Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
  • F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
  • F41B11/71—Electric or electronic control systems, e.g. for safety purposes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H37/00—Jokes; Confetti, streamers, or other dance favours ; Cracker bonbons or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
  • A63H5/00—Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical
  • A63H5/04—Pistols or machine guns operated without detonators; Crackers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
  • F41B11/50—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines
  • F41B11/57—Electronic or electric systems for feeding or loading
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
  • F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
  • F41B11/62—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a system for projecting light elements into the air, in particular paper or plastic, for example confetti or streamers, during festive events.
• a projection system corresponds to the product marketed by Brezac .Artifices under the Kabuki brand.
• Such a projection system consists of a base on which a compressed gas cartridge is fixed.
• a tube containing the light elements to be projected into the air is mounted on the base so as to receive the gases supplied by the cartridge.
• a striker which can be operated manually or automatically is suitable for piercing the cartridge. The released gases then spread in the tube and project the light elements into the air.
• a disadvantage of such a projection system is that it is difficult to ensure, at each use, an optimal drilling of the cartridge.
• the amplitude of the kinetic energy that can be transmitted to the striker to ensure the opening of the cartridge is generally limited.
• the striker when the projection system is actuated manually, the striker is set in motion directly by a user, for example by pulling a string. The amplitude of the energy- transmitted to the striker is then limited by the energy that the user can develop.
• the striker When the projection system is actuated automatically, the striker is generally connected to a spring, maintained in the compressed state by a locking means actuated by an electromagnet. The spring is released when the electromagnet receives a control signal.
• the low mass of the striker and the space constraints limit the amplitude of the kinetic energy that can be transmitted to the striker.
• the present invention aims to obtain a system for projecting light elements, using a compressed gas cartridge, improving the opening of the cartridge by the striker.
• the present invention also aims to obtain a system for projecting light elements in which the replacement of the compressed gas cartridge is simple and rapid.
• the present invention provides a system for projecting light elements into the air, comprising a housing connected to a reservoir containing the light elements and comprising an opening extending in a determined direction; a slide adapted to slide in the opening in the determined direction; a striker disposed in the opening and fixed relative to the housing; means for sliding the slide in the opening; means for locking the slide relative to the housing in a stopped position; a compressed gas cartridge adapted to be driven in sliding by the slide and, when the slide is locked in the stop position, to be thrown against the striker to be opened by the striker; and means for conducting the gases released when the cartridge is opened to the reservoir.
• the projection system comprises an additional locking means of the slide relative to the housing in an arming position in which the slide is farther from the striker than in the stopped position ; and means for releasing the slide sliding in the opening from the cocking position.
• the means for sliding the slide is a helical spring comprising a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the slide, the spring being compressed when the slide is in the position of arming and being adapted to relax to slide the slide between the arming position and the stop position.
• the opening includes a shoulder for locking the slide in the stopped position.
• the slide comprises a body and at least one reinforcement connected to the body by a tab extending in a determined direction, the opening comprising a shoulder adapted to receive the reinforcement to block the slide to the cocking position, the tab being deformable to release the reinforcement of the shoulder.
• the system comprises a base disposed at one end of the opening, the striker being fixed to the base, the base comprising at least one protuberance adapted to cooperate with the slide to place the slides in the arming position.
• the opening is cylindrical, the base being adapted to be pivoted relative to the housing from a first position in which the base prevents the sliding of the slide to a second position in which the slide is free to slide.
• the reservoir is fixed to the base, said base comprising openings for the passage of the gases released when the cartridge is opened.
• the housing comprises at least one flexible blade that can be actuated manually and is adapted to deform the tab to release the reinforcement from the shoulder.
• the system comprises means for deforming the tab comprising a movable arm, one end of which is adapted to deform the tab and an electromagnet adapted to actuate the arm.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 represent sections of the projection system according to the invention in two successive stages of the use of the projection system;
• FIG. 3 represents an exploded view of elements of the projection system according to the invention;
• Figures 4 and 5 show respectively a perspective view and a top view of an element of the projection system according to the invention;
• Figures 6 and 7 respectively show an enlarged side view and top view of the striker of the projection system according to the invention;
• FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively represent a side view and a partial front section of an automatic actuation device of the projection system according to the invention.
• FIGS 1 to 5 show several views of a projection system 10 according to the invention.
• the system of projection 10 comprises a cylindrical housing 12 traversed by a cylindrical opening 13 of axis D, closed by a plug 14 at one end and by a base 16 at the opposite end.
• the axial length of the housing 12 is a few tens of centimeters and the internal radius of the housing 12 varies from a few centimeters to ten centimeters.
• the base 16 comprises a base 17, obstructing the end of the housing 12, from which a cylindrical support 18 is projected along the axis D.
• a tube 20, of which only a portion is shown in Figures 1 to 3, is fixed to the cylindrical support 18, for example by stapling or gluing, and extends along the axis D.
• the tube 20 contains light elements, not shown, in particular in paper or plastic, for example confetti or streamers.
• the tube 20 is advantageously made of cardboard, or of any material at low cost, which can easily tear under the action of an internal overpressure.
• the cylindrical support 18 comprises a collar 21 which abuts against the housing 12.
• An auxiliary cylindrical support 22 coaxial with the cylindrical support 18 and having a diameter less than the diameter of the cylindrical support 18 projects from the base 17.
• the arrangement of the cylindrical supports 18, 22 allows the choice of mounting between one of the following tubes: the tube 20 said to be of large diameter mounted at the level of the outer lateral surface of larger diameter of the cylindrical support 18, a tube (not shown) said to be of intermediate diameter mounted between the cylindrical supports 18, 22 or a tube (not shown) of small diameter mounted at the inner lateral surface of smaller diameter of the cylindrical support 22.
• the base 17 includes openings 26 allowing passage of gas between the opening 13 and the inside of the tube 20.
• the base 17 comprises an opening 28 receiving a striker 30 which projects in relation to the share the 17 in the opening 13.
• the base 17 is extended by a cylindrical wall 32 which projects along the axis D in the opening 13. As can be seen more clearly in FIG.
• the cylindrical wall 32 has two protrusions 36, 38 arranged diametrically opposite on the exterior surface of the cylindrical wall 32.
• Each protrusion 36 comprises two rectilinear portions 37A- 37B extending along 1 ' axis D and connected at the ends by two circular portions 37C, 37D.
• the plug 14 comprises a bottom 40 obstructing the end of the housing 12 opposite the base 16.
• a flange 42 facilitates the mounting of the plug 14 on the housing 12.
• the plug 14 comprises a cylindrical portion 44 which projects from the bottom 40 in the opening 13 along the axis D.
• a spiral spring 46 is placed in the opening 13. One end of the spring 46 bears against the bottom 40 of the plug 14, between the cylindrical portion 44 and the housing 12, the cylindrical portion 44 facilitating the centering of the spring 46.
• a slide 48 is arranged in the housing 12 between the base 16 and the spring 46.
• the slide 48 comprises a cylindrical body 50 which extends along the axis D and which is partially inserted in the spring 46.
• the cylindrical body 50 comprises a cylindrical internal cavity 52 closed at one end by a bottom 54 and open at the opposite end.
• the external diameter of the body 50 corresponds substantially to the internal diameter of the cylindrical wall 32 of the base 16.
• the body 50 comprises in the middle part a collar 56 forming a shoulder 58 against which abuts one end of the spring 46.
• Two legs 60 , 62 project from the collar 56, on the side of the collar 56 opposite the spring 46.
• Each tab 60, 62 corresponds to a portion of a cylinder oriented along the axis of the housing 12.
• a space 64, 66 is provided between each leg 60, 62 and the cylindrical body 50 for the passage of the cylindrical wall 32 of the base 16.
• a reinforcement 68, 70 is disposed at the free end of each leg 60, 62.
• the legs 60, 62 have a certain elasticity and are liable to deform under the action of a force transverse to the axis D.
• a cylindrical cartridge 72 of compressed gas is disposed in the internal cavity 52 of the cylindrical body 50.
• a fixing means can be provided to maintain the cartridge 72 in the internal cavity 52 in the absence of significant efforts so as, in particular, to maintain the cartridge 72 in the internal cavity 52 when the projection system 10 is oriented so that the free end of the tube 20 points to the ground.
• the opening 13 of the housing 12 comprises a shoulder 76 on the side of the end close to the tube 20.
• the opening 13 comprises two locking elements 78, 80, visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, having the shape of portions of arcs cylindrical which project from the internal surface of the housing 12 in a substantially diametrically opposite manner and which are arranged near the shoulder 76.
• Each locking element 78, 80 has a stop 81 at one of the faces included in planes comprising the axis D (only one stop is visible in FIG. 4).
• the stops 81 are arranged diametrically opposite.
• the housing 12 comprises in the middle part two slots 82, 84 in the shape of a U arranged in a diametrically opposite manner and each delimiting a flexible strip 86, 88.
• a recess 90, 92 is provided at the level of each tongue 86, 88 to facilitate its handling.
• the opening 13 comprises a shoulder 93 disposed between the strips 86, 88 and the first shoulder 76 near the strips 86, 88.
• the slide 48 is pressed into the opening 13 until the reinforcements 68, 70 of the legs 60, 62 come into contact with the shoulder 93 preventing the progression of the slide 48 further forward in the opening 13.
• the orientation of the slide 48 relative to the housing 12 is imposed by means not shown so that, when the reinforcements 68, 70 of the slide 48 are in abutment against the shoulder 93, each reinforcement 68, 70 is substantially facing a strip 86, 88.
• the insertion of the base 16 into the housing 12 is such that, during the rotation of the base 16, the protrusions 36, 38 and the base 16 sandwich the locking elements 78, 80 until the protrusions 36, 38 come into contact against the stops 81.
• the projection system 10 is then substantially in the configuration shown in Figure 1.
• the projection system 10 is said to be armed insofar as it is ready to be used.
• the projection of the light elements contained in the tube 20 is obtained by exerting pressure simultaneously on the strips 86, 88, which slightly deform the legs 60, 62, causing the release of the reinforcements 68, 70 from the shoulder 93.
• the spring 46 then relaxes violently and drives the slide 48 which moves axially in the direction of the base 16.
• the slide 48 When the collar 56 of the slide 48 abuts against the shoulder 93, the slide 48 abruptly interrupts its travel.
• the cartridge 72 is then projected against the striker 30.
• the kinetic energy acquired by the cartridge 72 is sufficient to cause the opening of the cartridge 72 during the impact with the striker 30 and the release of the gases contained in the cartridge 72.
• the cartridge 72 In reaction to shock, the cartridge 72 is thrown axially against the bottom 54 of the slide 48.
• the gases then spread in the free part of the internal cavity 52 and pass through the openings 26 in the tube 20.
• the overpressure resulting is sufficient to cause the expulsion of the light elements outside the tube 20.
• the striker 30 is made of a sufficiently soft material so that the end of the striker 30 is dulled upon impact with the cartridge 72 so as to impose the change of the base 16 between two uses of the projection system 10.
• the end of the tube 20 opposite the housing 12 is closed by a seal intended to be pierced by the overpressure present in the tube 20 during the release of the gases from the cartridge 72.
• the Applicant has demonstrated that the projection of the light elements contained in the tube 20 takes place at a distance more important when the tube 20 is closed initially.
• a small clearance is provided between the cylindrical body 50 of the slide 48 and the cylindrical wall 32 extending the base 17. This limits, during the opening of the cartridge 72, gas leaks between the cylindrical body 50 and the cylindrical wall 32, thus promoting the increase in pressure in the free part of the internal cavity 52 and accelerating the flow of gases through the openings 26 in the tube 20.
• the auxiliary tube is plugged at the end opposite to the cylindrical support 22. The release of gas successively causes the drilling of the auxiliary tube then of the tube 20.
• the Applicant has demonstrated that such a configuration allows the projection light elements at a greater distance than when using the single tube 20.
• the projection system 10 is as shown in FIG. 2.
• a user To reuse the projection system after opening a cartridge 72, a user must remove the tube 20 and the base 16, then remove the cartridge 72. The user then introduces a new cartridge 72 into the cavity 52 of the slide 48, then sets up a new base 16 at the end of the housing 12, the base 16 being generally already equipped with the tube 20.
• the presence of the locking elements 78, 80 requires a determined orientation of the base 16 relative to the housing 12 when the base 16 is introduced into the housing 12 so that the protrusions 36 , 38 slide between the locking elements 78, 80 during the axial movement of the base 16.
• Each protrusion 36, 38 then presses on a tab 60, 62 of the slide 48.
• the depression of the base 16 then causes l insertion of the slide 48 dan s the tube 12 and compresses the spring 46 until the reinforcements 68, 70 engage in the shoulder 93 by deformation of the legs 60, 62, then blocking the slide 48 in axial translation.
• the user then pivots the base 16 along the axis D until the protrusions 36, 38 abut against the stops 80, 82 of the locking elements 78, 80.
• the projection system 10 is ready for new use .
• the cartridge 72 in reaction to the impact between the cartridge 72 and the striker 30, the cartridge 72 is thrown axially against the bottom 54 of the slide 48 with sufficient force to cause the displacement of the slide 48 and compress the spring 46 until the reinforcements 68, 70 engage in the shoulder 93 by deformation of the legs 60, 62, then blocking the slide 48 in axial translation.
• Such a variant therefore makes it possible to automatically rearm the projection system 10.
• a user To reuse the projection system 10, a user must remove the tube 20 and the base 16, then remove the cartridge 72.
• the projection system 10 is ready for new use.
• the projection system 10 according to the present invention is designed so that a user must press simultaneously on the two strips 86, 88 to release the two reinforcements 68, 70 from the shoulder 93 and allow movement of the slide 48 This avoids accidental release of the slide 48 when the user inadvertently presses only on a strip 86, 88.
• FIG. 6 and 7 show enlarged detail views of an exemplary embodiment of the striker 30.
• the striker 30 comprises a cylindrical rod 94 inserted in the opening 28 for the fixing the striker 30 to the base 16.
• the striker 30 includes a 95 tapered lead end separate from the stem
• the angle at the top of the conical end 95 is, for example, about 2 degrees.
• the 95 comprises a bevelled wall 97.
• the angle formed between the bevelled wall 97 and the axis of the striker 30 is approximately 15 degrees.
• a flat 98 extends over the conical end 94 from the bevelled wall 97 to the collar 96.
• the collar comprises a recess 99 disposed on the face of the collar 96 perpendicular to the axis of the striker 30 and located on the side of the conical end 95.
• the depression 99 extends from the flat 98 to the radial end of the collar 96.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 show an automatic actuation device 100 of the projection system 10 according to the invention.
• the automatic actuation device 100 comprises a casing 102, in which is disposed a manual projection system 10 as described above.
• the plug 14 has a rounded shape.
• a striated collar 114 is arranged around the housing 12 to facilitate gripping.
• the casing 102 comprises a base 105 on which the plug 14 rests.
• a rectilinear rib 106 extends over the wall 105 and cooperates with a groove 107 provided on the bottom 14 of the housing 12. The cooperation of the rib 106 and the groove 107 blocks the housing 12 in rotation relative to the casing 102.
• the casing 102 is pivotally mounted on a base 108 by means of a pivot link 109. The inclination of the casing 102 relative to the base 108 defines the direction of projection of the light elements.
• the casing 102 comprises two pivoting arms 110, 112 arranged in a substantially diametrically opposite manner relative to the housing 12 and each mounted for rotation in the middle part on a pivot 114, 116.
• Each arm 110, 112 comprises at one end a bulge 118, 120 arranged opposite a strip 86, 88 of the housing 12.
• An electromagnet 122 is disposed in the casing 102 and is controlled by a control circuit not shown.
• a rod 124 is mounted to slide freely relative to the electromagnet 122 and is adapted to penetrate into the electromagnet 122 when the latter is traversed by a current.
• a connecting rod 126, 128 connects the end of each arm 110, 112 opposite the bulge 118, 120 to the rod 124.
• Each connecting rod 126, 128 is rotatably mounted on the arm 110, 112 and on the rod 124.
• a return means places the rod 124 in a position where it is most removed from one electromagnet 122.
• the connecting rods 126, 128 then rotate the arms 110, 112 so that the bulges 118, 120 are not in contact with the lamellae 86, 88 of the housing 12.
• the control circuit supplies the electromagnet 122
• the rod 124 enters the electromagnet magnet 122.
• the connecting rods 126, 128, driven by the rod 124 rotate the pivoting arms 110, 112 so that each bulge 118, 120 presses against a strip 86, 88. This causes the slide 48 to be released from the projection system 10 as explained above.
• the control circuit of the electromagnet 122 comprises a capacitor storing the energy necessary to supply the electromagnet 122, a power transformer disposed between the capacitor and the electromagnet 122, and a capacitor control circuit .
• the casing 102 comprises an input socket 130 with three terminals 131, 132, 133.
• a supply voltage for example of the order of 24 volts, is applied between the terminals 131 and 132 and allows charging of the capacitor of the control circuit of the electromagnet 112.
• a control voltage of the control circuit is applied between the terminals 131 and 133 and supplies the control circuit of the capacitor to cause the discharge of the capacitor in 1 ' electromagnet 122.
• a diode can be arranged at the casing 102 to indicate correct charging of the capacitor.
• the casing 102 may include an outlet 135 making it possible to connect several automatic actuation devices 100 according to the invention in series.
• the present invention has many advantages: First, the release of the slide 48 by a compression spring 46 makes it possible to develop significant forces favoring a greater opening of the cartridge 72 during the impact with the striker 30 thus resulting in better release of the gases contained in the cartridge 72 and therefore better projection of the light elements contained in the tube 20. In addition, the volume present in the internal cavity 52 of the slide 48 allows better expansion of the gases expelled from the cartridge 72 and promotes better projection of light elements. Secondly, since the compressed gas cartridge 72 is not fixed to the projection system, it can be replaced very quickly.
• the operation of the light element projection system is very simple since it requires a simple pressure of the tabs 86, 88.
• the present invention is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will appear to those skilled in the art. art.
• the number and distribution of the OPEN ⁇ tures of the base plate allowing the passage of gases released by the cartridge depend on the dimensions of the cartridge and the tube containing the light elements to be projected.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
• Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
• Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
• Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
• Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
• Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
• Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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• 2003
  • 2003-07-09 FR FR0350313A patent/FR2857441B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2004
  • 2004-07-08 CA CA002507104A patent/CA2507104A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-07-08 AT AT04767879T patent/ATE480747T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2004-07-08 DE DE602004029041T patent/DE602004029041D1/de active Active
  • 2004-07-08 US US10/535,342 patent/US7293558B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2004-07-08 WO PCT/FR2004/050318 patent/WO2005005909A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2004-07-08 CN CN2004800014808A patent/CN1717572B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2004-07-08 EP EP04767879A patent/EP1642082B1/de not_active Not-in-force

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