DECORATIVE GARLAND STRING FIREWORK DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This Application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application Number 200620139338.6 under 35 U.S.C. § 119 filed with the State Intellectual Property Bureau of the People's Republic of China on 20 Nov. 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, and more particularly decorative garland string firework devices and methods to manufacture decorative garland string firework devices.

BACKGROUND

Pyrotechnics is a field with rich traditions going back many centuries. One general field of pyrotechnics includes fireworks. Fireworks are typically used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. Fireworks (devices) take many forms to produce several audio and visual effects including noise, light, smoke, and floating materials (confetti for example). Fireworks may be designed to burn with colored flames and sparks. Also, Firework displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many different cultural and religious celebrations. Even though technical developments have tended to produce more impressive, more precise, safer and to some extent more environmentally friendly fireworks, the basic principles are the same as in earlier times.

Fireworks typically come in several conventional varieties including aerial fireworks and stationary fireworks. Aerial fireworks generally comprise a pyrotechnic projectile fired into the air that may produce audio and or visual effects. The projectile may be fired from a tube or may be attached to propulsion device to launch the projectile airborne. Stationary fireworks, on the other hand, generally include firework devices that are ignited and provide audio and visual effects at a fixed position. Sample stationary fireworks may be affixed to another item or placed on a surface such as the ground.

While serving their respective purposes, conventional fireworks do have drawbacks. For example, presently existing fireworks are mostly wrapped around the main body of fireworks from top to bottom. This configuration makes it inconvenient to store fireworks as they occupy excess storage space. Further, this configuration lends itself to be easily damaged as outer structural components of a firework thereby resulting in damage to the audio visual effects of fireworks and possibly creating a dangerous environment for uses and spectators.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved firework devices that address the above mentioned and other drawbacks associated with conventional firework devices. In addition, there is a need for decorative garland string fireworks capable of providing fantastic audio and visual effects with easily constructible structures, dimensions increasing compact space, and sturdy exteriors that can resist damage to the fireworks. It is to the provision of such decorative garland string firework devices and methods for making decorative garland string firework devices that the various embodiments of the present invention are directed.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present invention include decorative garland string firework devices and methods to manufacture decorative garland string firework devices. Advantageously, firework devices according to embodiments of the present invention enable compact storage in a manner that does not damage or alter the aesthetic effects of a firework device. In addition, firework devices according to the present invention can be constructed with a variety of materials and arrangement to provide a firework device having a desired aesthetic appearance upon ignition.

Broadly described, and as discussed below in more detail, a firework device according to some embodiments is a specially designed and novel firework. For example, the firework can include a string firework disposed within an aperture of a decorative garland. In some embodiments the garland can comprise multi-layer, folding paper sheets that are mutually pasted or otherwise attached. The garland can enclose, partially or fully, the string firework.

In some embodiments, the decorative garland can be made of paper sheets. The paper sheets can be positioned in a flush arrangement in a compressed configuration and arranged in a divergent configuration in an elongated (or non-compressed configuration). Adjacent paper sheets can be coupled together at multiple points on the surface of a paper sheet. The paper sheets can be circular, triangular, polygonal, and many other various desired shapes. The decorative garland string can be made by attaching many paper sheets to each other with an adhesive, such as a paste.

According to some embodiments, a firework device can comprise an elongated firework string and exterior firework. Both the elongated firework string and exterior firework can comprise combustible materials. The exterior firework can be generally disposed around at least a portion of the elongated firework string to form an outer cover. The exterior firework can have an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration. The elongated configuration can have a first length and the compressed configuration having a second length. The compressed configuration length can be shorter than the elongated configuration length.

A firework device can also have additional features. For example, the firework device can include a firework device coupled to an end of the firework string. This enables the firework string to ignite the firework device by carrying a flame to the firework device. Also, the exterior firework can comprise a plurality of combustible material components. The combustible material components can be coupled to at least one adjacent combustible material component. The plurality of combustible material components can define an aperture to receive the elongated firework string. Adjacent combustible material components can be coupled together at multiple points on corresponding surfaces of the adjacent combustible materials. For example, in some embodiments adjacent combustible material components can be coupled together at three points on corresponding surfaces of the adjacent combustible materials. Adjacent combustible material components can be configured in a flush configuration in the compressed configuration and in an expanded configuration in the elongated configuration. In the expanded configuration, a portion of surfaces of adjacent combustible material components are divergent.

A firework device can still yet have additional features according to some embodiments. For example, the firework device can comprise at least one enclosure to receive the elongated firework string and defining a space to carry combustible materials. The elongated firework string can be coupled to the combustible materials such that the elongated firework string can ignite the combustible materials by carrying a flame toward the firework device. The exterior firework can comprising a plurality of combustible material components that coupled to at least one adjacent combustible material component with a combustible adhesive material. The plurality of combustible material components can be paper sheets having at least one of a polygonal or circular geometric shape. Also, the exterior firework can comprise a non-burning agent to decrease burning of the exterior firework to a pace substantially similar to the elongated firework string.

Other embodiments of the present include manufacturing, packaging, and storage aspects. In certain such embodiments, a firework manufacturing method can generally comprise providing an elongated firework string and providing a garland firework enclosure at least partially around the elongated firework string. The garland firework enclosure can have an adjustable length to adjust between an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration. The garland firework enclosure can have an increased length in the elongated configuration relative to the compressed configuration.

A manufacturing method can also include other features. For example, a method can comprise forming the garland firework enclosure with a plurality of combustible material sheets. The sheets can be coupled to at least one adjacent sheet at multiple locations on the surface of the sheets. The sheets can arranged in an alternating configuration such that the attachment points between sheets can alternate enabling adjacent sheet surfaces to diverge thereby forming multiple openings between the sheets in the elongated configuration. A method embodiment can also comprise coupling at least one of the elongated firework string and the garland firework enclosure to a firework device to ignite the firework device. Another method feature includes providing a non-burning agent in combination with the garland firework enclosure to alter burning of the garland firework enclosure. Alteration can include increasing or decreasing, as needed or desired, to a burning pace substantially similar to the elongated firework string.

A method can also comprise packaging the elongated firework string and the garland firework enclosure. Packaging can be done by compressing the garland firework enclosure into the compressed configuration and situating the compressed garland firework enclosure and the elongated firework string in a container. The container can include many different sizes and shapes. When the garland firework is compressed its components are flush with each other and the elongated firework string can be curled or otherwise next to the compressed garland firework in the container.

In still yet other embodiments, the present invention can be a pyrotechnic system. The pyrotechnic systems can comprise a firework device carrying combustible material and the firework device can be coupled to an elongated firework string. The elongated firework string can comprise combustible materials to ignite the firework device by transferring a flame to the firework device. The decorative cover for the elongated firework string can comprise a plurality of combustible component sheets. The plurality of combustible component sheets can be attached together forming a chain of combustible component sheets. Each combustible component sheet is preferably coupled to at least one adjacent combustible component sheet at multiple locations. The plurality of combustible component sheets can each define an opening disposed in an interior location of the combustible component sheets. This enables the plurality of combustible component sheets to form an aperture to receive the elongated firework string. The chain of combustible component sheets can have an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration. In the elongated configuration the decorative cover can have a length greater than the length of the decorative cover in the compressed configuration.

Other features are also possible in a pyrotechnic system according to the present invention. For example, the combustible component sheets have at least one of a polygonal or circular geometric shape. Also, the combustible component sheets can comprise a burning agent to adjust burning of the decorative cover. The adjustment can be to increase or decrease the burning rate of the combustible component sheets to a pace substantially equal to the elongated firework string. The combustible component sheets can be coupled to an adjacent sheet in an alternating surface configuration on each surface of the adjacent sheet. The alternating feature enables adjacent sheets to diverge at the non-attachment surfaces thus allowing the chain of sheets to be diverge in the elongated configuration.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a garland firework device in a compressed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a garland firework device in an elongated configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compressed decorative garland component of a garland firework device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an elongated decorative garland component of a garland firework device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a logical flow diagram of manufacturing a garland firework device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Throughout this description, various components may be identified having specific values or parameters, however, these items are provided as exemplary embodiments. Thus, the exemplary embodiments do not limit the various aspects and concepts of the present invention as many comparable parameters, sizes, ranges, and/or values may be implemented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a garland firework device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the firework device 100 generally comprises an elongated firework string 105 and an exterior firework 110. The elongated firework string 105 can comprise combustible material. The exterior firework 110 can be generally disposed around at least a portion of the elongated firework string 105. One or both of the elongated firework string 105 and the exterior firework 110 can be coupled to a firework device 115. As shown in FIG. 1, the firework device 115 is shaped is a pentagon-shaped firework device that contains internal combustible materials. The firework device 115 can include a string or other attachment mechanism to enable the device 100 to be suspended in the air for safe ignition. The exterior firework 110 can also comprise combustible material, such as a plurality of component sheets 120.

Preferably, the exterior firework 110 defines an aperture 112 to receive the elongated firework string 105. In some embodiments, the aperture 112 can have an inner diameter ranging from approximately two centimeters to two and a half centimeters. Other sizes and ranges may be used in other embodiments so long as the elongated firework string 105 can be disposed within the aperture 112.

As used herein, firework can mean a combustible material or explosive device for producing a display of light or a loud noise used for signaling or as part of a celebration. For example, a firework can include many combustible materials to produce colored light effects. Such materials can include black powder, flash powder, aluminum, iron, steel, zinc, or magnesium dust. As those skilled in the art will understand, many other materials and chemical elements can be used to produced desired audio and visual effects. Indeed, the produced light can include many colors to produce various visual effects, the noise can include various sounds to produce various audio effects, and the light and sound can be produced simultaneously or separately.

Preferably and advantageously, the exterior firework 110 has an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration. In the elongated configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the exterior firework 110 can have a first length. And in the compressed configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the exterior firework 110 can have a second length. The length of the exterior firework 110 in the compressed configuration is preferably shorter than the length of the exterior firework 110 in the elongated configuration. Comparison of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 shows a sample relative length of the compressed configuration to the elongated configuration. Compression of the exterior firework 110 advantageously enables the exterior firework 110 to be compressed for storage and packaging. Thus, such compression enables the exterior firework 110 to be configured in a compressed manner so that its exterior is not damaged during storage or when packaged.

The garland firework device 100 can also have various other characteristics. For example, the garland firework device 100 can include a firework device 115 coupled to an end of the firework string 105. The firework device 115 can be a different type of firework than the firework string 105. For example, the firework device 115 may be a pentagon-shaped container to carry a combustible firework material. Connection of the firework string 105 to the firework device 115 enables the ignited firework string 105 to carry a flame to the firework device 115 so that ignition of the firework device 115 can occur.

The exterior firework 110 can also include additional features in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, the exterior firework 110 can comprise a plurality of combustible material components A, B, C, which are contained in the plurality 120. As shown, a combustible material component can be coupled to at least one adjacent combustible material component. The plurality of combustible material components can define an aperture 120 to receive the elongated firework string 105. Adjacent combustible material components A, B, C can be coupled together at multiple points on corresponding surfaces of the adjacent combustible materials. For example, and according to a preferred embodiment, adjacent combustible material components can be coupled together at three points on corresponding surfaces of the adjacent combustible materials.

The combustible material components A, B, C can be coupled together with many materials, including a combustible adhesive material. In some embodiments, the adhesive material can be a paste. The paste can be a combination of flour, starch, and water. For example, the inventor currently uses such a paste manufactured by Yiheng Corporation. Starched based adhesives are cost effective and enable strong adhesive effect among the combustible material components. Other adhesives such as glue may be used. Also, in some embodiments, the adhesive may contain materials to effect burning rate.

The combustible material components A, B, C can have various characteristics according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, they can be made from many firework materials, including but not limited to, combustible papers. Also, the plurality of combustible material components can have various shapes including a polygonal or circular geometric shape. Also, the material components A, B, C, can be a 28-gram typewriting paper and can have a thickness of approximately 0.08 millimeters. Advantageously, such a thickness enables the material components A, B, C to burn at substantially the same rate of the elongated firework string 105. The substantially similar burn rates yields a desirable aesthetic effect for users and onlookers, alike.

In other embodiments, the combustible material components A, B, C of the exterior firework 110 can comprise a non-burning agent. The non-burning agent can be many materials to retard burning of the exterior firework 110. For example, the non-burning agent can be vitriolic ammonium, which may also be known as ammonium sulfate. Alternatively, the non-burning agent may be ammonium phosphate, other chemical salts, or many other fire retardant materials. The non-burning agent, if in solid form, may be diluted in a solution, and the combustible material components A, B, C, can be immersed in the solution to introduce or deposit the non-burning agent on the combustible material components A, B, C. The solution can have a mixture ratio of 1 to 10 if the solute is water. The solution can be volatile such that it evaporates leaving the non-burn agent as a residue or powder, for example, on the combustible material components A, B, C. Alternatively, the combustible material components A, B, C can absorb the non-burning agent through capillary action.

Advantageously, use of a non-burning agent or a material to retard burning decreases the burning pace of the exterior firework 110. For example, reduction of the burning pace 110 can be decreased to a rate substantially similar to the elongated firework string 105 so that both components burn at approximately the same rate to produce a desired aesthetic effect. This can produce a desire aesthetic effect and ensure that the elongated firework string 105 or the exterior firework 110 burn at a rate substantially faster than the other component.

As mentioned above the combustible material components can be coupled in such a manner that the exterior firework can have an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration. Indeed, adjacent combustible material components can be configured in a flush configuration in the compressed configuration and the combustible material components can be configured in an expanded configuration in the elongated configuration. In the elongated configuration, a portion of surfaces of adjacent combustible material components can diverge to form multiple openings such that elongated string firework is visible through the openings.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compressed decorative garland component 300 of a garland firework device, such as device 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the garland component 300 is comprised of various plurality of material sheets 302. Such sheets include adjacent sheets 305, 310, 315, for example. In the compressed configuration as shown, the sheets 305, 310, 315 are situated flush each other such that the surfaces of the sheets 305, 310, 315 are flushly aligned. In other words, the surface of sheet 305 is flush with the surface of sheet 310, and the surface of sheet 310 is flush with the surface of sheet 315. Also as shown, each of the plurality of sheets 302 each defines an interior opening or aperture. Thus, when forming the entire garland component in flush mounting arrangement, the plurality of interior openings can define an aperture 320 of cavity situated in the interior of the garland component 300. In some embodiments, the aperture 320 can have an inner diameter of approximately 2.5 centimeters. Also, the material sheets 302 may have a diameter of approximately 5 centimeters.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an elongated decorative garland component 400 of a garland firework device, such as device 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the garland component 400 is comprised of various plurality of material sheets 402. Such sheets include adjacent sheets 405, 410, 415, for example. In the elongated configuration as shown, certain portions of the surfaces of the sheets 405, 410, 415 are divergent from each other. In other words, a portion of the surface of sheet 405 diverges from the surface of sheet 410, and a portion of the surface of sheet 410 diverges from the surface of sheet 415. As shown, the points of attachment between the sheets 405, 410, 415 enable portions of the sheets to diverge from each other thereby creating a plurality of openings, such as openings X, Y, Z, in the garland component 400. Such openings enable visibility within the interior of the garland component 400 thereby allowing onlookers to possibly view an elongated firework string disposed within the interior aperture 420 of the garland component 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a logical flow diagram of a method embodiment 500 to manufacture a garland firework device according to some embodiments of the present invention. According to some method embodiments a decorative garland string firework can be manufactured by hand, by machine, or a combination of both. It should be understand that the method 500 is only one method embodiment of the present invention and that the method 500 can have various additional actions or be performed in various orders.

The method 500 includes various actions to assemble, manufacture, and package a decorative garland string firework device. The method 500 can initiate at 505 by providing an elongated firework string. Next, at 510 a plurality of combustible material sheets can be provided. The sheets can be used to form a garland firework enclosure as discussed below. The garland firework enclosure can be positioned at least partially around the elongated firework string. As discussed in more detail below, the garland firework enclosure preferably has an adjustable length. This advantageous adjustable length feature enables adjustment between an elongated configuration and a compressed configuration.

The garland firework enclosure has a length substantially greater length in the elongated configuration relative to the compressed configuration. The compressed configuration enables the length of the garland firework enclosure to be compressed (or shortened) relative to the elongated firework string for packaging and storage. In addition, compression of the garland firework enclosure positions the individual pieces of the garland firework enclosure in a flush configuration to protect the aesthetic appearance of the garland firework enclosure.

The method 500 can also include additional actions. For example, at 515 the garland firework enclosure can be formed of the plurality of combustible material sheets. The combustible material sheets can have various desired shapes and thicknesses. To enable the change between a compressed and elongated configuration of the garland firework enclosure, the combustible material sheets can be attached in an alternating arrangement at 520. For example, a first sheet can be attached to a second sheet at corresponding points on the surface of the sheets. Preferably, three corresponding points can be used. Then, a third sheet can be attached to either the first or second sheet at attachment points located intermediate the corresponding points. This attachment configuration enables the non-attached surfaces of the sheets to diverge in the elongated configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, a manufacturing method of the present invention can include forming the garland firework enclosure with a plurality of combustible material sheets and the sheets are coupled to at least one adjacent sheet at multiple locations on the surface of the sheets.

Still yet, other actions can be included in the method 500. For example, the method 500 may include coupling at least one of the elongated firework string and the garland firework enclosure to a firework device at 530. Such coupling can enable ignition of the firework device as the elongated firework string and the garland firework enclosure can carry a flame to the firework device. The firework device can be a pentagon shaped enclosure housing a firework. The method 500 may also include providing a non-burning or dyeing agent in combination with the garland firework enclosure at 525. The non-burning agent can be used to decrease burning of the garland firework enclosure. For example, the garland firework enclosure's burning rate may be altered or controlled to be substantially similar to the elongated firework string.

The method 500 can also include actions to package decorative garland firework device. This may include disposing the elongated firework string within an aperture of the garland firework enclosure at 535. Packaging can also include adjust the length of the garland firework enclosure for packaging or storage at 540. Packaging can be accomplished by compressing the garland firework enclosure into the compressed configuration and situating the compressed garland firework enclosure and the elongated firework string in a container.

In operation, a decorative garland string firework device can be used to produce a desired aesthetic affect. For example, a user can remove the decorative garland string firework device from a storage or package condition. When removed, the decorative garland enclosure covering an elongated firework string can be adjusted or extended such that its length is changed from a compressed configuration. Then, the elongated firework string and the decorative garland enclosure can be ignited. As the flame combusts the elongated firework string and the decorative garland enclosure, the flame can approach a firework device attached or coupled to the elongated firework string and the decorative garland enclosure.

Thus, as the flame approaches the firework device the flame from the elongated firework string and the decorative garland enclosure can ignite the firework device. The decorative garland string firework device can be adjusted to produce desired audio and visual effects. For example, the decorative garland string firework device may produce flames and firework effects of many colors and sounds for desired time periods. As has been described above in detail, the decorative garland enclosure can be moved between a compressed and elongated configuration for storage and packaging and so that the visual appearance (before ignition) of the decorative garland enclosure is not damaged such that the desired visual effect of the decorative garland string firework device is not disturbed.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular exemplary embodiments, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such embodiments, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. Moreover, the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and the terminology is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Thus, while the various embodiments of this invention have been described in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all equivalents.