Sound producing apparatus

Details Sound producing apparatus Sound producing apparatus

2001-02-27

2004-06-15

Banks, Derris H. (Department: 3712)

Amusement devices: toys

Operated by relatively moving fluid or pressure differential

Sounding

C446S176000, C446S211000, C446S475000, C124S074000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06749481

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to sound producing apparatus more particularly, but not exclusively, to fireworks and fire crackers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fireworks and, in Chinese culture, fire crackers form an integral part of many celebrations, such as at Chinese New Year, opening ceremonies and birthdays. In recent years, however, the use of fireworks and fire crackers has been restricted and in some countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore such use is forbidden, due to the inherent safety hazards of such products.
It is the object of the invention to provide a sound producing apparatus which alleviates this disadvantage of conventional fireworks and fire crackers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided sound producing apparatus comprising a container arranged to contain compressed fluid; and a chamber in selective fluid communication with the container, the chamber having an outlet arranged to open when fluid pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold.
The apparatus preferably further comprising a housing which either forms or contains the container and/or the chamber.
The container may be a pressure pack dispenser or an aerosol having an outlet valve and may further comprise a housing in which the container is movable between a first position in which the valve is opened and a second position in which the valve is closed and a stop member which engages and opens the valve in the first position.
The container may be formed from an elastomeric material and the apparatus preferably further comprises a rupture member for rupturing the container, the rupture member preferably being a pin member or a piston member. At least one further container may be provided, the containers being openable one after the other.
The container and chamber are preferably connected by at least one selectively operable valve means which may comprise (1) a valve member slidable in a valve sleeve, the valve member and sleeve having openings which in an open position align to allow fluid transfer through the valve or (2) a valve member slidable between open and closed positions relative to a sealing element, the valve member having a fluid passageway which in the open position allows fluid transfer past the sealing element and/or (3) a sleeve of elastomeric material covering a fluid transfer opening, the sleeve forming a one-way valve member.
The apparatus further preferably comprises means for controlling opening of the container and the controlling means may comprise a control fluid inlet for receiving a fluid control signal for opening the container or may comprise means for receiving an electrical control signal for opening the container.
The apparatus preferably farther comprises a sealing member covering the outlet, the sealing member being displaceable when the fluid pressure exceeds the threshold.
The sound producing apparatus is preferably in the exterior form of a fire cracker (or other explosive device) and confetti and/or a powdered material is/are preferably disposed in the chamber.
The compressed fluid may be gaseous such as air or liquid such as liquid petroleum gas or liquid propellant.
The invention extends to a plurality of sound producing apparatuses which may be connected together to resemble a string of fire crackers.
One sound producing apparatus is preferably associated with a delay means for delaying actuation of another sound producing apparatus.
The delay means may comprise a valve includes a valve member resiliently biased towards a valve seat, the valve being openable in response to increased pressure against the valve member to force the valve member away from the valve seat or a rupture disc.
A source of compressed fluid is preferably connected to the sound producing apparatuses and a resilient elastomeric member may further be provided, the resilient elastomeric member being inflatable to beyond the point of rupture in response to introduction of fluid from said fluid source.
The delay means may comprise an electrical delay circuit.
In the described embodiments of the invention, a housing of the sound producing apparatus is in the exterior form of a fire cracker, the outlet being covered by a displaceable cap and a region adjacent the cap being filled with confetti and a fine powder, so that when the cap is displaced, a loud bang is heard as the fluid under pressure escapes and, at the same time, a shower of confetti and the powder, which simulates smoke, is expelled. The apparatus thus simulates a fire cracker without the associated dangers.
A plurality of sound producing apparatuses may be connected together to resemble the tree-like formation of a typical fire cracker. Each sound producing apparatus is connected to the next and actuated via a respective delay means so that one sound producing apparatus is actuated before the next and so on, to give a staggered series of bangs like a conventional fire cracker tree.


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Stage Equipment and Lighting, Inc. (www.seal-fla.com/confetti/confetti.htm). copyright 2002.*
Aerotechnics—Confetti Launchers—Aero Cannons (www.fun-shop.com/special_effects/confetti_launchers.htm), copyright 1996.*
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Shillinger, Paul, Jr. SLT: “Aerotechnics (tm) and You”, http://slidell-slt.org/articles/theatrefx_16.htm, Apr. 11, 2001, 3 pages.

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