PROTECTIVE FIREWORK APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/618,529, filed on Jan. 17, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fireworks, and more particularly to protective firework apparatuses, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Fireworks, low explosive pyrotechnic devices, and other recreational incendiary devices are often ignited and otherwise used for aesthetic, entertainment, and/or recreational purposes. Fireworks generally emit noise, light, smoke, sparks, flames, and/or combustible materials, among other substances. However, if a firework is not properly oriented, if the firework inadvertently falls out of a proper launching orientation, or if the firework is otherwise misconfigured before or during actuation, the emitted materials and substances from the firework can strike spectators, operators, surrounding property, etc., which can cause injury, property damage, fires, etc.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a protective firework apparatus. The protective firework apparatus includes a wall configured to at least partially surround a firework, according to various embodiments. The wall may be configured to protect at least one of spectators and property from errant firework emission by at least one of providing a protective barrier between the firework and the at least one of spectators and property and supporting the firework in a desired position to prevent errant firework emission.

In various embodiments, the wall comprises a plurality of wall panels that, in an installed state, collectively define a shape surrounding the firework. The plurality of wall panels may be coupled together, and/or the plurality of wall panels may be collapsible such that the protective firework apparatus may be collapsed to a collapsed/storable/storage state. In various embodiments, the plurality of wall panels are coupled together using hinges. In various embodiments, at least one living hinge extends between and defines the plurality of wall panels.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus further includes a flange extending radially inward from an upper edge of the plurality of wall panels toward an axial center of the shape of the protective firework apparatus in the installed state. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus further comprises a bottom panel coupled to a bottom edge of the plurality of wall panels. The bottom panel may be porous to allow water or other extinguishing liquid to pass through.

In various embodiments, the desired position is an upright position, and the protective firework apparatus further includes a stabilizing feature configured to support the firework in the upright position. The stabilizing feature may include a grid structure for holding one or more fireworks in a desired orientation. The grid structure may include a plurality of flexible cords extending between opposing wall panels of the plurality of wall panels. In various embodiments, a top edge of a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels defines a first notch for engaging a first side of the firework to support the firework in the upright position. In various embodiments, a top edge of a second wall of the plurality of wall panels defines a second notch for engaging a second side of the firework to support the firework in the upright position.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus further comprises an igniter coupled to or integrated within the wall, wherein the igniter is configured to be controllably actuated to ignite the firework. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus further comprises a water supply interface coupled to or integrated within the wall, wherein the water supply interface is configured to be coupled to a water supply. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus further comprises a speaker coupled to or integrated within the wall. In various embodiments, the wall is configured to block line of sight between the at least one of spectators and property and an emission point of the firework. In various embodiments, the wall is configured to extend above the emission point of the firework.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a protective firework apparatus that includes a plurality of wall panels and a stabilizing feature. Generally, the plurality of wall panels may be coupled together such that, in an installed state, the plurality of wall panels is configured to define a shape that surrounds a firework, wherein the plurality of wall panels is configured to protect at least one of spectators and property from errant firework emission by providing a protective barrier between the firework and the at least one of spectators and property. Generally, the stabilizing feature may be configured to support the firework in an upright position to prevent errant firework emission.

The forgoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein. These features and elements, as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments, will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective firework apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of protective firework shield apparatuses, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIGS. 9A-9B are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus;

FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus; and

FIGS. 11A-11B are perspective views of another embodiment of a protective firework apparatus.

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

As mentioned above, errant firework emission, whether caused by user error or by a design/manufacturing flaw in a firework, may cause injury to spectators and operators and/or may damage land and other property. Accordingly, provided herein is a protective firework apparatus that is configured to protect at least one of spectators, operators, land, and property from errant firework emission.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1-5, a protective firework apparatus is disclosed. Generally, the protective firework apparatus includes a wall that is configured to be positioned around a firework to form a barrier/shield to block errant firework emission and/or is configured to hold a firework in a desired emission position to prevent or at least inhibit the firework from falling out of the desired emission position. For example, and with reference to FIG. 1, the protective firework apparatus 100 may comprise one or more wall panels 110, or other such structures, that are configured to be disposed around a firework and/or that are configured to hold and retain the firework. Thus, the protective firework apparatus 100 may inhibit errant firework emission and/or may shield spectators in the event of errant firework emission. Errant firework emission may be caused by a firework being incorrectly positioned/ignited, a firework tipping over, or a firework experiencing a faulty ignition/combustion reaction that causes inadvertent or unintended discharge of flame and/or combustible projectiles. By inhibiting errant firework emission and/or by shielding against errant firework emission, the protective firework apparatus can prevent personal injury and property damage.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus is configured to block line of sight between spectators and an emission point of the firework. Said differently, the one or more walls of the protective firework apparatus may have a sufficient height dimension, as measured from the ground (or from another reference point/surface where the firework is positioned for use) so as to extend above the emission or launching region of the firework (i.e., the point where the flames, sparks, combustible materials are discharged), thereby at least preventing spectators from direct, line-of-sight contact with the firework emission. In various embodiments, the one or more wall panels may extend a certain distance above the emission point. In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2, the top edge of the walls 210 protective firework apparatus 200 may include a flange 220 that extends inward from the sidewalls to further shield against errant firework discharge. That is, the flange 220 is a lip that extends radially inward toward an axial center 201 of the protective firework apparatus 200.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus is configured to function as a stabilizer. In other words, the protective firework apparatus may prevent, or at least inhibit, the firework from tipping over, and thus may help to retain the firework in a desired discharge position. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be configured and/or weighted so as to have a low center of mass, thus preventing tipping. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include various rims, flanges, or other features that further block errant firework emission. In various embodiments, these features may be customizable, thus allowing a user to select the extent of shielding.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may have a rectangular or square-like shape, such as the cubical geometries shown in the figures. However, in various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may have other shapes and geometries. For example, the protective firework apparatus may be circular, polygonal, elliptical, obround, pyramidal, conical, etc. The protective firework apparatus may be configured to fit tightly around a firework (e.g., may be a firework specific fit) or the protective firework apparatus may be configured to fit loosely around the firework (i.e., there may be space between the walls of the protective firework apparatus and the firework). In various embodiments, a plurality of fireworks may be configured to be positioned and/or retained within the protective firework apparatus.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the protective firework apparatus 300, 400 may include wall panels 310, 410 that are hingedly coupled together (hinges 315, 415) to allow the apparatus 300, 400 to be collapsed when not in use (e.g., for easy transporting and storage). In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus 500 may include one or more separable panels 510, such as those shown in FIG. 5. The separable panels 510 may be utilized and positioned around a firework launch region, thus allowing operators to customize the level and position of shielding. The walls of the protective firework apparatus may be transparent. In various embodiments, the height and other dimensions of the protective firework apparatus may be adjustable (i.e., telescoping support rods). In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be constructed of various materials, including wood, plastic, metal, composites, etc. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be made from a material that is configured to retain firework projectiles. For example, the protective firework apparatus may be made from a material, or may include a lining, that projectiles can be embedded into.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, the protective firework apparatus 600 may include a plurality of panels coupled together via hinges. The first and last panels may be detachably coupled together, via latches or other fastening mechanism, to enable easy transitions between the installed state (i.e., the shielding configuration shown in FIG. 6A) and the collapsed/stored state (i.e., the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 6C). In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 6A, the plurality of wall panels 610 may include feet 625 or other supporting features disposed along a bottom edge of the plurality of wall panels 610 to enable the protective firework apparatus 600 to be maintained in an upright position around the firework 50.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 7A-7D, the protective firework apparatus 700 may include a bottom panel 730. For example, the protective firework apparatus 700 may include the sidewalls 710 and a bottom/base panel 730, such as the 5 sided cubical shape shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The base panel 730 may enable fireworks and other supplies to be carried (e.g., using handles 722) to and from the launching/ignition location. In various embodiments, the bottom panel 730 may be porous (e.g., may have a plurality of holes, slits, perforations, etc.) that allow for water or other extinguishing fluid to flow there-through. For example, the base may be porous so that a user can pour water, such as via a hose, into the enclosure formed by protective firework apparatus to ensure the fireworks disposed therein are properly and sufficiently extinguished before the fireworks are discarded. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus 700 may include a water supply interface 740, as described in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, the sidewalls of the protective firework apparatus may include living hinges (e.g., the material of the sidewall may include a portion along which the panel is configured to bend), and the sidewalls of the protective firework apparatus may bend/fold along the living hinges to facilitate collapse and storage of the protective firework apparatus. In various embodiments, the walls/panels of the protective firework apparatus may include designs and other features, such as stars, etc. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include one or more handles 722. The one or more handles may be formed in, coupled to, or affixed to the protective firework apparatus.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the protective firework apparatus 800 may include one or more inclined walls/panels. That is, one or more of the walls/panels 810B of the protective firework apparatus may be angled, with respect to the base or ground upon which the fireworks are supported, while other walls/panels 810A may be perpendicular to the base or ground. The angled/inclined walls 810B may facilitate retention of the one or more fireworks 50 disposed therein, and thus may prevent or at least inhibit the firework(s) tipping over. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus 800 may include four walls, with at least two opposing walls being inclined/angled. In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the cross-sectional shape of the chamber formed by the walls of the protective firework apparatus 800 may be trapezoidal. For example, two opposing end-walls 810A may be perpendicular to the ground/base and may have a trapezoidal shape, and two opposing side-walls 810B may be inclined relative to the ground/base and may engage the tapering edges of the trapezoid shaped end-walls. In various embodiments, the walls may be hingedly coupled to a base. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include walls that are all inclined, thus forming a conical or pyramid shape, as described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the walls of the protective firework apparatus 900 are detachably coupled together via claps or other fasteners. In various embodiments, the walls of the protective firework apparatus may be configured to fold substantially flat when in collapsed/storage state.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C, the protective firework apparatus 1000 may include walls/panels 1010 that are configured to directly engage the shaft/body of a firework 50. That is, the protective firework apparatus 1000 may include arms (the arms may be disposed within the protective firework apparatus, or may be the walls of the apparatus itself) that are configured to prop-up and otherwise retain one or more firework in place. The arms may lean against opposing sides of the body of the firework 50. The arms may be biased, using a spring or other mechanism, to apply an inward/downward force on the firework to hold and retain the firework in a desired position and/or orientation. In various embodiments, free ends of the arms may include a recess 1050 (e.g., a notch, mouth, or other engagement feature) for engaging the firework 50.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, the protective firework apparatus 1100 may include one or more retainer features spanning between walls of the firework protective apparatus 1100. For example, the protective firework apparatus 1100 may include a grid structure 1150, such as one or more straps, cords, wires, strings, dividers, etc., that help to retain and hold the firework(s) 50 in a desired position and orientation. In various embodiments, the retainer features may be made from a flexible or an elastic material spanning between opposing walls 1110 of the apparatus 1100, thus allowing the protective firework apparatus 1100 to be collapsed. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include a separate grid structure that may be placed and positioned within the protective firework apparatus to facilitate holding the fireworks in place.

The protective firework apparatus may include other features, such as a lid or top-side.

The lid may be configured to be closed after the firework(s) have been discharged, or the lid may be configured to be closed during, for example, and errant firework discharge. In various embodiments, the lid may be pivotally connected to the sidewalls of the protective firework apparatus.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include an igniter that facilitates ignition of the firework(s) disposed within the confines of the protective firework apparatus. For example, one or more fuses from the firework(s) may be routed to an igniter of the protective firework apparatus. The igniter may be manually controlled, or the igniter may be coupled to a controller and may be configured/programmed to automate ignition of the fireworks. In various embodiments, for example, the igniter may interface with a controller via wired or wireless communication (e.g., wifi, Bluetooth®, etc.). The controller may be a device or an application on a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. Thus, ignition of the firework(s) may be remotely controlled. In various embodiments, the controller/igniter may be linked to multiple fireworks within the protective firework apparatus, or multiple apparatuses may be linked together and controlled via a single igniter or a single controller controlling multiple igniters, thus enabling a user to program a plurality of apparatus and thus a plurality of fireworks to discharge at controlled/specified times and in a controlled/specified sequence.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include a water supply interface for connecting to a water supply to facilitate extinguishing the firework(s). The protective firework apparatus may include a water valve mechanism or other such feature for controlling the flow of water to the firework compartment of the protective firework apparatus. The water valve mechanism may be controlled manually or remotely, as described above with reference to the igniter.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be structured to affect sound waves emitted from the firework discharge. For example, the protective firework apparatus may be configured to augment the explosion sounds, or suppress the explosion sounds from the fireworks. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include an integrated speaker or a mount for attaching a separable speaker, and thus the protective firework apparatus may emit songs, cheering, applause, or other sounds to augment and/or otherwise contribute to the firework show/display.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.

Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an,” and/or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

The steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts or areas but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may be specific to each figure.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.