EP0624773B1 - Firework having means to separate several succesively ignited charges from casings - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for clustering of fireworks bombs, each of which has a wick, having a base in the form of a clean bar on the one hand to be fixed along a battery of mortars each intended to receive a bomb respective fireworks and on the other hand to receive secured to a free end of each wick, pyrotechnic delays connecting the free ends wick two by two and a free end of a cord bomb igniter igniter via delays and wicks.

In the current state of the art, illustrated by example by the notice entitled 〈〈 How to make a success of your fire artifice 〉〉, published in January 1989 by the Applicant and accompanying all the fireworks delivered by this last from this date, the connection between delays, bomb wicks and the inflammatory cord is carried out using an assembly comprising sheaths kraft paper held around these different components by a ligature, the whole being fixed on the bar, made of wood, also by ligature.

The realization of this assembly is long and tedious due to the numerous operations of cutting of kraft and sheaths. They are also delicate, the care given to tying and the passage of wicks being essential to have a good transmission of fire between the different components.

In addition, if the field fireworker wishes change the timing of the bombs fire, which involves replacing pyrotechnic delays, this modification requires the prior deletion of ligatures then their recovery, and we find the disadvantages above, usually made worse by the the fact that there are no conditions on the ground as favorable as in the workshop.

Finally, the known arrangement is particularly vulnerable to moisture.

• une embase qui comporte une pluralité d'alvéoles de réception d'une zone respective de ces éléments, débouchant dans une même face de l'embase, un canal raccordant les alvéoles entre eux et débouchant dans ladite face, et des moyens de fixation de moyens formant couvercle sur ladite face,
• des moyens formant couvercle, qui comportent des moyens de fixation aptes à coopérer avec lesdits moyens de fixation de l'embase pour assurer une fixation des moyens formant couvercle sur ladite face dans une position dans laquelle ils définissent avec les alvéoles et le canal un ensemble fermé en dégageant toutefois un passage respectif pour lesdits éléments,
• les alvéoles et les canaux et/ou les moyens formant couvercle étant conformés de telle sorte que, lorsque le couvercle est fixé sur ladite face, il emprisonne de façon solidaire lesdites zones desdits éléments dans les alvéoles, dans une relation de continuité pyrotechnique.

EP-A-0 385 614 discloses a device for connecting between elongated, flexible elements for transmitting pyrotechnic information, said device comprising:

• a base which comprises a plurality of cells for receiving a respective zone of these elements, opening into the same face of the base, a channel connecting the cells together and opening into said face, and means for fixing means forming a cover on said face,
• cover means, which comprise fixing means able to cooperate with said base fixing means to ensure fixing of the cover means on said face in a position in which they define with the cells and the channel a closed assembly however, clearing a respective passage for said elements,
• the cells and the channels and / or the means forming a cover being shaped so that, when the cover is fixed on said face, it traps said zones of said elements in the cells in a fixed manner, in a pyrotechnic continuity relationship.

This known device is intended to connect two tubes together NONEL ® which one of the characteristics is an extreme speed of fire transmission, completely unsuitable in the field of fire of fireworks, in which speeds of much slower fire transmission, obtained with cords inflammers and wicks between which we even interpose generally pyrotechnic delays accentuating this characteristic slowness in the transmission of fire. In addition, this known device exclusively allows the connection of two tubes between them, i.e. does not offer the possibility of multiple connections required to the clustering of fireworks bombs. Finally, it has no provision suitable for interposing a pyrotechnic delay between the two connected tubes; not only would such an interposition pose technical problems but it would be contrary to the spirit that presides generally with the use of NONEL ® tubes, namely the concern of benefit from the characteristics of fire transmission speed they offer.

The object of the present invention is to remedy to the aforementioned drawbacks of currently known fireworks and, to this end, the present invention provides a device for gripping the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the base comprises a plurality of transverse cells of receiving a respective free wick end, distributed longitudinally at the rate of one cell per free end of wick and opening in the same face longitudinal of the base, longitudinal channels of reception of a respective pyrotechnic delay connecting the cells two by two and opening into said face, and means for fixing means forming a cover to said face, in that there are also provided cover means, comprising means for fixing able to cooperate with said fixing means of the base to secure the means forming cover on said face in a position in which they define with the alveoli and the channels a whole closed, however clearing a passage respectively for the wicks and the inflammatory cord, and in that the alveoli and the channels and / or the means forming a cover are shaped so that, when the cover is fixed on said face, it securely traps a free end of wick in each cell, a pyrotechnic delay in each receiving channel and a free end of inflammatory cord in one of the alveoli, in a pyrotechnic continuity relationship.

The base and the cover means are for example made by molding in synthetic material.

A person skilled in the art will easily understand that such a device allows a much quicker preparation of bomb clusters, cutting operations of kraft paper sheaths and tying being removed, and it’s much easier to arrange delays pyrotechnic, the free ends of the wick and the free end of the inflammatory cord in a proper relationship to allow good transmission of fire between them, the position of the alveoli and channels predetermining the position of these different components and therefore That relation.

These advantages are found regardless of the place in which performs the clustering and, in particular, if this clustering is carried out in the field and it is in particular possible, under much better conditions, to change the timing of the shooting on the ground, even in very last minute, retaining all the reliability of the assembly.

Preferably, the cells are identical in order to ensure a identity of fire transmission conditions between the different delays pyrotechnics and the different free ends of wicks, and the channels of reception of the pyrotechnic delays are identical, to facilitate interchangeability of pyrotechnic delays. Likewise, when the cover means comprise a cover per cell, which facilitates progressive mounting of pyrotechnic delays and free ends of wick on the device, the covers are preferably mutually identical, which offers both the advantage of make them interchangeable and promote the interchangeability of pyrotechnic delays, and the advantage of authorizing manufacturing standardized, particularly economical especially when is made by molding.

To facilitate a change of pyrotechnic delays on the field, even immediately before firing, the means of fixing the means forming a cover on the base are preferably reversible, that is to say releasable without destruction, which allows to reuse the cover means after dismantling them.

For example, the fixing means include means latching, easy to make in reversible form in particular when the base and the cover means are made in one synthetic material, which also makes it possible to produce these means of fixing directly during molding, in a particularly simple and economic.

Naturally, a rigorous positioning of delays pyrotechnics in the channels provided for their reception promotes the proper functioning of the assembly and the present invention proposes also a pyrotechnic delay intended to be used jointly with the clustering device according to the invention, which delay pyrotechnic is characterized in that it comprises a tubular body longitudinal, for example metallic, internally lined with a delay pyrotechnic composition, open at its transverse ends and externally having a immobilization conformation by the base and the cover means.

For example, for this purpose, the reception channels and / or the means forming a cover have transverse shoulders, mutually opposite, longitudinal stop for delays pyrotechnics and the tubular bodies of the latter themselves, to cooperate with these cross shoulders mutually opposite, also mutually opposite transverse shoulders. The reception channels and / or the cover means, on the one hand, and the tubular bodies, on the other hand, are dimensioned longitudinally, between the respective shoulders, so that a stop is established mutual in both longitudinal directions, which precisely fixes the position of the pyrotechnic delays on the base, towards longitudinal.

Fixing the free ends of the wicks in the respective socket can be provided in a particularly simple way when, according to a mode of preferred embodiment, the cells and / or the means forming a cover include means forming a baffle for retaining the free end respective wick. The realization of such means, in particular by one-piece molding with the base and / or the cover means is easy.

We could foresee that the transmission of fire between delays pyrotechnics and the free ends of the wicks are carried out by through a pyrotechnic composition in which would drown the free ends of the wicks inside the cells.

However, direct transmission is preferred, not requiring additional operations for stuffing the cells by means of a pyrotechnic composition, and it is preferably provided for this purpose that the pyrotechnic delay reception channels are placed according to a same longitudinal alignment, and that at each end of the tubular body of a pyrotechnic delay, the pyrotechnic composition late presents a return cone.

Naturally, it is essential to prevent any transmission of fire from one cell to another without going through the delay pyrotechnic interconnecting them and, for this purpose, said face and / or the cover means preferably have reliefs transverse deflectors between the alveoli, outside the channels of reception of pyrotechnic delays. Such reliefs can advantageously be made by molding, during the manufacture of the base and / or cover means by this method.

A skilled person will readily understand that the use of a Clustering device and pyrotechnic delays according to the invention allows to make available to the fireworks and the public fireworks firing devices requiring only a minimum field assembly operations, so that the present invention extends to a fireworks device, comprising a battery of mortars mutually juxtaposed longitudinally, characterized in that it comprises a gripping device according to the invention, the base of which is fixed along the mortar battery.

This firework firing device may also include fireworks bombs each of which is housed in a respective mortar and has a wick, one free end of which is engaged in a cell respective, an ignition cord with one free end engaged in a cell, and pyrotechnic delays according to the invention including each is housed in a respective reception channel, the means forming cover being fixed on the base by said fixing means and retaining on the base the free ends of the wicks and the cord igniter and pyrotechnic delays.

Where appropriate, in the case of a product intended for the general public, can then provide that the means for fixing the means forming cover on the base make the fixing irremovable without destruction, in order to avoid disassembly being followed by reassembly in faulty, possibly dangerous conditions, although a device according to the invention, by the simplicity of assembly which it allows, also avoids faulty assemblies.

• La figure 1 montre une vue en perspective éclatée d'un dispositif de grappage selon l'invention, avec ses retards pyrotechniques.
• La figure 2 montre une vue d'un dispositif de tir de feux d'artifice équipé d'un dispositif de grappage selon l'invention, prêt au tir.
• La figure 3 montre une vue d'un retard pyrotechnique selon l'invention en coupe par un plan longitudinal.
• La figure 4 montre une vue d'un couvercle individuel d'alvéole par le dessous, c'est-à-dire par le côté de ce couvercle destiné à être tourné vers l'embase.
• La figure 5 montre une vue du même couvercle en coupe par un plan transversal repéré en V-V à la figure 4.

Other characteristics and advantages of the various aspects of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to a nonlimiting example of implementation of the invention, as well as from the appended drawings which form an integral part of this description.

• Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a clustering device according to the invention, with its pyrotechnic delays.
• Figure 2 shows a view of a fireworks firing device equipped with a clustering device according to the invention, ready to fire.
• FIG. 3 shows a view of a pyrotechnic delay according to the invention in section through a longitudinal plane.
• FIG. 4 shows a view of an individual cell cover from below, that is to say from the side of this cover intended to be turned towards the base.
• FIG. 5 shows a view of the same cover in section through a transverse plane marked in VV in FIG. 4.

We will first refer to Figures 1 and 2, where we have designated by 1 the base or bar of the gripping device according to the invention, by 2 each cell cover, visible in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, and by 3 each pyrotechnic delay, visible in more detail in Figure 3.

In FIG. 2, a battery 4 of mortars has also been illustrated, comprising a juxtaposition of mutually mortar tubes 5 identical, substantially vertical, in an alignment 6 which will subsequently constitute a longitudinal reference, these tubes 5 being for this purpose mounted in a frame 7 for example of wood, and containing each a firework bomb 8 provided with a wick 9 having a free end 10 immobilized between the base 1 and a respective cover 2 when the battery 4 is ready to fire, as will appear below.

In particular with reference to this state of the battery 4, the base 1 is fixed to the frame 7, for example by means of nails 11, near the mouths 12 of the tubes 5, and runs along the alignment of these last, naturally without interfering with their mouths 12 so as not to not constitute an obstacle to the exit of the bombs 8.

For convenience, the clustering device according to the invention will be described with reference to the position which it thus occupies on the frame 7 of a battery 4 of mortars, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it being understood that this does not result in any limitation in particular as to the orientation that a gripping device according to the invention can occupy in service.

If one thus refers to the position illustrated in FIG. 2, the base 1 has a generally flat shape in vertical direction 13 and elongated in the longitudinal horizontal direction 14 defined by the alignment 6, so as to present a respective zone 15 next to each mouth 12.

It thus has two planar faces, substantially rectangular, horizontal in its position illustrated in Figure 2, one side upper 16 and a lower face 17, mutually connected by a vertical edge 18. The long sides, not referenced, of the faces 16 and 17 are longitudinally oriented and their short sides, also not referenced, transversely.

In order to receive the nails 11, the base 1 is drilled right through part, between its faces 16 and 17, of holes 19 located respectively between two neighboring zones. In the example illustrated where zones 15 are at number of six, so there are five holes 19 for nailing the base 1 on the frame 7 of the mortar battery 4, it being understood that a number different, as well as other methods of fixing the base 1 to the frame 7, could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In each zone 15, the upper face 16 of the base 1 is hollowed out a respective cell 20 elongated in a transverse direction horizontal and having for example the shape of a parallelepiped rectangle. The presence of each cell 20 is reflected by the presence, under the underside 17, a projection 21 which also has, in this example, the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped delimited downwards by a flat lower face 22, parallel to face 17. The faces 22 of different projections 21 corresponding to the different cells 20 are coplanar with each other as well as with a longitudinal lower edge 23 of a rib 24 for stiffening the base 1, which rib 24 is also projecting under the underside 17 thereof and extends over the entire longitudinal dimension of the base 1, except at level of the holes 19, which it crosses. The lower faces 22 of the projections 21 and the lower edge 23 of the rib 24 can thus serve to support stable of the base 1 on any flat support, and for example on an edge 25 longitudinal, horizontal, of the frame 7 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the nails crossing the base 1 right through being nailed in this edge 25.

Each cell 20 is intended to receive the free end 10 of a respective wick 9 and, to help immobilize this free end 10 relative to the base 1 under conditions which will be detailed more far away, advantageously presents means forming a baffle, in the example illustrated in the form of a flat longitudinal wall 26 as the rib 24, of which it constitutes an extension, without discontinuity, to the interior of each cell 20. Each wall 26 has an edge upper level 30 with the upper face 16 of the base 1 and subdivides the corresponding cell 20 into two compartments 27, 28 of which each has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and which are mutually juxtaposed in a horizontal transverse direction. In this direction, the two compartments 27 and 28 have different dimensions, compartment 28 larger being intended to receive the free end 10 of the corresponding wick 9 while the smaller compartment 27 is intended for receive a zone 29 of the wick 9 directly adjacent to this end free 10. This compartment 27 directly adjoins the edge 18 of the base 1, by an upper edge 31 placed flush with the wall 16, and the base 1 is mounted on the frame 7 of the battery 4 of mortars so that each edge 31 adjoins the mouth 12 of a respective tube 5, the various cells 20 being distributed longitudinally on the base 1 according to a pitch no referenced identical to the not referenced pitch of longitudinal distribution of tubes 5.

The cells 20 are mutually identical and each of them is symmetrical with respect to a respective transverse plane 32 which constitutes a plane of symmetry for the whole of zone 15 respectively corresponding, except for zones 15 longitudinally extreme, slightly different as it will appear further. This plane 32 also constitutes a plane of symmetry for the cover 2 corresponding respectively when fixed on the base 1, regardless of the cover 2 and the zone 15 considered.

The compartments 28 of the different cells 20 are connected two two by channels 33, mutually aligned along an axis longitudinal 37 and hollowed out in the upper face 16, which gives rise to the formation of an unreferenced longitudinal bulge, devoid of any particular function, on the underside 17. Each channel 33 freely opens into the associated compartments 28 and furthermore same as the cells 20, in the upper face 16 of the base 1.

Each channel 33 comprises in the illustrated example three sections mutually juxtaposed longitudinally, at the rate of two sections longitudinally extreme 34 and a longitudinally central section 35.

The end sections 34, through which each channel 33 opens in the two corresponding compartments 28, set back by relative to face 16 a bottom face 36 which is in the example illustrated semi-cylindrical of revolution around axis 37, which is located in the geometric plane of the face 16. The radius, not referenced, of the bottom faces 36 is less than the depth of the cells 20 perpendicular to the upper face 16 of the base, so that the bulge, not referenced, which corresponds to them in the face 15, remains set back with respect to the faces lower 22 of projections 21 and edge 23 of rib 24. Both sections 34 which open into the same compartment 28 are mutually symmetrical with respect to the corresponding plane 32 with regard to concerns zones 15 other than extreme zones 15, a single channel 33 opening into the compartments 28 of the cells 20 corresponding to the 15 extreme zones.

In their central zone 15, on the other hand, the channels 33 are deprived background. In other words, each central zone 35 is defined by a hole passing through the base 1 right through, that is to say on its face upper 16 to its lower face 17. Each of these holes has when viewed in plan the shape of a rectangle, defined by two areas longitudinal edges 38, mutually symmetrical about the axis 37 and spaced perpendicularly thereto by a greater distance to the diameter of the bottom faces 36 of the end sections 34, and by two transverse edge zones 40 which, due to this dimensioning compared of the mutual spacing of the edge zones 38 and 39, on the one hand, and of the diameter of the faces 36, on the other hand, define shoulders transverse, facing one another.

The different channels 33 are identical, in particular as to the dimensioning of their different sections 34, 35.

The extreme zones 15 are different from other zones 15 not only by their lack of symmetry with respect to the respective plane 32 and by the fact that a single channel 33 opens into compartment 28 of the corresponding socket 20, but also by the fact that in the extension of this single channel 33 along the axis 37, on the other side of the compartment 28, the base 1 projecting from its upper face 16 a respective protuberance 42 to which corresponds a hollow 43, without particular function of the underside 17.

Each protuberance 42 has, on a longitudinal dimension corresponding to that of an extreme section 34 of channel 33, from corresponding compartment 28, a semi-cylindrical upper face 43 of revolution around axis 37 with a diameter identical to that of bottom faces 36 of the zones 34 of the channels 33. In the direction of a distance longitudinal with respect to the corresponding compartment 28, this face 43 connects to a transverse shoulder 44 facing this compartment 28; in the direction of a distance from axis 37, this shoulder connects itself to a face 45 also semi-cylindrical of revolution around axis 37 but with a diameter greater than that of the face 43, which face 45 is also connected to the edge 18 of the base 1.

Each of the protrusions 42 thus defined presents towards the cell 20 respectively corresponding to a flat transverse face 46 continuous, coplanarly extending a non transverse face referenced delimitation of compartment 28 in question.

Each of the channels 33 is intended to receive a delay respective pyrotechnics 3 having a shape suitable for being there immobilized by fixing the cover 2 to the base 1.

To this end, as appears more particularly from FIGS. 1 to 3, each pyrotechnic delay 3 has a tubular body 47 having a general form of revolution around an axis which merges with axis 37, so that the numerical reference 37 has been kept for designate this axis in Figure 3. The bodies 47 of the various delays 3 are mutually identical, at least externally, as are mutually identical the different channels 33 intended to receive them.

More specifically, in the example illustrated, each body 47 is delimited in the direction of a distance from axis 37 by three outer peripheral face sections at the rate of two sections longitudinally extreme 48, cylindrical of revolution around the axis 37 with a diameter substantially identical to that of the faces 36 of the sections 34 of the channels 33, and a longitudinally central section 49 also cylindrical of revolution around axis 37 with a diameter corresponding to the mutual transverse spacing of the longitudinal zones edge 38 of a section 35 of channel 33, so that the section 49 define by its connection with the sections 48 two shoulders 50 annulars of revolution around axis 37, planes, perpendicular to this one and turned in opposite directions.

These shoulders 50 are mutually spaced, longitudinally, a distance substantially identical to the distance between longitudinally the edge zones 40 of a central section 35 of the channel 33, so that each pyrotechnic delay 3 can fit together precisely, without the possibility of longitudinal displacement or transverse other than its insertion displacement shown diagrammatically by vertical arrows in Figure 1, in a corresponding channel 33. So the section 49 fits into section 35 by coming to bear transversely on the edge zones 38, the shoulders 50 come lean longitudinally on the shoulders defined by the edge zones 40, and the sections 48 are applied precisely against the bottom faces 36 of the end sections 34 of the channel 33 considered.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated but easily understandable by a person skilled in the art, each body 37 could have a constant outside diameter, corresponding to that of sections 48 above, and the shoulders 50 of nesting in the channel 33 respective be constituted by at least one patch so secured to the body 37 thus shaped, for example in the form of a longitudinal tubular sleeve or two transverse washers force-fitted, coaxially on this body.

Longitudinally opposite to their connection by the respective shoulder 50 with the section 49, the sections 48 are connected to a respective end face 52 of the body 47, the two faces 52 being annular, planar, of revolution around axis 37 and turned in direction mutually opposed. The longitudinal distance between the faces extremes 52 is substantially equal to the longitudinal distance separating mutually two neighboring cells 20 so that at the level of each of the compartments 28 associated with the same channel 33, the faces 52 of the delay 3 corresponding to this channel 33 is flush.

Each face 52 of the body 47 defines an open end 53 of the latter, thus opening directly into a cell compartment 28 20. This open end is defined by the connection of the face 52 respective with an inner peripheral face 54 of the body 47, which is cylindrical of revolution around the axis 37 with a diameter uniform lower than that of sections 48 of peripheral face outside.

By this inner peripheral face 54, the body 47 retains a delay pyrotechnic composition 55, suitably calibrated in function of the delay which one wishes to establish between the firing of the bombs 8 placed in the tubes 5 associated with the two cells 20 that the mutually connects channel 33 accommodating delay 3. Preferably, composition 55, rendered solid by any suitable means, for example by compression, present at each of the ends 53 a cone 56 for restoring fire, revolution around axis 37, so that pyrotechnic delays 3 can light the free ends 10 of the wicks 9 as well as, if necessary if necessary, another pyrotechnic delay leading to the same compartment 28, without physical contact between these different components.

The covers 2, which will now be described with reference to the Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, have the function, at the same time, of retaining delays pyrotechnics 3 in channels 33, and close at least for essentially the cells 20 by immobilizing the free ends 10 of wick 9 and, in one case, a free end 57 of a cord igniter 58, for example of the PICKFORD cord type.

For this purpose, each cover 2 is suitable for being fixed, preferably removably, in a determined position on the base 6, as is illustrated in particular in Figure 2, and this is with reference to this position that covers 2 will now be described.

Each of these covers 2 has a base plate 59 in particular delimited by two plane faces, mutually parallel, with due to an upper face 60 devoid of function and a face lower 61 intended to be applied flat on the upper face 16 of the base 1 around a respective cell 20 and, depending on whether it is a cell 20 of an extreme zone 15 or of cell 20 of a zone 15 intermediate, around the extreme section 34 of the single channel 33 opening into this cell 20 and the corresponding protuberance 42 or around the two extreme sections 34 of channel 33 opening into this cell 20.

The two faces 60 and 61 have a rectangular plane, defined by their connection with two transverse edge zones 62 mutually symmetrical with respect to plane 32, and by two zones longitudinal edges 64, 65, respectively symmetrical with respect to this plan 32.

The two transverse edge zones 62 are mutually spaced longitudinally by a distance which corresponds substantially to the longitudinal distance mutually separating the central sections 35 of two consecutive channels 33, i.e. the sum of the dimensions respective longitudinal of two end sections 34 and a compartment 28, or the sum of the longitudinal dimension of a extreme section 34, that of the upper face 43 of a protuberance 42 and that of a compartment 28 of cell 20.

By these edge zones 62 each cover 2 applied flat by its lower face 61 on the upper face 16 of the base 1 thus makes it possible to complete the longitudinal stop that constitute for the shoulders 50 of the body 47 of a pyrotechnic delay 3 the edge zones 40, forming also shoulder, of a central section 35 of channel 33.

To allow, for this purpose, to accommodate in each cover 2 either extreme sections 48 of the outer peripheral face of two delays pyrotechnics 3 disposed respectively on either side of the cell 20 associated, in the case of an intermediate zone, on the one hand such zone 48 and on the other hand a protuberance 42 in the case of zones 15 extremes, in the lower face 61 of each plate 59 are arranged, in the same longitudinal alignment, two sections 66 of channel, delimited by a respective bottom face 67 semi-cylindrical revolution around axis 37 if we refer to the predetermined position above, with a diameter substantially identical to that of the faces of bottom 36 of the end sections 34 of channel 33. Each of these sections of channel 66 opens on the one hand into a respective edge zone 62 of the plate 59 and secondly in a cell 68 also hollowed out in the lower face 61, between the two sections 66, straddling the plane 32 and symmetrically with respect to it if we refer to said predetermined position.

It is easily understood that by their bottom face 67, the sections of channel 66 follow the upper part of the sections 48 from the front external device of the body 47 of the two pyrotechnic delays 3 arranged on either side of a cell 20, in the case of a section 15 intermediate, or the upper part of an end section 48 from the front external device of the body 47 with a single pyrotechnic delay 3 and the upper face 43 of a protuberance 42 in the case of a zone 15 extreme.

Cell 68, as well as channel sections 66, correspond to protrusions, respectively 72, 73, on the upper face 60 of the plate 59, but these projections are devoid of function.

The channel sections 66 have longitudinal dimensions respective substantially identical to those of an extreme section 34 of channel 33, so that the cell 68 is superimposed on the corresponding cell 20, if we refer to the longitudinal direction.

If we refer to a transverse direction, the alveolus 68 is more small than a cell 20, and placed so as to be completely superimposed on the corresponding compartment 28, by an area not referenced more close to its edge zone 65, while it is superimposed, by a zone also not referenced closer to song 64, only at a part of the corresponding compartment 27, namely approximately half of this compartment 27 closest to wall 26.

At this level, the cell 68 directly adjoins the edge area 64 of the plate 59 and has a longitudinal rim 69 projecting under the face bottom 61 of plate 59.

This rim 69, symmetrical with respect to the plane 32, has perpendicular to this slightly longitudinal dimensions lower than those of compartment 27, so as to enter this latest. Perpendicular to the underside 61 of the plate 59, it has dimensions smaller than those of compartment 27 perpendicular to face 16, so that it allows the passage of the extreme zone 29 of a respective wick 9 and, as regards one extreme zones 15, that of the free end 57 of the cord 58, inside the compartment 27, however constituting with the wall 26 a baffle imposing on this extreme zone 29 and on this free end 57 thwarted compression and flexion ensuring their immobilization inside the cell 20 as soon as the cover 2 is fixed on the base 1.

The suitable dimensioning, for this purpose, of compartment 27, alveolus 68, wall 26 and rim 69 fall within normal capabilities of a skilled person.

To secure each cover 2 to the base 1 in the determined position defined above, can be provided various fastening means, one embodiment of which has been illustrated particularly simple.

According to this embodiment, the plate 59 carries integrally, in its edge zone 64, respectively in the immediate vicinity of each edge zone 62, two legs 70 mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane 32 and showing, when viewed in section through a plane transverse, the shape of a square with a first branch in protrusion under the underside 61 of the plate 59 and perpendicular to this face 61, to which it is connected, and a second branch parallel to the face 61 to which it is connected by the first branch and forming a transverse projection relative to the edge 64.

To receive the two legs 70, each zone 15 of the base 1 has, respectively on either side of compartment 27, two holes 71 crossing the base 1 from its upper face 16 to its lower face 17, these two holes 71 being mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane 32 respective and arranged in relation to the latter in an identical manner to the legs 70.

The legs 70 and the holes 71 are dimensioned, so easily determinable by a person skilled in the art, so that one can introduce the legs 70 by their second branch into the holes 71 in placing the plate 59 perpendicular to the base 1, then fold the plate 2 by pivoting it by the legs 70 in the holes 71 until bring its lower face 61 in flat contact with the upper face 16 of the base 1, the second branches of the legs 70 then being housed under the underside 17 of the base 1 to ensure the retention of the cover 2 in the immediate vicinity of edge zone 64.

In addition, along the edge area 65 there are two hooks 71 also mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane 32 and projecting under the underside 61 of the plate 59.

These two hooks 71 are easily positioned determinable by a person skilled in the art, so that during the aforementioned drawdown, they snap elastically onto the edge 18 of the base 1, in a longitudinal zone of this edge 18 transversely opposite to the zone thereof corresponding to the edges 31 compartments 27 of the cells 20.

A skilled person will easily understand how the mounting a fireworks device when using the clustering device according to the invention.

This assembly can be carried out while the base 1 is already fixed on the frame 7 of the battery 4 of mortars, whose tubes 5 contain the bombs 8, or before mounting the base 1 on the frame 7 and introduction of the bombs 8 in tubes 5.

The covers 2 being assumed initially disjoint from the base 1, placing the free end in compartment 28 of a first cell 20 a wick 9, corresponding to the bomb 8 intended to be associated with this alveolus 20, taking care to overlap by zone 29 of this wick 9 edges 30 and 31. If the cell 20 thus treated corresponding to one end zones 15 and is intended to further receive the free end 57 of the inflammatory cord 58, the free end 57 is arranged identically at the free end 10.

Then, depending on whether it's an intermediate zone or an 15 extreme, we place in each of the channels 33 opening into the compartment 28 considered, or in the single channel 33 opening into this cell 28, a pyrotechnic delay 3 suitably chosen in taking care to place the longitudinally central section 49 of its face external device in the hole constituting the central section 35 of the channel 33.

Then, we present the corresponding cover 2 by orienting its plate 59 perpendicular to the base 1 so as to introduce into the holes 71 the two tabs 70 then the cover 2 is folded down on the base 1 as described above, which automatically causes latching of the hooks 71 on the edge 18 of the base.

During this movement, the wick 9 and, if necessary, the cord igniter 58 are trapped in the socket 20 and the free end 10 of the wick 9, as well as where appropriate the free end 57 of the cord igniter 58, are placed directly or practically directly in view of the fire restitution cone 56 of the or each associated delay 3.

When firing, initiated by the inflammatory cord 58, we light simultaneously the wick 59 corresponding to the same cell 20 as that cord 58 and the pyrotechnic composition 55 of the delay 3 opening into this cell. The corresponding bomb 8 is fired and, after a delay pyrotechnic delay 3, it simultaneously ignites the wick 9 of the bomb 8 located in the immediately adjacent tube 5 and the composition pyrotechnic 55 of the delay 3 longitudinally following. The phenomenon repeats until the last extreme zone 15 where only a wick 9 is lit, the aforementioned face 46 prohibiting at this level the exit of the fire out of the closed assembly defined by the cells 20 and 68 as well as by the faces internal peripherals 54 of the bodies 47, as well as at the level of the extreme zone 15 receiving the inflammatory cord 58.

In order to ensure the operating reliability of the device, it is preferable to avoid that fire cannot be transmitted directly from cell 20 to the other, without passing through the composition pyrotechnic 55 of the delay 3 interposed between these cells.

To this end, in the example illustrated, provision has been made between two zones 15 respectively, a baffle relief in the form of a transverse rib 72 projecting from the upper face 16 of the base 1, over the entire transverse dimension thereof, that is to say from each of the longitudinal edge zones up to the hole defining the central section 35 of the channel 33 connecting the cells 20 of the two zones 15 considered, this rib 72 being further interrupted at the level of the hole 19 associated to allow the passage of the head of the nail 11 respectively corresponding. At this hole and at the hole defining the central section 35 of channel 33, the continuity of the dam opposing the direct passage of fire is ensured respectively by the head of the nail 11 and by the body 47 of the delay 3.

Naturally, other means could be provided for this purpose. without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, this is likely to have many variations without going beyond its framework.

These variants can relate not only to the number cells 20 of the base 1, naturally linked to that of the tubes 5 of the battery 4, but also on the practical design of the base 1, pyrotechnic delays 3 and covers 2.

Claims (18)

1. Device for grouping fireworks (8) together in clusters, each of which fireworks has a fuse (9) comprising a baseplate (1) in the form of a strip capable, on the one hand, of being fixed along a battery (4) of mortars (5) each of which is intended to take a respective firework (8) and, on the other hand, of being secured to a free end (10) of each fuse (9), pyrotechnic delays (3) connecting the free ends (10) of the fuse (9) in pairs and a free end (57) of an igniter cord (58) for igniting the fireworks (8) via the delays (3) and the fuses (9),
   characterized in that the baseplate (1) has a number of transverse cavities (20) for housing a respective free end (10) of a fuse (9), these cavities being spread out longitudinally to the extent of one cavity (20) per free end (10) of fuse (9) and opening into one same longitudinal face (16) of the baseplate (1), longitudinal channels (33) for housing a respective pyrotechnic delay (3) connecting the cavities (20) in pairs and opening into the said face (16), and means (71, 18) for attaching lid-forming means (2) onto the said face (16), in that there are also provided lid-forming means (2) comprising fixing means (70, 74) capable of collaborating with the said fixing means (71, 18) belonging to the baseplate (1) so as to allow the lid-forming means (2) to be fixed to the said face (16) in a position in which they define, with the cavities (20) and the channels (33), an assembly which is closed while still leaving a respective passage for the fuses (9) and the igniter cord (58), and in that the cavities (20) and the channels (33) and/or the lid-forming means (2) are shaped in such a way that when the lid (2) is fixed onto the said face (16), it securely traps a free end (10) of a fuse (9) in each cavity (20), a pyrotechnic delay (3) in each channel housing (33) and a free end (57) of an igniter cord (58) in one of the cavities (20), in a relationship such that there is pyrotechnic continuity.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cavities (20) are identical.
3. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the channel housings (33) are identical.
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lid-forming means (2) comprise one lid (2) per cavity (20).
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the lids (2) are all identical.
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fixing means (71, 18, 70, 74) are reversible.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing means (71, 18, 70, 74) comprise clip-fastening means (71, 18, 70, 74).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the channel housings (33) and/or the lid-forming means (2) comprise mutually opposed transverse shoulders (40, 50) for the longitudinal abutment of the pyrotechnic delays (3).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cavities (20) and/or the lid-forming means (2) comprise means (26, 69) forming a chicane for retaining the respective free end (10) of fuse (9).
10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the channel housings (33) are placed in one same longitudinal alignment (37).
11. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the said face (16) and/or the lid-forming means (2) have transverse deflecting reliefs (72) between the cavities (20) outside the channel housings (33).
12. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the baseplate (1) and the lid-forming means (2) are made of a synthetic material.
13. Pyrotechnic delay intended to be used in conjunction with a device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a longitudinal tubular body (47) lined on the inside with a pyrotechnic composition involving a delay (55), open at its transverse ends (53) and, on the outside, having a shape that allows it to be immobilized by the baseplate (1) and the lid-forming means (2).
14. Pyrotechnic delay according to Claim 13, characterized in that, in order to collaborate with the transverse shoulders (40, 50) of the channel housings (33) and/or the lid-forming means (2) of a device according to Claim 8, the tubular body (47) comprises mutually opposed transverse shoulders (50).
15. Pyrotechnic delay according to either one of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that, at each end of the tubular body (47), the pyrotechnic composition with delay (55) has a propagation cone (56).
16. Pyrotechnic delay according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the tubular body (47) is made of metal.
17. Device for firing fireworks, comprising a battery (4) of mortars (5) juxtaposed longitudinally, characterized in that it comprises a clustering device (1, 2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, the baseplate (1) of which is fixed along the battery (4) of mortars (5).
18. Device according to Claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises fireworks (8), each of which is housed in a respective mortar (5) and has a fuse (9), a free end (10) of which is engaged in a respective cavity (20), an igniter cord (58), a free end (57) of which is engaged in a cavity (20), and pyrotechnic delays (3) according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, each of which is housed in a respective channel housing (33), the lid-forming means (2) being fixed to the baseplate (1) by the said fixing means (71, 18, 70, 74) and holding the free ends (10, 57) of the fuses (9) and of the igniter cord (58) and the pyrotechnic delays (3) on the baseplate (1).

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