Self-igniting sparkler

Abstract

This invention is for an improved sparkler which has the feature of being self-igniting. The sparkler comprises a rod 12 having one end which functions as a handle 14. Adjacent to the handle 14 on the rod 12 and extending generally along the remaining length of the rod 12 is a pyrotechnic composition coating 16. Bonded to the pyrotechnic composition coating 16 at a point furthest from the handle 14 is a self-igniting match head tip 18. When the match head tip 18 is struck against a suitable surface, ignition occurs and the sparkler's display begins. This self-ignition feature distinguishes the invention from the sparklers currently available which require heat or flame from an external source to be applied to the sparkler to cause ignition.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sparkler comprising a rod with a handle, a pyrotechnic self-igniting composition coating, and integral means for igniting the sparkler by striking it against an appropriate surface.  
     
     
         2 . A self-igniting sparkler comprising a rod with a handle, a pyrotechnic composition coating, and a match head composition tip, whereby the sparkler can be ignited when the match head tip is struck against an appropriate surface.  
     
     
         3 . The sparkler of  claim 2  wherein said match head is of the safety match variety which can only be ignited by striking against a designated surface.  
     
     
         4 . The sparkler of  claim 2  wherein said match head is of the strike anywhere variety which can be ignited when the match head tip is struck against an appropriate surface.  
     
     
         5 . The sparkler of  claim 2  wherein the material for the rod is selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, paper, paper product, or flour-based solid.  
     
     
         6 . The sparkler of  claim 1  wherein the pyrotechnic composition coating comprises at least an oxidizer, a fuel, and a binder.  
     
     
         7 . The sparkler of  claim 2  wherein the pyrotechnic composition coating comprises at least an oxidizer, a fuel, and a binder.  
     
     
         8 . A method for manufacturing self-igniting sparklers comprising: 
 a) dipping a rod into a pyrotechnic composition in suspension;    b) removing the rod from the pyrotechnic composition suspension and allowing it to dry;    c) repeating the dipping and drying if desired; and    d) providing integral means on the sparkler thereby created by which it may be ignited by striking it against a suitable surface.    
     
     
         8 . The method for manufacturing the sparkler as recited in  claim 5  in which providing a means for an integral self-striking feature is done by dipping the tip of the rod into a match head composition in suspension one or more times after the rod has been coated with pyrotechnic composition.  
     
     
         9 . A method for igniting a self-igniting sparkler by striking a match head tip on the sparkler against a suitable striking surface, whereby the match head tip ignites and in turn ignites a pyrotechnic coating on the sparkler.