PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A self-contained, easily foldable and reconfigurable charcoal lighting and/or grill device. In some variations, the lighting and/or grill device is arrangeable into multiple configurations: 1) in which the device has a thin profile for easy carrying and storage; 2) in which the device facilitates fuel lighting by forming an enclosure; and 3) for the combination charcoal and grill device only, in which the device has a generally U-shaped profile, with extended legs and one or more side handles for grilling foods. Another variation of the device includes an ignition enhancer housing that is suspendably attached to an existing grill. A rack is positioned above the housing, and one or more doors are used in conjunction with the existing grill sides to form an enclosure to enhance lighting of fuel. Upon lighting, the one or more doors are rearrangeable such that the grill may be used normally.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to applicant&#39;s copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/188,183 titled “FOLDING CHARCOAL GRILL AND STARTER DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE” filed Mar. 10, 2000, and copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/235,888 titled “FOLDING CHARCOAL STARTER DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE”filed Sep. 28, 2000. The entirety of these two provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to charcoal grills and charcoal lighting devices, and in particular, to folding charcoal grills and lighting devices arrangeable into multiple configurations to facilitate lighting of coals, for use as or in conjunction with grills, and to facilitate handling and carrying.  
           [0004]    2. Background of the Technology  
           [0005]    Grilling of foods using fuel driven grills, such as charcoal grills, is well known. The ignition of the fuels is necessary in order to allow such grills to be used. It is known to use a lighting initiator, such as lighter fluid poured on charcoal to allow easier lighting. This approach presents several problems. For example, the use of an initiator, such as lighter fluid, is typically dangerous because such initiators are generally volatile, producing a hazard for burning of the user and toxicity through inhalation. These initiators are also often toxic or harmful to the user&#39;s skin and eyes, and may be subject to environmental or other restrictions, such as air pollution regulations. Further, the use of lighter fluid can often necessitate additional cleanup because of spillage, and many people find these initiators to have an adverse effect on the taste of grilled foods.  
           [0006]    It is also known to use a chimney, such as a coffee can with the ends removed and vent holes added, to facilitate lighting of fuels. With these devices, paper or another ignition enhancer is placed in the bottom of the chimney, and the charcoal or other fuel is placed on top of the paper. The paper is then lit using the vent holes in the can, which also enhance air flow to increase the speed of lighting of the charcoal. This approach also presents several problems. The chimney typically becomes hot to the touch and is difficult to remove once the charcoal is lit. The chimney must also be carried separately from the grill and remembered when the grill is relocated.  
           [0007]    There thus remains an unmet need to provide devices and methods for lighting grill fuels in simpler and more self-contained manners than the existing approaches to fuel lighting. There is a further unmet need to provide a simple manner for transporting and storing such grills and lighting devices without such devices becoming unwieldy. There is yet a further unmet need for improved devices, methods, and systems for transporting grills and lighting equipment.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is an advantage of the present invention to meet these needs, and others, by providing rearrangeable grill and lighting devices that are easily transported. It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide variations of grills having at least two sides and a bottom, with adjustable legs and handles, that are rearrangeable into closed lighting positions and into upright grilling positions. It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide such rearrangeable grills that allow rearranging without spilling lit fuel.  
           [0009]    It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide rearrangeable charcoal lighting devices that are easily transported and that are usable in conjunction with existing grills. It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a lighting device having sides and a bottom, with one or more adjustable handles, that is rearrangeable into a closed lighting position and into a slim profile, folded configuration for easy carrying, storage, and handling. It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide such a rearrangeable lighting device that allows easy transfer of the lit fuel to the grill without spilling the lit fuel.  
           [0010]    It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide rearrangeable grill devices that are further rearrangeable into slim profile, folded configurations for easy carrying, storage, and handling.  
           [0011]    It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide rearrangeable grill and lighting devices that, in closed lighting positions, include internal racks to hold fuel above an initiator, and vent openings to facilitate lighting of the fuel.  
           [0012]    It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide rearrangeable grill and lighting devices that include insulated handles to reduce the likelihood of burning or other injury and to facilitate handling, rearrangement, and carrying of the devices.  
           [0013]    A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a self-contained, easily foldable and rearrangeable charcoal lighting device and grill. In an embodiment of the present invention, the grill includes three distinct configurable arrangements, these arrangements facilitating the following: 1) carrying of the grill; 2) igniting of charcoal within the grill; and 3) distributing the charcoal and providing a suitably designed grill for cooking meat or other foods.  
           [0014]    In the first embodiment, the grill is configurable into a first arrangement, in which the grill presents a thin profile for easy carrying via one or more attached handles. Rearranged from the first configuration into a second configuration for charcoal lighting, the grill forms a three sided closed shape with openings to receive an ignition source, such as matches, and a triangularly shaped rack bottom trap door to support charcoal for lighting. In this second configuration, an ignition fuel, such as crumpled paper is placed beneath the grill and beneath the rack bottom trap door. Charcoal is placed on top of the rack bottom trap door within the grill, and the fuel is ignited, which, in turn, ignites the contained charcoal. Upon suitable lighting of the charcoal, the grill is rearranged via the handles into a third configuration, in which the grill has a generally U-shaped profile, with extended legs and one or more side handles. The rearrangement into the third configuration causes the grill bottom trap door to sweep and distribute the lit charcoal into the interior portion of the U-shaped grill, with a bottom rack serving as a base for containing the charcoal. In one embodiment, a separate grill rack is placed above the distributed coals to serve as a cooking surface for meats or other grilled foods placed thereupon.  
           [0015]    In a second embodiment of the rearrangeable grill device, the grill is configurable into a first arrangement, in which the grill presents a thin profile for easy carrying via one or more attached handles. Rearranged from the first configuration into a second configuration for charcoal lighting, the grill forms a four sided closed shape with openings to receive an ignition source, such as matches, and a square shaped rack bottom trap door to support charcoal for lighting. As with the first embodiment, in this second configuration, an ignition fuel, such as crumpled paper is placed beneath the grill and beneath the rack bottom trap door. Charcoal is placed on top of the rack bottom trap door within the grill, and the fuel is ignited, which, in turn, ignites the contained charcoal. Upon suitable lighting of the charcoal, the grill is rearranged via the handles into a third configuration, in which the grill has a generally U-shaped profile, with extended legs and one or more side handles. In this configuration, this embodiment has a two-piece grill bottom, in contrast to the first embodiment, which has a one-piece grill bottom. In one embodiment, a separate grill rack is placed above the distributed coals to serve as a cooking surface for meats or other grilled foods placed thereupon.  
           [0016]    Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a self-contained, easily foldable and rearrangeable charcoal lighting device. In one embodiment, this device includes two distinct configurable arrangements, these arrangements facilitating the following: 1) carrying of the grill; 2) igniting of charcoal within the device; and 3) easily transferring and distributing the lit charcoal to a grill for cooking meat or other foods.  
           [0017]    This embodiment of the lighting device is configurable into a first arrangement, in which the grill presents a thin profile for easy carrying via one or more attached handles. Rearranged from the first configuration into a second configuration for charcoal lighting, the device forms a four sided closed shape with openings to receive an ignition source, such as matches, and a square shaped rack bottom trap door and extending support for charcoal for lighting. In this second configuration, an ignition fuel, such as crumpled paper is placed beneath the rack bottom trap door. Charcoal is placed on top of the rack bottom trap door within the device, and the fuel is ignited, which, in turn, ignites the contained charcoal. In use, the charcoal lighting device is placed within a grill or other location for cooking or other use, such as heating, prior to lighting the fuel. Upon suitable lighting of the charcoal, the device is simply lifted by its handle, causing the bottom trap door to open and dump and distribute the lit charcoal into the grill or other cooking or heating location.  
           [0018]    A second embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention is usable in conjunction with both rearrangeable and non-rearrangeable existing grill devices. In this embodiment, the lighting device includes an initiator holding tray portion, a rack top trap door, and a two piece fuel containment portion. The two piece fuel containment portion includes two pivotably connected doors that are arrangeable within an existing grill having grill sides so as to form a containment area within the existing grill above the initiator holding tray. A trap door rack is located on the top of the initiator holding tray. In use, fuel initiator is placed within the initiator holding tray portion, which includes openings for allowing lighting of the initiator and air flow to the initiator. The trap door rack on the initiator holding tray is placed or pivotably moved so as to cover the initiator holding tray portion, and the pivotably connected doors are arranged and connected to the existing grill sides so as to form a fuel containment area within a comer of the existing grill. In one embodiment, the pivotably connected doors are connected to the existing grill sides using one or more locator pins. Fuel, such as charcoal, is then placed in the fuel containment area, and the initiator is ignited, such that the fuel is able to light. Upon lighting of the fuel, the pivotably connected doors are rearranged, so that the lit fuel is dispersed within the existing grill and grilling can begin.  
           [0019]    In one embodiment, the existing grill is altered for use with the second embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention. In this embodiment, an opening is made, such as by cutting, in one corner area of the bottom of the existing grill. The initiator holding tray portion is then attached to the existing grill, so as to be suspended beneath the bottom of the existing grill. In one embodiment, the initiator holding tray portion is detachable, to allow, for example, more compact storage of the altered existing grill device.  
           [0020]    In one embodiment, the two pivotably connected doors are connected to the existing grill bottom by a second pivotable connection via one of the two doors. In this embodiment, the pivotably connected doors are moveable between two positions. In a first position, the two doors are pivoted so as to be perpendicular to the bottom of the existing grill bottom. A first door is pivotably attached to the bottom, and the second door is pivotably attached to the first door. The second door is pivoted relative to the first door, so that the two doors are arrangeable to form an approximately right angle to one another. The second door is attached to a side of the existing grill, such as by a pin, and the two connected doors in conjunction with two adjacent sides of the existing grill form a generally square cross sectional containment subportion of the grill area in one comer of the existing grill bottom. In a second position, the first and second doors are coplanar, parallel to the grill bottom, and adjacent the grill bottom; thus, the two doors rest on top of the grill bottom and adjacent one another in this position.  
           [0021]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention includes a reconfigurable self-contained grill and fuel lighting device, comprising: a grill housing, the grill housing including at least a first side portion, a bottom portion, and a second side portion, and at least a first hingeable coupling and a second hingeable coupling, the first hingeable coupling attaching the first side portion to the bottom portion, and the second hingeable coupling attaching the bottom portion to the second side portion; at least one handle adjustably attached to the grill housing; and at least one extendable leg attached to the grill housing for supporting the grill; wherein the grill housing is reconfigurable via at least the first hingeable coupling and the second hingeable coupling into a first grill configuration, wherein, in the first position, the first side portion, the bottom portion, and the second side portion closeably form an enclosure, the enclosure enhancing fuel ignition; and wherein the grill housing is reconfigurable via at least the first hingeable coupling and the second hingeable coupling to a second grill configuration, wherein the first side portion, the bottom portion, and the second side portion form a structure having an open top.  
           [0022]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention further includes a reconfigurable self-contained grill and fuel lighting device, comprising: a first grill housing side; a grill housing bottom coupled to the first grill housing side via a first pivotable coupling; a second grill housing side coupled to the grill housing bottom via a second pivotable coupling; and a location fixing device for fixably positioning the first grill housing side, second grill housing side, and the grill housing bottom in at least one position; wherein the device is reconfigurable via the first pivotable coupling and the second pivotable coupling into a first configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the first grill housing side, the second grill housing side, and the grill housing bottom closeably form an enclosure, the enclosure enhancing ignition of fuel placed within the enclosure; and wherein the device is reconfigurable via the first pivotable coupling and the second pivotable coupling to a second configuration, wherein the first grill housing side, the second grill housing side, and the grill housing bottom form a structure having an open top for grilling.  
           [0023]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention further includes a method for configuring and reconfiguring a self-contained grill and fuel lighting device, the grill and fuel lighting device comprising a first grill housing side; a grill housing bottom coupled to the first grill housing side via a first pivotable coupling; a second grill housing side coupled to the grill housing bottom via a second pivotable coupling; and a location fixing device for fixably positioning the first grill housing side, second grill housing side, and the grill housing bottom in at least one position; the method comprising: configuring the grill and fuel lighting device in a first configuration, configuring in the first configuration including: moving the first side to a first configuration first side position via the first pivotable coupling; and moving the second side to a first configuration second side position via the second pivotable coupling; wherein, in the first configuration, the first side, the second side, and the bottom closeably form an enclosure, the enclosure enhancing ignition of fuel placed within the enclosure; and reconfiguring the grill and fuel lighting device via the first pivotable coupling and the second pivotable coupling to a second configuration, reconfiguring to the second configuration including: moving the first side to a second configuration first side position via the first pivotable coupling; and moving the second side to a second configuration second side position via the second pivotable coupling; wherein the first side, the second side, and the bottom form a three sided structure having an open top for grilling.  
           [0024]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention further includes a reconfigurable fuel lighting device, comprising: a housing, the housing including a first side having a first hinge coupling to a second side, the second side having a second hinge coupling to a third side, and the third side having a third hinge coupling to a fourth side; at least one handle adjustably attached to the housing; and a positionable rack for holding fuel; wherein the housing is reconfigurable via the first hinge coupling, the second hinge coupling, and the third hinge coupling into a first configuration, wherein, in the first position, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side closeably form an enclosure, the enclosure enhancing ignition of the fuel; and wherein the housing is reconfigurable via the first hinge coupling, the second hinge coupling, the third hinge coupling to a second configuration, wherein the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are generally parallel, the second configuration having a thin profile.  
           [0025]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention also includes a reconfigurable fuel lighting device, comprising: a first housing side; a rack coupled to the first housing side via a first pivotable coupling; a second housing side coupled to the first housing side via a second pivotable coupling; a third housing side coupled to the second housing side via a third pivotable coupling; a fourth housing side coupled to the third housing side via a third pivotable coupling; and a location fixing device for fixably positioning the first housing side, the second housing side, the third housing side, and the fourth housing side in at least one position; wherein the device is reconfigurable via the first pivotable coupling, the second pivotable coupling, the third pivotable coupling, and the fourth pivotable coupling into a first configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the first housing side, the second housing side, the third housing side, and the fourth housing side closeably form an enclosure, the enclosure enhancing ignition of fuel placed within the enclosure; and wherein the device is reconfigurable via the first pivotable coupling, the second pivotable coupling, the third pivotable coupling, and the fourth pivotable coupling to a second configuration, wherein the first grill side, the second housing side, the third housing side, and the fourth housing side are generally parallel, such that the device has a thin profile.  
           [0026]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention also includes a method for configuring and reconfiguring a fuel lighting device, the fuel lighting device comprising a first housing side; a second housing side coupled to the first housing side via a first pivotable coupling; a third housing side coupled to the second housing side via a second pivotable coupling; a fourth housing side coupled to the third housing side via a third pivotable coupling; and a rack coupled to at least one of the first housing side, the second housing side, the third housing side, and the fourth housing side via a fourth pivotable coupling; the method comprising: configuring the fuel lighting device in a first configuration, configuring in the first configuration including: moving the first side and the second side to a first configuration first side position via the first pivotable coupling; moving the third side to a first configuration third side position via the second pivotable coupling; moving the fourth side to a first configuration fourth side position via the third pivotable coupling; and moving the rack to a first configuration rack position via the fourth pivotable coupling; wherein, in the first configuration, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side closeably form an enclosure bounding the rack, the enclosure enhancing ignition of fuel placed within the enclosure; and wherein the fuel lighting device is reconfigurable via the first pivotable coupling the second pivotable coupling, the third pivotable coupling, and the fourth pivotable coupling to a second configuration wherein the first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, and the rack are generally parallel, the device thereby having a generally thin profile.  
           [0027]    To achieve the stated and other advantages of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention also includes a reconfigurable fuel lighting device attachable to a grill device, the reconfigurable fuel lighting device including: an ignition containment housing, the ignition containment housing having at least three sides and a bottom, the ignition containment housing being suspendable from the grill device, the grill device having at least three grill sides and a grill bottom; a rack for holding fuel, the rack being positionable above the ignition containment housing; and at least one door portion, the at least one door portion being arrangeable into at least two positions; wherein in a first one of the at least two positions, the at least one door portion is arranged in conjunction with at least two of the grill sides so as to form an enclosure, the enclosure including the rack, such that fuel is placeable within the enclosure above the rack and above the ignition containment housing.  
           [0028]    Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
         [0030]    In the drawings:  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1 presents the grill device configured for grilling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 2A and 2B present views of the grill configured for lighting of fuel, such as charcoal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 is a view of the grill in a folded configuration for carrying, storage, and other handling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the two bottom tray portions of the second embodiment of the rearrangeable grill device of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 5A and 5B present views of the device of FIG. 4, arranged into the second configuration for charcoal lighting;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 shows the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B arranged into the third configuration for grilling;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIGS. 7A and 7B present the latch and a closeup of the latch, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 6 arranged into a first, folded configuration;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9 shows the device of FIGS. 6 and 8 in a partially folded position between the third and first configurations;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10 presents an end view of the folded configuration of the device of FIGS. 6 and 8;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11A presents a charcoal lighting device configured for lighting charcoal in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11B shows an overhead view of the charcoal lighting device configured in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11A;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 12 is a view of the lighting device in a folded configuration for carrying, storage, and other handling in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 13A presents a view of one side of the lighting device of FIGS. 11A and 11B configured with all four sides extended flat;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13B presents a view of the reverse side of the device configuration of FIG. 13A;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 13C presents another embodiment of the lighting device as configured in FIG. 13A, the embodiment having angle cut edges, rather than circular openings for lighting and air flow;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the lighting device of FIGS. 11A and 11B with the rack for holding charcoal during lighting collapsed for release of the lit charcoal;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 15 presents a reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 16 shows the reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 15, but with a grill surface placed atop the grill device;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIGS. 17 and 18 present overhead views of configurations of the fuel lighting components of the device of FIGS. 15 and 16; and  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 19 presents a perspective closeup view of the arrangement of the fuel lighting device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0052]    The present invention comprises several devices and methods for igniting charcoal or other fuel that incorporate features allowing the devices to be configured to provide a chimney for lighting of fuel and then reconfigured into or for use with grills.  
         [0053]    A first embodiment comprises a reconfigurable combination grill and lighting device. A second embodiment comprises a variation on the first embodiment, also comprising a combination grill and lighting device. A third embodiment is a reconfigurable lighting device for use with an existing grill. A fourth embodiment is a reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill.  
         [0054]    The first embodiment comprises a device and method for igniting charcoal or other fuel that incorporates features allowing the device to be reconfigured to serve as a chimney for lighting of fuel and then reconfigured into a grill. The device is also reconfigurable into a generally flat profile that facilitates carrying and storage when not in use. From the flat position, handles incorporated into the device are pivoted or otherwise moved to a position approximately perpendicular to the two sides, and the two sides are in turn partially opened by pivoting upon, for example, hinges, so that the shape of the device forms a generally triangular shape. Arranging the device in this configuration also holds in place a triangle shaped grill trap door inside the device, upon which charcoal or other fuel is placed and under which newspaper or another easily ignited initiator for the fuel is positioned.  
         [0055]    In operation, upon arrangement in the triangular configuration, the device is moved to an upright position, so that the device rests on one triangular end with the trap door toward the bottom and openings in one or more of the grill sides, also located near the bottom. In one embodiment, additional similarly located openings are also included in the grill bottom. The charcoal or other fuel is then placed into the device from the top, coming to rest on the trap door. The paper or other initiator is placed inside the device beneath the trap door. The paper is then lit through the openings at the base of the device. These openings, in addition to facilitating initial lighting of the paper, allow air to circulate freely, encouraging the efficient transfer of heat from the burning initiator to the charcoal or other fuel.  
         [0056]    When the charcoal is sufficiently lit, attached legs are opened, by for example pivoting the legs on hinges or pivots, such as bolts or screws, that attach the legs to the bottom side of the grill, and the device is reoriented to rest on the extended legs. Using the handles, the two sides are pivotably or otherwise opened such that the sides are approximately perpendicular to the base, and the device thus assumes a generally U-shaped profile as formed by the sides and bottom of the grill, viewed from an end of the device. In an embodiment of the present invention, opening of the two sides also releases the trap door, allowing the trap door to collapse to a flat position against a bottom rack that contains the charcoal or other fuel when the grill is in the grilling configuration. The transfer of the fuel from the trap door to the bottom rack enables the charcoal or other fuel to be spread evenly over the bottom rack, facilitating even grilling. Lastly, in one embodiment, a separate grill top surface is emplaced so as to span the two opened sides over the lit fuel, completing the reconfiguration of the grill in a cooking position.  
         [0057]    The second embodiment is a variation of the combination reconfigurable grill device of the first embodiment. The device of this embodiment includes two bottom tray portions coupled to each other via one or more pivotable couplings, such as hinges. Attached to each of the bottom tray portions is a handle, a door portion (also referred to as a side portion), and a leg portion. Pivotably attached to one of the bottom tray portions is a rack portion. The device also includes a separable top grill portion.  
         [0058]    As with the first embodiment, the device of the second embodiment is configurable into a first arrangement, a second arrangement, and a third arrangement, the first arrangement having a thin profile to facilitate handling and storage of the device. However, in the second arrangement, instead of forming a generally triangular cross-sectional shape, the second embodiment of the grill device of the present invention forms a generally square cross-sectional shape. When arranged into the third arrangement, the two bottom tray portions are latched or locked into a flat arrangement using, for example, a catch. In one embodiment, the catch includes a hooked extension on a first tray portion and a slit opening in a second tray portion, such that, in the latched position, the hooked extension fits into the slit opening to lock the trays in the flat position.  
         [0059]    The third embodiment of the present invention comprises a device and method for igniting charcoal or other fuel that incorporates features allowing the device to be configured to provide a chimney for lighting of fuel and then folded into an easily carried and stored configuration having a generally flat profile. From the flat position, a handle or handles incorporated into the device are pivoted or otherwise moved to a position approximately perpendicular to an adjacent side. The sides are then partially opened by pivoting upon, for example, hinges, so that the shape of the device forms a generally square cross-sectional shape bounded by the sides. Arranging the device in this configuration also allows a square shaped grill trap door to be surrounded by the sides of the device. Charcoal or other fuel is then placed on the trap door, and newspaper or another easily ignited initiator for the fuel is positioned beneath the trap door. A leg or other extension attached to the trap door holds the trap door in place generally perpendicular to the sides when the device is in the square shaped configuration.  
         [0060]    In operation, upon arrangement in the square cross-sectional configuration, the device is moved to an upright position, so that the device rests on one end with the trap door toward the bottom, suspended by the leg or other extension, and openings in one or more of the device sides, also located near the bottom. The device is placed inside a grill or at another location that will hold the charcoal upon being lit. The paper or other initiator is then placed inside the device beneath the trap door, and the charcoal or other fuel is placed into the device from the top, coming to rest on the trap door. The paper is then lit through the openings at the base of the device. These openings, in addition to facilitating initial lighting of the paper, allow air to circulate freely, encouraging the efficient transfer of heat from the burning initiator to the charcoal or other fuel.  
         [0061]    When the charcoal is sufficiently lit, the device is simply lifted by its handle, allowing the trap door to swing downward via, for example hinges attaching the trap door by one side. The leg or other extension, which is also pivotable, similarly swings downward, allowing the lit charcoal to dump from the bottom of the device into the grill or other location for containing the lit charcoal.  
         [0062]    The fourth embodiment is a reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill. In this embodiment, the lighting device includes an initiator holding tray portion, a rack top trap door, and a two piece fuel containment portion. The two piece fuel containment portion includes two pivotably connected doors that are arrangeable within an existing grill having grill sides so as to form a containment area within the existing grill above the initiator holding tray. A trap door rack is located on the top of the initiator holding tray. In use, fuel initiator is placed within the initiator holding tray portion, which includes openings for allowing lighting of the initiator and air flow to the initiator. The trap door rack top for the initiator holding tray is placed or pivotably moved so as to cover the initiator holding tray portion, and the pivotably connected doors are arranged and connected to the existing grill sides so as to form a fuel containment area within a corner of the existing grill. In one embodiment, the pivotably connected doors are connected to the existing grill sides using one or more locator pins. Fuel, such as charcoal, is then placed in the fuel containment area, and the initiator is ignited, such that the fuel is able to light. Upon lighting of the fuel, the pivotably connected doors are repositioned, so that the lit fuel is dispersed within the existing grill and grilling can begin.  
         [0063]    In one embodiment, the existing grill is altered for use with the second embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention. In this embodiment, an opening is made, such as by cutting, in one corner area of the bottom of the existing grill. The initiator holding tray portion is then attached to the existing grill, so as to be suspended beneath the bottom of the existing grill. In one embodiment, the initiator holding tray portion is detachable, to allow, for example, more compact storage of the altered existing grill device.  
         [0064]    In one embodiment, the two pivotably connected doors are connected to the existing grill bottom by a second pivotable connection via one of the two doors. In this embodiment, the pivotably connected doors are moveable to two positions. In a first position, the two doors are pivoted so as to be perpendicular to the existing grill bottom. A first door is pivotably attached to the bottom, and the second door is pivotably attached to the first door. The second door is pivoted relative to the first door, so that the two doors are positioned at an approximately right angle to one another. The second door is attached to a side of the existing grill, and the two connected doors in conjunction with two adjacent sides of the existing grill form a generally square cross sectional containment subportion of the grill area in one corner of the existing grill bottom. In a second position, the first and second doors are coplanar, parallel to the grill bottom, and adjacent the grill bottom; thus, the two doors rest on top of the grill bottom and adjacent one another in this position.  
         [0065]    References will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 1 presents the grill device of the first embodiment configured for grilling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the grill  1 , as arranged or configured for grilling, includes grill sides  2 ,  3  and grill bottom  4 , handles  5 ,  6 , legs  7   a ,  7   b,  a grill surface  8 , and a bottom rack  9  to support fuel, such as charcoal. In this embodiment, the grill  1  is arranged so that the legs  7   a ,  7   b  are extended to support the grill  1 , and the handles  5 ,  6  are moved to a position extending approximately perpendicularly to the sides  2 ,  3 , for example, to facilitate easy handling of the grill  1 . In one embodiment, the grill surface  8  comprises a separable component placeable in the position shown in FIG. 1 when the grill  1  is arranged for grilling. In another embodiment, the grill surface  8 , is pivotably or otherwise movably linked to the grill  1 , such as by attachment to one or more of the grill sides  2 ,  3 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the portions of the grill  1 , other than the grill surface  8 , are movably or pivotably linked, such as by bolts, hinges, or screws, to allow the grill  1  to be arrangeably configured in various positions, such as the grilling arrangement shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0067]    In one embodiment, the handles  5 ,  6  and legs  7   a ,  7   b  are rotatably positionable and are held in place via, for example, frictional attachment devices, such as bolts and nuts or screws, and optionally further including features for locking the handles  5 ,  6  and legs  7   a ,  7   b  in various positions, as appropriate for each of the various arrangements of the device, and extensions, brackets, or other features are included to support the various moveable or pivotable components when located in fixed positions for the various arrangements. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sides  2 ,  3 , and optionally the bottom  4  include one or more openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c  and in one embodiment, some of the components, such as the legs and one or more pivoting grill portions, such as the grill surface  8 , are biasedly attached, such as by a spring, to facilitate movement or pivoting among positions.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIGS. 2A and 2B present views of the grill configured for lighting of fuel, such as charcoal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the grill  1  is arranged such that the sides  2 ,  3 , and bottom  4  form a triangular, closed unit, with openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  oriented near the bottom of the standing grill device  1 , as shown in FIG. 2A. In the lighting arrangement, grill sides  2 ,  3  are movably relocated, such as via pivoting devices, such that edges  2   a ,  3   a  of sides  2 ,  3  are positioned in close proximity.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 2B presents an overhead view of the grill arrangement of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the triangular shape of this configuration of the grill  1  is formed by the sides  2 ,  3  and the bottom  4 . A moveable fuel rack  10 , such as a triangularly shaped rack, as shown in outline in FIG. 2A and as shown in FIG. 2B, is positioned within the enclosed triangular grill arrangement above the position of the openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c , as shown in FIG. 2A. In an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular shaped rack  10  is pivotably or otherwise moveable to the position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and is pivotably or otherwise moveable so as to be approximately parallel to the bottom rack  9  in the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular rack  10  has attached pivots, hinges, or other devices for allowing pivoting or movement, these devices being located on one of the sides of the triangular rack  10  and also being attached to the bottom of the grill device  4 , and extensions, brackets, or other support devices are located on one or more of the sides of the grill device  2 ,  3  in order to support the pivoted triangular rack  10  when in the lighting position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.  
         [0070]    In operation for lighting of fuel, such as charcoal, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fuel is placed on top of the triangular rack  10 , and ignition of the fuel occurs via use of the openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c , such as by placement of an easily combustible fuel starter, such as crumpled paper beneath the triangular rack  10 , as shown in FIG. 2A. The fuel starter is ignited, such as by a match or other source of ignition, and the ignited fuel starter in turn ignites the fuel on top of the triangular rack  10 . The openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  allow the fuel starter to be ignited, such as by inserting the match through one of the openings  2 a,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c . The openings  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  also enhance ignition of the fuel by allowing an air flow to the fuel.  
         [0071]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the grill handles  5 ,  6  include an insulated section  5   a ,  6   a , respectively, such as sections made of wood, to prevent burning during handling of the grill  1  following the lighting of the fuel.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 3 is a view of the grill in a folded configuration for carrying, storage, and other handling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the folded grill  1  has closed and overlapping sides  2 ,  3  and handles  5 ,  6  pivotably moved to the ends of the sides  2 ,  3 , allowing, for example, reduced storage size and easy carrying and handling. In one embodiment, the separate grill surface  8  is contained within the interior of the folded grill. In an embodiment of the present invention, the grill includes latching devices or other features for biasedly maintaining the grill  1  in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the two bottom tray portions of the second embodiment of the rearrangeable grill device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the two bottom tray portions  21 ,  22  are pivotably connected via one or more couplings  23 ,  24 , such as hinges.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 5A and 5B present views of the device of FIG. 4, arranged into the second configuration for charcoal lighting. As shown in FIG. 5A, an overhead view of the device  20 , and FIG. 5B, a perspective view of the device  20 , the two bottom tray portions  21 ,  22  have been arranged at an approximately right angle relative to each other, via the pivotable couplings  23 ,  24 . Attached to each of the bottom tray portions  21 ,  22 , are handles  25 ,  26 , respectively, door portions  27 ,  28 , respectively, and leg portions  30 ,  31 , respectively. Each of the handles,  25 ,  26 , the door portions  27 ,  28 , and the leg portions  30 ,  31  are movable relative to the bottom tray portions  21 ,  22 . Pivotably attached to one of the bottom tray portions  21  is a rack portion  32 .  
         [0075]    As further shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, the two bottom tray portions  21 ,  22  and the two door portions  27 ,  28  have been positioned so as to form a four sided closed shape. The rack portion  32  is pivotably moved so as to form a ledge within the grill device  20 , so as to support fuel placed on the rack portion  32 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the rack portion  32 , when placed so as to support fuel, rests on an extension extending from the second bottom tray portion  22 , the extension being, for example, a reversed hinge, the hinge being lockable in an extended position to support the rack portion  32 , and the hinge being further pivotable to a folded position against the second bottom tray portion  22  when the hinge is not extended to support the rack portion  32 . Openings  35   a ,  35   b ,  35   c ,  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c  facilitate lighting of fuel initiator placed below the rack portion  32  and allow air flow to the fuel initiator and the fuel.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 6 shows the device  20  of FIGS. 5A and 5B arranged into the third configuration for grilling. As shown in FIG. 6, the legs  30 ,  31  provide support for the grill  20 , with handles  25 ,  26  positioned as shown, and separate grill surface rack  40  spanning and supported by the door/side portions  27 ,  28 . The two bottom tray portions  21 ,  22  are aligned in the same plane via pivoting, and latched or locked together using, for example, a latch  39 . In one embodiment, the latch  39  comprises a bent metal extension attached to one of the bottom tray portions  21  via a first end of the latch  39 . The second end of the latch  39  includes a bent end portion that is insertable into an opening in the second bottom tray portion  22  when the two bottom tray portions  21 ,  22  are arranged as shown in FIG. 6. The latch  39  thus latches the two bottom tray portion  21 ,  22  together when in the third configuration.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIGS. 7A and 7B present the latch and a closeup of the latch, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the latch  39  includes a main body portion  39   a  connected at a first end to one of the bottom tray portions  21  via a connector  39   b , such as a rivet, screw, or bolt. At the second end of the main body portion  39   a  is a bent end portion  39   c  for insertion into a slot  39   d  in the second bottom tray portion  22 . Also attached to the main body portion  39   a,  is a handle portion  39   e.    
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 8 shows a side view of the device  20  of FIG. 6 arranged into the first, folded configuration. As shown in FIG. 8, the handle  25  is retracted, and the leg  30  is pivotably folded so as to abut the bottom tray portion  21 . In one embodiment, the handle  25  is held to the bottom tray portion  21  by two or more brackets  25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c ,  25   d . The handle  25  is extendable and retractable relative to the bottom tray portion  21  via, for example, sliding within the brackets  25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c ,  25   d.    
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 9 shows the device  20  of FIGS. 6 and 8 in a partially folded position between the third and first configurations. FIG. 10 presents an end view of the folded configuration of the device  20  of FIGS. 6 and 8.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 11A presents the lighting device of the third embodiment of the present invention configured for lighting. As shown in FIG. 11A, the grill  51 , as arranged or configured for lighting, includes sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  handle  56 , and a trap door bottom rack  60  to support fuel, such as charcoal. The device  51  also includes openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c  in the sides  52 ,  53 , as well as openings  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c ,  55   a ,  55   b ,  55   c  in sides  54 ,  55 , as best seen in FIG. 13A. In this embodiment, the device  51  is arranged so that the trap door bottom rack  60 , as shown in outline in FIG. 11A, is held generally perpendicular to the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  by a leg or other extension  60   a . The handle  56  is moved so as to extend generally perpendicularly to adjacent side  52 , for example, to facilitate easy handling of the device  51 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the portions of the device  51 , are movably or pivotably linked, such as by bolts, hinges, or screws, to allow the device  51  to be arrangeably configured in various positions, such as the lighting arrangement shown in FIG. 11A.  
         [0081]    In one embodiment, the handle  56  is rotatably positionable and are held in place via, for example, frictional attachment devices, such as bolts and nuts or screws, and optionally further including features for locking the handle  56  in different positions, as appropriate for each of the various arrangements of the device, and extensions, brackets, or other features are included to support the various moveable or pivotable components when located in fixed positions for the various arrangements.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 11B presents an overhead view of the device of FIG. 11A, as configured for lighting. As shown in FIG. 11B, the square shape of this configuration of the device  51  is formed by the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , with an edge of side  52  and an edge of side  53  forming a comer. The moveable trap door fuel rack  60 , such as a square shaped rack, as shown in outline in FIG. 11A and as shown in FIG. 11B, is positioned within the enclosed square arrangement of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  above the position of the openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c , as shown in FIG. 11A. In an embodiment of the present invention, the square shaped rack  60  is pivotably or otherwise moveable to the position shown in FIGS.  1   1 A and  1  B, and is pivotably or otherwise moveable so as to be approximately parallel to one of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  upon the device  51  being placed in the folded, thin profile configuration. In an embodiment of the present invention, the square rack  60  has attached pivots, hinges, or other devices for allowing pivoting or movement, these devices being located on one of the edges of the rack  60  and also being attached to one of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  of the device  51 , and extensions, brackets, or other support devices are located on one or more of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  in order to support the pivoted rack  60  on one edge when in the lighting position shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The pivoted rack  60  is also supported by a leg or other extension  60   a , as shown in outline in FIG. 11A.  
         [0083]    In operation for lighting of fuel, such as charcoal, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the fuel is placed on top of the rack  60 , and ignition of the fuel occurs via use of the openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c , such as by placement of an easily combustible fuel starter, such as crumpled paper beneath the rack  60 , as shown in FIG. 11A. The fuel starter is ignited, such as by a match or other source of ignition, and the ignited fuel starter in turn ignites the fuel on top of the rack  60 . The openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c allow the fuel starter to be ignited, such as by inserting the match through one of the openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c . The openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c  also enhance ignition of the fuel by allowing an air flow to the fuel.  
         [0084]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle  56  includes an insulated section  56   a  such as a section made of wood, to prevent burning of the user during handling of the grill  51  following the lighting of the fuel.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 12 is a view of the device of FIGS. 11A and 11B in a folded configuration for carrying, storage, and other handling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the folded device  51  has a closed and overlapping side  52  and a handle  56  pivotably moved to the end of the side  52 , allowing, for example, reduced storage size and easy carrying and handling. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device includes latching or other features for biasedly maintaining the device  51  in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 13A presents a view of the device  51  of FIGS. 11A and 11B in a fully unfolded position with each of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  extended. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13A, the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  include openings  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c ,  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c ,  55   a ,  55   b ,  55   c , respectively. FIG. 13B shows the reverse side of the embodiment of FIG. 13 A, with rack  60  and attached leg  60   a  extended from side  55 . FIG. 13C is an embodiment of the device  51 , in which angled slots  52   d ,  52   e ,  52   f ,  53   d ,  53   e ,  53   f ,  54   d ,  54   e ,  54   f ,  55   d ,  55   e ,  55   f  are provided is sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  for lighting and air flow, rather than round openings.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B with the rack  60  and attached leg  60   a  shown in the released position, occurring, for example, following the release of fuel after lighting. In the position shown in FIG. 11A, the attached leg  60   a  supports the rack  60  in a position generally perpendicular to sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , with the device  51  resting on the ends of the sides  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , at the lower end of the device  51 , as shown in FIG. 11 A. During lighting, fuel, such as charcoal, is placed above the rack  60 , as shown in FIG. 11A. To reach the position shown in FIG. 14, the device  51  is lifted by the handle  56 , and the rack  60  pivots to the position shown in FIG. 14, such that the rack  60  is generally approximately parallel with side  53 . Attached leg  60 , also pivots, such that it extends downward, as shown in FIG. 4. The pivoting of the rack  60  and attached leg  60   a  results in release of the fuel from the lower end of the device  51 , as shown in FIG. 14.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 15 presents a reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device  71  shown in FIG. 15 includes an initiator holding tray portion  80  having openings  80   a  to facilitate lighting of and airflow to fuel initiator contained in the initiator holding tray portion  80 . In one embodiment, the initiator holding tray portion is attachable and detachable to an existing grill device  71 , which includes, for example, sides  72 ,  73 ,  75 ,  76 , and legs  77   a ,  77   b.    
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 16 shows the reconfigurable lighting device modification to an existing grill in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 15, but with a grill surface  78  placed atop the grill device  71 . This arrangement is useful for cooking food, for example, following lighting of fuel within the grill device  71 .  
         [0090]    [0090]FIGS. 17 and 18 present overhead views of configurations of the fuel lighting components of the device of FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, these lighting components further include a rack top trap door  81 , and a two piece fuel containment portion  82 ,  83 . The two piece fuel containment portion  82 ,  83  includes two doors  82 ,  83  pivotably connected by, for example, a hinge  86 , that are arrangeable within the existing grill sides  72 ,  73  so as to form a containment area above the initiator holding tray  80 , as viewed in FIG. 15. In use, fuel initiator is placed within the initiator holding tray portion  80 , as shown in FIG. 15, which includes openings  80   a  for allowing lighting of the initiator and air flow to the initiator. The trap door rack top  81  for the initiator holding tray  80  is placed or pivotably moved via, for example, one or more hinges  84 , so as to cover the initiator holding tray portion  80 , and the pivotably connected doors  82 ,  83  are arranged and connected to at least one existing grill side  73  so as to form a fuel containment area within a corner of the existing grill  71 .  
         [0091]    In one embodiment, at least one pivotably connected door  83  is connected to the existing grill sides using at least one locator pin  87 , as further shown in the closeup perspective view of FIG. 19. Fuel, such as charcoal, is then placed in the fuel containment area, and the initiator is ignited, such that the fuel is able to light. Upon lighting of the fuel, the pivotably connected doors are repositioned, so that the lit fuel is dispersed within the existing grill and grilling can begin.  
         [0092]    In one embodiment, the existing grill  71  is altered for use with the second embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention. In this embodiment, an opening is made, such as by cutting, in one comer area of the bottom  79  of the existing grill  71 . The initiator holding tray portion  80  is then attachably suspended from the existing grill  71 , as shown in FIG. 15. In one embodiment, the initiator holding tray portion  80  is detachable, to allow, for example, more compact storage of the altered existing grill device  71 .  
         [0093]    In one embodiment, the two pivotably connected doors  82 ,  83  are connected to the existing grill bottom  79  by a second pivotable connection  85 , such as one or more hinges, via one of the two doors  82 . In this embodiment, the pivotably connected doors  82 ,  83  are moveable between two positions. In a first position, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the two doors  82 ,  83  are pivoted so as to be perpendicular to the bottom  79  of the existing grill  71 . A first door  82  is pivotably attached to the bottom  79 , and the second door  83  is pivotably attached to the first door  82  by, for example, one or more hinges  86 . The second door  83  is pivoted relative to the first door  82 , so that the two doors  82 ,  83  are positioned at an approximately right angle to one another. The second door  83  is attached to a side  73  of the existing grill  71 , and the two connected doors  82 ,  83  in conjunction with portions of two adjacent sides  72 ,  73  of the existing grill  71  form a generally square cross sectional containment subportion of the grill area in one corner of the existing grill bottom  79 . In a second position, as shown in FIG. 17, the first and second doors  82 ,  83  are coplanar, parallel to the grill bottom  79 , and adjacent the grill bottom  79 ; thus, the two doors  82 ,  83  rest on top of the grill bottom  79  and adjacent one another in this position.  
         [0094]    Example embodiments of the present invention have now been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.