Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B4/00—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes
  • F42B4/20—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes characterised by having holder or support other than casing, e.g. whirler or spike support

Definitions

• the invention relates to a clamp for securing fireworks, especially a firework battery, during a firing operation.
• the clamp comprises an articulated frame, which is formed as a polygon having four sides in form of rods and is adapted to encompass a cavity for receiving the fireworks to be fired.
• the invention also relates to a use of the clamp. It is known to provide apparatus for launching fireworks. For example, relatively sophisticated equipment is available for professionals to use when staging displays, for example displays during New Year celebrations or events such as the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Such displays are generally choreographed and staged by licensed professionals who are trained to operate the equipment, and not by ordinary unlicensed members of the public.
• Fireworks are openly available to the ordinary public. While the devices available to the public generally comprise a lower explosive content than those available for use in the professional environment, they still present a significant potential for injury if not properly handled. Moreover, not only can improper use of the fireworks be dangerous to the person operating them, but they can also be dangerous to innocent bystanders if the firework is incorrectly or inappropriately positioned before ignition. To date, little attention has been paid to ensuring that the fireworks available to the ordinary public are supported safely prior to ignition.
• devices may be sold with supports; however, the supports merely provide means to ensure that a single device is standing upright prior to ignition. Furthermore, the supports are woefully inadequate and often collapse while the device is discharging, often exacerbating the potential for injury. Moreover, the supports will only work when inserted into soft ground, and therefore become redundant if the launch is taking place, for example, in a patio garden or other solid impenetrable surface.
• certain fireworks such as aerial rockets
• a holder such as a used beverage bottle
• beverage bottles which are clearly not intended for this purpose, often fall over due to the weight of the rocket located therein or from the force that a rocket produces when it launches. Again, this can exacerbate the potential for user or bystander injury.
• ignited firework unfortunately is able to turn over whereby the firework will not follow the intended vertical trajectory but instead a trajectory where present adults and children can be injured and buildings set on fire.
• fireworks may comprise various different shapes and/or sizes.
• fireworks may provide different end effects.
• fireworks is here meant a devise such as a rocket or a fireworks battery with explosive chemicals, which when ignited brings the fireworks to launch from the firing area, e.g. the ground with a luminous flame of burning chemicals and often also with a loud sound.
• a holder consisting of four rods forming a polygon. Each rod is flat with the flat side extending in the horizontally direction, when the holder is placed in the position of use.
• the rods are moreover assembled with four pivots extending through the flat side of the rods.
• the rods each have a larger length than the distance between the pivots of the rod and the ends of each rod are bend to function as feet for the holder, raising the holder above the ground.
• the rods can manually be turned about their respective pivots in relation to adjacent rods so that fireworks can be held in the holder.
• the position of the holder is fixed by manually tightening a handle.
• the construction of the holder has the consequence that said holder cannot fixate fireworks by using only one hand. An operator using two hands is moreover not able to simultaneously tighten the handle for locking the holder in its desired position.
• European Patent Application EP 1 580 519 Al discloses a gripper with two spring-loaded jaws for fixing a firework.
• the fixed firework has a tendency to be pushed out of the jaws since the jaws form an acute angle with each other and their fixing forces therefore form a component having a direction pointing out of the jaws.
• the inner side of the jaws is equipped with protrusions cutting more or less into the material of the firework, thereby securing the fireworks between the jaws.
• the fireworks risks being destroyed by said protrusions.
• the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art holders for securing the intended position of fireworks to be launched is according to the invention remedied by, in a first aspect of the invention providing a clamp of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which is able to safely secure fireworks in a desired position during a launching operation, in a second aspect of the invention providing a clamp of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which safely is secured against being turned over by the force that the fireworks produces when it launches, in a third aspect of the invention providing a clamp of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which act upon the firework with a predetermined pressure/force, in a fourth aspect of the invention providing a clamp of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which is adapted in such way that the clamp doesn't damage or destroy the firework , in
• the use of the at least one resilient member acting between two adjacent rods of the frame ensures that the clamp according to the invention easily and safely can be operated by a user, since the clamp automatically will adjust to the size of the fireworks, regardless of the fireworks size or design, by forcing the rods together by means of the resilient member. In this way the force acting upon the firework will have a size, which ensures that the firework securely is kept in the intended position during a launching operation without damaging or destroying the firework.
• the clamp according to the invention is an articulated frame, which is formed as a polygon formed with four sides in form of rods and is adapted to encompass a cavity for receiving the fireworks to be fired.
• articulated frame means a frame consisting of sections united by joints. This means that the rod of the frame according to the invention are pivotally interconnected, e.g. by means of hinges or by transverse folding lines. It is noted that within the scope of the present invention any kind of pivotally connection can be used between the rods.
• the clamp according to the invention is basically intended for holding firework batteries securely in place.
• firework batteries means within the context of the present invention, a group of similar items that is constructed as a single bundle, such as a missile battery of a roman candle battery.
• the clamp can also be used for holding other kind of fireworks, e.g. rockets, if e.g. a tube or similar device is placed in the cavity in the clamp, and then use said tube as a launch pad for especially big rockets and bomb tubes.
• said tube can e.g. be conical, having a large bottom, tapering towards to upper end.
• the clamp according to the invention can in addition to holding fireworks, especially firework batteries, also be used for holding other items, e.g. paint pot, were the clamp will ensure that the pot is not overturned when e.g. a person accidentally pushes or kicks the pot.
• Other similar uses will be evident for the person skilled in the art, based on the present application.
• the rods have dimensions, which ensures that the rods abut the fireworks in a height above the fireworks point of gravity.
• the rods abut the firework from the ground to said preferred height, i.e. to a height above the fireworks point of gravity.
• the height of the clamp, and accordingly each rod is preferably between 5 and 15 cm, preferably around 10 cm.
• the rods are dimensioned such that they provide support in a vertical direction on at least a quarter of the height of a firework battery, preferably at least one third of the height of the battery and more preferably at least one half the height of the battery. In this way the battery is securely held in place over a relatively large section, and the forces that the firework produces when it launches, will be distributed over a larger area.
• the rods of said frame will due to the spring force from the least one resilient member be folded against the actual fireworks ensuring that at least some of the rods and/or at least some of the pivotally interconnections, will be brought in contact with the fireworks, holding said fireworks securely in place during launch.
• the resilient member can be a coil spring, which is mounted on a hinge bolt of at least one hinge for connecting adjacent rods and is formed with two protruding wire ends engaging each of said adjacent two rods.
• the resilient member can be a tension spring or elastic band stretched between the two rods.
• Said embodiment has the advantage that it has components of simple character which can be easily and economically mass-produced.
• both embodiment of the resilient member can be readily used by anyone without requiring skill or training or expensive equipment.
• any kind of resilient member or combinations of resilient members can be used according to the invention, as long as the resilient member is capable of providing a clamping force, in order to minimize the cavity of the clamp when an object, e.g. a firework battery, is place in said cavity.
• At least one of the rods can according to the invention be equipped with a foot for securing the stability of the clamp on the ground.
• the clamp is provided with a large supportive area, ensuring that the fireworks will not fall over due to the weight of the fireworks located therein or from the force that the firework produces when it launches.
• each rod of the clamp according to the invention comprises a foot as this ensures the highest stability.
• fewer rods e.g. two rods are equipped with a foot.
• the foot is preferably a flat rod/plate, placed perpendicular at the lower part of the rod, such that the foot is a perpendicular extension of the rod.
• the foot is connected to the rod via a pivotally connection, as this, together with the other pivotally connections of the clamp, ensures that the clamp can be folded to a relatively flat structure during storage.
• one of the rods can be equipped with a plate, forming a bottom in the clamp whereby the recoil when the firework is launched can be utilized to press the clamp securely against the ground, thereby preventing that the forces produced by the firework when it launches, tips the clamp over.
• the clamp is formed as an articulated frame with a shape as a polygon.
• a shape as a polygon.
• the polygon can have three acute angles and one acute or obtuse angle, thereby ensuring that the necessary clamping force can be provided with a relatively little elastic force of the resilient member.
• the polygon in another embodiment according to the invention, can have two acute angles and two obtuse angles.
• the total length of the rods can be smaller than in the first embodiment, and still be used for the same fireworks .
• the invention provides a freestanding collapsible clamp that both before and after use can be folded to a flat construction and stored in a relatively small area. Accordingly, said clamp can also be unfolded to provide a rigid freestanding structure .
• a clamp that may be produced and stored in a collapsed condition from the factory to the retailer, and at the same time have components of simple character which can be easily and economically mass-produced and readily unfolded by anyone without requiring skill or training.
• the clamp can preferrably be made of an inexpensive material e.g., plastic, metal or plywood. Using an inexpensive material further has the advantages that it will be possible to print ads or information relating to the use of the clamp and/or securety information relating to the use of the fireworks, directly on the clamp.
• the clamp is very easy to use.
• the user manually applies force to the clamp, e.g. one of the hinges, pressing the different rods apart, providing a larger cavity into which the battery easily can be placed.
• the resilient member will force the rods together, automatically adjusting the clamp to the size and design of the respective fireworks.
• a used fireworks can be removed from the clamp and replaced with a new battery ready to be launched .
• the clamp can according to the invention be equipped with handles for an especially easy operation of the clamp.
• Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the clamp according to the invention, seen in perspective
• Fig. 2 shows second embodiment of the clamp according to the invention, seen from above,
• Fig. 3 is a lateral cross sectional view taken along the line III-III in fig. 2 of the second embodiment seen in fig. 2,
• Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of the clamp according to the invention, seen in an open state from above,
• Fig. 5 shows the same, but in a closed state in which the clamp has been clamped about a firework
• Fig. 6 is a lateral view of a fragment of a hinge of the clamp mounted with a coil spring
• Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in fig. 6,
• Fig. 8 shows the third embodiment of the clamp shown in fig. 5 equipped with handles for opening and closing the clamp
• Fig. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the clamp according to the invention, seen from above.
• the clamp according to the invention is for securing a firework battery during a launching operation, in a desired position.
• the clamp can however within the scope of the present invention serve the same purpose for other kinds of fireworks or products.
• Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a clamp 1 according to the invention, seen in perspective.
• the clamp is formed as an articulated frame 2 about a cavity 3 in which a firework battery 4 to be fired/launched is placed.
• the frame consists of four rods 5, 6, 7 and 8, which pivotally are interconnected by means of four hinges 9, 10, 11 and 12. It is noted that other pivotally connections equally well can be used within the scope of the invention.
• the rods 5 and 6 are each equipped with a foot 13 for supporting and stabilizing the clamp when it is in the position of use on the ground.
• the foot connected to the rod 5 cannot bee seen in fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 only two of the rods are equipped with a foot. However, within the scope of the present invention, each of the rods can be equipped with a foot, or alternatively one, three or none of the rods can be equipped with a foot .
• the foot 13 has in fig.l a rectangular shape. Said shape can within the scope of the invention however have any other appropriate configuration as long as the clamp is provided with a supportive area, ensuring that the fireworks will not fall over due to the weight of the fireworks located therein or from the force that the firework produces when it launches.
• the foot 13 is placed perpendicular at the lower part of the rod 6, such that the foot is a perpendicular extension of the rod.
• the foot and rood are prepared from a single unit, and being pivotally interconnected, in order to ensure that the clamp can be folded to a relatively flat structure .
• the rods each has a flat cross section with the flat side extending into the vertical direction in the position of use.
• the battery is launching the firework vertically upwards so that the risk that people are injured and buildings set on fire thereby is eliminated.
• the rods are dimensioned such that they provide support on half of the height of the battery. In this way the battery is securely held in placed over a relatively large vertical distance, and also well above the point of gravity. The forces produced by the firework when it launches, will be distributed over a large area.
• the resilient member used in the present embodiment is preferably a spring coil place in one or more of the hinges. Said spring coil will be described in further details in fig. 6 and 7. Fig.
• FIG. 2 shows seen from above a second embodiment of the clamp 14 according to the invention.
• This embodiment corresponds in the main to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and same reference numerals therefore are used for same parts.
• the rods 5, 6, 7 and 8 are also in this case encompassing the cavity 3. However for the sake of simplicity a battery is not placed in the cavity.
• Fig. 3 is a lateral cross-section taken along the line III-III in fig. 2 showing the rods 5 and 6, the foot 15 on the rod 5, the hinge 9 and also a space 16 in between the foot 15 and the rod 6. Not seen in fig. 3 is that said space 16 extends between also the foot 15 and the rods 7 and 8.
• the foot 15 on the rod 5 acts as a plate formed bottom 15 in the frame 2 which freely can open and close owing to the space 16 between the bottom 15 on the rod 5 and the three other rods 6 , 7 and 8.
• a substantial advantage achieved by forming a foot as a bottom in the frame consists in that said bottom and thereby the clamp with firework being fired is heavily pressed against the ground by the recoil of the firework.
• the firework itself secures the clamp with the battery against turning over whereby the risk that present people are being injured is at least minimized.
• the bottom of the frame also functions as a shield for securing that the flame from the firework doesn't set anything underneath the clamp on fire.
• FIG. 4 and 5 show, seen from above, a third embodiment of the clamp 17 according to the invention. This embodiment corresponds in the main to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and same reference numerals therefore are used for same parts.
• the rods 5, 6, 7 and 8 are shown without any feet 13, however such feet can of course be provided within the scope of protection, on one or more of the rods.
• a resilient member 18, in form of a tension spring or elastic band, is stretched between the two rods 7 and 8 and in this case close to the hinges 10 and 11 so relatively large moment arms are obtained.
• the resilient member can be attached to the rods by any conventional and convenient means, e.g. via hooks. If the clamp is manufactured with a casting process, the hooks can be placed in or in proximity to the hinges during the casting process, and the resilient member can be attached to said hooks. Alternatively can the resilient member be attached to the rods, by other conventional means.
• the two rods 7 and 8 are connected by the hinge 12 and form a toggle joint placed between the longer rods 5 and 6 that are connected by the hinge 9.
• Hinge 11 connects the rods 5 and 8 and hinge 10 the rods 6 and 7.
• fig. 4 has the operator manually opened the frame for comfortable being able to place the battery 4 into the cavity 3 between the rods 5 - 8.
• Fig. 6 and 7 shows fragments of one embodiment of a hinge 9 - 12, e.g. the hinge 12, which joins the rods 7 and 8.
• a hinge 9 - 12 e.g. the hinge 12, which joins the rods 7 and 8.
• at least one hinge 12 comprises a spring coil, alternatively at least two of the hinges 10,11.
• at least three hinges 10,11,12 comprises spring coils and in a further embodiment all four hinges comprises spring coils.
• the rod 7 is formed with a first pair of protruding ring forming the bearings 19 with a first space formed between the bearings.
• the rod 8 is formed with a second pair of protruding ring, forming the bearings 20 with a second space formed between the bearings.
• the total height of the second pair of bearings 20 corresponds to and fit into the first space formed between the first pair of bearings 19.
• a hinge bolt 21 with a head 22 extends through the openings of the ring formed bearings.
• the ring formed bearings 19 and 20 are turning around the hinge bolt 21 when the rods 7 and 8 are turning and/or being moved in relation to each other.
• a coil spring 23 is in this case mounted on the hinge bolt 21 in the second space between the second pair of the ring formed bearings 20.
• the coil spring 23 is formed with two opposite protruding wire ends 24 which engage the inner side of the rods 7 and 8 with a spring power, which turns the two rods 7, and 8 in relation to each other so that the rods 5 - 8 are clamped about a battery placed in the cavity between the rods, whereby the hinges are the resilient member.
• This embodiment is especially simple and efficient, as the need for a tension spring or elastic band stretched between two rods, is then eliminated.
• Fig. 8 shows the third embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5 but without the tension spring or elastic band 18.
• the clamp is equipped with two opposite levers 25 consisting each of a ring with a protruding handle 26 and a protruding hook 27.
• the ring (not seen) is pivotally mounted on the hinge bolt in the space between the second pair of protruding ring formed bearings 20 (not seen in fig. 8) and the hooks can abut the inner side of the rods 7 and 8, respectively .
• Fig. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the clamp 28 according to the invention.
• the clamp consists of four rods 29, 30, 31 and 32, which pivotally are connected with each other by means of four hinges 32, 33, 34 and 35.
• the resilient member could preferably be the spring coil which could be the spring coil shown in fig. 6 and 7.
• This fourth embodiment of the clamp according to the invention differs from the three other embodiments by not having a toggle joint consisting of two interconnected rods, however said embodiment can also be used for all kinds of firework batteries .
• fig. 9 is a battery 36 clamed between the rods 29 - 23 by means of a spring power of e.g. a spring coil which could be the spring coil shown in fig. 6 and 7 mounted on the hinge bolt of a hinge.
• rode are straight rods.
• the rods can the instead have a curved form.
• the present invention provides a simple but yet efficient clamp for securely holding firework batteries in place during launch.
• the clamp is very easy to use, and in contrast to the known holders that are troublesome and complicated to use, the clamp according to the invention will automatically adjust to the size and design of the respective fireworks.
• the invention provides a low cost and customizable clamp ensuring that any size and design of batteries can be secured, and that a used battery easily can be replaced with a new battery ready to be fired.

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• Toys (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-01-15 EP EP13700972.6A patent/EP2807446A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-01-15 WO PCT/DK2013/050011 patent/WO2013110277A1/en not_active Ceased

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