Title:
Pyrotechnic device
United States Patent 3869987
Abstract:
An improved pyrotechnic device is provided for use where large quantities of light are required in emergencies. The device comprises a pyrotechnic torch fitted with a parabolic reflector made of fireproof or fire retarded material. The reflector is coupled to the torch so that it can slide longitudinally along the torch to enable the light to focus into a spotlight or floodlight. The entire unit is inexpensive, light, compact and easy to use. It may include a self-match igniter.
US Patent References:
Shielded fireworks holder
Hunnicutt - December 1941 - 2268213
Aerial flare
Sheldon - June 1943 - 2321866
Shielded fireworks holder
Hunnicutt - December 1941 - 2268213
Aerial flare
Sheldon - June 1943 - 2321866
Application Number:
05/419642
Publication Date:
03/11/1975
Filing Date:
11/28/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Yardney International Corp. (Los Angeles, CA)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
102/358
International Classes:
F42B4/26; F42B4/00; C06D1/10
Field of Search:
102/35,37.4,37.52,37.8,31
Primary Examiner:
Stahl, Robert F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Nist, Donald E.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. An improved pyrotechnic device comprising, in combination:
2. an elongated open-ended hollow tube,
3. A handle disposed adjacent one end of said tube and in sealing engagement therewith,
4. Ignition means disposed in sealing engagement with the opposite end of said tube and in communication with the interior of said tube, and
5. An ignitable pyrotechnic substance disposed within said tube and in communication with said ignition means; and
6. A support disposed adjacent said tube and in sliding engagement therewith for travel along the length of said tube, and
7. A readily bendable, focusable light reflector secured to said support for travel therewith along the length of said tube.
8. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said reflector is curved along its inner and outer margins and wherein said inner margin defines a central hole.
9. The improved device of claim 2 wherein said inner margin is secured to said support.
10. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said support encloses the outer margin of a portion of said tube.
11. The improved device of claim 4 wherein said support includes a hand grip rearwardly of the point of connection of said reflector with said support.
12. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said ignition means comprises a friction match igniter.
13. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said reflector comprises a reflective layer of aluminum foil bonded to a cardboard backing saturated with water-glass.
14. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises combustible material.
15. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said handle is of at least as small a diameter as said tube, whereby said reflector assembly is detachable from said torch.
1. An improved pyrotechnic device comprising, in combination:
2. an elongated open-ended hollow tube,
3. A handle disposed adjacent one end of said tube and in sealing engagement therewith,
4. Ignition means disposed in sealing engagement with the opposite end of said tube and in communication with the interior of said tube, and
5. An ignitable pyrotechnic substance disposed within said tube and in communication with said ignition means; and
6. A support disposed adjacent said tube and in sliding engagement therewith for travel along the length of said tube, and
7. A readily bendable, focusable light reflector secured to said support for travel therewith along the length of said tube.
8. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said reflector is curved along its inner and outer margins and wherein said inner margin defines a central hole.
9. The improved device of claim 2 wherein said inner margin is secured to said support.
10. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said support encloses the outer margin of a portion of said tube.
11. The improved device of claim 4 wherein said support includes a hand grip rearwardly of the point of connection of said reflector with said support.
12. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said ignition means comprises a friction match igniter.
13. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said reflector comprises a reflective layer of aluminum foil bonded to a cardboard backing saturated with water-glass.
14. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises combustible material.
15. The improved device of claim 1 wherein said handle is of at least as small a diameter as said tube, whereby said reflector assembly is detachable from said torch.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to light sources and more particularly to portable pyrotechnic devices as light sources.
2. Prior Art
Pyrotechnic flares are used for emergency purposes because they are light, inexpensive, can be ignited easily and can be seen at considerable distances. They usually comprise a tube filled with pyrotechnic material, the tube being burnable so that it is consumed during burning of the pyrotechnic material, i.e., the tube gradually burns down during use. The problem with such devices is that when ignited they produce a light which is distributed in all directions and is unfocused. Accordingly, it cannot be seen at very great distances nor is it particularly useful for spotlighting a selected area. Moreover, because the light is dispersed in all directions and is usually intense, such flares are not portable after they are ignited. Sputtering from the flare is dangerous and the light is too intense to allow anyone to pick the flare up and hold it for any length of time within arms length. Accordingly, such flares are not very useful as hand signalling devices.
While other forms of light sources, such as flashlights operated with batteries, are used, they produce light beams which are notoriously weak when the devices are small enough to be portable. Accordingly, such devices have little use in signalling over long ranges in cases of emergency.
Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive, lightweight portable but powerful light source which can be used for hand signalling purposes in emergencies and which can be seen at very long range. Such a light source should be focusable to render it more effective and should be capable of being easily hand held and manipulated while signalling without endangering the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing needs have been satisfied by the improved pyrotechnic device of the invention. The device is substantially as described in the Abstract and includes a hollow open-ended tube with a handle, the tube being filled with pyrotechnic substances containing fuels such as powdered aluminum or powdered magnesium and the front end of the tube being capped with a friction match igniter or any other suitable ignition means. A support is disposed in frictional sliding engagement around the tube so that it travels along the length of the tube and supports a reflector of parabolic or other shape which, therefore, can be positioned at various distances on the tube away from the front of the tube to act as a floodlight means or spotlight means in conjunction with the pyrotechnic material in the tube.
The tube itself can be consumable so that it gradually exposes a fresh supply of pyrotechnic substance during combustion thereof.
Further aspects of the present invention are set forth in the following Detailed Description and the accompanying Drawing.
DRAWING
The FIGURE is a schematic representation in cross-section of a first preferred embodiment of the pyrotechnic device of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The FIGURE. As shown schematically in the FIGURE of the accompanying drawing, the present invention is embodied in an improved pyrotechnic device 10 which includes a pyrotechnic torch 12 and a reflector assembly 14. The torch 12 in turn comprises an elongated hollow tube 16. The rear end 18 of the tube 16 is closed by a handle 20 secured thereto, a portion of which is disposed within the central cavity 22 in the tube 16. The handle 20 can be of metal, wood, plastic, pressed paper or the like. A clay plug 24, or the like, may be interposed within the cavity 22 of the tube 16 between the handle 20 and the remainder of the tube 16 to separate the handle from a body of readily ignitable pyrotechnic material 26 such as powdered aluminum or finely ground magnesium mixed with an oxidizer, or the like, disposed within at least a portion of the central cavity 22, as shown in FIG. 1.
The torch 12 also includes ignition means disposed in sealing engagement with the front end 30 of the tube 16. Such ignition means are in communication with the cavity 22 and the pyrotechnic substance therein. The ignition means may comprise a nose 28 of the like of a substance which can be ignited by abrading with a suitable complementary pyrotechnic material. This class of substance may be designated as a friction match igniter. For example, the igniter may comprise a mixture of sulfur, oxidizer and glue, or other suitable materials usually used in match heads. The complementary pyrotechnic material may comprise a mixture of red phosphorus, fine sand, and a binder. Such material may, if desired, be coated on the outside of a removable cover cap 32 positioned as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the complementary pyrotechnic material may be coated on a tape 33 which may be disposed over the nose 28 and under the cap 32 and which may extend beyond the cap 32 to terminate in a tab 34.
Either means may be used to abrade the nose 28 with the complementary pyrotechnic material for the purpose of igniting the nose and thereby the main pyrotechnic flare material 26.
The reflector assembly 14 includes a support 36 in the form of a ring, bracket or the like which is disposed around a portion of the tube 16 and slides along the length of the tube 16. A reflector 38 of parabolic, ellipsoidal or other shape is secured to the support 36 for travel therewith along the length of the tube 16. The reflector 38 is curved forward, most pronouncedly along its inner margin 40 which defines a central hole 42. The inner margin 40 is secured to the support 36. Preferably, the reflector 38 is connected to the front portion 44 of the support 36 so that the rear portion 46 of the support is free and acts as a handgrip to aid in sliding the reflector assembly 14 to any desired position along the length of the tube 16. This is for focusing the light which emanates from the front end 30 of the tube after igniting the pyrotechnic material 26 in the previously described manner.
The reflector can be made of any suitable material, for example, aluminum or aluminum foil, backed by cardboard, paperboard, pasteboard, or the like, which may be rendered fireproof or fire retardant through the use of a suitable material such as sodium silicate or the like, which can be made up as a solution and used to saturate the cellulosic portion of the reflector. It is desirable that the reflector be sufficiently pliable so that it can be bent easily to facilitate proper focusing of the light in accordance with the demands of the particular situation. In as much as the reflector can be positioned quite close to the burning end of the torch in use, it is desirable that not only the reflector itself but also the support be fireproof or fire retardant. Accordingly, the support can be fabricated of metal or other suitable material which is inherently fireproof or fire retardant or which is rendered so by the use of suitable treating agents.
In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURE, the pyrotechnic material 26 is located in the front portion of the cavity 22 and extends into communication with the match igniter, i.e., cap 32. In order to fully expose the light emanating from the tube 16 upon ignition of the pyrotechnic material 26, it is desirable that the tube 16 be made of material which will burn off at approximately the same rate as the pyrotechnic material 26 within the tube 16 is consumed. For such purposes, the tube 16 may comprise, for example, wax-coated paperboard, or another substance treated to control the rate of burning thereof. Such material may be for example, regenerated cellulose, impregnated fiberboard, etc.
The handle 20 preferably has a diameter that is no greater than that of the tube 16 so that the reflector assembly 14 can be slipped on and off the tube 16 for easy storage in a disassembled state and assembled for use.
The present device is inexpensive, compact, readily assembled and disassembled, easily used and highly effective. The reflector protects the user, after the torch is lit, from the powerful light produced and enables him to focus the light by sliding the reflector into the proper position along the torch, thus producing a spotlight easily held and manipulated in the hand and therefore ideal for emergency signalling.
Various modifications can be made in the present device and in its components. All such modifications as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to light sources and more particularly to portable pyrotechnic devices as light sources.
2. Prior Art
Pyrotechnic flares are used for emergency purposes because they are light, inexpensive, can be ignited easily and can be seen at considerable distances. They usually comprise a tube filled with pyrotechnic material, the tube being burnable so that it is consumed during burning of the pyrotechnic material, i.e., the tube gradually burns down during use. The problem with such devices is that when ignited they produce a light which is distributed in all directions and is unfocused. Accordingly, it cannot be seen at very great distances nor is it particularly useful for spotlighting a selected area. Moreover, because the light is dispersed in all directions and is usually intense, such flares are not portable after they are ignited. Sputtering from the flare is dangerous and the light is too intense to allow anyone to pick the flare up and hold it for any length of time within arms length. Accordingly, such flares are not very useful as hand signalling devices.
While other forms of light sources, such as flashlights operated with batteries, are used, they produce light beams which are notoriously weak when the devices are small enough to be portable. Accordingly, such devices have little use in signalling over long ranges in cases of emergency.
Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive, lightweight portable but powerful light source which can be used for hand signalling purposes in emergencies and which can be seen at very long range. Such a light source should be focusable to render it more effective and should be capable of being easily hand held and manipulated while signalling without endangering the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing needs have been satisfied by the improved pyrotechnic device of the invention. The device is substantially as described in the Abstract and includes a hollow open-ended tube with a handle, the tube being filled with pyrotechnic substances containing fuels such as powdered aluminum or powdered magnesium and the front end of the tube being capped with a friction match igniter or any other suitable ignition means. A support is disposed in frictional sliding engagement around the tube so that it travels along the length of the tube and supports a reflector of parabolic or other shape which, therefore, can be positioned at various distances on the tube away from the front of the tube to act as a floodlight means or spotlight means in conjunction with the pyrotechnic material in the tube.
The tube itself can be consumable so that it gradually exposes a fresh supply of pyrotechnic substance during combustion thereof.
Further aspects of the present invention are set forth in the following Detailed Description and the accompanying Drawing.
DRAWING
The FIGURE is a schematic representation in cross-section of a first preferred embodiment of the pyrotechnic device of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The FIGURE. As shown schematically in the FIGURE of the accompanying drawing, the present invention is embodied in an improved pyrotechnic device 10 which includes a pyrotechnic torch 12 and a reflector assembly 14. The torch 12 in turn comprises an elongated hollow tube 16. The rear end 18 of the tube 16 is closed by a handle 20 secured thereto, a portion of which is disposed within the central cavity 22 in the tube 16. The handle 20 can be of metal, wood, plastic, pressed paper or the like. A clay plug 24, or the like, may be interposed within the cavity 22 of the tube 16 between the handle 20 and the remainder of the tube 16 to separate the handle from a body of readily ignitable pyrotechnic material 26 such as powdered aluminum or finely ground magnesium mixed with an oxidizer, or the like, disposed within at least a portion of the central cavity 22, as shown in FIG. 1.
The torch 12 also includes ignition means disposed in sealing engagement with the front end 30 of the tube 16. Such ignition means are in communication with the cavity 22 and the pyrotechnic substance therein. The ignition means may comprise a nose 28 of the like of a substance which can be ignited by abrading with a suitable complementary pyrotechnic material. This class of substance may be designated as a friction match igniter. For example, the igniter may comprise a mixture of sulfur, oxidizer and glue, or other suitable materials usually used in match heads. The complementary pyrotechnic material may comprise a mixture of red phosphorus, fine sand, and a binder. Such material may, if desired, be coated on the outside of a removable cover cap 32 positioned as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the complementary pyrotechnic material may be coated on a tape 33 which may be disposed over the nose 28 and under the cap 32 and which may extend beyond the cap 32 to terminate in a tab 34.
Either means may be used to abrade the nose 28 with the complementary pyrotechnic material for the purpose of igniting the nose and thereby the main pyrotechnic flare material 26.
The reflector assembly 14 includes a support 36 in the form of a ring, bracket or the like which is disposed around a portion of the tube 16 and slides along the length of the tube 16. A reflector 38 of parabolic, ellipsoidal or other shape is secured to the support 36 for travel therewith along the length of the tube 16. The reflector 38 is curved forward, most pronouncedly along its inner margin 40 which defines a central hole 42. The inner margin 40 is secured to the support 36. Preferably, the reflector 38 is connected to the front portion 44 of the support 36 so that the rear portion 46 of the support is free and acts as a handgrip to aid in sliding the reflector assembly 14 to any desired position along the length of the tube 16. This is for focusing the light which emanates from the front end 30 of the tube after igniting the pyrotechnic material 26 in the previously described manner.
The reflector can be made of any suitable material, for example, aluminum or aluminum foil, backed by cardboard, paperboard, pasteboard, or the like, which may be rendered fireproof or fire retardant through the use of a suitable material such as sodium silicate or the like, which can be made up as a solution and used to saturate the cellulosic portion of the reflector. It is desirable that the reflector be sufficiently pliable so that it can be bent easily to facilitate proper focusing of the light in accordance with the demands of the particular situation. In as much as the reflector can be positioned quite close to the burning end of the torch in use, it is desirable that not only the reflector itself but also the support be fireproof or fire retardant. Accordingly, the support can be fabricated of metal or other suitable material which is inherently fireproof or fire retardant or which is rendered so by the use of suitable treating agents.
In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURE, the pyrotechnic material 26 is located in the front portion of the cavity 22 and extends into communication with the match igniter, i.e., cap 32. In order to fully expose the light emanating from the tube 16 upon ignition of the pyrotechnic material 26, it is desirable that the tube 16 be made of material which will burn off at approximately the same rate as the pyrotechnic material 26 within the tube 16 is consumed. For such purposes, the tube 16 may comprise, for example, wax-coated paperboard, or another substance treated to control the rate of burning thereof. Such material may be for example, regenerated cellulose, impregnated fiberboard, etc.
The handle 20 preferably has a diameter that is no greater than that of the tube 16 so that the reflector assembly 14 can be slipped on and off the tube 16 for easy storage in a disassembled state and assembled for use.
The present device is inexpensive, compact, readily assembled and disassembled, easily used and highly effective. The reflector protects the user, after the torch is lit, from the powerful light produced and enables him to focus the light by sliding the reflector into the proper position along the torch, thus producing a spotlight easily held and manipulated in the hand and therefore ideal for emergency signalling.
Various modifications can be made in the present device and in its components. All such modifications as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.