Patent Application
20210072004
(Not Applicable)
The invention relates to pyrotechnic devices and, more particularly, to an apparatus for transporting, supporting and firing fireworks devices such as slab cakes/slices, strobes, candles, one-shots, cakes, and other pyrotechnic devices.
Pyrotechnics, or fireworks as they are commonly called, have been used for everything from warding off evil spirits to fighting wars. In the United States, fireworks are used extensively as a way to celebrate America's independence as well as a variety of other noteworthy events. If not handled properly, fireworks devices can be dangerous.
It would be desirable to provide a pyrotechnics prop that serves to increase safety and efficiency for the pyro-technician.
The pyrotechnics prop of the described embodiments includes a base structure that provides a sturdy foundation for the safe and precise firing of an array of pyrotechnic devices. The design is specifically configured to increase efficiency and safety. In some embodiments, the base structure and components are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which gives the structure extreme integrity while remaining light weight. Selectively insertable dividers allow for safe and secure bracing of cakes, slabs and/or other pyrotechnic devices within the base structure. Pyro pegs allow the wiring and electric match to remain more organized and secure prior to, during and after discharge of the pyrotechnic devices. Built-in handles allow for the base structure to be more safely and efficiently carried while being either empty or loaded with pyrotechnic devices.
In an exemplary embodiment, a pyrotechnics support apparatus includes a base structure with side walls connected to end walls to define an internal cavity, and a tab member extending at an angle from each of the end walls across a width of the end walls. The tab members are each provided with a plurality of slots. A plurality of dividers are selectively connectable to the base structure in the slots in the tab members and between the end walls.
Each of the plurality of dividers may include a main body and slot inserts at respective distal ends of the main body, and the slot inserts may be engageable with the slots in the tab members. The main body of the dividers may taper from top to bottom.
The support apparatus may also include handle extensions extending from and continuous with the side walls. The handle extensions have openings therein that define handles for the apparatus. With the plurality of dividers installed in the base structure, the handles may be positioned above a top line of the dividers.
The support apparatus may also include a plurality of pyro pegs extending at an angle from each end of the tab members. The pyro pegs are configured to separate and organize pyrotechnics wiring and an electric match prior to, during and after pyrotechnics discharge. The pyro pegs may be substantially T-shaped. The pyro pegs may be oriented substantially parallel with the end walls of the base structure.
The side walls and the end walls of the base support may be tapered such that the apparatus is nestable with an adjacent support apparatus.
The support apparatus may include a pyro post aperture formed in at least one corner of one of the tab members. In some embodiments, the pyro post apertures may be formed in each corner of the tab members.
The base structure and/or the dividers may be formed of high density polyethylene.
In another exemplary embodiment, a pyrotechnics support apparatus includes a base structure with side walls connected to end walls to define an internal cavity. A tab member, each including a plurality of slots, extends at an angle from each of the end walls across a width of the end walls. A plurality of dividers are selectively connectable to the base structure in the slots in the tab members and between the end walls. Each of the plurality of dividers includes a main body and slot inserts at respective distal ends of the main body, where the slot inserts are engageable with the slots in the tab members. Handle extensions extend from and are continuous with the side walls and include openings therein that define handles for the apparatus. A plurality of T-shaped pyro pegs extend at an angle from each end of the tab members and are oriented substantially parallel with the end walls of the base structure. The pyro pegs are configured to separate and organize pyrotechnics wiring and an electric match prior to, during and after pyrotechnics discharge.
These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With continued reference to
Each of the dividers 20 includes a main body 22 and slot inserts 24 at respective distal ends of the main body 22. The slot inserts 24 are engageable with the slots 18 in the tab members 16. As shown in
In some embodiments, the material used for construction of the support apparatus and the described components is high density polyethylene (HDPE), which gives the structure extreme integrity while remaining lightweight.
The apparatus 10 may also include handle extensions 26 extending from and continuous with the side walls 12. The handle extensions 26 include openings therein that define handles 28 for the apparatus. As shown in
The support apparatus 10 also includes a plurality of pyro pegs 30 extending at an angle from each end of the tab members 16. In some embodiments, as shown, the pyro pegs 30 are essentially T-shaped. The pyro pegs 30 are oriented substantially parallel with the end walls 14 of the base structure. The pyro pegs 30 are configured to separate and organize pyrotechnics wiring and an electric match prior to, during and after discharge of the pyrotechnic device(s). The pyro pegs 30 are designed in such a way that allows pyrotechnic wiring and the electric match to be wrapped around or tied to the pyro pegs 30 to more effectively and securely manage and organize the pyrotechnic wiring and electric match.
In some embodiments, with reference to
With reference to
The universal design aspects and components of the described embodiments distinguish the device from existing products. The dividers are designed to be removed and installed depending on the device being fired from the base structure. The use of HDPE provides for integrity while remaining lightweight. The holes at one or more corners of the base structure enable the use of pyro posts to allow display operators to stack loaded and prepped support apparatus for easy deployment.
The support apparatus of the described embodiments provides a universal method to safely discharge multiple devices. The concept and design provides for multiple configurations that can be readily adapted to the needs of pyro-technicians. The material is advantageous in that it allows for lightweight transportation and installation at show sites while remaining extremely durable and UV resistant, which is significant due to the outdoor elements involved with pyrotechnics.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/898,838, filed Sep. 11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/912,191, filed Oct. 8, 2019, the entire content of each of which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62898838 | Sep 2019 | US | |
| 62912191 | Oct 2019 | US |
