GB2576037A

GB2576037A - Noise generating devices

Info

Publication number: GB2576037A
Application number: GB1812614.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cunningham Paul
Original assignee: Rp2 Global Ltd
Current assignee: Rp2 Global Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-02
Filing date: 2018-08-02
Publication date: 2020-02-05
Also published as: GB201812614D0

Abstract

A noise generating device comprises a cylinder closed at a first position 104 and a membrane 108 arranged across substantially a second position 106 to form a membrane seal, thus forming a sealed region between the first position 104 and the second position 106, the sealed region comprising a gas, the noise generating device further comprising a projection means. The projection means may take the form of a piston 110 or may be formed by the membrane itself (see membrane 314, figure 3). The noise form the device may be generated by the inclusion of percussion elements (426 & 428, figure 4; 726 & 728, figure 7).

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for generating a noise, such as a bang, crack, snap or pop or the like.

The present inventive concept is envisaged to be a development in the field of novelty devices such as crackers, party cannons, table bombs and the like, it may find use in neighbouring or related fields.

Background to the invention

Noises such as bangs, cracks, snaps or pops or the like are used with a wide range of products such as novelty products including crackers (sometimes referred to as bonbons), party poppers and the like. Such noises are usually generated by chemical reactions such as friction-sensitive pyrotechnic or explosive materials. For example crackers often use silver fulminate with an oxidising agent to create a noise; party

- 2 poppers often use Armstrong's mixture to generate a noise and an accompanying pressure force to project their contents.

However, the mentioned and many other pyrotechnic and/or explosive materials have various drawbacks. There is a safety risk in the manufacture, transport, storage and use of pyrotechnic and explosive material. The manufacturing process or use of such materials may give rise to unwanted or environmentally damaging by-products. The materials themselves are often toxic.

In many jurisdictions, the manufacture, distribution and sale of such pyrotechnic and/or explosive materials is thus heavily regulated.

Thus, a safer, cleaner and more environmentally friendly means for generating noises is sought.

Our co-pending patent applications GB1802403.4, GB1805806.5 and GB 1807707.3 disclose aspects of noise generating devices.

Summary of invention

The present inventive concept is directed to a noise generating device comprising a cylinder closed at a first position and a membrane arranged across substantially a second position to form a membrane seal, thus forming a sealed region between the first position and the second position, the sealed region comprising a gas, the noise generating device further comprising a projection means.

The gas may comprise a single gas or mixture of gases, such as air.

The term projection means refers to an element which can project matter within and/or from the cylinder by movement of the projection means.

The projection means may be the membrane itself. For example, the membrane may be formed of an elastic material, so that stretching and subsequent releasing of the membrane may provide projection. In this arrangement, the membrane is also likely to produce a noise when released. Furthermore, in this arrangement the membrane need not break when released.

- 3 Alternatively, the projections means may be a piston head disposed within the cylinder - a portion of the cylinder and piston head forming a piston.

Thus, the noise generating device may comprise a piston having a cylinder and a piston head disposed within the cylinder, the piston head and cylinder forming a piston seal therebetween, the device further comprising a membrane located within the cylinder, the membrane forming a membrane seal across the cylinder to form a sealed region between the piston head and the membrane, the sealed region comprising a gas, the piston head being further provided with a travel means for moving the piston head within the cylinder.

In such an arrangement, the device may be arranged in an initial position, in which the piston head is arranged in a location at a distance from the membrane. The travel means may then be activated so as to move the piston head towards the membrane. As the piston head moves towards the membrane, the gas in the sealed region is compressed. When the pressure of the gas in the sealed region reaches a threshold level, the membrane will tear or break, thereby generating a noise.

The membrane may comprise paper, foil, plastic, vinyl, rubber, latex or the like. The thickness of the membrane will vary according to the material composition and the threshold pressure level required. In some envisaged arrangements, the membrane is likely to be fairly thin so that it tears or breaks at a pressure which may be generated by a mechanical piston similar to the type described. In such arrangements, the membrane is adapted to be the weakest of the elements forming the sealed region. Thus, the membrane is the first of the said elements to tear or break as the pressure within the sealed region increases.

Alternatively, the membrane may form a substantially rigid cap which is releasable from the cylinder. Thus, when the pressure of the gas in the sealed region reaches a threshold level, the cap may be released from the cylinder and projected away therefrom. Release of the cap may generate a noise.

The noise generating device may further comprise a percussion means, the percussion means comprising at least two percussion elements which, when brought rapidly into contact with one another generate a noise. A percussion element may, for example, be a panel or a flap or the like with a surface which corresponds to a surface of another

- 4percussion element. Thus, when two percussion elements are brought rapidly together, their respective surfaces collide generating a noise.

A percussion element may be attached to a piston head. For example, a percussion element may form an extended portion of a piston head.

A percussion element may be arranged near an end of the cylinder. For example, a percussion element may be arranged substantially in line with the membrane or cap.

The percussion means may comprise two percussion elements which are pivoted with respect to one another. The percussion elements can thus be brought together by way of a relative movement thereof about a pivot.

The percussion means may be provided with a biasing means. Thus, in a first position the percussion elements may be positioned apart from each other, held in position by a holding means. If the holding means is released, the percussion elements are brought together by the biasing means.

The biasing means may comprise a spring. The holding means may comprise a tab formed in a percussion element and a corresponding notch formed in the cylinder.

The noise generating device may further comprise a sealed capsule substantially filled with a gas, wherein the sealed capsule comprises a portion of frangible material.

The noise generating device may have a capsule arranged between a piston head and a further element. Thus, when the piston head is moved towards the further element the capsule is likely to be squeezed and eventually break, generating a noise. The further element may be a disc arranged within the cylinder. Alternatively the further element may be the membrane or cap.

The noise generating device may comprise a locking means to releasably hold the projection means in position with respect to the cylinder.

The locking means may comprise interlocking portions which are removable from one another. Each interlocking portion may be associated with a respective portion of the noise generating device. An interlocking portion may form part of a portion of the noise

- 5 generating device. An interlocking portion may be separate from its associated portion but shaped to correspond to it.

For example the locking means may comprise a slot formed in each of respective portions of the noise generating device, and a corresponding tab adapted to be inserted into each slot. When the slots are aligned, the tab may be inserted into both slots, the tab subsequently holding portions in position relative to each other. Removal of the tab from the slots releases the locking means so that portions may move relative to one another along the common axis.

Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a tab with a slot formed therein which corresponds to a slot of another portion of the noise generating device.

An interlocking portion may form part of the cylinder. For example, an interlocking portion may comprise a weakened perimeter so as to ease the removal of the interlocking portion from the remainder of the cylinder. The weakened perimeter may comprise, for example, one or more portions of reduced thickness of material, or perforations or the like.

The interlocking portion may comprise removing means. Removing means may comprise a pull-string or the like. A user may pull the pull-string to remove the removable portion from the cylinder.

The noise generating means may comprise material to be expelled.

Detailed description of the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 1A show representations of a noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

Figures 2 and 2A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

- 6 Figures 3 and 3A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

Figures 4 and 4A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

Figures 5 and 5A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

Figures 6 and 6A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states;

Figures 7 and 7A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states; and

Figures 8 and 8A show representations of a further noise generating device exemplifying the present inventive concept, in initial and final states.

In Figures 1 and 1A, a noise generating device 100 is shown having a cylinder 102 having a base 104 and an upper end 106. At its upper end 106 the cylinder 102 is sealed by a membrane 108, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 102 is a piston head 110 which is connected via a spring 112 to the base 104 of the cylinder 102. Between the piston head 110 and the membrane 108 is a region having air and material 114 to be expelled. Also arranged between the membrane 108 and the piston head 110 is a further membrane 116 and means (represented in an exploded style and not labelled to aid clarity) for holding that further membrane 116 in place. In Figure 1A, the noise generating device 100 has been activated, so that the piston head 110 has been moved upwards by the spring 112. The upward movement has caused a compression of the air within the cylinder 102 to project the membrane 108 and the material 114 away from the cylinder 102. The means for holding the further membrane has not moved, so that the further membrane 116 has been torn due to the compression of the air. The projection of the membrane 108 and tearing of the further membrane 116 will have generated a noise.

In Figures 2 and 2A, a noise generating device 200 is shown having a cylinder 202 having a base 204 and an upper end 206. At its upper end 206 the cylinder 202 is sealed by a

- 7membrane 208. Within the cylinder 202 is a piston head 210 which is connected via a spring 212 to the base 204 of the cylinder 202. Between the piston head 210 and the membrane 208 is a region having air and material 214 to be expelled. Interlocking portions 222 and 224 provide a locking means for holding the piston head 210 in an initial position (as shown in Figure 2). In Figure 2A, the noise generating device 200 has been activated by removal of the interlocking portion 224 from the interlocking portion 222, so that the piston head 110 has been moved upwards by spring 212. The upward movement has caused a compression of the air within the cylinder 202, which has in turn torn the membrane 208 and projected the material 214 away from the cylinder 202. The action will have generated a noise.

In Figures 3 and 3A, a noise generating device 300 is shown having a cylinder 302 having a base 304 and an upper end 306. The noise generating device 300 has a membrane 308 secured to the cylinder 302 at its perimeter at the upper end 306. In an initial state as shown in Figure 3, a central portion 320 of the membrane 308 is stretched down from a resting position and held in position near the base 304 of the cylinder by an annular portion 322 and a tab 324. The central portion 320 is bulbous. The tab 324 holds the bulbous central portion 320 against the annular portion 322, so that the membrane 308 is held in position. Within the approximately conical space formed by the membrane 308 material 314 is arranged. In Figure 3A, the tab 324 has been pulled away from the annular portion 322. Thus, the central portion 320 of the membrane 308 has been released, and the membrane 308 has been restored to a resting position with the central portion 320 near the upper end 306 of the cylinder 302. In that movement, the membrane 308 has projected the material 314 away from the noise generating device. The action will have generated a noise.

In Figures 4 and 4A, a noise generating device 400 is shown having a cylinder 402 having a base 404 and an upper end 406. At its upper end 406 the cylinder 402 is sealed by a membrane 408, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 402 is a piston head 410 which is connected via a spring 412 to the base 404 of the cylinder 402. Between the piston head 410 and the membrane 408 is a region having air and material 414 to be expelled. Interlocking portions 422 and 424 provide a locking means for holding the piston head 410 in an initial position (as shown in Figure 4). The noise generating device 400 also has a percussion device having two arms (426,428) pivotally

- 8 moveable with respect to one another. Arm 428 has a tab 430 which corresponds with a slot in the cylinder 402. The percussion device also has a percussion spring (432 in Figure 4A, not shown in Figure 4). In Figure 4A, the noise generating device 400 has been activated by removal of the interlocking portion 424 from the interlocking portion 422. Thus, the spring 412 has been released from its initial position and has thus been free to move upwards within the cylinder 402. The piston head 410 has thus moved upward. The upward movement of the piston head 410 has caused a compression of air within the cylinder 402 to project the membrane 408 and the material 414 away from the cylinder 402. The upward movement of the piston head 410 has also pushed the tab 430 of the percussion device out of the slot in the cylinder 402, and the percussion spring 432 has moved arm 428 to hit arm 426. This will have generated a noise.

In Figures 5 and 5A, a noise generating device 500 is shown having a cylinder 502 having a base 504 and an upper end 506. At its upper end 506 the cylinder 502 is sealed by a membrane 508, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 502 is a piston head 510 which is connected via a spring 512 to the base 504 of the cylinder 502. Between the piston head 510 and the membrane 508 is a region having air and material 514 to be expelled. A portion of the cylinder 502 is weakened to form a locking piece 528 which has a tab 530 with a portion which projects into the cylinder. In Figure 5 the tab 530 holds the piston head 510 in an initial position. In Figure 5A, the noise generating device 500 has been activated by removal of the locking piece 528 from the cylinder 502. Thus, the tab 530 no longer holds the piston head 510 in position. Thus, the piston head 510 is free to move upwards within the cylinder 502 under force from the spring 512. The piston head 510 has thus moved upward. The upward movement ofthe piston head 510 has caused a compression of air within the cylinder 502 to project the membrane 508 and the material 514 away from the cylinder 502. Breakage of the locking piece 528 away from the cylinder 502 and projection of the membrane 508 will have generated a noise.

In Figures 6 and 6A, a noise generating device 600 is shown having a cylinder 602 having a base 604 and an upper end 606. At its upper end 606 the cylinder 602 is sealed by a membrane 608, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 602 is a piston head 610 which is connected via a spring 612 to the base 604 of the cylinder 602. On top of the piston head 610 is a capsule 640. On top of the capsule 640 is arranged a disc

- 9 642 which is approximately the same diameter as the piston head 610. Tabs 644 project inwardly from the cylinder 602 near the upper end 606 thereof. Interlocking portions 622 and 624 provide a locking means for holding the piston head 610 in an initial position. In Figure 6A, the noise generating device 600 has been activated by removal of the interlocking portion 624 from the interlocking portion 622. Thus, the spring 612 has been released from its initial position and has thus been free to move upwards within the cylinder 602. The piston head 610 has thus moved upward, pushing the capsule 640 and disc 642 upwards. Upward movement of the disc 642 is restrained by tabs 644, so that further upward movement of the piston head 610 compresses the capsule 640, eventually causing it to break. In the meantime the upward movement of the piston head 610 has also caused a compression of air within the cylinder 602 to project the membrane 608 and the material 614 away from the cylinder 602. Breakage of the capsule 640 and projection of the membrane 608 will have generated a noise.

In Figures 7 and 7A, a noise generating device 700 is shown having a cylinder 702 having a base 704 and an upper end 706. At its upper end 706 the cylinder 702 is sealed by a membrane 708, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 702 is a piston head 710 which is connected via a spring 712 to the base 704 of the cylinder 702. Between the piston head 710 and the membrane 708 is a region having air and material 714 to be expelled. Interlocking portions 722 and 724 provide a locking means for holding the piston head 710 in an initial position (as shown in Figure 7). The noise generating device 700 also has a percussion device having a first arm 726 near the upper end 706 of the cylinder and a second arm 728 attached to the piston head 710. The second arm 728 is arranged within a slot 730 formed in the cylinder 702. In Figure 7A, the noise generating device 700 has been activated by removal of the interlocking portion 724 from the interlocking portion 722. Thus, the spring 712 has been released from its initial position and has thus been free to move upwards within the cylinder 702. The piston head 710 has thus moved upward. The upward movement of the piston head 710 has caused a compression of air within the cylinder 702 to project the membrane 708 and the material 714 away from the cylinder 702. The upward movement of the piston head 710 has also pushed the second arm 728 of the percussion device up against the first arm 726 to generate a noise.

- 10 In Figures 8 and 8A, a noise generating device 800 is shown having a cylinder 802 having a base 804 and an upper end 806. At its upper end 806 the cylinder 802 is sealed by a membrane 808, which takes the form of a rigid cap. Within the cylinder 802 is a piston head 810 which is connected via a spring 812 to the base 804 of the cylinder 802.

Between the piston head 810 and the membrane 808 is a region having air and material

814 to be expelled. Interlocking portions 822 and 824 provide a locking means for holding the piston head 810 in an initial position (as shown in Figure 8). At the base 804 of the cylinder 802 an electronic circuit 850 is arranged. In Figure 8A, the noise generating device 800 has been activated by removal of the interlocking portion 824 from the interlocking portion 822. Thus, the spring 812 has been released from its initial position and has thus been free to move upwards within the cylinder 802. The piston head 810 has thus moved upward. The upward movement of the piston head 810 has caused a compression of air within the cylinder 802 to project the membrane 808 and the material 814 away from the cylinder 802. This will have generated a noise.

Furthermore, the activation also triggers the electronic circuit 850 to generate a noise.

Claims

1. A noise generating device comprising a cylinder closed at a first position and a membrane arranged across substantially a second position to form a membrane seal, thus forming a sealed region between the first position and the second position, the sealed region comprising a gas, the noise generating device further comprising a projection means.

2. A noise generating device according to claim 1, where the projection means is the membrane itself.

3. A noise generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the projections means is a piston head disposed within the cylinder.

4. A noise generating means according to any of claims 1 to 3, where the membrane comprises paper, foil, plastic, vinyl, rubber, latex or the like.

5. A noise generating means according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane forms a substantially rigid cap which is releasable from the cylinder.

6. A noise generating means according to any preceding claim, further comprising a percussion means, the percussion means comprising at least two percussion elements.

7. A noise generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a sealed capsule substantially filled with a gas, wherein the sealed capsule comprises a portion of frangible material.

8. A noise generating means according to claim 7, wherein a capsule is arranged between a piston head and a further element.

9. A noise generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a locking means to releasably hold the projection means in position with respect to the cylinder.