Patent Publication Number: US-2011049138-A1

Title: Apparatus for Holding, Storing and Protecting Charcoal Briquettes and Methods of Using the Same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/275,644, entitled “Waterproof Charcoal Bag”, filed Sep. 1, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes that is useful for maintaining charcoal briquettes contained therein dry and for easily dispensing the same upon use. Moreover, methods of using the apparatus are provided. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is, of course, generally known to utilize charcoal to aid in the formation of a fire for cooking thereon. Specifically, it is common to utilize charcoal briquettes, or other like ignitable material, in a barbecue grill, a firepit, or other like location for cooking food thereon or therein. In fact, charcoal is one of the oldest fuels utilized by human beings, and can be found in archeological sites throughout the world. 
     Charcoal is typically made by burning wood without sufficient oxygen to burn the wood completely, leaving a carbon-rich residue that burns easily and retains heat when ignited in a barbecue grill. Charcoal, therefore, is an ideal fuel to utilize for barbecuing or grilling purposes. It is estimated that about 95 percent of the charcoal use in the United States is for barbecue grills. 
     Lighting a batch of fragrant mesquite chips or sparking a mound of charcoal briquettes are the first steps many take when creating a delicious meal outdoors. Whether one enjoys cooking for a yard full of guests, the immediate family or simply for oneself, barbecue grilling offers a quick and easy means to prepare flavorful foods. A barbecue grill can be utilized to prepare everything from hearty steaks, hamburgers and hotdogs, to tender shrimp, fish and poultry, as well as flavorful vegetarian dishes. Requiring minimal cleanup, barbecue grilling represents a preferred method of cooking for many busy consumers. 
     While there is little dispute that barbecue grilling offers consumers an easy and efficient means to cook food, it is typically difficult to maintain charcoal briquettes fresh and ready to use. In many cases, charcoal briquettes are stored at or near a barbecue grill, outside and exposed to the elements, such as rain, snow, fog, mist and other like weather. Water has a detrimental effect on the ability for charcoal to ignite, burn, and cook foods. When charcoal briquettes are exposed to environmental factors such as rain, snow, mist, fog, and other water sources, the elements may have a deleterious effect on the charcoal briquettes. In many cases, a consumer may attempt to load a barbecue grill with charcoal, only to find that the briquettes have been exposed to moisture, rendering them unusable. 
     Moreover, charcoal briquettes typically are bought in paper bags. While this form of packaging may offer rudimentary protection from the elements, once a charcoal briquette bag is opened, moisture may quickly find egress through the opening, especially if the bag is stored in a location that is exposed to the elements. Further, it is difficult to control opening of the charcoal bag, as many times when pulling a bag of charcoal briquettes open, the bag may tear causing a larger hole to form in the bag than originally intended. 
     Many times, charcoal briquettes are utilized at picnics, at tailgates, at campsites, and other places away from where a bag of charcoal briquettes is typically stored, such as on a deck or in a garage. Often, it is difficult to transport the bag of charcoal briquettes. For example, a bag of charcoal briquettes may be very heavy, requiring a decent grip on the bag. However, many times, it is difficult to hold a heavy bag of charcoal in one&#39;s hands and carry the bag where needed. In addition, charcoal briquettes generate dust that commonly escapes the bag, especially when the bag is opened. The dust is typically a black color, and can cause discoloration of clothing, skin, the interiors of automobiles, and other like objects and locations. 
     Still further, charcoal typically requires other items to light and maintain the burning of the charcoal briquettes. For example, a match, lighter or other fire or heat generating instrument is typically required. In addition, lighter fluid, containing a combustible liquid providing controlled burning of the charcoal briquettes is typically required. In many cases, the matches, lighter or other fire or heat generating instruments, as well as the lighter fluid, is stored separately from the charcoal briquettes, requiring an individual to find these items prior to using the same. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same that provide a dry, watertight and weatherproof storage location for storing and holding charcoal briquettes. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same that provide a storage location for a quantity of charcoal briquettes that maintains control over charcoal dust that may be generated from the charcoal briquettes and keeps the charcoal dust from discoloring clothing, skin, interiors of automobiles, and other like items and locations. 
     Further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same for holding a quantity of charcoal briquettes that may be easily transported from one location to another, and further provides an easy and efficient means for carrying a heavy load of charcoal briquettes. 
     Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same for holding a quantity of charcoal briquettes while also providing a storage location for other items required for the ignition of the charcoal briquettes, such as matches, lighters, and/or other fire or heat generating instruments, lighter fluid, and other like items necessary for the use of the charcoal briquettes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes that is useful for maintaining the charcoal briquettes contained therein dry and for easily dispensing the same upon use. Moreover, methods of using the apparatus are provided. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an outer covering made from a flexible watertight material, wherein the outer covering forms a space for holding an item and further wherein the outer covering includes a bottom, a top, and a plurality of sides; an opening at the top of the outer covering; and a lid hingedly attached to the outer covering and closing over the opening at the top of the outer covering, the lid having a sealing mechanism for sealing the lid over the opening at the top of the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the space has a cross-section having a shape selected from the group consisting of circle, oval, square and rectangular. 
     In an embodiment, the lid includes a downwardly disposed flange around the edge of the lid wherein the sealing mechanism is attached to the downwardly disposed flange for sealing with the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the sealing mechanism is a watertight zipper. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a zipper disposed on the edge of the lid and around the opening at the top of the outer covering wherein the zipper forms the sealing mechanism for sealing the lid over the opening at the top of the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a handle disposed on the outer covering for holding the apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, the handle is disposed at a center of gravity of the apparatus when the apparatus is filled with an item. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one pocket disposed on the outer covering for holding one or more items. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one clip disposed near the top opening of the outer covering; and a mating clip disposed below the at least one clip, wherein the at least one clip mates with the mating clip disposed below the at least one clip wherein mating of the at least one clip with the mating clip collapses the outer covering forming a smaller space within the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the lid slopes downwardly when the lid is sealed to the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a reinforcing material attached to the outer covering and disposed near the bottom of the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a quantity of charcoal briquettes disposed in the space within the outer covering. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an apparatus holding a quantity of charcoal briquettes is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus comprising an outer covering made from a flexible watertight material, wherein the outer covering forms a space for holding an item and further wherein the outer covering includes a bottom, a top and a plurality of sides; an opening at the top of the outer covering; and a lid hingedly attached to the outer covering and closing over the opening at the top of the outer covering, the lid having a sealing mechanism for sealing the lid over the opening at the top of the outer covering; providing a quantity of charcoal briquettes within the space formed by the outer covering; unsealing the lid from the outer covering; and dispensing a quantity of charcoal briquettes from the apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises providing a handle on the outer covering; and dispensing the quantity of charcoal briquettes from the apparatus by grasping the handle and tipping the apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, the handle is disposed about at a center of gravity on the outer covering when the apparatus is filled with charcoal briquettes. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of sealing the lid to the outer covering when the dispensing of the charcoal briquettes is completed. 
     In an embodiment, the lid includes a downwardly disposed flange around the edge of the lid wherein the sealing mechanism is attached to the downwardly disposed flange for sealing with the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the sealing mechanism is a watertight zipper. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a zipper disposed on the edge of the lid and around the opening at the top of the outer covering wherein the zipper forms the sealing mechanism for sealing the lid over the opening at the top of the outer covering. 
     In an embodiment, the lid includes a downwardly disposed flange and further wherein the apparatus further comprises a zipper disposed on an end of the downwardly disposed flange of the lid and around the opening at the top of the outer covering wherein the zipper forms the sealing mechanism for sealing the lid over the opening at the top of the outer covering. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same that provide a dry, watertight and weatherproof storage location for storing and holding charcoal briquettes. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same that provide a storage location for a quantity of charcoal briquettes that maintains control over charcoal dust that may be generated from the charcoal briquettes and keeps the charcoal dust from discoloring clothing, skin, interiors of automobiles, and other like objects and locations. 
     Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same for holding a quantity of charcoal briquettes that may be easily transported from one location to another, and further provides an easy and efficient means for carrying a heavy load of charcoal briquettes. 
     Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same for holding a quantity of charcoal briquettes while also providing a storage location for other items required for the ignition of the charcoal briquettes, such as matches, lighters, and/or other fire or heat generating instruments, lighter fluid, and other like items necessary for the use of the charcoal briquettes. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view along the lines III-III in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus holding charcoal briquettes in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes wherein the apparatus is collapsed in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes having a top flap configuration. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up perspective of the apparatus for holding charcoal briquettes having the top flap configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes that is useful for maintaining charcoal contained therein dry and for easily dispensing the same upon use. Methods of making and using the same are provided. 
     The apparatus of the present invention may be considered at least water-resistant, in that the apparatus at least resists the penetration of water to maintain the charcoal and other items contained therein dry. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is waterproof, meaning that the apparatus is constructed to be impervious to water. For purposes of the present invention, the term “water-resistant,” as used herein, shall mean resistant to the penetration of water including being impervious to water. 
     Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, the apparatus  10  comprises an outer covering  12  that preferably forms a three-dimensional shape to create a space to contain charcoal briquettes therein. The apparatus  10  may be a cube, a cylinder having a circular or oval cross-section, or may be cube or rectangular in shape. Preferably, the apparatus  10  has a three dimensional rectangular or cube shape. 
     Ideally, the outer covering  12  may be useful for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes and may be made from a durable, waterproof canvas, vinyl, nylon/polyester, plastic/PVC, polyurethane/polyethylene or similar material. Moreover, the outer covering  12  may measure approximately seventeen inches (17″) to approximately twenty inches (20″) in height, twelve inches (12″) to approximately fifteen inches (15″) in width and approximately nine inches (9″) to approximately twelve inches (12″) in depth, and ideally is sized and shaped to hold an 18-20 pound bag of charcoal briquettes. It should be noted, however, that the apparatus  10  of the present invention may be any size useful for holding a bag of charcoal briquettes, and the size should not be limited as herein specified. For example, the apparatus  10 , as described herein, may be appropriately sized so as to hold a 9-10 bag of charcoal. Preferably, the outer covering  12  is made from a flexible yet durable water-resistant material. 
     On an inside surface of the outer covering may be a liner material (not shown) that adds in providing water-resistance to the apparatus, and to maintain the products, such as the barbecue briquettes, in proper condition. The liner material may be disposed over the entirety of the inside surface of the outer covering, or may be located in discrete locations. 
     Disposed on the outer covering  12  may be a plurality of pockets  14 ,  16  and  18  for holding various items useful for lighting and/or maintaining lit charcoal briquettes when utilized for cooking food. Specifically, the pockets  14 ,  16  and  18  may be utilized to hold matches, lighters and/or other fire or heat generating instruments. Moreover, the pockets  14 ,  16  and  18  may contain a bottle of lighter fluid and/or other combustible material apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. The pockets may be water-resistant to protect the contents thereof. Specifically, the pockets may contain water-resistant zippers, hook and loop fasteners with fold-over covering (commonly referred to as VELCRO® from Velcro USA, Inc.), or may be closed by any means apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the pockets may be made from a mesh material. For example, pocket  18  is shown as a mesh material, which may be useful for carrying and easily retrieving items, such as a bottle of lighter fluid. 
     A lid  20  may be disposed on a top of the outer covering  12 . The lid  20  may be hinged on a back side of the outer covering  12  or otherwise integrally formed with the outer covering  12 . The lid may also be water-resistant, and may further have a water-resistant zipper  22  that may be disposed around the lid  20  for closing the lid  20  around a top opening of the apparatus. The lid  20  may preferably be made from a water-resistant material, such as water-resistant canvas, vinyl, nylon/polyester, plastic/PVC, polyurethane/polyethylene or similar material. The lid  20  may be flat and when zipped provides a level top for the outer covering  12 . In a preferred embodiment, however, the lid  20  may be disposed at a downwardly sloping angle (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) when zipped to the outer covering  12 . The downwardly sloping angle allows moisture, such as rain, snow or other moisture, to fall off the lid due to gravity and not stay thereon. Preferably, the zipper  22  is disposed on a bottom of a downwardly disposed flange  24  that rings the perimeter of the lid  20  to dispose the zipper beneath the lid and maintain water-resistance. More preferably, the zipper  22  may be a self-mending zipper closure with RF-welded seams thereby ensuring water-resistant protection of the contents of the apparatus  10 , such as a bag of charcoal briquettes that may be stored therein. 
     On an inside surface of the lid may be a pocket  23  (as illustrated in cross-section in  FIG. 3 ) for holding items necessary for having a barbecue. For example, the pocket  23  may hold matches, a lighter, tissues, wipes, or any other item useful for having a barbecue. The pocket may have a main section  25  and a top  27 . The main section  25  and the top  27  may be sealable using a conventional sealing mechanism, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO®), buttons, or any other sealing mechanism apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. The pocket  23  may be water-resistant to preserve the items located therein. 
     An adjustable strap  26  may be provided on a top of the outer covering  12  for holding and/or carrying the apparatus  10 . The strap  26  may be made from a durable and flexible material, such as canvas, vinyl, nylon, or other similar materials. Moreover, a shoulder pad (not shown) may be provided on the strap  26  for ease of carrying the apparatus  10  on a shoulder by a user thereof. Preferably, the strap  26  may be disposed and adhered down one or both sides of the apparatus  10  to provide additional strength and durability to the strap  26  to allow the strap  26  to be used to pick up the apparatus  10 , especially when full of charcoal, and not tear away from the apparatus  10 . 
     A rigid frame  28  may be disposed on a bottom of the outer covering  12  and may be integrally formed with the outer covering  12  to provide a reinforcement around the bottom of the outer covering  12  to help hold the contents of the apparatus  10 , and to aid in holding the bag in an upright position when unattended. Alternatively, a plurality of stoppers or legs may be provided for holding the apparatus  10  in an upright position or otherwise off the ground to remove the apparatus  10  from standing water, dirt, mud or other like materials. In addition, one or more wheels (not shown) may be disposed on a bottom of the apparatus  10 , or in any other location, to aid in moving the apparatus  10  by rolling the same. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the apparatus  10  in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the apparatus  10  may have the outer covering  12  and the lid  20  disposed on a top thereof. As illustrated, the lid  20  may be disposed downwardly sloped so as to keep moisture, such as rain, snow or other moisture from standing thereon. Further, the apparatus  10  includes the pockets  14 ,  16 , the adjustable strap  26  and the frame  28 . 
     Further, disposed on a side of the apparatus  10  is a handle  30  that may be attached to the outer covering  12 . The handle may allow the holding of the apparatus  10  when being utilized to dispense charcoal briquettes that may be held therein. Specifically, a user may grasp the handle  30 , open the lid  20  of the apparatus  10 , and tip the apparatus  10  to dispense charcoal briquettes from the apparatus  10 . The handle  30  may be located on any side of the outer covering  12  to aid a user in grasping and holding the apparatus  10 . Specifically, the handle  30  may be attached to the outer covering  12  in a location that is at the center of gravity of the apparatus  10  when the apparatus is filled with contents, such as a bag of charcoal briquettes. Although illustrated on a backside of the apparatus  10 , the handle may be disposed in any location to aid in picking up the apparatus and dispensing charcoal therefrom. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , along line III-III. As illustrated, the apparatus  10  includes the outer covering  12  and the lid  20 . As shown, the lid  20  includes the downwardly disposed flange  24  aiding in keeping the elements away from the zipper  22 . Further, the frame  28  is shown on a bottom of the apparatus  10 . 
     Disposed on an inside of the outer covering  12  may be a reinforcing material  32  that may be utilized to strengthen the bottom portion of the apparatus  10  to aid in holding and storing a quantity of charcoal briquettes therein. The reinforcing material  32  may be the same or different material than the outer covering  12 . For example, the reinforcing material  32  may be made from canvas, vinyl, nylon/polyester, plastic/PVC, polyurethane/polyethylene or similar material. Alternatively, the reinforcing material may be a different material than the outer covering  12 , such as alligator skin, rubberized material, or other like material for added durability. In addition, while  FIG. 3  shows the reinforcing material on the inside of the outer covering  12 , the reinforcing material may be disposed on the outside of the outer covering  12 , in an alternate embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus  10  having the lid  20  opened and a bag of charcoal briquettes  34  contained therein. As illustrated, the apparatus  10  provides a storage container for the bag of charcoal briquettes  34  and allows the charcoal briquettes  34  to stay dry and usable. Alternatively, a bag of charcoal may be emptied into the apparatus  10 , such that the apparatus  10  holds only the charcoal briquettes  34 . This may aid a user in dispensing the charcoal briquettes from the apparatus  10 . 
     To use the apparatus  10 , the bag of charcoal briquettes  34  may be opened across the top, and the apparatus  10  may be held by a user and tipped to allow the charcoal briquettes in the bag of charcoal briquettes  34  to be dispensed therefrom. For example, a user may grasp the apparatus  10  by the handle  30  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) to tip the apparatus  10  to dispense the charcoal briquettes therefrom. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus  100  in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  100  may be mostly identical to the apparatus  10 , as described above, except that the apparatus  100  may include male clips  102 ,  104  and female receptacles  106 ,  108  for the male clips  102 ,  104 , respectively. As the bag of charcoal briquettes that may be contained within the apparatus  100  is depleted, the clips allow the apparatus  100  to collapse thereby becoming shorter. This aids in dispensing the briquettes from the depleted bag within the apparatus  100 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a collapsed apparatus  100 . Specifically, the male clip  102  may be disposed within the female receptacle  106 , and the male clip  104  may be disposed within the female receptacle  108 , thereby holding the apparatus  100  in a shorter configuration. Because the apparatus  100  may be made from flexible material, the apparatus  100  may simply fold at a location between the male clips  102 ,  104  and the female receptacles  104 ,  108 . When the male clips  102 ,  104  are disposed within the female receptacles  106 ,  108 , the apparatus  100  may be collapsed and, hence, shorter, allowing a depleted bag of charcoal briquettes to be more easily dispensed therefrom. Of course, more or less clips than are shown on the apparatus  100  may be included as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art for aiding in collapsing the apparatus  100 . 
       FIGS. 7-8  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention of an apparatus  150 , mostly as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 . However, the apparatus  150  includes a flap  152  disposed in a lid  154  of the apparatus  150 . The flap  152  may be hingedly connected to the lid  154  so that, when opened, the flap  152  may move away from the lid  154  and provide an opening  156  in the lid  154 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The flap  152  may be held to the lid using conventional fasteners, such as one or more zippers, hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO®), buttons, or any other conventional fastening means. The flap  152  preferably forms a water-resistant seal with the lid  154  when disposed thereon and closed over the opening  156 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the flap  152  is removed from the lid  154 , it may be removably connected to the lid  154  in another location to keep the flap  152  away from the opening  156  in the lid  154 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the flap  152  may be rolled backwards and removably connected to the lid  154  using hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®. Specifically, a strip of loop fasteners  158  may be disposed on the lid  154 . A strip of hook fasteners  160  may be disposed on the flap  152 . When rolled back away from the opening  156 , the strip of hook fasteners  160  may be removably attached to the strip of loop fasteners  158  to hold the flap  152  in place and so as not to interfere with the dispensing of charcoal briquettes  164  from the apparatus  150 . 
     The charcoal briquettes  164  within the apparatus  150  may be contained within a separate paper bag, as typically purchased from a store, or may be disposed freely within the apparatus  150 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . If disposed within a paper bag, the top of the paper bag should be removed, opened or otherwise made unobtrusive so that charcoal briquettes  164  may be poured from the apparatus  150  freely. Therefore, a user of the apparatus  150  may dispense charcoal briquettes  162  without fully opening the lid  154  of the apparatus  150 . A handle  162  is provided to aid in the dispensing of charcoal briquettes from the apparatus  150  when the flap  152  is opened on the lid  154 . The handle  162  may be rigid or flexible, and may merely be a strap located to aid in picking up, tipping and dumping charcoal briquettes from the apparatus  150 . 
     Other embodiments of the present invention may relate to how the opening of the apparatus allows charcoal briquettes to be added and/or removed from the apparatus, and how the apparatus may be closed and/or sealed to maintain the charcoal briquettes therein dry and useable. Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include an opening at a top of the apparatus, wherein the opening is disposed horizontally across the top of the apparatus. The opening further includes two adjacent elements, each having a wire frame disposed therein, each element disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The opening may be closed and sealed by drawing the two elements together and sealing the two elements together, such as via a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, or other like closing and sealing mechanism. When unsealed (such as being unzipped), the two adjacent elements of the opening may be pulled away from each other, and the wire frame disposed in the two elements of the opening may allow the opening to be held open thereby easily allowing the charcoal to be added and/or removed from the apparatus. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus may also include an opening on the top of the apparatus, disposed horizontally at the top of a neck portion. The opening may include opposite sides that may open and close to gain access to the interior of the apparatus to add charcoal thereto or remove charcoal therefrom. When closed, the opposite sides of the opening may be disposed adjacent each other, and folded downwardly together. A bendable strap or other mechanism may be provided on the neck portion for holding the opening, now closed, in a folded configuration, thereby keeping the charcoal contained within the apparatus dry and useable. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.