Fire Starting System

Abstract

This invention teaches an ignition pad comprising metallic strands or fibers that may be woven with other non-metallic fibers or organic materials that can provide combustible fuel. The ignition pad may comprise strands of a metallic fiber such as steel wool along with other non-metallic fibers or organic materials that combust and burn. Ideally, fine steel works better than coarse steel wool as the fine metallic fibers can cross circuit as well as provide greater resistance when an electrical current is applied. A cooking grill or fire pit comprising an electrical ignition system may provide electric current to the ignition pads so that when current is applied, the metallic fibers in the ignition pads combust catching the organic materials within the ignition pads to burn, thus providing (1) heat for cooking or (2) flame for enjoyment if used as a fire pit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ignition pad, comprising:
 a plurality of metallic fibers; and   a plurality of non-metallic combustible material embedded in the plurality of metallic fibers.   
     
     
         2 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the metallic fibers further comprise fine carbon steel wool. 
     
     
         3 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the metallic fibers further comprise coarse carbon steel wool. 
     
     
         4 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the metallic fibers comprise a magnesium alloy. 
     
     
         5 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the non-metallic fibers comprise charcoal. 
     
     
         6 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the non-metallic fibers comprise saw dust. 
     
     
         7 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the non-metallic fibers comprise combustible organic materials. 
     
     
         8 . The ignition pad of  claim 1  where the non-metallic fibers comprise wood chips. 
     
     
         9 . The ignition pad of  claim 8  where the wood chips that further comprise wood that is used for smoking foods. 
     
     
         10 . An ignition pad energizing system, comprising:
 a fire containment structure;   a platform within the fire containment structure for supporting at least one ignition pads and combustion material; and   an electrical sub-system for energizing the ignition pad.   
     
     
         11 . The ignition pad energizing system of  claim 10  where the electrical sub-system comprises a battery. 
     
     
         12 . The ignition pad energizing system of  claim 10  further comprising a fan, electrically coupled to the electrical subsystem, for increasing and decreasing the amount of air applied to the bottom of the combustion material.