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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of fireworks and pyrotechnic igniters, and more particularly to a remotely controlled fireworks igniter for use with consumer-type fireworks.
2. Description of Related Art
Although consumer-type fireworks have been severely regulated and, with respect to those that are legal in most states, have been substantially reduced in explosive and pyrotechnic capacities, nonetheless, legal fireworks which are currently available and illegal fireworks which carry substantially greater charges of explosive material, can be quite dangerous. Particularly with respect to young and adult children, many injuries to the eyes and hands, particularly fingers occur during each yearly fireworks seasons particularly prior to Fourth of July celebrations.
Many of these consumer-type fireworks have very short fuses and are difficult to hand launch a safe distance away. Moreover, all fuses have their own burn rate and erratic and rapid fuse burn can lead to unpleasant surprises and fireworks ignition before anticipated. A number of devices and apparatus have been developed and patented which are intended to substantially enhance the safety factor in setting off fireworks, particularly those for both commercial and consumer use.
Bailey et al. teach remotely controlled igniters for use with consumer class fireworks in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,424 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0207467. A fireworks holder with remote control firing system is disclosed by Tang in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0070572. U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,500 to Mancini discloses a remotely-actuated fireworks launcher. Neahr teaches an electric firework igniter in U.S. Pat. No. 1,445,904. A fuse igniter is taught by Frye in U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,483. U.S. Pat. No. 7,688,566 to Zhang discloses an electric firing device for fireworks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,802 to Streifer et al. discloses a method for initiating pyrotechnic ignitions in the proper sequence.
The present invention discloses a very safe fireworks igniter system which, when used properly as taught, ensures fuse ignition at a safe distance and manner of ignition.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.
This invention is directed to a fireworks igniter system and method for safely igniting fuse-type fireworks including a handheld igniter module and a remote control module. An igniter head at the proximal end of the igniter module includes a heater element and fuse clamp slide which receives and biasingly molds the fuse against the heater element. A microprocessor in the igniter module includes an infrared receiver and an igniter module actuator. The remote control module includes an infrared emitter and a remote control module actuator, the infrared emitter emitting a coded IR signal in response to activation of the actuator. The IR signal is sensed by the infrared receiver to activate the igniter module actuator and deliver electric current to the heater element sufficient to ignite the fuse.
The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative and not limiting in scope. In various embodiments one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.
Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The main housing 4 and battery cover 6 are made from a standard temperature-grade plastic. Igniter housing 8 is made from a standard temperature-grade plastic that is infrared-transparent and visible-light translucent. The fuse clamp slide 10 is made from high temperature grade plastic due to the proximity of burning fuses. The main housing 4 and battery cover 6 are made photoluminescent by the addition of photoluminescent materials in the plastic formulation for enhanced visibility at night when fireworks are ignited.
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The heater element 24 is made from size 28 American Wiring Gauge nichrome wire formulated from 60% nickel, 16% chromium and 24% iron. Current flow provided by two AA alkaline batteries 60 raises the temperature of the heater element 24 to approximately 975° K. The heater element 24 is contained within a thermo insulator sleeve 22 and is electrically connected to and supported by opposing heater supports 48 fabricated from brass and being affixed to igniter housing 8 by means of heater support screws 56.
To secure a fuse, clamp plate 26 is held in an open position by being slid across the inner surface of thermo insulator sleeve 22 by pushing the fuse clamp slide 10 in the direction of arrow A in
An electrical connection is made between the heater element 24 and printed wiring board 52 by means of bifurcated contact 50 on heater support 48 connecting to contacts integral to printed wiring board 52. This connects heater relay 62 on printed wiring board 52 in series with two AA alkaline batteries 60 which are connected in series by a conductive battery spring clip 66 held by main housing 4.
Referring to
When remote switch 106 is activated, microcircuit 104 drives infrared light emitting diode 84 with a unique coded signal that is transmitted to igniter module 1. Remote active light 100 illuminates through lamp aperture 102 in remote top cover 88 to confirm to the user that a remote transmission has been sent. To prevent accidental activation of remote control module 2, switch guard 92, an integral part of remote top cover 88, and positioned at a higher elevation than switch actuator 90, prevents depression and activation.
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A timer function of microprocessor 64 limits the time the heater element 24 is active to reliably light the fuse 70. This heater element timer 24 prevents overheating of thermo insulator sleeve 22 and melting or burning of plastic igniter housing 8. The timer also increases battery life of AA alkaline batteries 60. At the same time heater element 24 is active, the microprocessor 64 disables the inputs from the infrared receivers 54. After the heater element 24 is inactive, the microprocessor 64 continues to disable infrared receivers 54 input based in an internal time delay until the heater element 24 cools down. The microprocessor 64 disables the heater element 24 through the active and cool-down stages to avoid close proximity infrared energy from the heater element 24 reactivating the highly sensitive infrared receivers 54. A manual switch 115, activated by switch manual actuator 14, overrides the IR control link to allow firework ignition without using remote control module 2. After fuse 70 ignition, the ash from the fuse that was captured in the fuse clamp slide 10 is expelled through the debris channel 34.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations and additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations that are within their true spirit and scope.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20120255455 A1 | Oct 2012 | US |