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(11) | EP 2 505 955 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | An improvement of a pyrotechnic device for the realization of a luminous alphabet |
| (57) The present invention concerns an innovative pyrotechnic device comprising: - An upper surface (3) provided with one or more fixing elements (2, 6) through which to hold one or more pyrotechnic elements (100) in such a way that they result emergent from the said upper surface (3) upwards and; - A burning surface (5) of an inflammable material arranged below the upper surface (3) in such a way that, following its lighting, the flame generated by the said burning surface (5) is directed towards the overlying upper surface (3) and; In accordance with the invention, the pyrotechnic device further includes one or more rising conduits (11) of the flame arranged between the burning surface (5) and the upper surface (3) in such a way as to guide and make the flame generated by the underlying burning surface (5) emerge outside the upper surface (3). In such a manner, the flame coming out through the said conduits (11) contacts the pyrotechnic element (100) above the said upper surface (3). |
Technical Field
[0002] In particular, the invention refers to an improvement of a device for realizing a pyrotechnic alphabet, or forms in general, through the arrangement of a plurality of luminescent fireworks according to a certain pre-established order on a generally box-shaped element.
Background Art
[0003] Devices for realizing a pyrotechnic numeric alphabet with luminous fireworks, generally non-exploding, have long been known.
[0004] In accordance with the background art, the device in question includes a box-shaped element having inside a burning surface, that is a sheet of inflammable material to prime the lighting. The sheet is arranged on the base of the box and a fuse is arranged in such a way as to be in contact with such a sheet. The fuse can be primed from the outside of the box through one of its ends coming out from the box itself. In such a manner, once the fuse is lighted, it burns progressively up to arriving on the sheet, generating its lighting. The sheet can indifferently be of an inflammable material or soaked with an inflammable powder. The box-shaped element also includes in correspondence of its upper surface one or more cylindrical openings that allow the access into the internal volume of the box and therefore that face the burning sheet. Through such openings one or more luminescent candles can be inserted to be practically in contact with the underlying burning sheet.
[0005] The base of each luminescent candle is in fact formed by an inflammable material, for example inflammable black powder, which is appropriately compacted in a cylindrical manner and made integral. Its cylindrical shape is such as to be inserted into the receiving cylindrical openings of the box in such a way that each base of the candle faces the inflammable sheet almost in contact with it. The stick forming the body of the candle is then connected to the respective cylindrical black powder base through a needle-shaped appendix. The connection takes place by simply inserting the said end into the powder cylinder in order to obtain a single body.
[0006] In use, therefore, each candle emerges upwards from the box thanks to the cylinder to which it is connected. A part of the cylinder results in fact emergent from the opening of the box into which it is inserted and the opposite part extends towards the interior of the box, facing directly the inflammable sheet arranged into the box itself. Once the fuse has been primed, the sheet burns and shoots a flame that primes the lighting of the cylinder of the candle from its surface of contact with the sheet. The lighting, through the cylinder of inflammable material, ascends up to the body of the candle, which will light and start to emit light. An example of use can include, for example, the classic spark torches which, each one of them, through their end made of iron wire, are planted each one into a lighting cylinder. When the flame reaches the torch through the cylindrical base, it lights and emits light.
[0007] By arranging the candles into the plurality of openings according to pre-established designs, it is possible to realize luminescent designs or words,
[0008] The candles can be pyrotechnic games of any nature such as torches, volcanoes or other elements generally non-explosive but only luminous.
[0009] However, a technical problem relative to such a type of device is the following:
According to the background art, it is obligatory to realize a lighting cylinder of the candle made of compressed and compacted powder.
[0010] Such a solution therefore requires, for each candle, a significant quantity of inflammable powder.
[0011] Moreover, the realization of such lighting cylinders renders the candle itself particularly fragile since the cylinder can easily crumble, rendering the candle no more usable. In addition, such cylinders can easily be affected by humidity, thus rendering the candle no more usable.
[0012] Last, the procedure of moulding of such lighting cylinders results very complex and expensive since each eventual rigid cylindrical container into which the moulding takes place must be subsequently removed before use.
Disclosure of invention
[0013] It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative pyrotechnic device that solves at least in part the said inconveniences.
[0014] In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative pyrotechnic device in which the use of a cylindrical base of an inflammable material to prime the lighting of the candle is not absolutely essential, obtaining a more reliable and simpler device, also more resistant to environmental attacks.
[0015] These and other aims are therefore obtained with the present pyrotechnic device as per claim 1.
[0016] In particular, the device in question comprises an upper surface (3) which, as per the background art, is provided with one or a plurality of fixing elements (2, 6) through which to hold one or more pyrotechnic elements (100) in such a way that they result emergent from the said upper surface (3) upwards. Moreover, a burning surface (5) of the inflammable type (for example realized of an inflammable material or sprinkled with inflammable powder) is included arranged below the upper surface (3) in such a manner that, following its lighting, the flame generated by the said burning surface (5) points towards the overlying upper surface (3).
[0017] In accordance with the invention, the pyrotechnic device includes one or more rising conduits (11) of the flame arranged between the burning surface (5) and the upper surface (3) in such a manner as to guide above the upper surface (3) at least one part of the flame generated by the underlying burning surface (5). The rising conduits (11) are further arranged with respect to the fixing elements (2, 6; 2) in such a way that, in use, the said portion of flame coming out from it can enter in contact with the pyrotechnic element (100) arranged on the relative fixing element above the said upper surface (3).
[0018] Such a solution allows to obviate the use of a traditional lighting cylinder of an inflammable material which is complex to realize and results fragile. In accordance with such a solution, it will be enough to provide a modest quantity of inflammable powder around the pyrotechnic element directly above the surface (3) to prime its lighting thanks to the part of flame that from the underlying surface 5 is guided close to the pyrotechnic element by the said conduits 11.
[0019] Advantageously, such fixing elements (2, 6; 2) can comprise one or more openings (2) on the upper surface (3) in the shape of channels (2) that extend towards the underlying burning surface (5) and one or more cylindrical bases (6) of such a diameter as to couple each one of them into a respective channel (2) with a pre-determined degree of mechanical interference in such a way as to obstruct it.
[0020] Advantageously, in a variant of the invention, each cylindrical base (6) includes at least a longitudinal groove (11') that runs along its height, preferably the whole of its height, in such a way that when the cylindrical base (6) results coupled into the channel (2), the groove (11') forms with respect to the wall of the channel (2) the said rising conduit (11) of the flame.
[0021] In that case, advantageously, the channel (2) has a cylindrical shape (2) and does not present grooves.
[0022] Alternatively, advantageously, the channel (2) can be configured in such a way as to form one or more longitudinal grooves (11'), which form the said rising conduits (11) of the flame when the cylindrical base (6) is inserted into the respective channel.
[0023] In that case, advantageously, the cylindrical base (6) is provided with a circular section without grooves.
[0024] In all the configurations, advantageously, the cylindrical base (6) can include, in correspondence of its end of head (7), a hole (8) into which to insert the end of the pyrotechnic element (100).
[0025] Advantageously, the cylindrical base (6) can further include in correspondence of the end of head (7) a seat (9) into which to compact an inflammable material for priming the lighting (10).
[0026] Advantageously, the cylindrical base (6) can be realized by moulding or injection of a plastic material.
[0027] In a further variant of the invention, the cylindrical base (6) can be substituted by a portion of the pyrotechnic element (100) itself, such as a Bengal light or a volcano, of such a diameter that when it results inserted into the channel (2) the said channel is obstructed by it.
[0028] In that case, the rising conduits (11) of the flame, formed by the longitudinal grooves (11') of the channels (2), form the said rising conduits (11) with respect to the cylindrical body of the pyrotechnic element inserted, allowing the further arrangement of a fuse (101) that from the base of the pyrotechnic element (100) ascends through the conduit (11) towards its head.
[0029] In a further variant of the invention, advantageously, the upper surface (3) includes directly on it one or more holes (8) into which to insert the end of a pyrotechnic element (100) and allow its fixing to it, and at the same time, at least one or more conduits (11) integrated to the surface (3) and arranged around or in proximity of the said holes (8) in such a way as to cause the lighting of the elements (100) arranged.
[0031] It is also described here a cylindrical base (6) on which to apply a pyrotechnic candle (100) comprising at least one or more longitudinal grooves (11') that run along its height, preferably the whole of its height, in such a way that when the cylindrical base (6) is coupled into the channel (2) of a pyrotechnic device as described, the grooves (11') form with respect to the wall of the channel (2) rising conduits (11) for the flame.
[0032] Advantageously, in correspondence of its end of head (7), a hole (8) is included for inserting the end of a pyrotechnic element (100).
[0033] Advantageously, a seat (7) is further included in correspondence of its end of head (7) into which to compact an inflammable material for priming the lighting of the pyrotechnic element connected to it.
Brief description of drawings
[0034] Further characteristics and advantages of the present pyrotechnic device, according to the invention, will result clearer with the description of some embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 shows a top view of the box-shaped element that is part of the said pyrotechnic device;
- Figure 2 shows a section of the present pyrotechnic device in accordance with a first possible embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 3 shows an exploded view in accordance with such first possible embodiment;
- Figure 4 shows in detail a pyrotechnic candle 100 that can be used on such a device and connected to a cylindrical base 6 of the device in question through one of its needle-shaped ends that is inserted in depth through a hole 8;
- Figure 5 shows a top view of the cylindrical base 6 in accordance with the said first embodiment, while figure 6 shows a lateral view;
- Figure 7 better shows in section the coupling between the channel 2 of the box and the cylindrical base 6 in accordance with the said first possible embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the invention wherein the cylindrical base 6 lacks grooves, while they are obtained directly on the channel 2 of the upper face 3;
- Figure 9 shows a particular use of such a second embodiment of figure 8 wherein the cylindrical base 6 is substituted by the body itself of the firework, in this case a Bengal light or a luminous volcano;
- Figure 10 shows a third variant of the invention.
Description of some preferred embodiments
[0035] Figures from 1 to 7 show a first possible preferred embodiment of the present pyrotechnic device in accordance with the invention.
[0036] The pyrotechnic device is generally box-shaped and figure 1 shows a top view of the box 1 to which the generally candle-shaped pyrotechnic elements 100 are applied. To that aim, the box 1 presents a plurality of fixing elements (2, 6) in the shape of receiving cylindrical channels 2 into which, in each of them, is inserted a cylindrical base 6 to which a luminescent pyrotechnic candle 100 (generally non-explosive) can be coupled.
[0037] The section of figure 2 shows better the box forming an internal volume delimited by lateral walls, by an upper surface 3 and by a base 4. The upper surface 3 is provided with the said receiving channels 2 that extend vertically from it towards the base 4 in such a way as to face the base 4 of the box.
[0038] The upper surface 3 can be realized in a single piece with the said channels 2, for example by moulding or injection of plastic material or similar.
[0039] On the base 4, within the volume of the box, as also shown in the exploded view of figure 3 and in the section of figure 2, a burning surface 5 results arranged in the shape of a sheet 5 of inflammable material placed on the base. The channels 2 face directly the sheet 5 in proximity of it (for example at a variable distance from about 2mm to about 1cm, and preferably between 2mm and 5mm to avoid too many dispersions of effect). The channels, as better shown in the section plane of figure 2, are open on both ends to allow from the part of the surface 3 the insertion of the pyrotechnic candle in such a way that the base of the said candle results above the burning surface 5. Each candle is therefore inserted through the application of a cylindrical base 6 in such a way that such a base 6 of the candle 100, as per figure 2, results either in contact or close to the surface 5 (for example at a useful distance variable as well from some millimetres up to that).
[0040] Figure 1 shows with a dotted line a fuse 200 that is arranged in such a way as to lie on the sheet 5 to prime the lighting and that runs along the perimeter of the box. Naturally, the arrangement of the fuse can be any without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept. The exploded of figure 3, like figure 2, both show a pipe 10 in communication with the outside through attachment fittings 20. Part of the fuse is made to run within the pipe. The dimension of the pipe, due to the oxygen contained in it, influences the speed of combustion of the fuse; therefore, by selecting different pipes it is possible to programme the speed of lighting of the pyrotechnic device as deemed better. Moreover, the fittings allow to connect between them a device in succession with another one through further external pipes.
[0041] Always in accordance with such a first embodiment of the invention, the subsequent figures from 4 to 6 describe better in detail such a solid cylindrical base 6. The cylindrical base 6 can be realized of a plastic material obtained by moulding, having in head 7 a hole 8 into which to insert the end of the candle 100. In correspondence of the head 7 a seat 9 is further obtained into which a solid lighting powder and glue mixture 10 can be compacted to allow both the lighting and the simultaneous fixing of the end of the candle, as for example shown in figure 4 or in figure 2.
[0042] Such a cylindrical base will therefore substitute the classic lighting cylinder of the candle that in the background art was wholly realized of powder of an inflammable material subsequently compacted. It is clear that such a solution is extremely simpler from the point of view of the realization and results above all much more long-lasting (there is no risk of chipping). Moreover, such a solution results more resistant to the atmospheric influences such as humidity.
[0043] As shown in figure 5 and in figure 6, in order to allow the lighting, the cylindrical base 6 is provided with one or more grooves 11' that run along all its height. The diameter of the cylindrical base 6 can be any on condition that it can couple to a hole 2 of the upper face 3 with a certain degree of mechanical interference. In this nanner, following the insertion of the base 6 into a channel 2 as per figure 2, the hole formed by the channel 2 will result wholly obstructed by the cylindrical base 6 inserted except by the groove or grooves 11' present in the cylindrical base 6 which will form with respect to the walls of the channel 2 of the relative guiding and rising conduits 11 of the flame (see for example the section of figure 7).
[0044] The section of figure 7 in fact shows a section that cuts the channel 2 of figure 2 where inside is inserted the cylindrical base 6. The cut of the section is made with a plane parallel to that of the base 4 of the box. Figure 7 shows well how, thanks to the coupling with interference, the grooves 11' obtained along the lateral surface of the cylindrical base, being limited by the walls of the channel 2, form themselves with respect to the channel 2 rising conduits 11 of the flame. Such rising conduits 11 allow to guide the flame generated by the underlying surface 5 up to the head 7 of the cylindrical base 6 above the face 3 on which a small quantity of powder is arranged. Figure 2 in fact shows on the head, in correspondence of the seat 9, such a small quantity of inflammable powder which, once it is reached by the rising flame, is lighted and primes the lighting of the candle 100. It is in fact enough that the flame slightly licks such a material; therefore, the brusque raising of the temperature primes its lighting.
[0045] It is therefore evident that such a configuration offers the advantage of requiring just a small quantity of inflammable material to guarantee the lighting of the candle 100.
[0046] In this first embodiment of the invention, therefore, the cylindrical bases 6 are separable front the box and are coupled to it as described. At the end of the use, generally, the box is thrown but the cylindrical bases could be re-used for other boxes. In that sense, the cylindrical base 6 can be an element on its own that can be coupled to any box 1 standardized as described.
[0047] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 8 and in figure 9. This is exactly identical to the first one, except for the fact that the cylindrical base 6 lacks grooves. In that case, the receiving seat 2 results provided with such grooves 11' which form the rising conduits 11 when the cylindrical element results coupled into the said seat. This second embodiment is equivalent to the preceding one and, on one hand, allows a simpler realization of the cylindrical base 6. On the other hand, however, the realization process of the upper face with such channels 2 is a bit more complex.
[0048] This type of embodiment, as better shown in figure 9, is ideal in the case of use of fireworks such as Bengal light or luminous volcanoes in which the body itself of the pyrotechnic element is cylindrical and of such a diameter as to be inserted into the openings of the box with interference. In that case, therefore, the presence of the cylindrical base is not necessary.
[0049] Figure 9 in fact shows a volcano 100 which has a cylindrical shape containing inside the inflammable powder that generates the luminous fountain. In accordance with this variant of the second embodiment of the invention, the volcano is provided with its fuse 101 which is fixed to the base through, for example, a powder paste equivalent to the paste 10 of figure 2. The fuse is made to rise up to the head of the volcano in such a way that it can have access inside the cylindrical body where the luminous powder is compacted. In accordance with such a configuration, the volcano is inserted in its seat 2 without the need of the cylindrical base and the channel allows, at the same time, both the rise of the flame and the passage of the fuse which lights following the impact with the flame generated by the underlying surface 5.
[0050] Although a fuse connected to the two ends of the volcano is described, thanks to the rise of the flame along the conduit 11, a portion of fuse that from the head falls downwards, rendering the realization of the volcano particularly simple as regards structure, would be enough.
[0051] A third possible embodiment of the invention is described in figure 10. The figure shows a top view relative to the upper face 3 together with a lateral view of the device. The lateral view highlights well how the upper face 3 foresees integrated to it one or more conduits 11 arranged around or in proximity of each hole 8 into which to insert the end of the pyrotechnic candle 100 and fix it with the inflammable material 10. The figure shows with a dotted line, for clarity purposes, a flame developed from the surface 5 and that rises along the conduits 11 up to intercepting the material 10, exactly as per the other configurations described.
[0052] Just for simplicity purposes, and not in a limiting manner, figure 10 shows a single hole 8 and two single conduits 11 around the said hole.
[0053] In all the configurations described, the grooves 11 have such dimensions as to form conduits of dimensions that allow the passage of the flame without its smothering. Big dimensions are not necessary at all. As a way of example, a cut 11 is indicated that can have a depth of about 3-5 mm and a width of just 2 mm.
1. A pyrotechnic device comprising:
- An upper surface (3);
- One or a plurality of fixing elements (2, 6; 2) through which to hold one or more pyrotechnic elements (100) in such a way that they result emergent from the said upper surface (3) upwards;
- An inflammable burning surface (5) arranged below the upper surface (3) in such a way that, following its lighting, the flame generated by the said burning surface (5) is directed towards the upper surface (3) and;
characterized in that the pyrotechnic device further includes one or more rising conduits (11) of the flame arranged between the burning surface (5) and the upper surface (3) in such a way as to guide above the upper surface (3) at least a part of the flame generated by the underlying burning surface (5), the said rising conduits (11) being further arranged with respect to the fixing elements (2, 6; 2) in such a way that, in use, the said portion of flame coming out from them can enter in contact with the pyrotechnic element (100) arranged on the relative fixing element above the said upper surface (3).2. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 1, wherein the said fixing elements (2, 6;
2) comprise one or more openings (2) on the upper surface (3) in the shape of channels
(2) that protrude towards the underlying burning surface (5) and one or more cylindrical
bases (6) of such a diameter as to couple each one into a respective channel (2) with
a pre-determined degree of mechanical interference in such a way as to obstruct the
said channels (2).
3. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 2, wherein each cylindrical base (6) includes
at least one longitudinal groove (11') that runs along its height in such a way that
when the cylindrical base (6) results coupled into the channel (2) the groove (11')
forms with respect to the wall of the channel (2) the said rising conduit (11) of
the flame.
4. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 3, wherein the channel (2) is cylindrical-shaped
and does not present grooves.
5. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 2, wherein the channel (2) is configured
in such a way as to form one or more longitudinal grooves (11') which form the said
rising conduits (11) of the flame when the cylindrical base (6) is inserted into the
respective channel.
6. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 5, wherein the cylindrical base (6) is provided
with a circular section without grooves.
7. A pyrotechnic device, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 2 to 6,
wherein the cylindrical base (6) includes in correspondence of its end of head (7)
a hole (8) into which to insert the end of the pyrotechnic element (100).
8. A pyrotechnic device, according to one or more of claims from 2 to 7, wherein the
cylindrical base (6) further includes in correspondence of the end of head (7) a seat
(9) into which to compact an inflammable material (10) for priming the lighting.
9. A pyrotechnic device, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 2 to 8,
wherein the cylindrical base (6) is realized by moulding or injection cf a plastic
material.
10. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 5, wherein the said cylindrical base (6)
is substituted by a portion of the pyrotechnic element (100) itself, such as a Bengal
light or a volcano, inserted into the channel (2) in such a way as to obstruct it,
the said one or more rising conduits (11) of the flame allowing the further arrangement
of a fuse (101) that from the base of the pyrotechnic element (100) rises through
the said conduit (11) towards its head.
11. A pyrotechnic device, according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface (3) includes
one or more holes (8) into which to insert the end of a pyrotechnic element (100)
and at least one or more channels (11) integrated to the surface (3) and arranged
around the said holes (8).
12. A pyrotechnic device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the
device is generally box-shaped.
13. A cylindrical base (6) on which to apply a pyrotechnic candle (100) characterized in that it comprises at least one or more longitudinal grooves (11') that run along its height
in such a way that when the cylindrical base (6) is coupled into the channel (2) of
a device as per claim 2, the grooves (11') form, with respect to the wall of the channel
(2), rising conduits (11) for the flame.
14. A cylindrical base (6), according to claim 13, wherein in correspondence of its end
of head (7) a hole (8) is included to insert the end of a pyrotechnic element (100).
15. A cylindrical base (6), according to claim 13 or 14, wherein in correspondence of
its end of head (7) a seat (9) is further included into which to compact an inflammable
material for priming the lighting of the pyrotechnic element connected to it.