Launching device and disposable cartridge containing confetti, paper discs or fluid

Abstract

A multi-purpose launching device for propelling and disseminating confetti, paper disks or fluid contained in a disposable cartridge. Contents of the cartridge as well as the outside surface of the launching tube may be covered with a fluorescent material. The top part of the launching tube may serve as a flagpole to supplement its primary function at large social gatherings such as sporting or music events, wedding ceremonies, holiday celebrations, presidential campaigns, etc. The device consists of a cylindrical launching apparatus and a cylindrical cartridge that may contain confetti, paper disks, fluid, or other soft materials such as fiber, string, fabric, etc. The bottom end of the upper section of the launching tube inserts into the lower section of the launching tube. After the cartridge is loaded on the top of the launcher, the lower section of the launching tube is pulled down at first, then pushed up by the user's hands, compress air within the tube, propelling contents of the cartridge to be ejected. A disabled cartridge is used for each shot. The cartridge is economical, its contents are flexible, and it is convenient and fast to change cartridges after each shot. The cartridge's top end has a foam cover, which may be made in various interesting or funny shapes, including rocket, fruit, or even men's sexual organ.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to toy guns in general and more particularly to those that utilize compressed air to project confetti, paper, fiber, or fluid. [0002] In recent years party confetti launchers with different types of launching power have been popular. Compressed air powered confetti launchers are among the most common types. Among the projectiles available are confetti and paper in different shapes. [0003] The prior art involved confetti launchers driven by compressed air, springs, explosives, or the human mouth. Each of the following launchers projects confetti with explosives: U.S. Pat. No. 825,843 (Kliemandt); U.S. Pat. No. 1,324,092 (Worswick); U.S. Pat. No. 1,663,679 (Carpenter); U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,563. The following are confetti launchers that use compressed air contained cartridges as source of power: U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,211 (Reveen); U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,840 (Watkins); U.S. Pat No. 5,722,491 (Watkins); U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,364 B1...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In consideration of disadvantages of known types of confetti launching devices, whose driving power is high pressure air contained in cylinder, explosive, the human mouth or springs, the present invention uses compressed air produced by the user's hands as driving power, which makes it safer, cheaper, easier to use and powerful enough for launching and disseminating projectiles. The separate, cheap, easily exchangeable cartridge, the foam top cover and the piece of cardboard or plastic disc at the bottom of the cartridge enable the present invention to easily contain, launch and disseminate soft projectiles such as confetti, paper disks, or even fluid.

[0010] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, cheap and easy to use projecting device capable of launching soft projectiles such as confetti, paper disks, or fluid for visual pleasure.

[0011] Another object is to provide a cartridge with a variety of possible contents, including but not limited to confetti paper disks, and fluid, which may be treated with fluorescent materials in order to create pleasant visual effects in the dark. Letters or words could also be printed on paper disks. The disks could also display messages such as proverbs and fortunes. Alternatively, they could show numbers and be used for drawing lots. Heart-shaped paper scraps may be used as projectile at wedding ceremonies for instance. To create a cheerful atmosphere, the substances being projected may also be scented.

[0013] Another object is to provide a simply-constructed and inexpensive projecting device. The simplicity of the structure makes this device affordable and easy to use.

[0014] Still another object is to provide a light-weight, simply-operated, safe and easy-to-carry projecting device able to be held in hands.

[0015] A further object is to provide a projecting device for repeated use and various cartridges with many different contents for one time use, which may be quickly and easily loaded and changed after each shot.

Problems solved by technology

None of its advantages and new features have been shown or suggested in the prior art for confetti launching devices.

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