GB2492977A

GB2492977A - Automatic firework rocket launcher

Info

Publication number: GB2492977A
Application number: GB201112312A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Wilkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-16
Filing date: 2011-07-16
Publication date: 2013-01-23
Also published as: GB201112312D0

Abstract

An automatic firework rocket launcher comprises a frame which consists of a wheel mounted horizontally on a stand. Firework rockets are mounted around the periphery of the wheel. The wheel is turned via a motor enabling the rockets to be lit sequentially by an igniter (2.3).

Description

Title -Automatic Firework Rocket Launcher

Background -

This intention of this invention is to give a pyrotecimician the ability to launch rockets off completely automatically throughout the duration of a minute firework display without the need of having a person stood there igniting them.

Statement of invention -

To achieve this, it required custom making a rotating horizontally mounted large wheel and making the unit fully mobile to be able to move it from site to site, the wheel is rotated via motor and rotates the rockets that are mounted around the edge of the wheel to bring them into contact with the burner flame, therefore launching the rocket's.

Advantages -The launcher operates automatically saving the need for extra staff.

The launcher promotes safety on the display field as a safe distance can be maintained at all times.

The launcher can be stopped at anytime by disconnecting the power to the motor and turning the igniter off.

The launcher folds up for transport, making it a fblly mobile unit, to move from site to site.

The launcher lasts 15 minute's and holds 134 rockets, making it a suitable display piece, no need for refilling during displays.

Introduction to Drawings -

The invention description will be described using 6 individual drawings Figure 1 -shows the Large wheel from one side mounted on the stand horizontally, also shows the transport wheels and removable legs.

Figure 2 -Shows the large wheel from the top with the stand underneath.

Figure 3 -Shows the wheel folded up when in transport position, mounted on its stand.

Figure 4 -Shows a small section from the edge of the wheel, the rocket holders and how the rockets sit in the holder.

Figure 5 -Shows the motor drive arrangement which includes the wheel, chain and sprockets.

Figure 6 -Shows the burner pointing at one rocket holder from the wheel, and method of adjustment.

Description -

The idea of the device is to be able to launch rockets automatically while maintaining a safe distance away, needing less people on the display ground and gaining more time to see to other things on the firework display night.

This is achieved by means of a large wheel (figure 2) mounted horizontally on a stand that is completely mobile (figure 1).

The large wheel (figure 2), is made to rotate in one direction and is fitted with metal box section's (2.1) around the edge for the rockets to sit in, mounted to the stand with one large metal shaft and bearing arrangement (2.2). The wheel is turned very slowly one revolution every 15 minutes, this is for 3 reasons, one been the average firework display length is around 15 minutes, the second reason been the slowness of the turn gives the igniter (2.3) time to light the rocket and the final reason is if the wheel was to turn any faster this may disturb the flight of the rocket but at this set pace the flight remains undisturbed.

The method of drive (figure 5) consists of a motor (5.1) which is geared down to produce a slow turn of 4 rpm. This is fitted with a small sprocket (5.2) and chain (5.3) to drive a bigger sprocket (5.4), which is bolted to the right size wheel (5.5)with a rubber lyre on, that grips the inside of the large wheel and by fitting the bigger sprocket (5.4) the drive is reduced to produce a revolution of 1 to 75 seconds. Then fitting a 10 inch wheel to the sprocket the revolution time of 15 minutes on the large wheel (figure 2) is achieved.

Drive is maintained via spring tension (1.10) that hooks on to the bolt (5.6) and to another bolt (1.11) on the stand, therefore keeping the lyre comfortably tight up against the inside of the large wheel.

The firework rockets (figure 4) simply slide inside of the metal box sections (4.1) fixed to the edge of the wheel (4.2), due to box section been the shape of box ttibes the rockets (4.3) fitted with there square wooden sticks (4.4) maintain there position and the fbse wire (4.5) faces the right way to come into line with the burner (1.3).

The burner (figure 6) is held in a fixed position facing the large wheel (6.1), the position can be altered via loosening the bolt (6.2) and sliding the smaller box section (6.3) out of the bigger box section (6.4), this alters the height of the burner. To alter the distance nearer or further away from the wheel (6.1) is another simply procedure loosen bolt (1.4) and slide the smaller box section (1.5) fixed to the burner out of the bigger box section (1.6) fixed to the stand to the required distance.

The igniter itself (6.5) is mounted to the metal box section via two jubilee pipe clips (6.6), keeping the burner tight in position. The burner is a plumbers soldering tool, with a gas valve (6.7) and an igniter button (6.8) all built in, it makes a perfect tool for the job.

The stand (figure 1) again is made strong enough to carry the weight of the wheel (1.1) loaded, the stand (1.2) has a few features, it has 6 wheels (1.7) 3 on each side making the unit mobile when moving to different display grounds. When on the display field 6 removable legs are fitted (1.8) for stability and pegging down to the ground, so when in use the launcher can not move. When moving the launcher the legs (1.8) are removed and so is the igniter stand (1.5).

The launcher also folds up to transport mode (figure 3) for moving from site to site, this makes it safe for road transport, this achieved by 4 hinges (2.4) and the two large wings (3.1) fold up and bolt into there upright position using two of the removable legs (3.2). In transport position the steel wires (3.3) remain loose. The load wires go to there tight position when folded out, preventing the two wings (3.1) from sagging down. The wires thread through the two small uprights (1.9) keeping them tight enough and protecting the large wheel framework (2.5).

The launcher has 134 firework rocket holders (4.1) on it and has a total circumference of 31 foot, a 15 minute revolution time, therefore releasing a rocket (4.3) once every 7-8 seconds, keeping the sky full of action at all times during the display, the launcher can be stopped at any time during the display by turning off the power to the motor and then turning the gas off to the burner.