably , at least one of the slit arrangements extend substantially along the length of the cylindrical side of the body towards an associated end of the body, the one arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending diametrically through the entire cylindrical body to provide a preselected number of associated elongate slats, extending co-extensively freely relative to each other towards an associated joining stub end portion.

[0017] The body with a cylindrical, elongate configuration may be characterised in that: the first slit arrangement extends substantially along the cylindrical side of the body towards a first end of the body, the first arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending diametrically through the entire body to provide a preselected number, breadth and length of elongate first slats, extending co-extensively freely relative to each other towards a first joining stub end portion, defining a corresponding number of lines of weakness extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion; and the second stit arrangement extends substantially along the cylindrical side of the body transversely located relative to the first slit arrangement towards the second end portion of the body, the second arrangement including a preselected number of slits, spaced apart and extending through the entire body to provide a preselected number, width and length of elongate second slats, extending co-extensively freely relative to each other towards a second joining stub end portion, defining a corresponding number of lines of weakness extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion; the first end portion and the second end portion being located respectively at the first and the opposite second ends of the body.

[0018] The first and the second slit arrangements may extend sufficiently towards the respective ends so as to provide the corresponding lines of weakness along the two opposed joining stub end portions for enabling the first and the second co-extending date to be separated manually with relative ease from one another and along the lines of weakness through the associated end portions as required from time to time without causing separation of the remaining slats.

[0019] The body may comprise a combustible material selected from a group comprising wood, compressed wood, compressed paper and the like. The body is preferably of preselected dimensions to provide a preselected number of individual pieces of kindling with preselected breadth, width and length for preselected feel types, fires and the like. More preferably, the body may be about 10cm to 40cm and, most preferably, about 20cm to 30cm in length, about 5cm to 20cm and, most preferably, about 7cm to 10cm in breadth and width respectively, and wherein there are about 3 to 12 and, most preferably, about 5 to 10 slits in a slit arrangement

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] Two non-limiting embodiments of the invention shall now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a separable solid feel block such as a firelighter in the form of a rectangular kindling block, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the kindling block, as illustrated in Figure t, where a set of Slats is broken off in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of the kindling block, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, where an individual slat is broken off from the residual joining end portion in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 Is a perspective view of a separable solid fed block such as a firelighter in the form of a cylindrical kindling block, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the kindling dock, as illustrated in Figure 4, where a set of slats is broken off in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 is a front view of the kindling block, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, where an individual slat is broken off from the residual joining end portion In accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a separatee solid fuel block such as a firelighter in the form of a kindling block, as produced from a substantially cylindrical log, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the kindling block, as illustrated in Figure 7, where a set of slate is broken off in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 9 is a front view of the kindling block, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, where an individual slat is broken off from the residual joining end portion in accordance with the invention.

[0021] A separable solid fuel block such as a kindling block 1 in accordance with the invention and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a first slit arrangement 2 located on one side of the block, the arrangement having a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of tire kindling block. The slit arrangement 2 defines a set of slats 3 that substantially extends across the length of the kindling block 1. The set of slats 3 Is joined at a first end portion 4 of the kindling block 1, which is configured and dimensioned to allow the slats to be broken off manually along a corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slate through the end portion, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0022] The kindling block 1 further comprises a second slit arrangement 5 located on a transverse side of the block relative to the first slit arrangement 2, the arrangement similarly having a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of the kindling block 1. The second slit arrangement 5 also defines a set of slats 8 that substantially extends across of the kindling block 1. The set of slats 6 is joined at a second end portion 7 that is located at an opposite end of the kindling block 1 relative to the first end portion 4. The second end portion 7 is similarly dimensioned and configured to allow tire slate 6 to be broken off manually along a corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slats through tire end portion, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0023] In use and as illustrated in Figure 2. the user would firstly break off either set of slats 3 or 6 from the kindling block 1 by applying pressure manually to one of the end portions 4 or 7. For example, file application of pressure on end portion 7, would cause a set of slats 6A to break off at line A - A arid along a line of weakness 8 and thereby allows the set of slats to be separated from the residual kindling block 1.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 3, toe user would then apply pressure manually to any of the individual slate 6B from the set of slate 6A that are still joined together by the second end portion 7. Due to the dimentions and configuration of the second end portion 7, the individual slats 6B can easily be broken off and separated manually from the residual end portion, leaving the remaining set of slats 6A still joined at the end portion. The separated Individual slat 6B can then be used to kindle a fire by applying an igniter (not shown) to it. This process can be repeated by the user as many times as required, by breaking of individual slate form the remaining set of slate 6A, depending on the amount of kindling that is required to light the fuel effectively that is used in the fire.

[0025] A separable solid fuel block such as a cylindrical Idndliry block 9 in accordance with the invention arid as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 comprises a first slit arrangement 10 located on one tide of the cylinder that comprises a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of the kindling block. The slit arrangement 10 defines a set of slats 11 that substantially extends across the length of the kindling, block 9, The set of slats 11 is joined at a first end portion 12 of the kindling block 9, which is configured and dimentioned to allow the slats to be broken off manually along a corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slats through toe end portion, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0026] The kindling block 9 further comprises a second slit arrangement 13 located on flie transverse side of the cylinder relative to the first slit arrangement 10 that similarly comprises a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of the kindling block 9. The second slit arrangement 13 also defines a set of slats 14 that substantially extend across of the kindling block 9. The set of slats 14 is joined at a second erid portion 15 that is located on the opposing side pf the kindling block 9 relative to the first end portion 12. The second end portion 15 is similarly dimensioned and configured to allow the slats 14 to be broken off manually along a corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0027] In use and as illustrated in Figure 5, the user would firstly break off either set of slate 11 or 14 from the kindling block 9 by applying pressure manually to one of the end portions 12 or 15. For example, the application of pressure on end portion 12 would cause a set of slate 11A to break off at line A ~ A and along a line of weakness 16 and thereby allows the set of slate to be separated from the residual kindling block 9;

[0028] As illustrated in Figure 6, the user would then apply pressure manually to any of the individual slats TIB from the set of slats 11A that are still Joined together by the residual first end portion 12. Due to the dimensions and configuration of the first end portion 12. the individual slats 11B can easily be broken off and separated manually from the residual end portion, leaving the remaining set of slats 11A still joined at the end portion. The separated individual slat 11B can then be used to kindle a fire by applying the igniter (not shown) to it. This process can be repeated by the user as many times as required, by breaking of individual slate form the remaining set of slate 11 A, depending on the amount of kindling that is required to light the fuel effectively that is used in the fire.

[0029] A separable solid fuel block such as a kindling block, produced from a substantially cylindrical log 17 in accordance with the invention and as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 _t comprises a first slit arrangement 18 located on one side of the log that comprises a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of the kindling block. The slit arrangement 18 defines a set of slats 19 that substantiafly extends across the length of the kindling block 17. The set of slats 19 Is Joined at a first end portion 20 of the kindling block 17, which is configured and dimensioned to allow the slats to be broken off manually along a corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portton, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0030] The kindling block 17 further comprises a second slit arrangement 21 located on the transverse side of the log relative to the first tilt arrangement 18 that similarly comprises a number of evenly spaced slits that extend through the entire body of the kindling block 17. The second slit arrangement 21 also defines a set of slats 22 that substantially extends across of the kindling block 17. The set of slats 22 is joined at a second end portion 23 that is located on the opposing side of the kindling block 17 relative to the first end portion 20. The second end portion 23 is similarly dimensioned and configured to allow the slats 22 to be broken off manually along a. corresponding number of lines of weakness, extending longitudinally from the slats through the end portion, from the residual end portion with relative ease.

[0031] In use and as illustrated in Figure 8, tee user would firstly break off either set of slats 19 or 22 from tee kindling block 17 by applying pressure manually to one of tee end portions 20 or 23, For example, tee application of pressure on end portion 20 would cause a set of slats 19A to break off at line A - A and along a line of weakness 24 and thereby allow the set of slats tp be separated from tee residual kindling block 17.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 9, the user would then apply pressure manually to any of the individual slats 19B from the set of slats 19A that is still joined together by the first end portion 20. Due to the dimensions and configuration of the first end portion 20, tee individual slats 19B can easily be broken off and separated manually from tee residual end portion, leaving the remaining set of slats 19A still joined at tee end portion. The separated individual slat 19B can then be used to kindle a fire by applying the igniter (not shown) to it This process can be repeated by the user as many times as required, by breaking of individual slate form tee remaining set of slats 19A, depending on the amount of kindling teat is required to fight the fuel effectively that is used in the fire.

[0033] It will be appreciated teat many variations In detail are possible without departing from tee scope and/or spirit of the inventions as defined in the consistory statements and/or described in the specific embodiment hereinabove, such as having a range of bodies of different dimensions and first and/or second arrangements with differently spaced and/or different numbers Of slits so as to provide corresponding number and dimensioned individual pieces of kindling for preselected fuel types, fires arid the like, such as having a body of about 10cm to 40cm, such as about 20cm to 30cm in length, and about 5 cm to 20cm, such as about 7cm to 10cm in breadth and width respectively and wherein there are about 3 to 12, such as about 5 to 10 slits in a silt arrangement.