GB2203524A

GB2203524A - Pyrotechnic devices

Info

Publication number: GB2203524A
Application number: GB08807484A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Baxter
Original assignee: BROCK FIREWORKS
Current assignee: BROCK FIREWORKS
Priority date: 1987-03-31
Filing date: 1988-03-29
Publication date: 1988-10-19
Also published as: GB8707676D0; GB8807484D0

Abstract

A pyrotechnic device characterised in that it comprises applied to at least a portion of an outer surface thereof and/or visibly incorporated therein one or more phosphorescent materials is disclosed. As fireworks in particular are usually used from dusk onwards and other pyrotechnics may be used in conditions of poor illumination, it is a clear advantage to the user both in terms of safety and convenience for at least some part of the device, particularly a touchpaper or ignition point, to "glow-in-the-dark", i.e. phosphoresce. Although possessing a surprising advantage, the present devices may generally be used in a conventional manner.

Description

"Pvrotechnic Devices" This invention relates to pyrotechnic devices; more particularly, it relates to pyrotechnic devices, including military, marine and industrial pyrotechnics, as well as fireworks, which have a "glow-in-the-dark" property to facilitate use.

As firewo-rks in particular are usually used from dusk onwards and other pyrotechnics may be used in conditions of poor illumination, it is a clear advantage to the user both in terms of safety and convenience for at least some part of the device, particularly a touchpaper or ignition point, to ',glow - in - the - dark" , i.e.

phosphoresce. Although possessing a surprising advantage, the present devices may generally be used in a conventional manner.

The present invention provides a pyrotechnic device characterised in that it comprises applied to at least a portion of an outer surface thereof and/or visibly incorporated therein one or more phosphorescent materials.

Generally, the phosphorescent material(s) is/are applied to and/or incorporated in an ignition component.

Particularly in this case, the phosphorescent material(s) is/are combustible.

The present invention also provides a process for the production of such a device characterised in that it comprises applying to at least a portion of an outer surface thereof and/or visibly incorporating therein one or more phosphorescent materials. Generally, the phosphorescent material(s) is/are continuously or discontinuously applied to and/or incorporated in an ignition component prior to its assembly into the device.

Alternatively, the phosphorescent material(s) is/are continuously or discontinuously applied to an ignition area after production of the device.

In order to obtain the desired visual effect, at least some phosphorescent materials may be used in the fabrication of the surface of a pyrotechnic and/or a phosphorescent material may be applied to at least a portion of the surface of a conventional device. For example, phosphorescent ink or dye may be applied to conventional touchpaper and/or printed as desired elsewhere on a label or body portion of a pyrotechnic.

Such may be effected using conventional printing techniques and appropriate compositions. Alternatively, phosphorescent base paper, for example, may be converted into touchpaper or otherwise be incorporated into pyrotechnic devices. Depending on the nature of the pyrotechnic, the solid or liquid phosphorescence-producing material(s) may be applied to and/or incorporated in materials comprising papers, plastics, cardboard and metal, for example. Application may involve, for example, inks, paints and varnishes or other forms of coating or impregnation.

Pyrotechnic devices in accordance with the present invention may be produced by conventional techniques well within the competence of those skilled in the art. Of course, when the phosphorescence-producing material(s) is/are applied directly or closely adjacent to and/or incorporated in particularly an ignition component of a pyrotechnic, the nature in particular, the formulation, of the material(s) must be such that the physical and chemical properties of the ignition component in particular are not adversely affected and that its function is not significantly impaired. The presentlyused phosphorescent materials may comprise conventional phosphorescent pigments to which have been added various known components which render the resulting composition suitable, in particular combustible.Preferably, a phosphorescent material is applied either as a continuous coating or as a discontinuous pattern, for example, of dots or lines, to an ignition component prior to its assembly into a pyrotechnic. Alternatively, after production of a pyrotechnic device, a phosphorescent material may be applied as desired, in particular to or adjacent to an ignition area, for example by dipping, spraying or painting.

By way of illustration, a suitable liquid form of phosphorescent material is as follows: Nitrocellulose 12.1% Butan-2-ol 3.5% Ethoxy propyl acetate 1.8% Solvesso 100 4.5% Methyl isobutyl ketone 8.5% Castro oil 2.4% Tri-n-butyl citrate 1.2% Lumilux *Green N 64.2% Titanium dioxide 1.8% (*Lumilux is a trade mark of Riedel-de Haven AG) This formulation may be applied by conventional coating or printing techniques to, for example, firework touchpaper.

Such a coating, applied as a continuous film with a wet film thickness of 40-50p, imparts phosphorescent behaviour to the touchpaper without impairing its physical or chemical properties. When activated by exposure to natural or artificial light, the phosphorescent behaviour of the material will persist for several hours.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pyrotechnic device characterised in that it comprises applied to at least a portion of an outer surface thereof and/or visibly incorporated therein one or more phosphorescent materials.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the phosphorescent material(s) is/are applied to and/or incorporated in an ignition component.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the phosphorescent material(s) is/are combustible.

4. A process for the production of a device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that it comprises applying to at least a portion of an outer surface thereof and/or visibly incorporating therein one or more phosphorescent materials.

5. A process as claimed in claim 4 wherein the phosphorescent material(s) is/are continuously or discontinuously applied to and/or incorporated in an ignition component prior to its assembly into the device.

6. A process as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the phosphorescent material(s) is/are continuously or discontinuously applied to an ignition area after production of the device.