Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a charcoal igniter with a dual-action actuator assembly for pivoting a pair of grate members back and forth between a charcoal-supporting position and a charcoal-releasing position. Moving an actuator arm inwardly to a first position secures the grate members in the charcoal-supporting position. Moving the actuator arm outwardly to a second position allows the grate members to move downward to the charcoal-releasing position. A handle secured to the igniter housing includes an integrated track for guiding movement of the actuator arm between the first and second positions. The actuator assembly has a locking feature for securing the handle in the first position for supporting charcoal while it is being ignited.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a charcoal igniter with a dual-action actuator assembly for pivoting a pair of grate members back and forth between a charcoal-supporting position and a charcoal-releasing position. Moving an actuator arm inwardly to a first position secures the grate members in the charcoal-supporting position. Moving the actuator arm outwardly to a second position allows the grate members to move downward to the charcoal-releasing position. A handle secured to the igniter housing includes an integrated track for guiding movement of the actuator arm between the first and second positions. The actuator assembly has a locking feature for securing the handle in the first position for supporting charcoal while it is being ignited.

Abstract: An improved charcoal igniter having utility with a charcoal cooking apparatus includes a tubular housing having open upper and lower ends, a grate releasably-mounted within the tubular housing for movement from a supporting position to a releasing position, and an actuator for releasing the grate so that the grate moves from the supporting position to the releasing position. Charcoal briquettes supported within the tubular housing by the grate in the supporting position are released from the grate and fall through the open lower end of the tubular housing when the grate moves to the releasing position.