Fireworks launcher

Details Fireworks launcher Fireworks launcher

1999-07-09

2001-09-11

Nelson, Peter A. (Department: 3641)

Ammunition and explosives

Pyrotechnics

Flare

C102S351000, C102S361000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286429

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a reusable fireworks device for launching at least one projectile. More particularly, a longitudinal launcher tube made substantially of high density polyethylene, polyurethane, resin, or plastic having a rear end closed by a transverse rear wall and an open front end. The apparatus is a pyrotechnic device for rigidly supporting fireworks such as mortar-type, rocket-type, projectile-type, and other pyrotechnic devices so that the launcher device is reusable, whereby the launcher substantially retains its integrity after each launch to minimize harm caused to persons and the environment surrounding the pyrotechnic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Launch devices of this type are well known in implementations in which the impulse cartridge is housed in or communicates as directly as possible with the rear chamber, which is integrated into either the rear wall of the launcher tube or the rear of the projectile. Previous launchers for fireworks were made of paper or cardboard. The launchers of this type would either be destroyed or could not safely be reused to launch additional pyrotechnic devices. The concepts of front and rear are to be understood with reference to the predetermined direction of displacement of the projectile relative to the tube on firing. Heretofore, reusable launchers were made of metal, i.e. cast iron, tin, or aluminum. The use of metals substantially elevate the cost of manufacture due to the cost of labor and material. Additionally, launchers made of cardboard, wood, or other materials substantially lost their integrity due to the intense heat and pressures of the initial launch. The tubes and base were either glued or stapled together, which quickly separated upon expulsion of the projectile. Patents which view and characterize the configurations above are listed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 234,132 issued to Keyser discloses a detachable cast-iron mortar and stand used to cause a projectile to be launched. U.S. Pat. No. 1,922,081 issued to Driggs, Jr. discloses a fireworks display article having two explosions, the first on the ground and the second in the air.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,922 issued to Brown et al. shows a rocket toy consisting of a cylindrical tube wherein one end is closed by a flat perpendicular plug.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,015 issued to Lowery discloses a fireworks launch pad for holding and aiming a rocket. The pad comprises a rocket receiving member which slidably receives and aims the rocket.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,907 issued to Westfall discloses a fireworks support structure with the lower end of the support stake placed adjacent to the earth and the support stake is firmly implanted into the earth.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,528 issued to Lee discloses a fireworks kit having a first tube reciprocably mounting a second tube, wherein the first tube has an ejector rod which is connected to the first and second tubes to permit ejection of the fireworks.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a reusable launching device for fireworks.
Another object of the invention is to provide a launching device where after a launch the device substantially retains its integrity.
An object of the invention is to provide a multiple launch device made of polyurethane, resin or plastic.
An object of the invention is to provide a reusable multiple launch device which is inexpensive to manufacture.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a reusable multiple launch device which is safe for the environment and participants surrounding the launch.
Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide a launching device which assists the fireworks in a directed flight.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent and will be more fully understood upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a launcher for the multiple launching of pyrotechnic compounds or projectiles. The inventor has overcome the problems associated with providing a low cost reusable launcher for fireworks by using a launcher made of polyurethane with the base and tube constructed in such away as to withstand the pressures of continuous launchings. The launcher comprises a high density polyurethane launch tube and base, which are heat fused together. This combination allows the launcher to withstand the heat and pressures of a launch without substantial degradation to the launcher. Moreover, the launcher can be reused up to 24 times for launching fireworks.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in conjunction with the accompanying drawings


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 25275 (1896-03-01), Ives
patent: D. 164423 (1951-09-01), Howell
patent: 234132 (1880-11-01), Keyser
patent: 1770921 (1930-07-01), Hitt
patent: 1773197 (1930-08-01), Mulcahy
patent: 1922081 (1933-08-01), Driggs, Jr.
patent: 2103936 (1937-12-01), Decker
patent: 2821922 (1958-02-01), Brown et al.
patent: 3145530 (1964-08-01), Sobey
patent: 3227084 (1966-01-01), Stokes et al.
patent: 3404782 (1968-10-01), Ray
patent: 4566388 (1986-01-01), Loyd, Jr.
patent: 4697518 (1987-10-01), Lau et al.
patent: 4724768 (1988-02-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 4771695 (1988-09-01), Simpson
patent: 4917015 (1990-04-01), Lowery
patent: 5149912 (1992-09-01), Waidner et al.
patent: 5249528 (1993-10-01), Lee
patent: 5339741 (1994-08-01), Craven et al.
patent: 5429053 (1995-07-01), Walker
patent: 5526750 (1996-06-01), Poor et al.
patent: 5567907 (1996-10-01), Westfall
patent: 5623113 (1997-04-01), Valembois
patent: 5627338 (1997-05-01), Poor et al.
patent: 5739459 (1998-04-01), La Mura et al.
patent: 5739462 (1998-04-01), Poor et al.
patent: 5979329 (1999-11-01), Collar
Representation of fireworks tube launch assembly with cardboard tube and plastic base asserted by Ingram Enterprises, Inc. to have been made and sold since the 1970's.
Representation of plastic base used in fireworks launch assemblies asserted by Ingram Enterprises, Inc. to have been made and sold since the 1970's.
Representation of 2 and ½ O.D. multiple fireworks launch tube with compressed paper board tube and plastic support base asserted by Ingram Enterprises, Inc. to have been made and sold since the 1970's.
Representation of plastic support base with circular channel for use with 2 and ½ O.D. launch tube asserted by Ingram Enterprises, Inc. to have been made and sold since 1970's.
PGI Bulletin No. 54; Winter 12986-87, pp. 5-10, entitled “HDPE MORTARS FOR ELECTRICALLY FIRED DISPLAYS”.
Quotation dated Mar. 27, 1987 from Poly Pipe Industries, Inc. to Austin Fireworks.
Poly Pipe price sheet (undated) HDPE poly pipe.
Article from American Fireworks News (undated) entitled Destructive Testing and Field Experience with HDPE Mortars.
Article entitled “Laser welding offers cleanliness, speed, and noncontact benefits”.
Branson Ultrasonics Corporation article entitled “Ultrasonic Staking” dated 1980.
Branson timeline entitled “Ultrasonis Sequence Time Line”.
Branson article entitled “Ultrasonic Stud Welding” dated 1978.
Sonics Ultrasonics brochure of Sonics & Materials, Inc. dated 1998.

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