Guy Fawkes Night is an annual event in the United Kingdom which
commemorates the failed gunpowder plot to blow up the Houses of
Parliament with bonfires, fireworks and foods such as parkin
(treacle cake) and toffee apples.
To honour the occasion, we look at some amazing firework
inventions.
Early Firework Invention
Fireworks were invented around 1000 years ago, long before the
patenting system came into existence. However, the first record of
a firework patent was granted in 1899.
US 638,416A describes a device for exhibiting pyrotechnic
effects, combining a rotary body for securing fireworks thereto,
and a motive device for rotating the rotary body in a continuous
manner. The result is the appearance of a very effective pin or
Catherine wheel, similar to those that we still use today!
