Roman Candles, and similar Fireworks.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Dec., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 12th Mar., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 13th Apr., 1888
Roman Candles, and similar Fireworks.
We, ARTHUR BROCK and HENRY BROCK, both of South Norwood, in the county
of Surrey, Pyrotechnists, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to improved means for igniting ships' signal lights, rockets,
roman candles, and similar fireworks whereby the inconveniences and dangers to
which the present systems are liable, are avoided.
In carrying out our invention we provide each firework with a separate lighter
which is adapted to be placed or fitted in a receptacle and which is completely
separated and disconnected from the combustible composition of the firework. This
receptacle is in a signal light conveniently formed in the end of the handle. In a
rocket a small tube could be attached to the case, or the socket for the stick could be
utilized and in a roman candle a continuation of the lower end of the case could
be used as a holder or receptacle for the lighter. Or the separate lighter can be
attached to the firework in any other suitable manner which will allow of its being
kept separate from the firework proper at the same time that it can be easily
detached therefrom when required for use.
The igniting end of the firework is prepared with any suitable igniting com-
position preferably one containing chlorate of potash, the composition being protected
by a covering of suitable material such as paper which is stripped off by pulling a
projecting piece of tape attached for that purpose; the end of the lighter is prepared
with amorphous phosphorus.
By this arrangement, when it is required to light a firework the above named
covering is removed and the lighter being detached the firework can be ignited by
rubbing the prepared end of the lighter on the igniting surface of the firework.
T211 of December 1997
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London,
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or Connected with Ships' Signal Lights, Rockets,
Roman Candles, and similar Fireworks.
We, ARTHUR BROCK and HENRY BROCK, both of South Norwood, in the County
of Surrey, Pyrotechnists, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
Our invention relates to improved means for igniting ships' signal lights, rockets,
roman candles, and similar fireworks, whereby the inconveniences and dangers to
which the present systems are liable, are avoided.
In carrying out our invention we provide each firework with a separate lighter
which is adapted to be placed or fitted in a receptacle and which is completely
separated and disconnected from the combustible composition of the firework. This
receptacle is in a signal light conveniently formed in the end of the handle. In
a rocket a small tube could be attached to the case, or the socket for the stick
could be utilized and in a roman candle a continuation of the lower end of the
case could be used as a holder or receptacle for the lighter. Or the separate lighter
can be attached to the firework in any other suitable manner which will allow of
its being kept separate from the firework proper at the same time that it can be
easily detached therefrom when required for use.
The igniting end of the firework is prepared with any suitable igniting composition
preferably one containing chlorate of potash, the composition being protected from
the action of moisture by a covering of suitable material such as paper which is
stripped off by pulling a projecting piece of tape attached for that purpose; the end
of the lighter is prepared with amorphous phosphorus.
By this arrangement, when it is required to light a firework the above named
covering is removed and the lighter being detached the firework can be ignited by
rubbing the prepared end of the lighter on the igniting surface of the firework.
Our invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which
Figures 1 and 2 show the application of our invention to a ship's signal light.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate its application to a rocket, and
Figures 6 and 7 to a roman candle.
Figures 8 to 14 are views illustrating different ways of applying the lighters.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
a is the case or shell of the firework, 6 the lighter, and c the receptacle for containing
the same.
As shown in figure 1 this receptacle is in the end of the handle; in
figure 3 it is shown as a separate tube, and in figure 4 as in the upper end of the
socket d for the stick. In figure 6 the said receptacle is formed in a continuation of
the case a.
e is the igniting portion of the firework and is a covering or protector of water-
proof paper, membrane, tin foil, or other material for hermetically covering the
igniting composition. By the use of this covering we are enabled to immerse the

page_text: whole article in a bath of varnish or other suitable waterproofing substance. As
shown in the drawings this covering has attached to it a piece of tape fl (or a
string or a band) by which the covering may be pulled or stripped off. Figures 2ª
and 7 show the said protectors removed from the fireworks shown in figures 2 and 7
respectively.
As hereinbefore described the separate lighters are represented as being in the form
of plugs wedged or forced into apertures of corresponding shape. It is obvious
however that the lighters may be secured in their receptacles by any convenient
means, for instance as shown in figure 8 the receptacle c is screw-threaded internally
the lighter being correspondingly screw-threaded as shown in figure 8" in order to
enter the receptacle.
As shown in figures 9 and 9 the lighter is provided with a flange b¹ which is
internally screw-threaded and adapted to screw onto a corresponding screw-threaded
projection 2 on the handle of the firework. The handle of the lighter is shaped so as
to form a continuation of the handle of the firework.
In the modification of our invention shown in figures 10 and 10 the lighter is
screw-threaded as in figure 8 but the handle thereof is flush with the handle of the
firework as in figure 9.
In figure 11 the lighter is represented as being held in place by means of a bayonet
joint, the pin g, figure 11°, entering the slot g¹.
The lighter shown in figures 12 and 12" is represented as being composed of wire
or a band or strip of metal, and is adapted to spring into a slot in the handle of the
firework.
In figure 13 the lighter is in the form of a plug as in figures 1 to 7 but in this case
it is represented as being provided with a spring h, figure 13", in order to ensure its
remaining in position.
Figure 14 shows a plug inserted into the top of a rocket, the plug may be screw-
threaded as shown in figure 14".
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. Providing ships' signal lights, rockets, roman candles and other fireworks with
separate lighters which are adapted to be wedged, screwed, or similarly secured in
receptacles attached to or forming part of the cases of such fireworks and completely
separated and disconnected from the combustible composition thereof, substantially as
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In ships signal lights, roman candles, and rockets, the use of a covering such
as adapted to be torn off or removed by means of a strip such as f' or its equivalent,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. The manufacture and use of the improved ships' signal lights, rockets, and roman
candles, hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London,
Agents for the Applicants.