Patent · US Expired

Fireworks projectile having distinct shell configuration

US5627338A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
62References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 6, 1995
Grant dateMay 6, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 6, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S102/70
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, a fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner. The external geometry of the projectile also is configured so that the projectile tumbles when launched and follows a more predictable, repeatable and accurate path in flight.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.