WO2016113597A1

WO2016113597A1 - Portable disposable article for lighting a fire

Info

Publication number: WO2016113597A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/050297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fulvio MOSCA; Mirco IANESELLI; Maurizio MICHIELETTI
Original assignee: Universalcard S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-01-15
Filing date: 2015-01-15
Publication date: 2016-07-21

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an article (8) for lighting a fire, in particular a portable disposable article. The article (8) comprises a first member (1) and a second member (2). The first member (1) is made of a first substance or a first composition of substances, said first substance or first composition of substances being adapted to react exothermically with water (93), producing heat. The second member is made of a second substance or a second composition of substances, said second substance or second composition of substances being adapted to give rise to a combustion reaction which is activated by heat. The first member (1) is a trigger which can be activated with water or with an aqueous solution (93) and is configured to activate the combustion reaction of the second member (2). The article (8) is a disposable and portable fire-lighting article which allows a fire to be lit even without matches or lighters.

Description

PORTABLE DISPOSABLE ARTICLE FOR LIGHTING A FIRE

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the sector of articles for lighting a fire. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a portable disposable article which allows a fire to be lit even without matches or lighters.

In everyday life there is often the need to light a fire, for example in order to keep oneself warm or heat food. For example it is often required to light a barbecue, a fireplace or a bonfire.

In the prior art, in order to light a fire, solid combustible material to be burned (pieces of wood, branches, paper, etc.) is piled up and a lighting means (such as a match or a lighter) are used to produce a temporary flame for lighting part of the combustible material which catches fire most easily (for example, paper or twigs).

In certain environmental conditions, for example when there is a strong wind or in damp conditions, these known lighting means are not effective: the flame produced by the lighter or match does not last long enough or is too weak; moreover the flame may be extinguished or excessively weakened by the wind such that it is unable to start the combustion of the combustible material, or the damp conditions may even prevent entirely lighting of the flame by the lighter or match.

In addition there is the risk that one may not have access to lighting means precisely when they are needed to light a fire. For example, for smokers it commonly happens that they do not have access to a lighter because it has been forgotten somewhere after lighting a cigarette or because it has not been returned after being lent to another smoker. Moreover sometimes a person discovers that the lighter is empty or there are no more matches precisely when they are most needed. In some cases it may be practically impossible to obtain rapidly another lighter or match.

It must be considered that in some situations the fact of managing to light a fire may be of great or even vital importance: for example, when a person is in an isolated and/or cold environment (emergency situations, open-air bivouacking at night time, "extreme" trekking, etc.), it is of fundamental importance to light the fire in a safe and efficient manner.

The present disclosure is based on the technical problem of providing a method for lighting a fire which is able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art and/or achieve further advantages.

The solution to the technical problem is obtained by providing an article for lighting a fire according to the independent claim 1. The technical problem is also solved by a method for lighting a fire according to the independent claim 16. Particular embodiments of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

A fire-lighting article according to the present disclosure comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is made of a first substance (or a first composition of substances) which is adapted to react exothermically with water, producing heat. The second member is made of a second substance (or a second composition of substances), which is adapted to give rise to a combustion reaction which is activated by heat. Therefore, the first member is a trigger which may be activated by a user by wetting said first member with water or with an aqueous solution (for example saliva). The first wetted member produces an exothermic reaction which activates conbustion of the second member. The flame emitted by the second member can be used to light the solid combustible material to be burned.

Basically, the fire-lighting article is of the disposable type, i.e. is consumed during lighting of a fire.

The fire-lighting article has small dimensions and therefore may be easily transported, for example in a pocket or a backpack. In other words, it is an article which is portable and/or may be carried in one's pocket.

The subject of the present disclosure is useful for allowing lighting of a fire without the need for a lighter, match or the like, i.e. without the aid of another flame or another heat source. In fact it is sufficient to carry on oneself a portable fire-lighting article which for example may form part of equipment for an outing or a survival kit. In particular embodiments, the fire-lighting article has a substantially tablet-like shape or has an elongated shape and therefore has a compact form which ensures easy transportation.

In order to activate the fire-lighting article all that is needed is a little water which the user normally will have on him/herself. If the user does not have any water, alternatively he/she may use his/her saliva.

Furthermore the subject of the present disclosure is useful for allowing lighting of a fire in unfavorable conditions where a lighter or a match would be of no use, for example in windy and/or wet conditions. In fact the second member of the fire- lighting article may be made of materials which are influenced little or not all by these unfavorable conditions. In addition to this, the duration of the flame of the second member depends on the quantity of second substance or second composition of substances (i.e. depends on the dimensions of the second member) and therefore this quantity may be chosen so as to provide a flame with a sufficiently long duration (for example, of the order of a minute) to light the solid combustible material to be burned.

In particular, in one embodiment the second member is made of a second composition of substances which is a mixture comprising a combustible and a comburent. Therefore, the combustion of the second member does not require oxygen, is self-sufficient and therefore is not disturbed by the surrounding environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the first member is made with a first substance or with a first composition which is or comprises a hydroxide of an alkali metal.

In one particular embodiment, the first member is made of sodium hydroxide, or contains sodium hydroxide; this is advantageous because sodium hydroxide functions well for the purpose of the present disclosure and moreover is a material which can be easily found and is inexpensive. Alternatively, the first member may be made of (or contain) potassium hydroxide or rubidium hydroxide or cesium hydroxide.

In another particular embodiment, the first member is made using a solution of water and sodium hydroxide. This is useful for having a first member which, having already partially reacted with water during the production stage, has a slower triggering action. Moreover, being in less compact state owing to the presence of water, the first member interacts more effectively with the second member after activation.

In yet another embodiment, the fire-lighting article also comprises a bag or the like which contains water or an aqueous solution. A waterproof wall divides the bag (and the water contained in it) from the first member or trigger. The waterproof wall is configured to be broken by a user at the time of use, when it is required to activate the trigger. In this embodiment the user may light a fire even though it does not have water.

In one embodiment, the second member is made of a mixture comprising powder aluminum and powder nitrate, in particular powder sodium nitrate. This is advantageous both from the point of effectiveness and from the point of view of costs of the materials.

In a particular embodiment, the second member is made from a mixture of powder aluminum, powder sodium nitrate, powder sulfur and powder glucose. This mixture has proved to be particularly effective, also from the point of view of safety.

Furthermore the powder components may be easily mixed and then pressed together to form a tablet or other shape desired for the second member.

Further advantages, characteristic features and modes of use forming the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of examples of embodiment thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example.

It is evident, however, that each embodiment forming the subject of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

Reference will be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an article for lighting a fire according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the article according to Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the article according to Figure 1 , along the cross-sectional line Ill-Ill shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the article according to Figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the second member of the article according to Figure 1 ;

- Figure 6 shows a side view of the article according to Figure 1 packaged inside a wrapping;

- Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the article according to Figure 1 , with a partially removed protective sheet;

- Figures 8 to 10 show, in a simplified manner, steps of a method for lighting a fire according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of embodiment of the article according to Figure 1 , along the cross-sectional line Ill-Ill shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an article for lighting a fire according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the article according to Figure 12, along the cross-sectional line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12;

- Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of an article for lighting a fire according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the article according to Figure 14, along the cross-sectional line XV-XV shown in Figure 14;

- Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of embodiment of the article according to Figure 14, along the cross-sectional line XV-XV shown in Figure 14;

With reference to the accompanying figures, a portable article for lighting a fire according to the present disclosure is denoted by the reference number 8. Essentially, the portable fire-lighting article 8 is a disposable article since it self- destructs when lighting a fire, as will become clearer from the continuation of the present description. The fire-lighting article 8 comprises a first member 1 and a second member 2. The two members 1 , 2 are adjacent and in contact with each other. In other words, the body of the fire-lighting article 8 is divided into two parts: a first part or first member 1 and a second part or second member 2.

In the embodiments shown in particular in Figures 1 to 13, the second member 2 has a cavity 20 inside which the first member 1 is housed. The first member 1 has a shape matching at least a part of this cavity 20.

In such embodiments the fire-lighting article 8 has substantially a tablet-like shape, in particular the article 8 has a cylindrical shape which, for example, has a diameter D8 of 4 cm and a height H8 of 2 cm. These dimensions are suitable for using the fire-lighting article 8 to light a fire on small pieces of wood 91.

The second member 2 has an external diameter D8 and height H8; moreover, the cavity 20 opens out in the centre of its top face 21. For example, the cavity 20 also has a cylindrical shape, with a diameter D20 of 3 cm on the top face 21 and extends inside the second member 2 to a depth H20 of 1.5 cm. In particular, the cavity 20 is divided into a top part 20a with a diameter D20 and a bottom part 20b with a diameter D1 which is smaller than the diameter D20. For example, the diameter D1 is equal to 2 cm.

The first member 1 has a shape matching at least a part of the cavity 20, in particular has a shape matching the bottom part 20b of the cavity 20. The first member has a diameter D1 , for example of 2 cm, and a height H1 , for example of 1 cm. In other words, the first member 1 is an insert which is arranged inside the cavity 20.

As an alternative to a cylindrical shape, the cavity 20 and the first member 1 may have a conical or frusto-conical shape, a prism-like shape, a pyramidal or frusto- pyramidal shape, or other shape as desired.

When the first member 1 is placed inside the cavity 20, it has a face 11 which is exposed, i.e. is accessible to a user even if the rest of the first member 1 is surrounded by the second member 2. In particular, this exposed face 11 is a top face of the first member 1 and remains slightly below the top face 21 of the second member 2. Basically, the top part 20a of the cavity 20 remains free and forms a seat for receiving the water added by the user and for allowing the reaction to take place in safe conditions confined inside the cavity 20.

It is understood, however, that, depending on the needs and the design or commercial requirements, the fire-lighting article 8 may have a shape different from a cylindrical shape and/or dimensions different from the values provided above by way of example, and likewise the cavity 20 may be made with a shape and dimensions which are different and/or in a different position.

The first member 1 is made of a first substance or a first composition of substances; the first substance or first composition of substances is adapted to react exothermically with water. In the presence of water, a chemical reaction occurs between the first substance (or the first composition) and the water; this chemical reaction produces heat.

In particular, the first substance is a hydroxide of an alkali metal, even more particularly it is sodium hydroxide.

In the specific example, the first member 1 is made of pure anhydrous sodium hydroxide. In order to form the first member 1 , sodium hydroxide in powder form or in the form of granules or flakes is dried and then molded in a special mold so as to give it the desired shape. During the manufacture of the first member 1 , the sodium hydroxide in powder, granule or flake form is pressed as little as possible (or not pressed at all) in order to favor fully its interaction with the water.

As an alternative to a pure substance, the first member 1 is made using a first composition of substances which comprises a hydroxide of an alkali metal, in particular it comprises sodium hydroxide. In an example of embodiment, this first composition of substances is a solution of water and hydroxide of an alkali metal; in particular, this first composition is a solution composed of 50% by weight of water and 50% by weight of sodium hydroxide. In the case where such a solution is used, the first member 1 in solution form may be contained inside a wrapping (for example inside a waterproof plastic bag) to be broken at the time of use.

As mentioned, the first member 1 has an exposed face 1 1 ; when it is required to light a fire, a user may then wet the exposed face 11 with water or with an aqueous solution in order to activate the reaction of the first member 1.

The second member 2 is made of a second substance or a second composition of substances. The second substance or second composition of substances is adapted to give rise to a combustion reaction which is activated by heat.

According to an underlying principle of the present disclosure, this combustion reaction of the second member 2 is activated by the heat produced by the reaction of the first member 1 with water. The combustion reaction of the second member 2 produces a flame (or in any case a high-temperature combustion) which can be used in order to light combustible solid material, such as wood or paper, thus obtaining the desired fire.

In other words, the first member 1 is a trigger which can be activated with water or with an aqueous solution, which trigger activates the combustion of the second member 2; in this way, the fire-lighting article 8 allows a fire to be lit. As mentioned, the first member 1 is configured to activate the combustion reaction of the second member 2: the dimensions of the first member 1 , the substance or composition from which it is made and its relative position with respect to the second member 2 are such that the reaction of the first member 1 with water produces activation of the combustion reaction of the second member 2, without the need to add heat from the outside or any other action on the part of the user.

Basically, the first member 1 is sufficient to trigger the combustion reaction of the second member 2. For example, the first member 1 has a weight of 2 or 3 grammes, while the second member 2 may have a weight and dimensions as required, independently of the weight and size of the first member 1.

An important aspect is that the first member 1 is a trigger which interacts directly with the second member 2. The two members could not function if used separately. In fact, the first member 1 not only would not manage, reacting with water, to develop sufficient heat to light a fire; the second member 2 alone would not be activated by the simple addition of water. The efficient operation of the fire-lighting article 8 is therefore based on a synergistic action between the first member 1 and the second member 2.

In particular, the second member 2 is made of a second composition of substances which is a mixture comprising a combustible and a comburent. An advantage of this embodiment is that the combustion reaction does not require the oxygen of the air and may occur inside the entire body of the second member 2 and not only its surface which is in contact with the air. This therefore results in a combustion of the second member 2 which produces a large amount of thermal power and is very effective for lighting the combustible solid material to be burned. Furthermore, the combustion of the second member 2 is not influenced at all (or very little) by external factors such as wind or moisture and therefore allows a fire to be lit also in unfavorable conditions where it would be difficult or impossible to light a fire using the known systems (i.e. cigarette lighter, matches, etc.).

More specifically, the second composition of substances contains powder aluminum (Al), with the function of combustible, and a powder nitrate with the function of comburent, in particular powder sodium nitrate (NaN0₃).

The second composition of substances may also contain sulfur (S), in particular ventilated sulfur, which has the function of catalyst for the combustion reaction of the second member 2 and is therefore useful for triggering the reaction and maintaining it. Powder magnesium may be used as an alternative to sulfur, in approximately the same amount; however, magnesium is much more reactive and this may give rise to a safety-related problem: from this point of view sulfur is preferable. The second composition of substances may also contain powder glucose, which reacts with the nitrate exothermically, providing further heat which is useful for triggering the combustion reaction of the second member 2. Other advantages of using glucose consist in its low cost since, during combustion, glucose does not generate dangerous gases.

The inventor has obtained good performance results with a specific embodiment where the second member 2 is made of a second composition of substances which is a mixture comprising sodium nitrate, aluminum, sulfur and glucose. These components are in powder form and finely mixed together.

The volume composition of the mixture is the following:

- sodium nitrate: between 20% and 80%:

- aluminum between 4% and 40%:

- sulfur: between 1 % and 20%:

- glucose: between 10% and 60%:

Expressing the composition in terms of measures or units, the volume composition is as follows:

- sodium nitrate: between 10 and 30 measures or units;

- aluminum between 2 and 10 measures or units;

- sulfur: between 0.5 and 5 measures or units;

- glucose: between 5 and 20 measures or units;

The use of the measures or units may be easier during production, because it makes it simpler to retain the same proportions when it is required to recreate the mixture of powders of the second member 2.

The inventor has obtained particularly good performance results with a more specific embodiment n which the volume composition of the mixture is as follows:

- sodium nitrate: between 45% and 50%:

- aluminum between 12% and 18%:

- sulfur: between 4% and 8%:

- glucose: between 28% and 35%:

Expressing the composition in absolute terms of measures or units, an optimum volume composition is as follows:

- sodium nitrate: 20 measures or units;

- aluminum 6 measures or units;

- sulfur: 2.5 measures or units; - glucose: 13 measures or units.

A method for producing the second member 2 is described below. It is necessary for the powder components to be in an anhydrous state, without residual moisture. Therefore, the raw materials (i.e. the components indicated above) are finely pulverized by means of a powder grinder and are thoroughly dried in a drier using a mild heat (for example, at 40° - 50° for about two hours).

The resultant powders, which are kept in a dry place, are carefully and thoroughly mixed together and are then inserted inside a special forming mold: the second member 2 is obtained by means of firm compression of the powders inside the mold. By means of this powder compression molding technique it is possible to obtain a second member 2 which has a suitable mechanical strength and is easy to manage, also being able to be safely handled. The molding operation is also performed under dry conditions.

The second member 2 thus obtained may also be lined with a plasticizing layer, so that the second member 2 is less friable and more impermeable to moisture.

The first member 1 , which Is produced separately, is arranged inside the cavity 20 of the second member 2.

Each fire-lighting article 8 may be packaged individually inside a protective wrapping 17 (for example made of plastic) which isolates it from the external environment and moisture, ensuring that it is both safe and retains its efficiency over time. The fire- lighting article 8 is extracted from the protective wrapping 17 only before use.

In particular, it is preferable to use a vacuum wrapping, for example in blister or capsule form, which hermetically seals each fire-lighting article 8.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a removable protective sheet 18 may be provided in order to protect the fire-lighting article 8 from accidental activation. The removable protective sheet 18 covers the first member 1 (in particular its exposed face 1 1) and prevents the latter from accidentally coming into contact with water; the removable protective sheet 18 is removed by the user before using the fire-lighting article 8. For example, the removable protective sheet 18 is made with a film of plastic material or with an aluminum foil; the removable protective sheet 18 is glued onto the first member 1 or onto the top face 21 of the second member 2 using a weak adhesive, which allows easy removal. Figure 7 shows the removable protective sheet 18 in a partially removed condition.

In one variant the first member 1 and the second member 2 are supplied separately, each packaged inside its own wrapping. The first member 1 is arranged on the second member 2 only at the time of use of the fire-lighting article 8. With reference to Figures 8 to 10, below a method of using the article 8 for lighting a fire is described.

Firstly, the combustible material 91 to be burned in the fire (for example wood) is stacked in the known manner.

The fire-lighting article 8 is extracted from the protective wrapping 17 and the removable protective sheet 18 is removed, freeing the exposed face 11 of the first member 1.

The user wets the first member 1 , in particular the visible face 1 1 , with water 93 or with an aqueous solution (i.e. a liquid solution containing water). If the user does not have water available, he/she may wet the first member 1 for example with saliva, even spitting directly onto the exposed face 11.

The water 93 thus added, coming into contact with the first member 1 , ignites the fire-lighting article 8. The water 93 reacts with the sodium hydroxide of the first member 1 , producing heat. The heat also favors the solubilization of the sodium hydroxide in the water, with the formation (within a period of a few seconds) of a solution which penetrates into the body of the second member 2, where it starts to react with the aluminum and develops further heat. The temperature increases gradually, until it reaches the melting temperature of the anhydrous hydroxide (about 320°C).

It should be noted that, when using the said materials, the quantity of heat produced is also increased by the chemical interaction between the hydroxide of the first member 1 and the aluminum of the second member 2. Therefore, operation of the fire-lighting article 8 is made even more efficient by the chemical interaction between the first member 1 and the second member 2, which is added to the heat transfer from the first member 1 to the second member 2.

Once a sufficiently high temperature has been reached, the sodium nitrate reacts with the glucose exothermically and produces a further increase in temperature which reaches more or less the aluminum ignition temperature, at which the aluminum reacts with the sodium nitrate. Basically, the aforementioned chain activates combustion between the aluminum and sodium nitrate, where the sulfur acts as catalyst for the combustion reaction. Once triggered, the combustion reaction is self-fuelling and produces a high-temperature flame 85 (which can be estimated at around 2000°C). Since the second member 2 also contains the comburent, this combustion reaction does not involve the oxygen of the air.

The article 8 is positioned near the combustible material 91 so that the flame 85 generated by the combustion reaction of the second member 2 acts on the combustible material 91. The combustible material 91 , which is exposed to the high-temperature flame 85, in turn catches fire and thus the aerobic combustion of the combustion material 91 starts: the fire has been lit.

The duration of the flame 85 depends on the quantity and gramme weight of the second member 2. In particular, the second member 2 is made so that the flame 85 has a fairly long duration (for example, one minute) so as to give the combustible material 91 time to catch fire even if a little damp.

If the first member 1 and the second member 2 have compositions which are different from those considered above, the details of the reaction chain may be different. In any case, a common concept is that of having a fire-lighting article 8 which is substantially inert in conservation or warehouse conditions and which, when its first member 1 is wetted with water or with an aqueous solution and frees reaction heat, activates a reaction chain which results in the high-temperature combustion of the second member 2.

In an embodiment which is shown in Figure 1 1 in a cross-sectional view, the fire- lighting article 8 comprises a chamber or bag 40 which contains water or an aqueous solution. This bag 40 is separated from the first member 1 by means of a waterproof wall 45 (for example a film of plastic material) which may be broken by the user, for example by applying pressure.

For example, the bag 40 is situated inside the cavity 20 and is arranged between the first member 1 and the second member 2. At the time of use, the user presses the first member 1 using a finger towards the inside of the cavity 20. The wall 45 breaks and the water 93 contained in the bag 40 comes into contact with the hydroxide of the first member 1 , wetting it and activating the trigger and chain reaction. In this embodiment, therefore, it is not necessary for the user to have access to water in order to activate the fire-lighting article 8, since the necessary water is already contained (in a safe condition) in the fire-lighting article 8 itself.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the fire-lighting article 8 also comprises a third member 3 which is adapted to produce an aerobic combustion using the oxygen of the air. For example, the third member 3 is made of hexamine or a third composition of a substance containing hexamine. Alternatively, the third member 3 may be made of paraffin or other easily combustible solid substance. In particular, the third member 3 is arranged around the second member 2, leaving however the exposed face 1 1 of the first member 1 accessible. When the fire- lighting article 8 is activated with water, the combustion flame of the second member 2 lights the third member 3, thus activating its aerobic combustion with the oxygen of the air. This allows the overall duration of the flame of the fire-lighting article 8 to be prolonged, favoring lighting of the combustible material 91 to be burned. In fact, the third member 3, which is provided with suitable dimensions for this purpose, continues to burn even after the flame 85 of the second member 2 has gone out. In yet another embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16, the fire-lighting article 8 has a substantially elongated shape, in particular a cylindrical shape. For example, it has a length L8 of 1 1 cm and a diameter D80 of 1.8 cm. These dimensions are suitable for using a fire-lighting article 8 to light a fire on small pieces of wood 91.

More specifically, the fire-lighting article 8 comprises a tubular wrapping 80 (for example made of paper or cardboard) inside which a first portion is occupied by the first member 1 and a second portion is occupied by the second member 2. The first member 1 and the second member 2 are adjacent to each other. The first member 1 has a face 11 which is directed towards an opening 81 of the tubular wrapping 80, so as to allow a user to add water at the moment of activation. An empty space 82 is present between the opening 81 and the face 1 1 , having the function of a water receiving seat and reaction seat.

The opening 81 may optionally be closed by a stopper which must be removed at the time of use.

In one variant (Figure 16) a third member 3 (adapted to develop an aerobic combustion with the oxygen of the air, as described above for Figures 12 and 13) may be provided, said member occupying a third portion of the fire-lighting article 8 and being arranged adjacent to the second member 2.

In a further variation of embodiment, an intermediate member is arranged between the first member 1 and the second member 2 and has a composition similar to that of the second member 2, but with powder magnesium instead of the sulfur, approximately in the same amounts. This intermediate member is easily activated by the first member 1 and produces heat which assists activation of the second member 2. Basically, the magnesium acts as a thermal substance: the sodium hydroxide reacts with the aluminum and causes lighting of the magnesium, which produces useful heat for the second member 2.

The subject-matter of the present disclosure has been described hitherto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments relating to the same inventive idea may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are illustrated hereinbelow.

Claims

1. An article (8) for lighting a fire, comprising a first member (1) and a second member (2),

the first member (1) being made of a first substance or a first composition of substances, said first substance or first composition of substances being adapted to react exothermically with water (93), producing heat,

the second member (2) being made of a second substance or a second composition of substances, said second substance or second composition of substances being adapted to give rise to a combustion reaction that is activated by heat,

the first member (1) being a trigger that can be activated by water or an aqueous solution (93) and is configured to activate the combustion reaction of the second member (2).

2. The article (8) according to claim 1 , wherein said first substance or said first composition of substances is or includes a hydroxide of an alkali metal, in particular sodium hydroxide.

3. The article (8) according to claim 2, wherein said first composition of substances is a solution of water and a hydroxide of an alkali metal, in particular sodium hydroxide.

4. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second composition of substances is a mixture containing a combustible and a comburent.

5. The article (8) according to claim 4, wherein said mixture comprises aluminum powder and a nitrate powder, in particular sodium nitrate powder, the aluminum powder being the combustible and the nitrate powder being the comburent.

6. The article (8) according to claim 5, wherein said mixture further comprises sulfur powder.

7. The article (8) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said mixture further comprises glucose powder.

8. The article (8) according to claims 5, 6 and 7, wherein said mixture comprises:

- sodium nitrate powder between 20% and 80% by volume;

- aluminum powder between 4% and 40% by volume;

- sulfur powder between 1 % and 20% by volume;

- glucose powder between 10% and 60% by volume.

9. The article (8) according to claim 8, wherein said mixture comprises:

- sodium nitrate powder between 45% and 50% by volume; - aluminum powder between 12% and 18% by volume;

- sulfur powder between 4% and 8% by volume;

- glucose powder between 28% and 35% by volume.

10. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first member (1) has an exposed face (1 1) for allowing a user to wet such an exposed face

(11) with water or an aqueous solution (93) in order to activate the trigger.

1 1. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a chamber or bag (40) containing water or an aqueous solution (93), said chamber or bag (40) being divided from the first member (1) by a waterproof wall (45) that is configured to be broken by a user in order to activate the trigger.

12. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the second member (2) has a cavity (20) in which the first member (1) is housed.

13. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a substantially tablet-like shape.

14. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a substantially elongated shape, the first member (1) occupying a first portion of said elongated shape and the second member (2) occupying a second portion of said elongated shape.

15. The article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a third member (3) that is adjacent to or around the second member (2), the third member (3) being a combustible member that is configured to give rise to an aerobic combustion that is activated by the combustion reaction of the second member (2).

16. A method for lighting a fire, comprising the steps of:

- providing a combustible material (91);

- providing an article (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 15;

- wetting the first member (1) of the article (8) with water or an aqueous solution

(93);

- positioning the article (8) near the combustible material (91), in such a way that a flame (85) produced by the combustion reaction of the second member (2) acts on such a combustible material (91).