Flare with annular seal

Abstract

A flare including a body, an ignitable projectile in the body, an igniter for initiating ignition of the ignitable projectile and initiating propulsion of the projectile out one end of the body, a cap removably coupled to the other end of the body and an ignition member in the body and the cap which can be pulled to ignite the igniter composition. The flare also includes a safety shield at least partially receiving the body and the cap and being releasably retained against substantial axial movement relative to the body in a retracted position to inhibit removal of the cap from the body and being responsive to a force to move relative to the body and cap to an extended position. Confronting surfaces of the shield and cap are configured to provide a passage for water to escape from a region between the shield and the body. The end of the shield adjacent the body is configured to provide a plurality of resilient fingers. A cooperating projection and recess on the fingers and the body releasably retain the shield in the retracted position. An annular seal is provided between the cap and body and the cap has an end face configured to retain the seal.