Abstract:
A charcoal lighting device is provided that is particularly adapted for lighting a charcoal grill. Methods of lighting a grill are also provided using such devices. The devices and use thereof allows for quick and efficient lighting of a charcoal grill utilizing a non-petroleum based accelerant and therefore not having a significant deleterious effect on the properties of the food.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a charcoal lighting device adapted to allow for quick and easy lighting of charcoal. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many individuals enjoy food that is prepared on a charcoal grill. It can be difficult to light the charcoal when preparing to use a charcoal grill. These individuals often douse the charcoal with large amounts of lighter fluid, a petroleum based substance. It also can take a significant amount of time for the charcoal to burn sufficiently to enable cooking on the grill. Moreover, lighter fluid contains potentially harmful carcinogenic agents that may be transferred to the food that is prepared on the grill, negatively affecting the taste and safety of the food. 
         [0003]    Many people also enjoy food that is prepared on a charcoal grill that is seasoned or contains added spices. It can be a time consuming process to pre-season the food that is going to be cooked on the grill. 
         [0004]    In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a charcoal lighting device that will quickly ignite charcoal without the use of potentially harmful carcinogenic agents. A need also exists for a charcoal lighting device that will not impart negative flavors to the food prepared on the grill. Additionally, a need also exists for a charcoal lighting device that will impart spices and seasonings to the food prepared on the grill, without requiring the user to pre-season the food. Finally, a need exists to enable cooking on the grill prior to the time the charcoal has sufficiently burned to permit cooking with the charcoal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the present invention, a charcoal lighting device and method for use thereof, typically in connection with a charcoal grill, is provided. The charcoal lighting device is particularly useful for quickly lighting charcoal for use on a charcoal grill without adding any undesired flavors or harmful carcinogenic chemicals to the food prepared on the charcoal grill. The appearance, taste, texture and safety of the foods prepared on a grill using the charcoal lighting device are not negatively impacted by using a charcoal lighting device to light the charcoal on a grill. “Charcoal” as used herein includes charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, other forms of charcoal and wood. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the invention, a charcoal lighting device is provided which is adapted to allow for the quick ignition of charcoal briquettes. The charcoal lighting device includes a porous, oil-absorbent and combustible solid substrate with a non-petroleum based accelerant absorbed into the solid substrate. The body of the charcoal lighting device contains at least one receptacle with a base and sidewalls and configurable in a nestable array. Typically, the charcoal lighting device contains a plurality of receptacles configurable in a nestable array. Any non-petroleum based accelerant can be incorporated into the charcoal lighting device. Typically, the accelerant will be an edible oil, wax, or fat. Examples include organic or inorganic accelerants such as grapeseed oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower seed oil, peanut oil, palm oil wax, vegetable shortening, or any other types of waxes or oils. 
         [0007]    The sidewall structure of the charcoal lighting device can form a charcoal lighting device of any shape as desired. Typically, the individual sidewall structures will be triangular-shaped, forming a charcoal lighting device with a rectangular-shaped base with a top portion being a point at the end opposite the base. The sidewall structures define a volume between the base and the top portion. The overall height of the charcoal lighting device can be any height as desired to effectively surround individual charcoal briquettes. Typically, the charcoal lighting device height will be between 1 and 6 inches high. More typically, the charcoal lighting device height will be between 3 and 5 inches high. 
         [0008]    The base of the charcoal lighting device can be any appropriate shape. Typically, the base will be rectangular or oval in shape. More typically, the base will be approximately square in shape. The length of each side of the base can be any suitable length to support the charcoal lighting device. Typically, each side will be between about 1 and 6 inches wide and between about 1 and 6 inches long. More typically, each side will be between about 3 and 5 inches wide and between about 3 and 5 inches long. 
         [0009]    The sidewall structures define a volume between the base and the top portion. The volume can be any suitable volume sufficiently large enough to hold at least one charcoal briquette and to allow for sufficient airflow through the charcoal lighting device to ignite both the charcoal lighting device and the charcoal briquettes contained within or surrounding the charcoal lighting device. 
         [0010]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, flavor enhancers are added to or incorporated within the solid substrate of the charcoal lighting device. Any type of flavor enhancer may be added to the solid substrate, such as spices, seasonings, wood pieces, or wood chips. Typically, flavor enhancers that complement barbequed food are incorporated into the solid substrate. Any type of seasoning or spice may be incorporated into the solid substrate, such as parsley, rosemary, oregano, basil, garlic, garlic cloves, citrus peels, orange peel, lime peel, lemon peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks. Any type of wood or flavored wood can be incorporated into the solid substrate, such as, alder, maple, hickory, oak, birch, apple, cherry, peach, lemon, pear, pecan, mesquite, barbeque-infused, grapevine, alcohol barrel, whiskey barrel, wine barrel, or mesquite-infused wood. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least one of the receptacles of the charcoal lighting device contains at least one aperture. The aperture may be of any suitable shape or size to provide airflow, thereby stimulating the burning of the receptacle and increasing the heat transfer and ignition of the charcoal briquettes. Typically, the aperture is located in the lower portion of the charcoal lighting device. Typically, each of the receptacles contains at least one aperture. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the charcoal lighting device also comprises at least one wick. The wick facilitates easy ignition of the charcoal lighting device. The wick can be made of any flammable material. The wick extends through any portion of at least one receptacle in the charcoal lighting device. Typically, the wick extends approximately throughout the height of the individual receptacle, and protrudes from the top portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, the wick may protrude from the side portion or bottom portion of the receptacle. The wick may protrude from multiple portions of the receptacle. The wick may be infused with a non-petroleum based accelerant to allow for quick lighting of the charcoal lighting device. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of lighting a grill and cooking is provided. A charcoal lighting device is provided. The charcoal lighting device includes a porous, oil-absorbent and combustible solid substrate with a non-petroleum based accelerant absorbed into the solid substrate. The body of the charcoal lighting device contains at least one receptacle with a base and sidewalls and configurable in a nestable array. Typically, the body of the charcoal lighting device contains a plurality of receptacles configurable in a nestable array. Any non-petroleum based accelerant and preferably a non-toxic to humans accelerant can be incorporated into the charcoal lighting device. Typically, the accelerant will be an edible oil, wax, or fat. Examples of non-toxic accelerants include organic or inorganic accelerants such as grapeseed oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower seed oil, peanut oil, palm oil wax, vegetable shortening, or any other types of waxes or oils. At least one charcoal briquette is placed around the receptacles. Typically, a plurality of charcoal briquettes are positioned around the receptacles. Typically, the charcoal lighting device is positioned such that the base is at the bottom and the top portion is protruding from the charcoal briquettes surrounding the device. Alternatively, the charcoal lighting device may be positioned such that the base is at the top to allow the receptacle to act as a container capable of holding charcoal briquettes. The combustion of solid substrate is initiated, such as by lighting with a match or other source of a combustion flame. Ignition of the solid substrate ignites the charcoal briquettes and prepares the grill for grilling food. 
         [0014]    In accordance with the method, cooking can commence by placing a food item on the grill or other cooking surface when or shortly after combustion of the accelerant is initiated (such as about 30 seconds to about 2, 3 or 4 minutes, for example) or at any time prior to or after combustion of the accelerant begins or is completed. By commencing cooking while the accelerant and/or substrate is burning, cooking can commence much sooner than waiting for the charcoal to generate sufficient combustion heat for cooking. In addition, by cooking food during combustion of the accelerant and/or the solid substrate material including any flavor enhancers that have been added to the substrate, and preferably prior to elimination of the flavor enhancers from the substrate whether by combustion, volatilization or other mechanisms, beneficial and desirable flavors can be imparted to the food on or otherwise associated with the grill. 
         [0015]    The sidewall structure of the charcoal lighting device can form a charcoal lighting device of any shape as desired. Typically, the individual sidewall structures will be triangular-shaped, forming a charcoal lighting device with a rectangular-shaped base with a top portion being a point at the end opposite the base. The sidewall structures define a volume between the base and the top portion. The overall height of the charcoal lighting device can be any height as desired to effectively surround individual charcoal briquettes. Typically, the charcoal lighting device height will be between 1 and 6 inches high. More typically, the charcoal lighting device height will be between 3 and 5 inches high. 
         [0016]    The base of the charcoal lighting device can be any appropriate shape. Typically, the base will be rectangular or oval in shape. More typically, the base will be approximately square in shape. The length of each side of the base can be any suitable length to support the charcoal lighting device. Typically, each side will be between 1 and 6 inches long. More typically, each side will be between 3 and 5 inches long. 
         [0017]    The sidewall structures define a volume between the base and the top portion. The volume can be any suitable volume to hold at least one charcoal briquette and to allow for sufficient airflow through the charcoal lighting device to ignite both the charcoal lighting device and the charcoal briquettes contained within or surrounding the charcoal lighting device. 
         [0018]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, flavor enhancers are incorporated within the solid substrate of the charcoal lighting device, imparting additional flavoring to the food being grilled. Any type of flavor enhancer may be added to the solid substrate, such as spices, seasonings, alcoholic spirits, wood pieces, or wood chips. Typically, flavor enhancers that complement barbequed food are incorporated into the solid substrate. Any type of seasoning, spice, or alcoholic spirits may be incorporated into the solid substrate, such as parsley, rosemary, oregano, basil, garlic, garlic cloves, citrus peels, orange peel, lime peel, lemon peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, brandy, rums, vodkas, or flavored liqueurs. Any type of wood or flavored wood can be incorporated into the solid substrate, such as, alder, maple, hickory, oak, birch, apple, cherry, peach, lemon, pear, pecan, mesquite, barbeque-infused, grapevine, alcohol barrel, whiskey barrel, wine barrel, or mesquite-infused wood. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least one of the receptacles of the charcoal lighting device contains at least one aperture that causes air to flow throughout the receptacle, thereby increasing the efficiency of lighting the grill. The aperture may be of any suitable shape or size to provide airflow, thereby stimulating the burning of the receptacle and increasing the heat transfer and ignition of the charcoal briquettes. Typically, the aperture is located in the lower portion of the charcoal lighting device. Typically, each of the receptacles contains at least one aperture. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the charcoal lighting device also comprises at least one wick that can be ignited to initiate combustion. The wick facilitates easy ignition of the charcoal lighting device. The wick can be made of any suitable flammable material. The wick extends through any portion of at least one receptacle in the charcoal lighting device. Typically, the wick extends through a portion of each receptacle in the charcoal lighting device. Typically, the wick extends approximately throughout the height of the individual receptacle, and protrudes from the top portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, the wick may protrude from the side portion or bottom portion of the receptacle. The wick may protrude from multiple portions of the receptacle. Typically, the wick will extend about 0.5 to 3 inches outside of the receptacle and about 0.5 to 5 inches inside an interior volume of the receptacle. The wick may be infused with a non-petroleum based accelerant to allow for quick lighting of the charcoal lighting device. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each receptacle is a pyramidal shape with an aperture at the tip of the pyramid where the sides come together. The aperture can be an opening of any suitable size in order to promote airflow throughout the receptacle. A wick may protrude through each aperture, allowing for easy lighting of the device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0022]    The accompanying drawings form part of the specification and like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view with a cut-away portion of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a method of using the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a method of using the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a method of using the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of substrate of the charcoal lighting device in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0035]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , a charcoal lighting device  10  according to the present invention is shown generally as having a body  12  comprising a base  14  and sidewalls  16   a - d . Base  14  is rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  16   a - d  are triangular. Sidewalls  16   a - d  come together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  18  and defining an interior volume  20 . Base  14  is typically wider than sidewalls  16   a - d . Charcoal lighting device  10  is configurable in a nestable array. 
         [0036]    Body  12  comprises a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate. Typically, body  12  is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Body  12  further comprises wood chips W and spices S integrated throughout the solid substrate. 
         [0037]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 2 , a cut-away portion of a charcoal lighting device  30  according to the present invention is shown generally as having a body  32  comprising a base  34  and sidewalls  36   a - c . Base  34  is generally rectangularly shaped, a cross section of half of one base is illustrated as base  34 . Sidewalls  36   a - c  are triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  38  and defining an interior volume  40 . 
         [0038]    Body  32  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Body  32  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout body  32 , comprising part of sidewall interior  42   a - b  and sidewall exterior  44 . 
         [0039]    Sidewalls  36   a - c  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  30 . Typically, sidewalls  36   a - c  will be less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  36   a - c  will be less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, base  34  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, base  34  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0040]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 3 , a charcoal lighting device  50  according to the present invention is shown generally as having four receptacles  52   a - d . Each receptacle  52   a - d  has a body  54   a - d  comprising a base  56   a - d  and sidewalls  58   a - n . Each base  56   a - d  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  58   a - n  are triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  60   a - c  and defining an interior volume  62   a - d.    
         [0041]    Each body  54   a - d  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Each body  54   a - d  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, that can be integrated throughout the solid substrate or, if desired, primarily or exclusively on an interior portion thereof. This could be achieved by applying additional substrate material over a base substrate having the flavor enhancer and in which the additional substrate material is devoid of flavor enhancers or of a particular type of flavor enhancer. In that manner, the flavor enhancer can be encapsulated in the interior regions of the substrate. This can be particularly advantageous when the flavor enhancer is a liquid or has a vapor pressure, and also helps enable application of the flavor enhancer after combustion of exterior portions of the substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout each body  54   a - d.    
         [0042]    Sidewalls  58   a - n  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  50 . Typically, sidewalls  58   a - n  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  58   a - n  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, each base  56   a - d  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, each base  56   a - d  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0043]    Receptacles  52   a - d  are attached by perforations  64   a - d  along bases  56   a - d . Typically, receptacles  52   a - d  are arranged and attached in a rectangular-shaped pattern. Perforations  64   a - d  can be of any pattern or thickness as necessary to facilitate easily detaching receptacles  52   a - d  from one another. 
         [0044]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 4 , a charcoal lighting device  70  according to the present invention is shown generally as having three receptacles  72   a - c . Each receptacle  72   a - c  has a body  74   a - c  comprising a base  76   a - c  and sidewalls  78   a - l . Each base  76   a - c  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  78   a - l  are triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  80   a - c  and defining an interior volume  82   a - c.    
         [0045]    Each body  74   a - c  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Each body  74   a - c  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout each body  74   a - c.    
         [0046]    Sidewalls  78   a - l  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  70 . Typically, sidewalls  78   a - l  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  78   a - l  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, each base  76   a - c  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, each base  76   a - c  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0047]    Receptacles  72   a - c  are attached by perforations  84   a - b  along bases  76   a - c . Receptacles  72   a - c  are arranged and attached in a linear array. Perforations  84   a - b  can be of any pattern or thickness as necessary to facilitate easily detaching receptacles  72   a - c  from one another. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a method of lighting a charcoal grill according to the present invention is provided. A charcoal lighting device  90  is provided having four receptacles  92   a - d . Each receptacle  92   a - d  comprises a base  94   a - d  and sidewalls  96   a - f . Each base  94   a - d  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  96   a - f  are generally triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip (not shown) and defining an interior volume  98   a - d . Receptacles  92   a - d  are typically porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrates that are coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Receptacles  92   a - d  further comprise wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout receptacles  92   a - d.    
         [0049]    Sidewalls  96   a - f  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  90 . Typically, sidewalls  96   a - f  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  96   a - f  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, each base  94   a - d  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, each base  94   a - d  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. Receptacles  92   a - d  are attached by perforations  100   a - d  along base  94   a - d . Receptacles  92   a - d  are arranged and attached in a generally rectangular shape. Perforations  100   a - d  can be of any pattern or thickness as necessary to facilitate easily detaching receptacles  92   a - d  from one another. 
         [0050]    Several charcoal briquettes C are placed around the tips of receptacles  92   a - d  of charcoal lighting device  90  and inside interior volume  98   a - d . Charcoal briquettes C hold charcoal lighting device  90  in place. Using a fire source F, charcoal lighting device  90  is lit on fire in a plurality of locations along bases  94   a - d . Any fire source may be used, such as a lighter or a match. Receptacles  92   a - d  will burn and ignite charcoal briquettes C for grilling. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a method of lighting a charcoal grill according to the present invention is provided. A charcoal lighting device  110  is provided having a body  112  comprising a base  114  and sidewalls  116   a - d . Base  114  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  116   a - d  are generally triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  118  and defining an interior volume  120 . Charcoal lighting device  110  further comprises a wick  122  to assist in lighting charcoal lighting device  110 . Wick  122  can be made of any flammable material and may be coated in a non-petroleum based accelerant. Wick  122  protrudes outside of body  112  and throughout interior volume  120 . Body  112  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Body  112  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout body  112 . 
         [0052]    Sidewalls  116   a - d  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  110 . Typically, sidewalls  116   a - d  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  116   a - d  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, base  114  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, base  114  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0053]    Several charcoal briquettes C are placed around the tip of body  112  of charcoal lighting device  110  and inside interior volume  120 . Charcoal briquettes C hold charcoal lighting device  110  in place. Using a fire source F, wick  122  is ignited. Any fire source may be used, such as a lighter or a match. Wick  122  will burn and ignite body  112 . Body  112  will burn and ignite charcoal briquettes C for grilling. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a nested stack of charcoal lighting devices  130  is provided. Receptacles  132   a - e  are shown configured in nested stack  130 . Receptacles  132   a - e  each have triangular shaped sidewalls  134   a - j  and a base  136   a - e . Receptacles  132   a - e  are generally conical in shape, with sidewalls  134   a - j  coming to form a tip  138 . Nested stack  130  is configured to rest on base  136   e  which is approximately flat and planar and can be rested on a table, grill, in packaging, or on another surface. 
         [0055]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 8 , a charcoal lighting device  150  according to the present invention is shown generally as having three receptacles  152   a - c . Each receptacle  152   a - c  has a body  154   a - c  comprising a base  156   a - c  and sidewalls  158   a - f . Each base  156   a - c  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  158   a - f  are triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at an aperture  160   a - c . Charcoal lighting device  150  further comprises wicks  162   a - c  to assist in lighting charcoal lighting device  150 . Wicks  162   a - c  can be made of any flammable material and may be coated in a non-petroleum based accelerant. Wicks  162   a - c  protrude from apertures  160   a - c  outside of receptacles  152   a - c  and extend throughout the interior volume of receptacles  152   a - c.    
         [0056]    Each body  154   a - c  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Each body  154   a - c  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout each body  154   a - c.    
         [0057]    Sidewalls  158   a - f  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  150 . Typically, sidewalls  158   a - f  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  158   a - f  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, each base  156   a - c  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, each base  156   a - c  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0058]    Receptacles  152   a - c  are arranged and attached to each other in a linear array. Charcoal lighting device  150  is configured to be supported on bases  156   a - c , which is approximately flat and planar and can be rested on a table, grill, in packaging, or on another surface. Charcoal lighting device  150  is arranged in a nestable linear array, such that additional charcoal lighting devices could be stacked on top of charcoal lighting device  150  to form a nested array of charcoal lighting devices. 
         [0059]    Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to  FIG. 9 , a charcoal lighting device  170  according to the present invention is shown generally as having four receptacles  172   a - d . Each receptacle  172   a - d  has a body  174   a - d  comprising a base  176   a - c  and sidewalls  178   a - h . Each base  176   a - c  is generally rectangularly shaped and sidewalls  178   a - h  are triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at a tip  180   a - d . Charcoal lighting device  170  further comprises wicks  182   a - d  to assist in lighting charcoal lighting device  170 . Wicks  182   a - d  can be made of any flammable material and may be coated in a non-petroleum based accelerant. Wicks  182   a - d  protrude through tips  180   a - d  and into an interior volume of receptacles  172   a - d . Wicks  182   a - d  may be any length suitable to provide contact between a flame and receptacles  172   a - d  once wicks  182   a - d  are ignited. Typically, wicks  182   a - d  will extend about 0.5 to 3 inches outside of receptacles  172   a - d  and about 0.5 to 5 inches inside an interior volume of receptacles  172   a - d.    
         [0060]    Each body  174   a - d  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Each body  174   a - d  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are located throughout each body  174   a - d.    
         [0061]    Sidewalls  178   a - h  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  170 . Typically, sidewalls  178   a - h  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  178   a - h  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Typically, each base  176   a - c  is less than about 2 centimeters thick. More typically, each base  176   a - c  is between about 0.75 and 1.25 centimeters thick. 
         [0062]    Receptacles  172   a - d  are arranged and attached to each other in a rectangular arrangement. Charcoal lighting device  170  is configured to be supported on bases  176   a - c , which is approximately flat and planar and can be rested on a table, grill, in packaging, or on another surface. Charcoal lighting device  170  is arranged in a nestable array, such that additional charcoal lighting devices could be stacked on top of charcoal lighting device  170  to form a nested array of charcoal lighting devices. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a method of lighting a charcoal grill is provided. A charcoal lighting device  190  is provided. Charcoal lighting device  190  comprises receptacles  192   a - d  each having a body  194   a - d  and sidewalls  196   a - h . Receptacles  192   a - d  further comprise a base, not illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Sidewalls  196   a - h  are generally triangular, coming together in a generally conical form ending at tips  198   a - d . Charcoal lighting device  190  further comprises wicks  200   a - d  to assist in lighting charcoal lighting device  190 . Wicks  200   a - d  can be made of any flammable material and may be coated in a non-petroleum based accelerant. Wicks  200   a - d  protrude through tips  198   a - d  and into an interior volume of receptacles  192   a - d . Wicks  200   a - d  may be any length suitable to provide contact between a flame and receptacles  192   a - d  once wicks  200   a - d  are ignited. Typically, wicks  200   a - d  will extend about 0.5 to 3 inches outside of receptacles  192   a - d  and about 0.5 to 5 inches inside an interior volume of receptacles  192   a - d.    
         [0064]    Each body  194   a - d  is typically a porous, oil-absorbent, combustible solid substrate that is coated with a non-petroleum based accelerant that is absorbed into the solid substrate. Each body  194   a - d  further comprises wood chips W and spices S, integrated throughout the solid substrate. Wood chips W and spices S are dispersed throughout each body  194   a - d  or as otherwise desired. Sidewalls  196   a - h  can be any thickness as desired to achieve proper burning time to ignite charcoal while still allowing for easy lighting and ignition of charcoal lighting device  190 . Typically, sidewalls  196   a - h  are less than about 1 centimeter thick. More typically, sidewalls  196   a - h  are less than about 0.5 centimeter thick. Receptacles  192   a - d  are arranged and attached to each other in a generally rectangular arrangement. Charcoal lighting device  190  is configured to be supported on a base which is approximately flat and planar and can be rested on a table, grill, in packaging, or on another surface. Charcoal lighting device  190  is arranged in a nestable arrangement, such that additional charcoal lighting devices could be stacked on top of charcoal lighting device  190  to form a nested array of charcoal lighting devices. 
         [0065]    Several charcoal briquettes C are placed around the base of receptacles  192   a - d  and around each body  194   a - d  of charcoal lighting device  190 . Charcoal briquettes may be placed in the form of a mound that covers or substantially covers each body  194   a - d  of charcoal lighting device  190 . Using a fire source F, wicks  200   a - d  are lit on fire. Any fire source may be used, such as a lighter or a match. Wicks  200   a - d  will burn and ignite receptacles  192   a - d . Receptacles  192   a - d  will burn and ignite charcoal briquettes C for grilling. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a substrate  220  is provided. Substrate  220  comprises a base substrate  222  and additional substrate  224 . Base substrate  222  comprises a flavor enhancer E. Flavor enhancer E can comprise wood chips W and spices S. Additional substrate  224  is typically devoid of flavor enhancer E. 
         [0067]    While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.