Firing-type confetti cannon device

Abstract

A confetti cannon device (10) comprises a compressed air cartridge (115) receiving compressed air. A cap (137) is airtightly and removably coupled with the compressed air cartridge (115). A movable firing pin (315) is airtightly coupled with and movable relative to the compressed air cartridge (115) and the cap (137). The firing pin (315) is movable between a standby position and a push position. A safety unit (150) outside the cap (137) may be set in either of an unfired state and a firing state. The safety unit (137) remains in the unfired state when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position. When the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the safety unit (150) is switched to the firing state, the cap (137) disengages from the compressed air cartridge (115), permitting the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge (115) to eject confetti into the air.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device and, more particularly, to a confetti cannon device using compressed air to launch confetti or the like, including sequins, ribbons, or similar light-weight small pieces, into the air, and the confetti or the like drifts downward afterward.

[0002] A type of currently available confetti cannon device may eject confetti into the air. The confetti will scatter and gradually drift downward and is, thus, suitable for celebration occasions like wedding banquets, opening ceremonies, etc.

[0003] Many confetti cannon devices use compressed air to eject confetti into the air. Generally, compressed air is filled into a compressed air cartridge made of metal in advance. A cap unit is used to seal the compressed air cartridge and is fixed by a safety unit to store the compressed air in the cartridge.

[0004] Confetti cannons include electric type and manual type. An electric confetti cannon generally uses a wire to fix the safety unit. The wire may be heated to melt through thermoelectric effect to thereby release the safety unit. Next, the compressed air stored in the cartridge pushes the cap unit away, and the released compressed air ejects the confetti into the air. The electric confetti includes a barrel portion and a base portion which supplies electricity to the barrel portion for operation. However, the barrel portion and the base portion are connected by electric wires, causing inconvenience in detachment and installation.

[0005] Furthermore, the wire for fixing the safety unit of the electric confetti cannon might break, and the procedure of tying the safety unit with the wire is troublesome.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a confetti cannon device comprising: a compressed air cartridge having an interior space receiving compressed air; a cap unit including a cap airtightly and removably coupled with the compressed air cartridge, wherein the cap unit further includes a movable firing pin configured to be airtightly coupled with and movable relative to the compressed air cartridge and the cap, and wherein the firing pin is movable between a standby position and a push position; and a safety unit mounted outside of the cap unit, wherein the safety unit is configured to be set in either of an unfired state and a firing state, wherein the safety unit remains in the unfired state when the firing pin is in the standby position, wherein when the firing pin is in the push position, the safety unit is switched to the firing state, the cap disengages from the compressed air cartridge, permitting the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge to eject confetti into the air.

[0007] In the barrel portion according to the present invention, the firing pin may be displaced by the compressed air cartridge to set the safety unit to a firing state, such that the cap unit may disengage from the compressed air cartridge to release compressed air, thereby ejecting confetti into the air.

[0008] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a safety member mounted outside of the safety unit. The safety member is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety unit remains in the unfired state, and the firing pin remains in the standby position. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the firing pin is movable to the push position, and the safety unit is permitted to enter the firing state.

[0009] The safety member of the safety unit may be retained in the unfired state before coupling with the base portion to assure that the confetti in the filling sleeve will not be ejected into the air in an unexpected state.

[0010] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pressing member pivotably mounted above the cap and an outer coupling member which is pivotable. When the safety member is in the safety position, the pressing member is not pivotable to prevent pivotal movement of the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the pressing member is pivotable. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the outer coupling member remains unmoved. When the firing pin moves from the standby position to the push position, the outer coupling member is pivoted by the firing pin to push the pressing member to pivot, the safety unit is switched to the firing state, and the cap is pushed by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge to thereby disengage from the compressed air cartridge.

[0011] By the cooperation of the outer coupling member with the firing pin, after the firing pin reaches the push position, the outer coupling member will push the pressing member to pivot, thereby assuring firing of the barrel portion.

[0012] In an example, the safety unit further includes an inner coupling member which is pivotable. The inner coupling member includes a through-hole. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the firing pin does not extend through the through-hole of the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is located between the cap and the outer coupling member, and the inner coupling member is coupled with the pressing member such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. Pivotal movement of the inner coupling member is prevented by the pressing member when the pressing member is not pivotable, and the inner coupling member abuts against the cap to prevent the cap from disengaging from the firing pin. When the firing pin is in the push position, the firing pin extends through the through-hole of the inner coupling member to push the outer coupling member to pivot, pivotal movement of the outer coupling member causes pivotal movement of the pressing member to disengage the pressing member from the inner coupling member, the cap is pushed by the compressed air to actuate the inner coupling member to pivot, thereby completely disengaging the cap from the compressed air cartridge.

[0013] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member with the pressing member, in a case that the pressing member is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge. Thus, the confetti cannot device according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0014] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pivotal seat coupled with the compressed air cartridge. The pivotal seat includes a first pivotal portion, a second pivotal portion, and a third pivotal portion. The second pivotal portion is adjacent to the third pivotal portion and is located between the first pivotal portion and the third pivotal portion. The inner coupling member includes a distal end warping away from the compressed air cartridge. The inner coupling member is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion. The outer coupling member further includes two outer pivotal portions having a gap therebetween. The outer coupling member further includes an inner end located between the two outer pivotal portions and contiguous to the gap. The two outer pivotal portions are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion. The pressing member further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion contiguous to the first limiting portion. The pressing member is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion and is located in the gap. The distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. When the safety unit is in the unfired state, the limiting portion remains above the inner end of the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position and the firing pin moves toward the push position, the inner end of the outer coupling member presses against the first limiting portion to pivot the pressing member.

[0015] Since the distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion of the pressing member are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to pivot the pressing member, even if the safety member is in the non-safety position, the cap still cannot actuate the inner coupling member to pivot, such that the safety unit may remain in the unfired state. This avoids the safety unit from being inadvertently fired after the barrel portion is coupled with the coupling tube, providing safety for the barrel portion.

[0016] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a filling sleeve and a connecting member. The filling sleeve includes a filling chamber configured for receiving the confetti. The connecting member is coupled with the filling sleeve. The connecting member includes an upper compartment, a channel formed in an outer periphery of the connecting member, and a notch intercommunicating with the channel and the upper compartment. The pressing member is aligned with the notch. The safety member includes a stopping portion formed on an inner periphery of the safety member. The safety member is slidably coupled with the connecting member. The stopping portion is received in the channel. When the safety member is in the safety position, the stopping portion is located in the notch and contiguous to the pressing member, thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion is located in the channel and spaced from the notch and the pressing member, thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety unit is in the firing state, a portion of the pressing member is located in the notch.

[0017] Through provision of the safety member to assure that the pressing member cannot pivot before the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion. This further prevents the firing pin from moving to the push position, assuring that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge will not be released by accident. Furthermore, after the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion, the safety member will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0018] In an example, the cap unit further includes a guiding tube having a hole extending therethrough in an axial direction of the guiding tube. The compressed air cartridge includes a neck and a bottom end spaced from the neck. The cap is airtightly and removably coupled with the neck. The cap includes an engaging hole. An outer surface of an end of the guiding tube is airtightly coupled with the engaging hole. Another end of the guiding tube extends through and is airtightly coupled with the bottom end of the compressed air cartridge. The hole of the guiding tube is spaced from the interior space of the compressed air cartridge. The firing pin includes a first end and a second end. The firing pin is slidably coupled with the hole of the guiding tube. The first end and the second end of the firing pin are located outside of the guiding tube. The first end of the firing pin extends beyond the bottom end of the compressed air cartridge. When the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin switches the safety unit to the firing state.

[0019] In the cap unit according to the present invention, by the airtight engagement between the guiding tube and the cap and between the guiding tube and the compressed air cartridge, the guiding tube extends beyond the compressed air cartridge, such that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge will not leak to the outside. Thus, the guiding tube may support the firing pin well to enable displacement of the firing pin while maintaining airtight contact with the compressed air cartridge.

[0020] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a safety member movably mounted outside of the safety unit. The safety member is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position. The safety unit further includes a pressing member mounted above the cap and switchable between a pivotable state permitting pivotal movement and a non-pivotable state not permitting pivotal movement. The pressing member further includes an outer coupling member. The pressing member includes a first limiting portion located above the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety member prevents the pressing member from pivoting, such that the outer coupling member is not pivotable, and the cap is prevented from disengaging from the compressed air cartridge. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the pressing member is pivotable. When the pressing member is in the non-pivotable state, the first limiting portion prevents pivotal movement of the outer coupling member, which, in turn, prevents the firing pin from moving to the push position. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the second end of the firing pin is spaced from the outer coupling member. When the pressing member is in the pivotable state and the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin pushes the outer coupling member to pivot, and an inner end of the outer coupling member presses against the first limiting portion to pivot the pressing member, thereby switching the safety unit to the firing state.

[0021] In an example, the safety unit further includes an inner coupling member which is pivotable. The inner coupling member includes a through-hole. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the inner coupling member is located between the cap and the outer coupling member and presses against the cap. The outer coupling member includes an inner end coupled with a second limiting portion of the pressing member. Pivotal movement of the inner coupling member is prevented by the pressing member in the non-pivotable state, and the inner coupling member prevents the cap from disengaging from the firing pin. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the firing pin does not extend through the through-hole of the inner coupling member. When the pressing member is in the pivotable state and the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin extends through the through-hole of the inner coupling member to push the outer coupling member to pivot, the inner coupling member disengages from the pressing member to permit pivotal movement of the inner coupling member, and the cap pushes the inner coupling member away and disengages from the neck.

[0022] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises: a connecting member receiving the compressed air cartridge, the cap unit, and the safety unit; a safety member mounted outside of the connecting member and movable along an axial direction of the connecting member between a safety position and a non-safety position; a base portion including a coupling tube detachably coupled with the connecting member, wherein the safety member is in the safety position before the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, the firing pin remains in the standby position, the safety unit remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, the safety member is pushed by the coupling tube to the non-safety position, permitting movement of the firing pin to the push position, and the safety unit is switchable to the firing state; and an actuator securely mounted in the coupling tube, wherein the actuator includes a movable member facing the firing pin, wherein when the actuator is energized, the movable member displaces to push the firing pin to move from the standby position to the push position.

[0023] Installation and detachment of the barrel portion and the base portion are relatively simple to enable rapid installation and detachment of the barrel portion.

[0024] In an example, the base portion further includes a housing and a longitudinal collar securely mounted on the housing. The base portion further includes a rotary table pivotably coupled to the longitudinal collar. The coupling tube is pivotably coupled with the rotary table. The rotary table and the connecting member 86 are jointly pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal collar. The coupling tube is pivotable about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] In an example, the base portion further includes a longitudinal disc coupled with the rotary table to permit joint pivotal movement of the longitudinal disc and the rotary table. The longitudinal disc has semi-circular cross sections and is received in the housing. The housing includes a limiting rod which cooperates with the longitudinal disc to limit a rotational angle of the rotary table to be smaller than 360 degrees. The base portion further includes an arm securely mounted in the housing. The arm includes a first engaging end securely connected to the housing, a second engaging end, and a threading connection portion between the first engaging end and the second engaging end. A longitudinal retaining element is securely mounted to the second engaging end and faces the longitudinal disc. The base portion further includes a longitudinal knob in threading connection with the threading connection portion. Rotation of the longitudinal knob causes movement of the longitudinal retaining element toward or away from the longitudinal disc. A contact pressure between the longitudinal retaining element and the longitudinal disc is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the rotary table about the longitudinal collar.

[0026] By cooperating each transverse retaining element with the respective transvers disc to provide suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired inclination angle.

[0027] The substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc cooperates with the limiting rod to restrict the rotary table, such that the rotary table cannot rotate 360 degrees (for example, the rotary table can only pivot about 180 degrees). This arrangement may avoid entangling of the wires on the actuator due to pivotal movement of the rotary table.

[0028] In an example, the rotary table further includes a connecting portion and two extension portions securely mounted to two ends of the connecting portion. Each of the two extension portions includes an inner cover having a fixing portion. The rotary table further includes two transverse receiving rings each of which is securely mounted to a respective inner cover and is rotatably coupled with a bearing. Each bearing includes an inner end located on an inner side of the respective inner cover and coupled with a longitudinal disc to permit joint pivotal movement of the bearing and the respective longitudinal disc. The coupling tube is coupled with the bearings to permit joint pivotal movement of the coupling tube and the bearings. The rotary table further includes two longitudinal knobs in threading connection with the fixing portions. Each of the two longitudinal knobs is coupled with a longitudinal retaining element. Each of the two longitudinal knobs is pivotable to move a respective longitudinal retaining element toward the respective longitudinal disc. A pressing force imparted to each of the two longitudinal discs by the respective longitudinal retaining element is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the coupling tube about the transverse axis.

[0029] Although the rotary table cannot rotate 360 degrees, the rotary table can still support the coupling tube to pivot about the transverse axis, such that the coupling tube may still support the barrel portion to enable 360-degree rotation as well as adjustment of the orientation.

[0030] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises: a base portion including a coupling tube; a connecting member receiving the compressed air cartridge, the cap unit, and the safety unit, wherein the connecting member includes a coupling portion; and a safety member mounted outside of the connecting member and movable between a safety position and a non-safety position, wherein the safety member includes a coupling portion, wherein the safety member remains in the safety position before the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, wherein the coupling portion includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion protrudes outward from an outer periphery of the safety member, wherein the second portion protrudes outward from an inner periphery of the safety member, wherein when the safety member is in the safety position, the second portion of the coupling portion is coupled with the coupling portion of the connecting member to retain the safety member in the safety position, the firing pin is prevented from moving to the push position, and the safety unit remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, an end of the coupling tube presses against the first portion, such that the coupling portion deforms elastically, the second portion disengages from the coupling portion of the connecting member, and the safety member is pushed to move from the safety position to the non-safety position, wherein only when the safety member is in the non-safety position, the firing pin is permitted to move to the push position, and the safety unit is switchable to the firing state.

[0031] By coupling the two coupling portions of the safety member with the two coupling portions of the connecting member, the safety member is reliably maintained in the safety position before the barrel portion is coupled with the coupling tube. This further assures that the pressing member cannot pivot to avoid the firing pin from moving to the push position, thereby avoiding accidental release of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge. Furthermore, after the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion, the safety member will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0032] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pivotal seat coupled with the compressed air cartridge. The pivotal seat includes a first pivotal portion, a second pivotal portion, and a third pivotal portion. The second pivotal portion is adjacent to the third pivotal portion. The safety unit includes an outer coupling member and an inner coupling member. The inner coupling member includes a distal end warping away from the compressed air cartridge. The inner coupling member is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion. The outer coupling member includes two outer pivotal portions having a gap therebetween. The outer coupling member further includes an inner end located between the two outer pivotal portions and contiguous to the gap. The two outer pivotal portions are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion. The pressing member further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion contiguous to the first limiting portion. The pressing member is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion and is located in the gap. The distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. The safety member further includes a stopping portion. The connecting member further includes a notch. When the safety member is in the safety position, the stopping portion is located in the notch and contiguous to the pressing member, thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion moves out of the notch and is spaced from the pressing member, thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member and permitting the safety unit to switch to the firing state. The confetti cannon device further comprises a stopper and a filling sleeve. The stopper is annular and includes a coupling block on an inner periphery of the stopper. The connecting member includes a first connecting end, a second connecting end, and an intermediate portion between the first connecting end and the second connecting end. The connecting member further includes a coupling groove formed in the first connecting end. The safety member is slidably coupled with the intermediate portion. The stopper is mounted around the first connecting end and is contiguous to the intermediate portion. The stopper is coupled with the coupling groove to retain the stopper in place relative to the connecting member along an axial direction of the connecting member. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety member is spaced from the stopper along the axial direction of the connecting member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the safety member abuts against the stopper. The coupling tube is coupled with the second connecting end of the connecting member. The filling sleeve includes a filling chamber configured for receiving the confetti. An end of the filling sleeve is coupled with the first connecting end of the connecting member and abuts against the stopper.

[0033] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member with the pressing member, in a case that the pressing member is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge. Thus, the confetti cannot device according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0034] The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a partly-exploded perspective view of a confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a barrel portion of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a base portion of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5B-5B of FIG. 4, illustrating a safety member in a safety position. FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view illustrating coupling between the barrel portion and the coupling tube and illustrating the safety member in a non-safety position. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 5C. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a firing pin in a push position. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view illustrating separation of a cap from a compressed air cartridge. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary table pivoted about a longitudinal axis and a barrel portion pivoted about a transverse axis. FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

[0036] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

[0037] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "lower", "upper", "inner", "outer", "side", "end", "portion", "section", "longitudinal", "axial", "circumferential", "horizontal", "transverse", "annular", "outward", "inward", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device 10 suitable for launching confetti, such as small pieces or streamers of colored paper, into the air at the festival and in a joyous atmosphere. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the confetti cannon device 10 comprises a base portion 20 having a housing 22. The housing 22 includes a planar platform 24 and a limiting rod 25 (FIGS. 3 and 7) extending downward from a bottom face of the platform 24 into an interior of the housing 22. A longitudinal collar 26 is securely mounted on the platform 24. The base portion 20 further includes an arm 30 securely mounted in the housing 22. The arm 30 includes a first engaging end 32 and a second engaging end 34 spaced from the first engaging end 32. The arm 30 further includes a threading connection portion 36 disposed on an intermediate portion between the first engaging end 32 and the second engaging end 34 and located adjacent to the second engaging end 34.

[0039] The arm 30 is received in the housing 22. The first engaging end 32 is securely connected to the housing 22. The second engaging end 34 is spaced from the casing 22. A longitudinal retaining element 38 (see FIGS. 7 and 12) is securely mounted to the second engaging end 34. The longitudinal retaining element 38 may be but not limited to be in the form of a rubber block, silicone block, or any block made of a material with a high friction coefficient. The base portion 20 further includes a longitudinal knob 40 rotatably coupled to the housing 22. The longitudinal knob 40 includes a threaded stem extending into the housing 22 and in threading connection with the threading connection portion 36 of the arm 30. The longitudinal knob 40 may be rotated to actuate the arm 30 to proceed with elastic deformation, and the second engaging end 34 and the longitudinal retaining element 38 displace jointly.

[0040] The base portion 20 further includes a rotary table 42 pivotably coupled with the longitudinal collar 26. The rotary table 42 includes a connecting portion 44 and two extension portions 48 symmetrically disposed on two sides of the connecting portion 44. Each extension portion 48 includes an inner cover 52 securely connected to the connecting portion 44. Each inner cover 52 includes a fixing portion 54 formed on an inner side thereof. Each extension portion 48 further includes an outer cover 50 covering an outer side of the inner cover 52. A transverse receiving ring 56 is securely mounted to each inner cover 52 and is pivotably coupled with a bearing 58. Each bearing 58 includes an inner end 61 and an outer end 60 located outside of a respective inner cover 52. The inner end 61 of each bearing 58 is located between the respective inner cover 52 and the respective outer cover 50.

[0041] Each extension portion 48 further includes a transverse disc 64 is securely connected to the inner end 61 of the respective bearing 58. Each transverse disc 64 includes a substantially C-shaped limiting slot 66 in a lower side thereof. Each transverse disc 64 is located between the inner end 61 of the respective bearing 58 and the respective outer cover 50 along a transverse axis of the respective transverse receiving ring 56. Each transverse disc 64 and the respective bearing 58 are rotatable about the transverse axis.

[0042] Each extension portion 48 further includes a connecting member 62 securely connected to the outer end 60 of the respective bearing 58. Each connecting member 62 is located outside of the respective inner cover 52. Each connecting member 62 is located between the two inner covers 52 along the transverse axis (as shown in FIG. 6). Thus, it can be appreciated that the connecting members 62, the bearings 58, and the transverse discs 64 may pivot jointly about the transverse axis.

[0043] Each extension portion 48 further includes a transverse knob 68 having a threaded stem in threading connection with the respective fixing portion 54 and extending through the limiting slot 66 of the respective transverse disc 64. When each transverse knob 68 rotates, the transverse knob 68 moves in a direction parallel to the transverse axis. A transverse retaining element 70 is mounted around the threaded stem of each transverse knob 68. Each transverse retaining element 70 is located between the respective transverse disc 64 and the respective outer cover 50 along the transverse axis. When each transverse knob 68 moves in the direction parallel to the transverse axis, the respective transverse retaining element 70 can move toward or away from the respective transverse disc 64. Each transverse retaining element 70 may be but not limited to in the form of a rubber block, silicone block, or any block made of a material with a high friction coefficient. Furthermore, since the threaded stem of each transverse knob 68 extends through the limiting slot 66 of the respective transverse disc 64, each connecting member 62, each bearing 58, and each transverse disc 64 can only pivot within the extent of the respective limiting slot 66 about the transverse axis.

[0044] The rotary table 42 further includes a longitudinal shaft 46 extending from a bottom end of the connecting portion 44 through the longitudinal collar 26 along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the transverse axis (see FIG. 7). The longitudinal shaft 46 is pivotably coupled with the longitudinal collar 26. The rotary table 42 further includes a substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc 28 having two stopper portions 29 formed on a rectilinear section of the semi-circular shape. The longitudinal disc 28 is located in the housing 22 and is coupled with the longitudinal shaft 46 to permit joint pivotal movement of the longitudinal disc 28 and the longitudinal shaft 46. Specifically, the longitudinal disc 28 is located between the platform 24 and the longitudinal retaining element 38 along the longitudinal axis. With reference to FIG. 7, when the longitudinal retaining element 38 is spaced from the longitudinal disc 28, the rotary table 42 is pivotable about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the contact pressure between the longitudinal retaining element 38 and the longitudinal disc 28 is in direct proportion to the rotational resistance of the rotary table 42. Thus, the rotary table 42 can be fixed by sufficient rotational resistance.

[0045] The base portion 20 further includes a coupling tube 72 pivotably coupled with the rotary table 42. The coupling tube 72 includes two connecting portions 74 arranged in a direction parallel to the transverse axis. Each connecting portion 74 may be but not limited to be in the form of a hole with non-circular cross sections. The two connecting portions 74 of the coupling tube 72 are coupled with the connecting members 62 to permit joint pivotal movement of the connecting members 62 and the coupling tube 72. It may be appreciated that each connecting member 62 supports the coupling tube 72 to pivot about the transverse axis in the extent of the respective limiting slot 66. With reference to FIG. 6, when each transverse retaining element 70 is spaced from and, thus, does not contact with the respective transverse disc 64, the coupling tube 72 may pivot smoothly.

[0046] A frame 76 is securely mounted in the coupling tube 72. An actuator 80 is securely mounted in the frame 80 and may actuate a movable member 82 to displace. The actuator 80 may be but not limited to be in the form of an electromagnetic valve, a motor, or a similar electromechanical device driven by electricity. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the actuator 80 is an electromagnetic valve which may be energized to cause rapid movement of the movable member 82 under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0047] The confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention further comprises a barrel portion 84 coupled with the coupling tube 72. The barrel portion 84 includes a connecting member 86 having a first connecting end 88 and a second connecting end 90 spaced from the first connecting end 88. The connecting member 86 further includes an intermediate portion 89 between the first connecting end 88 and the second connecting end 90. An outer diameter of the first connecting end 88 is smaller than an outer diameter of the intermediate portion 89, which, in turn, is smaller than an outer diameter of the second connecting end 90. The connecting member 86 further includes a lower compartment 94 extending from an end face of the second connecting end 90 toward the first connecting end 88 but spaced from the intermediate portion 90. The connecting member 86 further includes an upper compartment (92) extending from the lower compartment 94 to an end face of the first connecting end 88. A grid 111 is provided in the upper compartment (92) and is located between the end face of the first connecting end 88 and the intermediate portion 89. The grid 111 includes a plurality of through-holes intercommunicating with the upper compartment (92).

[0048] The connecting member 86 further includes two channels 113 each extending from the end face of the first connecting end 88 to an intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. A notch 114 is formed in a lower end of one of the two channels 113 and is located in the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. The notch 114 intercommunicates the one of the two channels 113 with the upper compartment (92). Each channel 113 further includes a coupling groove 118 extending from an outer periphery of the first engaging end 88 to the upper compartment (92).

[0049] The connecting member 86 further includes two elongated grooves 88A each extending from the end face of the first connecting end 88 to the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. Each of the two elongated grooves 88A is located between the two channels 113 in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis. Each of the two elongated grooves 88A includes a coupling portion 88B at the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90.

[0050] The barrel portion 84 includes a compressed air cartridge 115, a cap unit 136, and a safety unit 150, all of which are received in the connecting member 86. The compressed air cartridge 115 includes a neck 117 and a bottom end 116 spaced from the neck 117. The compressed air cartridge 115 includes an interior space used to store compressed air and is received in the lower compartment 94 of the connecting member 86. The second connecting end 90 of the connecting member 86 is coupled with a bottom cover 335. A lower seal piece 333 is mounted to the lower cover 335 and may be but not limited to be in the form of a sheet of paper, a thin film, a bottle sealing foil, or any flexible sheet-like element that can be pierced or removed.

[0051] The cap unit 136 is airtight and is removably coupled with the neck 117 of the compressed air cartridge 115. The cap unit 136 includes a cap 137, a guiding tube 331, and a firing pin 315. The cap 137 includes an engaging hole 139 extending from a top face of the cap 137 through a bottom face of the cap 137 along an axial direction of the compressed air cartridge 115. The cap 137 may be but not limited to be made of rubber or similar material. The cap 137 plugs the neck 117, such that the outer periphery of the cap 137 is in airtight contact with the inner periphery of the neck 117. Nevertheless, the cap 137 can be removed from the neck 117.

[0052] The guiding tube 331 includes a hole 332 extending therethrough along an axial direction thereof. An outer periphery of an end of the guiding tube 331 is airtightly coupled with the engaging hole 139 of the cap 137. Another end of the guiding tube 331 extends through the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. For example, the guiding tube 331 is welded to the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115, such that the outer periphery of the guiding tube 331 is airtightly coupled with the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. With reference to FIG. 5A, the other end of the guiding tube 331 is located outside of the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. The hole 332 of the guiding tube 331 is spaced from the interior space of the compressed air cartridge 115 storing the compressed air. The compressed air stored in compressed air cartridge 115 will not leak via the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331.

[0053] The firing pin 315 includes a first end 317 having an outer diameter slightly greater than an inner diameter of the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331 and a second end 319 having an outer diameter slightly greater than an inner diameter of the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331. The firing pin 315 is slidably received in the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331. The first end 317 of the firing pin 315 is located outside of the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115 and the guiding tube 331. The second end 319 of the firing pin 315 is located outside of the guiding tube 331. The firing pin 315 is slidable along an axial direction of the guiding tube 331 between a standby position (FIGS. 5A-8) and a push position (FIG. 9).

[0054] The safety unit 150 includes a pivotal seat 119 mounted around the neck 117. The pivotal seat 119 includes a first pivotal portion 131A, a second pivotal portion 131B, and a third pivotal portion 131C. The second pivotal portion 131B is adjacent to the first pivotal portion 131C. The pivotal seat 119 further includes an engaging portion 134 located between the first pivotal portion 131A and the second pivotal portion 131B. The engaging portion 134 includes a through-hole 138. The second pivotal portion 131B is located between the through-hole 138 and the third pivotal portion 131C.

[0055] The neck 117 is mounted in the through-hole 138 of the engaging portion 134. An outer periphery of the engaging portion 134 is coupled with the through-hole 138 of the pivotal seat 119. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5A, when the engaging portion 134 of the pivotal seat 119 is coupled with the neck 117 of the compressed air cartridge 115, the distal end of the neck 117 expands outward, such that two ends of the engaging portion 134 respectively abut against the expanded distal end of the neck 117 and the cartridge body of the compressed air cartridge 115 and are, thus, fixed.

[0056] The safety unit 150 further includes an outer coupling member 157, an inner coupling member 151, and a pressing member 173. The pressing member 173 includes a first limiting portion 175 and a second limiting portion 177 contiguous to the first limiting portion 175. The pressing member 173 further includes a pressing side 173A spaced from the first and second limiting portions 175 and 177 and a pivotal portion 174. The pivotal portion 174 of the pressing member 173 is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion 131B of the pivotal seat 119, and a portion of the pressing member 173 is received in the notch 114 of the connecting member 86 (see FIG. 5A).

[0057] The inner coupling member 151 includes an inner pivotal portion 153 and a distal end 155 spaced from the inner pivotal portion 153. The distal end 155 may but not limited to warp in a direction away from the safety unit 150. The inner coupling member 151 further includes a through-hole 156 between the inner pivotal portion 153 and the distal end 155. The inner coupling member 151 is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion 131A of the pivotal seat 119.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 5A-8, with the cap 137 in airtight coupling with the neck 117, the inner coupling member 151 presses against the cap 137, and the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173. Since the pressing member 1773 cannot pivot, the inner coupling member 151 cannot pivot, either, such that the push force imparted from the cap 137 to the inner coupling member 151 cannot actuate the pressing member 173 to pivot. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the firing pin 315 is in the standby position, the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 does not protrude beyond the through-hole 156.

[0059] The outer coupling member 157 includes two outer pivotal portions 159 and a gap between the two outer pivotal portions 159. The outer coupling member 157 further includes an inner end 171A contiguous to the gap 171 and located between the two outer pivotal portions 159.

[0060] The two outer pivotal portions 159 of the outer coupling member 157 are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion 131C (on the same side of the pressing member 173) of the pivotal seat 119. With reference to FIGS. 5A-8, the pressing member 173 is located in the gap 171 between the two outer pivotal portions 159 of the outer coupling member 157. When the cap 137 is coupled with the compressed air cartridge 115, the outer coupling member 157 is substantially parallel to the inner coupling member 151. The first limiting portion 175 of the pressing member 13 is located above the inner end 171A of the outer coupling member 157, such that when the pressing member 173 cannot pivot, the inner end 171A is limited by the first limiting portion 175, avoiding the outer coupling member 157 from pivoting.

[0061] The safety unit 150 further includes a safety member 179 slidably coupled with the connecting member 86. The safety member 179 may be but not limited to be in the form of a ring or similar structure. The safety member 179 includes a stopping portion 191 protruding inward and two coupling portions 193. Each coupling portion 193 includes a first portion 193A and a second portion 193B. The first portion 193A of each coupling portion 193 protrudes outward from an outer periphery of the safety member 179. The second portion 193B of each coupling portion 193 protrudes toward a central portion of the safety member 179. Furthermore, the stopping portion 191 is located between the two coupling portions 193 in a circumferential direction of the safety member 179.

[0062] The safety member 179 is slidably coupled with the intermediate portion 89 of the connecting member 86. The stopping portion 191 is slidably received in the channel 113 with the notch 114. With reference to FIG. 5B, the two coupling portions 193 are received in the elongated grooves 88A. The safety member 179 may slide between a safety position (FIG. 5A) and a non-safety position (FIGS. 6 and 8-10) along the axial direction of the connecting member 86.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the barrel portion 84 is not coupled with the coupling tube 72, the safety member 179 is the safety position, and the second portion 193B of each coupling portion 193 of the safety member 179 is coupled with the respective coupling portion 88B of the connecting member 86, thereby securing the safety member 179 in the safety position. Furthermore, the stopping portion 191 is located in the notch 114 and abuts the pressing side 173A of the safety member 179. In this state, the pressing member 173 cannot pivot. As a result, the outer coupling member 157 and the inner coupling member 151 are limited by the pressing member 173 and, thus, cannot pivot. Consequently, the cap 137 still seals the compressed air cartridge 115 to prevent leakage of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115.

[0064] Thus, it can be appreciated that, when the safety member 179 is in the safety position, since the outer coupling member 157 cannot pivot, the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 is stopped by the outer coupling member 157, such that the firing pin 315 cannot move from the standby position to the push position. This assures that the cap unit 136 will not disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115 before the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the base portion 20.

[0065] The barrel portion 84 further includes a stopper 337 securely disposed around the connecting member 86. The stopper 337 may be annular and may be but not limited to be in the form of a ring. The stopper 337 includes two coupling blocks 339 protruding from an inner periphery of the stopper 337. The two coupling blocks 339 are spaced from each other in a circumferential direction of a longitudinal axis of the stopper 337.

[0066] The stopper 337 is mounted around the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86 and abuts the intermediate portion 89 of the connecting member 86. The two coupling blocks 339 are received in the channels 113 and are coupled with the coupling grooves 118. When the two coupling blocks 339 are in a position aligned with the channels 113, the connecting member 86 may pivot about the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86 to engage the two coupling blocks 339 of the stopper 337 with the coupling grooves 118, such that the stopper 337 is positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the stopper 337 is located on the first connecting end 88 and abuts the intermediate portion 89. When the safety member 179 is in the safety position, the safety member 179 is spaced from the stopper 337 along the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86.

[0067] The barrel portion 84 further includes a filling sleeve 195 coupled with the connecting member 86, a sheath 196, and an upper cover 313. The filling sleeve 195 is a hollow tubular structure and includes a filling chamber 197. The sheath 196 covers an outer periphery of the filling sleeve 195. The upper cover 313 is coupled with an end of the filling sleeve 195 and covers the filling chamber 197. The upper cover 313 includes a skirt located between the sheath 196 and the filling sleeve 195.

[0068] Another end of the filling sleeve 195 is coupled with the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86 and abuts an upper surface of the stopper 337. A plurality of fixing members 198 extends through the sheath 196, the filling sleeve 195, and the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86, such that the filling sleeve 195 and the sheath 196 are securely connected to the connecting member 86. The filling chamber 197 of the filling sleeve 195 is used to receive confetti (not shown). The grid 111 of the connecting member 86 is used to prevent the confetti from falling into the connecting member 86 while permitting passage of compressed air. The upper cover 313 is used to prevent the confetti from falling out of the filling chamber 197.

[0069] The barrel portion 84 of the confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention may be disposable. Namely, after the confetti in the barrel portion 84 is launched by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 into the air, the barrel portion 84 may be directly detached from the bae portion 20, and a new barrel portion 84 may be installed. Specifically, the barrel portion 84 is installed by mounting the second connecting end 90 of the connecting member 86 into the coupling tube 72. With reference to FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 8, the barrel portion 84 moves along the axial direction of the coupling tube 72 toward the actuator 80 until the bottom cover 335 abuts the frame 76. Thus, the first end 317 of the firing pin 315 is aligned with the movable member 82 of the actuator 80.

[0070] During the movement of the barrel portion 84 toward the actuator 80, the first portion 193A of each of the two coupling portions 193 is pressed by an upper end of the coupling tube 72 and deforms, such that the bottom end of each of the two coupling portions 193 moving toward the respective elongated groove 88A undergoes elastic deformation. Then, the two second portions 193B disengage from the two coupling portions 88B, such that the safety member 179 can move relative to the connecting member 86 along the intermediate portion 89. As the barrel portion 84 gradually moves toward the actuator 80, the safety member 179 is pressed by the upper end of the coupling tube 72 and, thus, moves relative to the connecting member 86 from the safety position (FIG. 5A) to the non-safety position. Thus, the stopping portion 191 of the safety member 179 disengages from the notch 114 and is received in the channel 113. In this state, the pressing member 173 is no longer impeded by the stopping portion 191, thereby permitting the pressing member 173 to pivot.

[0071] It is noted that even though the safety member 179 is in the non-safety position, the pressing member 173 is still not moved unless it is pushed by the outer coupling member 157, as the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173. Thus, even if the inner coupling member 151 is pushed by the cap 137, the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 cannot actuate the pressing member 173 to pivot. Thus, the inner coupling member 151 still presses against the cap 137 and is unable to disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115. The safety unit 150 in this state is defined as a non-fired state.

[0072] When the actuator 80 is energized, the movable member 82 of the actuator 80 displaces to push the lower seal piece 333 away and press against the first end 317 of the firing pin 315. Thus, the firing pin 315 moves from the standby position to the push position, and the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 presses against and pivots the outer coupling member 157. With reference to FIG. 9, when the outer coupling member 157 pivots, the inner end 171A of the outer coupling member 157 presses against the first limiting portion 175 to pivot the pressing member 173. Furthermore, the second limiting portion 177 of the pressing member 173 disengages from the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 177, such that the inner coupling member 151 is released and, thus, pivotable.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, with the inner coupling member 151 in the pivotable state, the cap 137 is pushed by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 to disengage from the neck 117. At the same time, the cap 137 pushes the inner coupling member 151 to pivot.

[0074] It can be appreciated that after the cap 137 disengages from the neck 117, the compressed air is ejected outside of the compressed air cartridge 115 and passes through the grid 111 of the connecting member 86 into the filling chamber 197 of the filling sleeve 195. Then, the compressed air pushes the upper cover 313 to disengage from the filling sleeve 195 and ejects the confetti into the air, and the confetti gradually falls down.

[0075] After the confetti in the filling sleeve 195 is launched into the air, the barrel portion 84 may be detached from the base portion 20. Specifically, the barrel portion 84 is pulled out away from the actuator 80 along the axial direction of the coupling tube 72. A new, unused barrel portion 84 can be rapidly coupled with the base portion 20.

[0076] The confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention may also permit adjustment of the orientation and the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84 via the mechanism of the rotary table 42. With reference to FIGS. 11-14, specifically, when each longitudinal knob 68 is rotated to an extent such that each transverse retaining element 70 is disengaged from or slightly contacts with the respective transverse disc 64 (see FIG. 6), the resistance imparted by the transverse retaining element 70 to the respective transverse disc 64 is not high, such that the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84 and the coupling tube 72 may be adjusted through pivotal movement about the transverse axis. When the barrel portion 84 reaches the desired inclination angle, each longitudinal knob 68 is rotated to increase the pressure imparted from each transverse retaining element 70 to the respective transverse disc 64, such that the pivotal resistance between the respective transvers disc 64 and the respective bearing 58 is increased, thereby fixing the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84.

[0077] [00(92)] Furthermore, in a case that the longitudinal retaining element 38 slightly contacts or does not contact with the longitudinal disc 28, the whole rotary table 42 may be pivoted about the longitudinal axis to change the orientation of the barrel portion 84 (namely, the angular position of the barrel portion 84 on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). After the orientation of the barrel portion 84 is determined, the longitudinal knob 40 may be rotated to increase the pressure imparted from the longitudinal retaining member 38 to the longitudinal disc 28. Thus, the pivotal resistance of the rotary table 42 about the longitudinal axis is increased to thereby fix the orientation of the barrel portion 84.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 14, the substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc 28 cooperates with the limiting rod 25 to restrict the rotary table 42, such that the rotary table 42 cannot pivot 360 degrees (for example, the rotary table 42 can only pivot about 180 degrees). This arrangement may avoid entangling of the wires on the actuator 80 due to pivotal movement of the rotary table 42.

[0079] Although the rotary table 42 cannot rotate 360 degrees, the rotary table 42 can still support the coupling tube 72 to pivot about the transverse axis, such that the coupling tube 72 may still support the barrel portion 84 to enable 360-degree rotation as well as adjustment of the orientation.

[0080] By cooperating each transverse retaining element 70 with the respective transvers disc 64 to provide suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion 84 may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired inclination angle.

[0081] By cooperating the longitudinal retaining element 38 with the longitudinal disc 28 to provide a suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion 84 may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired orientation.

[0082] Installation and detachment of the barrel portion 84 and the base portion 20 are relatively simple to enable rapid installation and detachment of the barrel portion 84.

[0083] In the barrel portion 84 according to the present invention, the firing pin 315 may be displaced by the compressed air cartridge 115 to set the safety unit 150 to a firing state, such that the cap unit 136 may disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115 to release compressed air, thereby ejecting confetti into the air.

[0084] Since the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 of the pressing member 173 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173, even if the safety member 179 is in the non-safety position, the cap 137 still cannot actuate the inner coupling member 151 to pivot, such that the safety unit 150 may remain in the unfired state. This avoids the safety unit 150 from being inadvertently fired after the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the coupling tube 72, providing safety for the barrel portion 84.

[0085] In the cap unit 136 according to the present invention, by the airtight engagement between the guiding tube 331 and the cap 137 and between the guiding tube 331 and the compressed air cartridge 115, the guiding tube 331 extends beyond the compressed air cartridge 115, such that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 will not leak to the outside. Thus, the guiding tube 331 may support the firing pin 315 well to enable displacement of the firing pin 315 while maintaining airtight contact with the compressed air cartridge 115.

[0086] By coupling the two coupling portions 193 of the safety member 179 with the two coupling portions 88B of the connecting member 86, the safety member 179 is reliably maintained in the safety position before the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the coupling tube 72. This further assures that the pressing member 173 cannot pivot to avoid the firing pin 315 from moving to the push position, thereby avoiding accidental release of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115. Furthermore, after the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the base portion 20, the safety member 179 will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion 84, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0087] Furthermore, by the cooperation of the outer coupling member 157 with the firing pin 315, after the firing pin 315 reaches the push position, the outer coupling member 157 will push the pressing member 173 to pivot, thereby assuring firing of the barrel portion 84.

[0088] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member 151 with the pressing member 173, in a case that the pressing member 173 is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member 151, the inner coupling member 151 is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap 137 cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115. Thus, the confetti cannot device 10 according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0089] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device 10 suitable for launching confetti, such as small pieces or streamers of colored paper, into the air at the festival and in a joyous atmosphere. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the confetti cannon device 10 comprises a base portion 20 having a housing 22. The housing 22 includes a planar platform 24 and a limiting rod 25 (FIGS. 3 and 7) extending downward from a bottom face of the platform 24 into an interior of the housing 22. A longitudinal collar 26 is securely mounted on the platform 24. The base portion 20 further includes an arm 30 securely mounted in the housing 22. The arm 30 includes a first engaging end 32 and a second engaging end 34 spaced from the first engaging end 32. The arm 30 further includes a threading connection portion 36 disposed on an intermediate portion between the first engaging end 32 and the second engaging end 34 and located adjacent to the second engaging end 34.

[0039]The arm 30 is received i...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device and, more particularly, to a confetti cannon device using compressed air to launch confetti or the like, including sequins, ribbons, or similar light-weight small pieces, into the air, and the confetti or the like drifts downward afterward.

[0002] A type of currently available confetti cannon device may eject confetti into the air. The confetti will scatter and gradually drift downward and is, thus, suitable for celebration occasions like wedding banquets, opening ceremonies, etc.

[0003] Many confetti cannon devices use compressed air to eject confetti into the air. Generally, compressed air is filled into a compressed air cartridge made of metal in advance. A cap unit is used to seal the compressed air cartridge and is fixed by a safety unit to store the compressed air in the cartridge.

[0004] Confetti cannons include electric type and manual type. An electric confetti cannon generally uses a wire to fix the safety unit. The wire may be heated to melt through thermoelectric effect to thereby release the safety unit. Next, the compressed air stored in the cartridge pushes the cap unit away, and the released compressed air ejects the confetti into the air. The electric confetti includes a barrel portion and a base portion which supplies electricity to the barrel portion for operation. However, the barrel portion and the base portion are connected by electric wires, causing inconvenience in detachment and installation.

[0005] Furthermore, the wire for fixing the safety unit of the electric confetti cannon might break, and the procedure of tying the safety unit with the wire is troublesome.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a confetti cannon device comprising: a compressed air cartridge having an interior space receiving compressed air; a cap unit including a cap airtightly and removably coupled with the compressed air cartridge, wherein the cap unit further includes a movable firing pin configured to be airtightly coupled with and movable relative to the compressed air cartridge and the cap, and wherein the firing pin is movable between a standby position and a push position; and a safety unit mounted outside of the cap unit, wherein the safety unit is configured to be set in either of an unfired state and a firing state, wherein the safety unit remains in the unfired state when the firing pin is in the standby position, wherein when the firing pin is in the push position, the safety unit is switched to the firing state, the cap disengages from the compressed air cartridge, permitting the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge to eject confetti into the air.

[0007] In the barrel portion according to the present invention, the firing pin may be displaced by the compressed air cartridge to set the safety unit to a firing state, such that the cap unit may disengage from the compressed air cartridge to release compressed air, thereby ejecting confetti into the air.

[0008] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a safety member mounted outside of the safety unit. The safety member is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety unit remains in the unfired state, and the firing pin remains in the standby position. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the firing pin is movable to the push position, and the safety unit is permitted to enter the firing state.

[0009] The safety member of the safety unit may be retained in the unfired state before coupling with the base portion to assure that the confetti in the filling sleeve will not be ejected into the air in an unexpected state.

[0010] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pressing member pivotably mounted above the cap and an outer coupling member which is pivotable. When the safety member is in the safety position, the pressing member is not pivotable to prevent pivotal movement of the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the pressing member is pivotable. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the outer coupling member remains unmoved. When the firing pin moves from the standby position to the push position, the outer coupling member is pivoted by the firing pin to push the pressing member to pivot, the safety unit is switched to the firing state, and the cap is pushed by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge to thereby disengage from the compressed air cartridge.

[0011] By the cooperation of the outer coupling member with the firing pin, after the firing pin reaches the push position, the outer coupling member will push the pressing member to pivot, thereby assuring firing of the barrel portion.

[0012] In an example, the safety unit further includes an inner coupling member which is pivotable. The inner coupling member includes a through-hole. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the firing pin does not extend through the through-hole of the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is located between the cap and the outer coupling member, and the inner coupling member is coupled with the pressing member such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. Pivotal movement of the inner coupling member is prevented by the pressing member when the pressing member is not pivotable, and the inner coupling member abuts against the cap to prevent the cap from disengaging from the firing pin. When the firing pin is in the push position, the firing pin extends through the through-hole of the inner coupling member to push the outer coupling member to pivot, pivotal movement of the outer coupling member causes pivotal movement of the pressing member to disengage the pressing member from the inner coupling member, the cap is pushed by the compressed air to actuate the inner coupling member to pivot, thereby completely disengaging the cap from the compressed air cartridge.

[0013] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member with the pressing member, in a case that the pressing member is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge. Thus, the confetti cannot device according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0014] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pivotal seat coupled with the compressed air cartridge. The pivotal seat includes a first pivotal portion, a second pivotal portion, and a third pivotal portion. The second pivotal portion is adjacent to the third pivotal portion and is located between the first pivotal portion and the third pivotal portion. The inner coupling member includes a distal end warping away from the compressed air cartridge. The inner coupling member is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion. The outer coupling member further includes two outer pivotal portions having a gap therebetween. The outer coupling member further includes an inner end located between the two outer pivotal portions and contiguous to the gap. The two outer pivotal portions are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion. The pressing member further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion contiguous to the first limiting portion. The pressing member is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion and is located in the gap. The distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. When the safety unit is in the unfired state, the limiting portion remains above the inner end of the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position and the firing pin moves toward the push position, the inner end of the outer coupling member presses against the first limiting portion to pivot the pressing member.

[0015] Since the distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion of the pressing member are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to pivot the pressing member, even if the safety member is in the non-safety position, the cap still cannot actuate the inner coupling member to pivot, such that the safety unit may remain in the unfired state. This avoids the safety unit from being inadvertently fired after the barrel portion is coupled with the coupling tube, providing safety for the barrel portion.

[0016] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a filling sleeve and a connecting member. The filling sleeve includes a filling chamber configured for receiving the confetti. The connecting member is coupled with the filling sleeve. The connecting member includes an upper compartment, a channel formed in an outer periphery of the connecting member, and a notch intercommunicating with the channel and the upper compartment. The pressing member is aligned with the notch. The safety member includes a stopping portion formed on an inner periphery of the safety member. The safety member is slidably coupled with the connecting member. The stopping portion is received in the channel. When the safety member is in the safety position, the stopping portion is located in the notch and contiguous to the pressing member, thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion is located in the channel and spaced from the notch and the pressing member, thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety unit is in the firing state, a portion of the pressing member is located in the notch.

[0017] Through provision of the safety member to assure that the pressing member cannot pivot before the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion. This further prevents the firing pin from moving to the push position, assuring that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge will not be released by accident. Furthermore, after the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion, the safety member will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0018] In an example, the cap unit further includes a guiding tube having a hole extending therethrough in an axial direction of the guiding tube. The compressed air cartridge includes a neck and a bottom end spaced from the neck. The cap is airtightly and removably coupled with the neck. The cap includes an engaging hole. An outer surface of an end of the guiding tube is airtightly coupled with the engaging hole. Another end of the guiding tube extends through and is airtightly coupled with the bottom end of the compressed air cartridge. The hole of the guiding tube is spaced from the interior space of the compressed air cartridge. The firing pin includes a first end and a second end. The firing pin is slidably coupled with the hole of the guiding tube. The first end and the second end of the firing pin are located outside of the guiding tube. The first end of the firing pin extends beyond the bottom end of the compressed air cartridge. When the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin switches the safety unit to the firing state.

[0019] In the cap unit according to the present invention, by the airtight engagement between the guiding tube and the cap and between the guiding tube and the compressed air cartridge, the guiding tube extends beyond the compressed air cartridge, such that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge will not leak to the outside. Thus, the guiding tube may support the firing pin well to enable displacement of the firing pin while maintaining airtight contact with the compressed air cartridge.

[0020] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises a safety member movably mounted outside of the safety unit. The safety member is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position. The safety unit further includes a pressing member mounted above the cap and switchable between a pivotable state permitting pivotal movement and a non-pivotable state not permitting pivotal movement. The pressing member further includes an outer coupling member. The pressing member includes a first limiting portion located above the outer coupling member. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety member prevents the pressing member from pivoting, such that the outer coupling member is not pivotable, and the cap is prevented from disengaging from the compressed air cartridge. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the pressing member is pivotable. When the pressing member is in the non-pivotable state, the first limiting portion prevents pivotal movement of the outer coupling member, which, in turn, prevents the firing pin from moving to the push position. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the second end of the firing pin is spaced from the outer coupling member. When the pressing member is in the pivotable state and the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin pushes the outer coupling member to pivot, and an inner end of the outer coupling member presses against the first limiting portion to pivot the pressing member, thereby switching the safety unit to the firing state.

[0021] In an example, the safety unit further includes an inner coupling member which is pivotable. The inner coupling member includes a through-hole. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the inner coupling member is located between the cap and the outer coupling member and presses against the cap. The outer coupling member includes an inner end coupled with a second limiting portion of the pressing member. Pivotal movement of the inner coupling member is prevented by the pressing member in the non-pivotable state, and the inner coupling member prevents the cap from disengaging from the firing pin. When the firing pin is in the standby position, the firing pin does not extend through the through-hole of the inner coupling member. When the pressing member is in the pivotable state and the firing pin is in the push position, the second end of the firing pin extends through the through-hole of the inner coupling member to push the outer coupling member to pivot, the inner coupling member disengages from the pressing member to permit pivotal movement of the inner coupling member, and the cap pushes the inner coupling member away and disengages from the neck.

[0022] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises: a connecting member receiving the compressed air cartridge, the cap unit, and the safety unit; a safety member mounted outside of the connecting member and movable along an axial direction of the connecting member between a safety position and a non-safety position; a base portion including a coupling tube detachably coupled with the connecting member, wherein the safety member is in the safety position before the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, the firing pin remains in the standby position, the safety unit remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, the safety member is pushed by the coupling tube to the non-safety position, permitting movement of the firing pin to the push position, and the safety unit is switchable to the firing state; and an actuator securely mounted in the coupling tube, wherein the actuator includes a movable member facing the firing pin, wherein when the actuator is energized, the movable member displaces to push the firing pin to move from the standby position to the push position.

[0023] Installation and detachment of the barrel portion and the base portion are relatively simple to enable rapid installation and detachment of the barrel portion.

[0024] In an example, the base portion further includes a housing and a longitudinal collar securely mounted on the housing. The base portion further includes a rotary table pivotably coupled to the longitudinal collar. The coupling tube is pivotably coupled with the rotary table. The rotary table and the connecting member 86 are jointly pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal collar. The coupling tube is pivotable about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] In an example, the base portion further includes a longitudinal disc coupled with the rotary table to permit joint pivotal movement of the longitudinal disc and the rotary table. The longitudinal disc has semi-circular cross sections and is received in the housing. The housing includes a limiting rod which cooperates with the longitudinal disc to limit a rotational angle of the rotary table to be smaller than 360 degrees. The base portion further includes an arm securely mounted in the housing. The arm includes a first engaging end securely connected to the housing, a second engaging end, and a threading connection portion between the first engaging end and the second engaging end. A longitudinal retaining element is securely mounted to the second engaging end and faces the longitudinal disc. The base portion further includes a longitudinal knob in threading connection with the threading connection portion. Rotation of the longitudinal knob causes movement of the longitudinal retaining element toward or away from the longitudinal disc. A contact pressure between the longitudinal retaining element and the longitudinal disc is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the rotary table about the longitudinal collar.

[0026] By cooperating each transverse retaining element with the respective transvers disc to provide suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired inclination angle.

[0027] The substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc cooperates with the limiting rod to restrict the rotary table, such that the rotary table cannot rotate 360 degrees (for example, the rotary table can only pivot about 180 degrees). This arrangement may avoid entangling of the wires on the actuator due to pivotal movement of the rotary table.

[0028] In an example, the rotary table further includes a connecting portion and two extension portions securely mounted to two ends of the connecting portion. Each of the two extension portions includes an inner cover having a fixing portion. The rotary table further includes two transverse receiving rings each of which is securely mounted to a respective inner cover and is rotatably coupled with a bearing. Each bearing includes an inner end located on an inner side of the respective inner cover and coupled with a longitudinal disc to permit joint pivotal movement of the bearing and the respective longitudinal disc. The coupling tube is coupled with the bearings to permit joint pivotal movement of the coupling tube and the bearings. The rotary table further includes two longitudinal knobs in threading connection with the fixing portions. Each of the two longitudinal knobs is coupled with a longitudinal retaining element. Each of the two longitudinal knobs is pivotable to move a respective longitudinal retaining element toward the respective longitudinal disc. A pressing force imparted to each of the two longitudinal discs by the respective longitudinal retaining element is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the coupling tube about the transverse axis.

[0029] Although the rotary table cannot rotate 360 degrees, the rotary table can still support the coupling tube to pivot about the transverse axis, such that the coupling tube may still support the barrel portion to enable 360-degree rotation as well as adjustment of the orientation.

[0030] In an example, the confetti cannon device further comprises: a base portion including a coupling tube; a connecting member receiving the compressed air cartridge, the cap unit, and the safety unit, wherein the connecting member includes a coupling portion; and a safety member mounted outside of the connecting member and movable between a safety position and a non-safety position, wherein the safety member includes a coupling portion, wherein the safety member remains in the safety position before the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, wherein the coupling portion includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion protrudes outward from an outer periphery of the safety member, wherein the second portion protrudes outward from an inner periphery of the safety member, wherein when the safety member is in the safety position, the second portion of the coupling portion is coupled with the coupling portion of the connecting member to retain the safety member in the safety position, the firing pin is prevented from moving to the push position, and the safety unit remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member is coupled with the coupling tube, an end of the coupling tube presses against the first portion, such that the coupling portion deforms elastically, the second portion disengages from the coupling portion of the connecting member, and the safety member is pushed to move from the safety position to the non-safety position, wherein only when the safety member is in the non-safety position, the firing pin is permitted to move to the push position, and the safety unit is switchable to the firing state.

[0031] By coupling the two coupling portions of the safety member with the two coupling portions of the connecting member, the safety member is reliably maintained in the safety position before the barrel portion is coupled with the coupling tube. This further assures that the pressing member cannot pivot to avoid the firing pin from moving to the push position, thereby avoiding accidental release of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge. Furthermore, after the barrel portion is coupled with the base portion, the safety member will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0032] In an example, the safety unit further includes a pivotal seat coupled with the compressed air cartridge. The pivotal seat includes a first pivotal portion, a second pivotal portion, and a third pivotal portion. The second pivotal portion is adjacent to the third pivotal portion. The safety unit includes an outer coupling member and an inner coupling member. The inner coupling member includes a distal end warping away from the compressed air cartridge. The inner coupling member is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion. The outer coupling member includes two outer pivotal portions having a gap therebetween. The outer coupling member further includes an inner end located between the two outer pivotal portions and contiguous to the gap. The two outer pivotal portions are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion. The pressing member further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion contiguous to the first limiting portion. The pressing member is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion and is located in the gap. The distal end of the inner coupling member and the second limiting portion are coupled such that the inner coupling member is unable to push the pressing member to pivot. The safety member further includes a stopping portion. The connecting member further includes a notch. When the safety member is in the safety position, the stopping portion is located in the notch and contiguous to the pressing member, thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion moves out of the notch and is spaced from the pressing member, thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member and permitting the safety unit to switch to the firing state. The confetti cannon device further comprises a stopper and a filling sleeve. The stopper is annular and includes a coupling block on an inner periphery of the stopper. The connecting member includes a first connecting end, a second connecting end, and an intermediate portion between the first connecting end and the second connecting end. The connecting member further includes a coupling groove formed in the first connecting end. The safety member is slidably coupled with the intermediate portion. The stopper is mounted around the first connecting end and is contiguous to the intermediate portion. The stopper is coupled with the coupling groove to retain the stopper in place relative to the connecting member along an axial direction of the connecting member. When the safety member is in the safety position, the safety member is spaced from the stopper along the axial direction of the connecting member. When the safety member is in the non-safety position, the safety member abuts against the stopper. The coupling tube is coupled with the second connecting end of the connecting member. The filling sleeve includes a filling chamber configured for receiving the confetti. An end of the filling sleeve is coupled with the first connecting end of the connecting member and abuts against the stopper.

[0033] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member with the pressing member, in a case that the pressing member is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member, the inner coupling member is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge. Thus, the confetti cannot device according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0034] The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a partly-exploded perspective view of a confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a barrel portion of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a base portion of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the confetti cannon device according to the present invention. FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5B-5B of FIG. 4, illustrating a safety member in a safety position. FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view illustrating coupling between the barrel portion and the coupling tube and illustrating the safety member in a non-safety position. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 5C. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a firing pin in a push position. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view illustrating separation of a cap from a compressed air cartridge. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary table pivoted about a longitudinal axis and a barrel portion pivoted about a transverse axis. FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

[0036] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

[0037] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "lower", "upper", "inner", "outer", "side", "end", "portion", "section", "longitudinal", "axial", "circumferential", "horizontal", "transverse", "annular", "outward", "inward", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device 10 suitable for launching confetti, such as small pieces or streamers of colored paper, into the air at the festival and in a joyous atmosphere. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the confetti cannon device 10 comprises a base portion 20 having a housing 22. The housing 22 includes a planar platform 24 and a limiting rod 25 (FIGS. 3 and 7) extending downward from a bottom face of the platform 24 into an interior of the housing 22. A longitudinal collar 26 is securely mounted on the platform 24. The base portion 20 further includes an arm 30 securely mounted in the housing 22. The arm 30 includes a first engaging end 32 and a second engaging end 34 spaced from the first engaging end 32. The arm 30 further includes a threading connection portion 36 disposed on an intermediate portion between the first engaging end 32 and the second engaging end 34 and located adjacent to the second engaging end 34.

[0039] The arm 30 is received in the housing 22. The first engaging end 32 is securely connected to the housing 22. The second engaging end 34 is spaced from the casing 22. A longitudinal retaining element 38 (see FIGS. 7 and 12) is securely mounted to the second engaging end 34. The longitudinal retaining element 38 may be but not limited to be in the form of a rubber block, silicone block, or any block made of a material with a high friction coefficient. The base portion 20 further includes a longitudinal knob 40 rotatably coupled to the housing 22. The longitudinal knob 40 includes a threaded stem extending into the housing 22 and in threading connection with the threading connection portion 36 of the arm 30. The longitudinal knob 40 may be rotated to actuate the arm 30 to proceed with elastic deformation, and the second engaging end 34 and the longitudinal retaining element 38 displace jointly.

[0040] The base portion 20 further includes a rotary table 42 pivotably coupled with the longitudinal collar 26. The rotary table 42 includes a connecting portion 44 and two extension portions 48 symmetrically disposed on two sides of the connecting portion 44. Each extension portion 48 includes an inner cover 52 securely connected to the connecting portion 44. Each inner cover 52 includes a fixing portion 54 formed on an inner side thereof. Each extension portion 48 further includes an outer cover 50 covering an outer side of the inner cover 52. A transverse receiving ring 56 is securely mounted to each inner cover 52 and is pivotably coupled with a bearing 58. Each bearing 58 includes an inner end 61 and an outer end 60 located outside of a respective inner cover 52. The inner end 61 of each bearing 58 is located between the respective inner cover 52 and the respective outer cover 50.

[0041] Each extension portion 48 further includes a transverse disc 64 is securely connected to the inner end 61 of the respective bearing 58. Each transverse disc 64 includes a substantially C-shaped limiting slot 66 in a lower side thereof. Each transverse disc 64 is located between the inner end 61 of the respective bearing 58 and the respective outer cover 50 along a transverse axis of the respective transverse receiving ring 56. Each transverse disc 64 and the respective bearing 58 are rotatable about the transverse axis.

[0042] Each extension portion 48 further includes a connecting member 62 securely connected to the outer end 60 of the respective bearing 58. Each connecting member 62 is located outside of the respective inner cover 52. Each connecting member 62 is located between the two inner covers 52 along the transverse axis (as shown in FIG. 6). Thus, it can be appreciated that the connecting members 62, the bearings 58, and the transverse discs 64 may pivot jointly about the transverse axis.

[0043] Each extension portion 48 further includes a transverse knob 68 having a threaded stem in threading connection with the respective fixing portion 54 and extending through the limiting slot 66 of the respective transverse disc 64. When each transverse knob 68 rotates, the transverse knob 68 moves in a direction parallel to the transverse axis. A transverse retaining element 70 is mounted around the threaded stem of each transverse knob 68. Each transverse retaining element 70 is located between the respective transverse disc 64 and the respective outer cover 50 along the transverse axis. When each transverse knob 68 moves in the direction parallel to the transverse axis, the respective transverse retaining element 70 can move toward or away from the respective transverse disc 64. Each transverse retaining element 70 may be but not limited to in the form of a rubber block, silicone block, or any block made of a material with a high friction coefficient. Furthermore, since the threaded stem of each transverse knob 68 extends through the limiting slot 66 of the respective transverse disc 64, each connecting member 62, each bearing 58, and each transverse disc 64 can only pivot within the extent of the respective limiting slot 66 about the transverse axis.

[0044] The rotary table 42 further includes a longitudinal shaft 46 extending from a bottom end of the connecting portion 44 through the longitudinal collar 26 along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the transverse axis (see FIG. 7). The longitudinal shaft 46 is pivotably coupled with the longitudinal collar 26. The rotary table 42 further includes a substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc 28 having two stopper portions 29 formed on a rectilinear section of the semi-circular shape. The longitudinal disc 28 is located in the housing 22 and is coupled with the longitudinal shaft 46 to permit joint pivotal movement of the longitudinal disc 28 and the longitudinal shaft 46. Specifically, the longitudinal disc 28 is located between the platform 24 and the longitudinal retaining element 38 along the longitudinal axis. With reference to FIG. 7, when the longitudinal retaining element 38 is spaced from the longitudinal disc 28, the rotary table 42 is pivotable about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the contact pressure between the longitudinal retaining element 38 and the longitudinal disc 28 is in direct proportion to the rotational resistance of the rotary table 42. Thus, the rotary table 42 can be fixed by sufficient rotational resistance.

[0045] The base portion 20 further includes a coupling tube 72 pivotably coupled with the rotary table 42. The coupling tube 72 includes two connecting portions 74 arranged in a direction parallel to the transverse axis. Each connecting portion 74 may be but not limited to be in the form of a hole with non-circular cross sections. The two connecting portions 74 of the coupling tube 72 are coupled with the connecting members 62 to permit joint pivotal movement of the connecting members 62 and the coupling tube 72. It may be appreciated that each connecting member 62 supports the coupling tube 72 to pivot about the transverse axis in the extent of the respective limiting slot 66. With reference to FIG. 6, when each transverse retaining element 70 is spaced from and, thus, does not contact with the respective transverse disc 64, the coupling tube 72 may pivot smoothly.

[0046] A frame 76 is securely mounted in the coupling tube 72. An actuator 80 is securely mounted in the frame 80 and may actuate a movable member 82 to displace. The actuator 80 may be but not limited to be in the form of an electromagnetic valve, a motor, or a similar electromechanical device driven by electricity. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the actuator 80 is an electromagnetic valve which may be energized to cause rapid movement of the movable member 82 under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0047] The confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention further comprises a barrel portion 84 coupled with the coupling tube 72. The barrel portion 84 includes a connecting member 86 having a first connecting end 88 and a second connecting end 90 spaced from the first connecting end 88. The connecting member 86 further includes an intermediate portion 89 between the first connecting end 88 and the second connecting end 90. An outer diameter of the first connecting end 88 is smaller than an outer diameter of the intermediate portion 89, which, in turn, is smaller than an outer diameter of the second connecting end 90. The connecting member 86 further includes a lower compartment 94 extending from an end face of the second connecting end 90 toward the first connecting end 88 but spaced from the intermediate portion 90. The connecting member 86 further includes an upper compartment (92) extending from the lower compartment 94 to an end face of the first connecting end 88. A grid 111 is provided in the upper compartment (92) and is located between the end face of the first connecting end 88 and the intermediate portion 89. The grid 111 includes a plurality of through-holes intercommunicating with the upper compartment (92).

[0048] The connecting member 86 further includes two channels 113 each extending from the end face of the first connecting end 88 to an intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. A notch 114 is formed in a lower end of one of the two channels 113 and is located in the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. The notch 114 intercommunicates the one of the two channels 113 with the upper compartment (92). Each channel 113 further includes a coupling groove 118 extending from an outer periphery of the first engaging end 88 to the upper compartment (92).

[0049] The connecting member 86 further includes two elongated grooves 88A each extending from the end face of the first connecting end 88 to the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90. Each of the two elongated grooves 88A is located between the two channels 113 in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis. Each of the two elongated grooves 88A includes a coupling portion 88B at the intersection of the intermediate portion 89 and the second connecting end 90.

[0050] The barrel portion 84 includes a compressed air cartridge 115, a cap unit 136, and a safety unit 150, all of which are received in the connecting member 86. The compressed air cartridge 115 includes a neck 117 and a bottom end 116 spaced from the neck 117. The compressed air cartridge 115 includes an interior space used to store compressed air and is received in the lower compartment 94 of the connecting member 86. The second connecting end 90 of the connecting member 86 is coupled with a bottom cover 335. A lower seal piece 333 is mounted to the lower cover 335 and may be but not limited to be in the form of a sheet of paper, a thin film, a bottle sealing foil, or any flexible sheet-like element that can be pierced or removed.

[0051] The cap unit 136 is airtight and is removably coupled with the neck 117 of the compressed air cartridge 115. The cap unit 136 includes a cap 137, a guiding tube 331, and a firing pin 315. The cap 137 includes an engaging hole 139 extending from a top face of the cap 137 through a bottom face of the cap 137 along an axial direction of the compressed air cartridge 115. The cap 137 may be but not limited to be made of rubber or similar material. The cap 137 plugs the neck 117, such that the outer periphery of the cap 137 is in airtight contact with the inner periphery of the neck 117. Nevertheless, the cap 137 can be removed from the neck 117.

[0052] The guiding tube 331 includes a hole 332 extending therethrough along an axial direction thereof. An outer periphery of an end of the guiding tube 331 is airtightly coupled with the engaging hole 139 of the cap 137. Another end of the guiding tube 331 extends through the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. For example, the guiding tube 331 is welded to the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115, such that the outer periphery of the guiding tube 331 is airtightly coupled with the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. With reference to FIG. 5A, the other end of the guiding tube 331 is located outside of the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115. The hole 332 of the guiding tube 331 is spaced from the interior space of the compressed air cartridge 115 storing the compressed air. The compressed air stored in compressed air cartridge 115 will not leak via the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331.

[0053] The firing pin 315 includes a first end 317 having an outer diameter slightly greater than an inner diameter of the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331 and a second end 319 having an outer diameter slightly greater than an inner diameter of the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331. The firing pin 315 is slidably received in the hole 332 of the guiding tube 331. The first end 317 of the firing pin 315 is located outside of the bottom end 116 of the compressed air cartridge 115 and the guiding tube 331. The second end 319 of the firing pin 315 is located outside of the guiding tube 331. The firing pin 315 is slidable along an axial direction of the guiding tube 331 between a standby position (FIGS. 5A-8) and a push position (FIG. 9).

[0054] The safety unit 150 includes a pivotal seat 119 mounted around the neck 117. The pivotal seat 119 includes a first pivotal portion 131A, a second pivotal portion 131B, and a third pivotal portion 131C. The second pivotal portion 131B is adjacent to the first pivotal portion 131C. The pivotal seat 119 further includes an engaging portion 134 located between the first pivotal portion 131A and the second pivotal portion 131B. The engaging portion 134 includes a through-hole 138. The second pivotal portion 131B is located between the through-hole 138 and the third pivotal portion 131C.

[0055] The neck 117 is mounted in the through-hole 138 of the engaging portion 134. An outer periphery of the engaging portion 134 is coupled with the through-hole 138 of the pivotal seat 119. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5A, when the engaging portion 134 of the pivotal seat 119 is coupled with the neck 117 of the compressed air cartridge 115, the distal end of the neck 117 expands outward, such that two ends of the engaging portion 134 respectively abut against the expanded distal end of the neck 117 and the cartridge body of the compressed air cartridge 115 and are, thus, fixed.

[0056] The safety unit 150 further includes an outer coupling member 157, an inner coupling member 151, and a pressing member 173. The pressing member 173 includes a first limiting portion 175 and a second limiting portion 177 contiguous to the first limiting portion 175. The pressing member 173 further includes a pressing side 173A spaced from the first and second limiting portions 175 and 177 and a pivotal portion 174. The pivotal portion 174 of the pressing member 173 is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion 131B of the pivotal seat 119, and a portion of the pressing member 173 is received in the notch 114 of the connecting member 86 (see FIG. 5A).

[0057] The inner coupling member 151 includes an inner pivotal portion 153 and a distal end 155 spaced from the inner pivotal portion 153. The distal end 155 may but not limited to warp in a direction away from the safety unit 150. The inner coupling member 151 further includes a through-hole 156 between the inner pivotal portion 153 and the distal end 155. The inner coupling member 151 is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion 131A of the pivotal seat 119.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 5A-8, with the cap 137 in airtight coupling with the neck 117, the inner coupling member 151 presses against the cap 137, and the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173. Since the pressing member 1773 cannot pivot, the inner coupling member 151 cannot pivot, either, such that the push force imparted from the cap 137 to the inner coupling member 151 cannot actuate the pressing member 173 to pivot. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the firing pin 315 is in the standby position, the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 does not protrude beyond the through-hole 156.

[0059] The outer coupling member 157 includes two outer pivotal portions 159 and a gap between the two outer pivotal portions 159. The outer coupling member 157 further includes an inner end 171A contiguous to the gap 171 and located between the two outer pivotal portions 159.

[0060] The two outer pivotal portions 159 of the outer coupling member 157 are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion 131C (on the same side of the pressing member 173) of the pivotal seat 119. With reference to FIGS. 5A-8, the pressing member 173 is located in the gap 171 between the two outer pivotal portions 159 of the outer coupling member 157. When the cap 137 is coupled with the compressed air cartridge 115, the outer coupling member 157 is substantially parallel to the inner coupling member 151. The first limiting portion 175 of the pressing member 13 is located above the inner end 171A of the outer coupling member 157, such that when the pressing member 173 cannot pivot, the inner end 171A is limited by the first limiting portion 175, avoiding the outer coupling member 157 from pivoting.

[0061] The safety unit 150 further includes a safety member 179 slidably coupled with the connecting member 86. The safety member 179 may be but not limited to be in the form of a ring or similar structure. The safety member 179 includes a stopping portion 191 protruding inward and two coupling portions 193. Each coupling portion 193 includes a first portion 193A and a second portion 193B. The first portion 193A of each coupling portion 193 protrudes outward from an outer periphery of the safety member 179. The second portion 193B of each coupling portion 193 protrudes toward a central portion of the safety member 179. Furthermore, the stopping portion 191 is located between the two coupling portions 193 in a circumferential direction of the safety member 179.

[0062] The safety member 179 is slidably coupled with the intermediate portion 89 of the connecting member 86. The stopping portion 191 is slidably received in the channel 113 with the notch 114. With reference to FIG. 5B, the two coupling portions 193 are received in the elongated grooves 88A. The safety member 179 may slide between a safety position (FIG. 5A) and a non-safety position (FIGS. 6 and 8-10) along the axial direction of the connecting member 86.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the barrel portion 84 is not coupled with the coupling tube 72, the safety member 179 is the safety position, and the second portion 193B of each coupling portion 193 of the safety member 179 is coupled with the respective coupling portion 88B of the connecting member 86, thereby securing the safety member 179 in the safety position. Furthermore, the stopping portion 191 is located in the notch 114 and abuts the pressing side 173A of the safety member 179. In this state, the pressing member 173 cannot pivot. As a result, the outer coupling member 157 and the inner coupling member 151 are limited by the pressing member 173 and, thus, cannot pivot. Consequently, the cap 137 still seals the compressed air cartridge 115 to prevent leakage of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115.

[0064] Thus, it can be appreciated that, when the safety member 179 is in the safety position, since the outer coupling member 157 cannot pivot, the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 is stopped by the outer coupling member 157, such that the firing pin 315 cannot move from the standby position to the push position. This assures that the cap unit 136 will not disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115 before the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the base portion 20.

[0065] The barrel portion 84 further includes a stopper 337 securely disposed around the connecting member 86. The stopper 337 may be annular and may be but not limited to be in the form of a ring. The stopper 337 includes two coupling blocks 339 protruding from an inner periphery of the stopper 337. The two coupling blocks 339 are spaced from each other in a circumferential direction of a longitudinal axis of the stopper 337.

[0066] The stopper 337 is mounted around the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86 and abuts the intermediate portion 89 of the connecting member 86. The two coupling blocks 339 are received in the channels 113 and are coupled with the coupling grooves 118. When the two coupling blocks 339 are in a position aligned with the channels 113, the connecting member 86 may pivot about the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86 to engage the two coupling blocks 339 of the stopper 337 with the coupling grooves 118, such that the stopper 337 is positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the stopper 337 is located on the first connecting end 88 and abuts the intermediate portion 89. When the safety member 179 is in the safety position, the safety member 179 is spaced from the stopper 337 along the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 86.

[0067] The barrel portion 84 further includes a filling sleeve 195 coupled with the connecting member 86, a sheath 196, and an upper cover 313. The filling sleeve 195 is a hollow tubular structure and includes a filling chamber 197. The sheath 196 covers an outer periphery of the filling sleeve 195. The upper cover 313 is coupled with an end of the filling sleeve 195 and covers the filling chamber 197. The upper cover 313 includes a skirt located between the sheath 196 and the filling sleeve 195.

[0068] Another end of the filling sleeve 195 is coupled with the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86 and abuts an upper surface of the stopper 337. A plurality of fixing members 198 extends through the sheath 196, the filling sleeve 195, and the first connecting end 88 of the connecting member 86, such that the filling sleeve 195 and the sheath 196 are securely connected to the connecting member 86. The filling chamber 197 of the filling sleeve 195 is used to receive confetti (not shown). The grid 111 of the connecting member 86 is used to prevent the confetti from falling into the connecting member 86 while permitting passage of compressed air. The upper cover 313 is used to prevent the confetti from falling out of the filling chamber 197.

[0069] The barrel portion 84 of the confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention may be disposable. Namely, after the confetti in the barrel portion 84 is launched by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 into the air, the barrel portion 84 may be directly detached from the bae portion 20, and a new barrel portion 84 may be installed. Specifically, the barrel portion 84 is installed by mounting the second connecting end 90 of the connecting member 86 into the coupling tube 72. With reference to FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 8, the barrel portion 84 moves along the axial direction of the coupling tube 72 toward the actuator 80 until the bottom cover 335 abuts the frame 76. Thus, the first end 317 of the firing pin 315 is aligned with the movable member 82 of the actuator 80.

[0070] During the movement of the barrel portion 84 toward the actuator 80, the first portion 193A of each of the two coupling portions 193 is pressed by an upper end of the coupling tube 72 and deforms, such that the bottom end of each of the two coupling portions 193 moving toward the respective elongated groove 88A undergoes elastic deformation. Then, the two second portions 193B disengage from the two coupling portions 88B, such that the safety member 179 can move relative to the connecting member 86 along the intermediate portion 89. As the barrel portion 84 gradually moves toward the actuator 80, the safety member 179 is pressed by the upper end of the coupling tube 72 and, thus, moves relative to the connecting member 86 from the safety position (FIG. 5A) to the non-safety position. Thus, the stopping portion 191 of the safety member 179 disengages from the notch 114 and is received in the channel 113. In this state, the pressing member 173 is no longer impeded by the stopping portion 191, thereby permitting the pressing member 173 to pivot.

[0071] It is noted that even though the safety member 179 is in the non-safety position, the pressing member 173 is still not moved unless it is pushed by the outer coupling member 157, as the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173. Thus, even if the inner coupling member 151 is pushed by the cap 137, the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 cannot actuate the pressing member 173 to pivot. Thus, the inner coupling member 151 still presses against the cap 137 and is unable to disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115. The safety unit 150 in this state is defined as a non-fired state.

[0072] When the actuator 80 is energized, the movable member 82 of the actuator 80 displaces to push the lower seal piece 333 away and press against the first end 317 of the firing pin 315. Thus, the firing pin 315 moves from the standby position to the push position, and the second end 319 of the firing pin 315 presses against and pivots the outer coupling member 157. With reference to FIG. 9, when the outer coupling member 157 pivots, the inner end 171A of the outer coupling member 157 presses against the first limiting portion 175 to pivot the pressing member 173. Furthermore, the second limiting portion 177 of the pressing member 173 disengages from the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 177, such that the inner coupling member 151 is released and, thus, pivotable.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, with the inner coupling member 151 in the pivotable state, the cap 137 is pushed by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 to disengage from the neck 117. At the same time, the cap 137 pushes the inner coupling member 151 to pivot.

[0074] It can be appreciated that after the cap 137 disengages from the neck 117, the compressed air is ejected outside of the compressed air cartridge 115 and passes through the grid 111 of the connecting member 86 into the filling chamber 197 of the filling sleeve 195. Then, the compressed air pushes the upper cover 313 to disengage from the filling sleeve 195 and ejects the confetti into the air, and the confetti gradually falls down.

[0075] After the confetti in the filling sleeve 195 is launched into the air, the barrel portion 84 may be detached from the base portion 20. Specifically, the barrel portion 84 is pulled out away from the actuator 80 along the axial direction of the coupling tube 72. A new, unused barrel portion 84 can be rapidly coupled with the base portion 20.

[0076] The confetti cannon device 10 according to the present invention may also permit adjustment of the orientation and the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84 via the mechanism of the rotary table 42. With reference to FIGS. 11-14, specifically, when each longitudinal knob 68 is rotated to an extent such that each transverse retaining element 70 is disengaged from or slightly contacts with the respective transverse disc 64 (see FIG. 6), the resistance imparted by the transverse retaining element 70 to the respective transverse disc 64 is not high, such that the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84 and the coupling tube 72 may be adjusted through pivotal movement about the transverse axis. When the barrel portion 84 reaches the desired inclination angle, each longitudinal knob 68 is rotated to increase the pressure imparted from each transverse retaining element 70 to the respective transverse disc 64, such that the pivotal resistance between the respective transvers disc 64 and the respective bearing 58 is increased, thereby fixing the inclination angle of the barrel portion 84.

[0077] [00(92)] Furthermore, in a case that the longitudinal retaining element 38 slightly contacts or does not contact with the longitudinal disc 28, the whole rotary table 42 may be pivoted about the longitudinal axis to change the orientation of the barrel portion 84 (namely, the angular position of the barrel portion 84 on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). After the orientation of the barrel portion 84 is determined, the longitudinal knob 40 may be rotated to increase the pressure imparted from the longitudinal retaining member 38 to the longitudinal disc 28. Thus, the pivotal resistance of the rotary table 42 about the longitudinal axis is increased to thereby fix the orientation of the barrel portion 84.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 14, the substantially semi-circular longitudinal disc 28 cooperates with the limiting rod 25 to restrict the rotary table 42, such that the rotary table 42 cannot pivot 360 degrees (for example, the rotary table 42 can only pivot about 180 degrees). This arrangement may avoid entangling of the wires on the actuator 80 due to pivotal movement of the rotary table 42.

[0079] Although the rotary table 42 cannot rotate 360 degrees, the rotary table 42 can still support the coupling tube 72 to pivot about the transverse axis, such that the coupling tube 72 may still support the barrel portion 84 to enable 360-degree rotation as well as adjustment of the orientation.

[0080] By cooperating each transverse retaining element 70 with the respective transvers disc 64 to provide suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion 84 may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired inclination angle.

[0081] By cooperating the longitudinal retaining element 38 with the longitudinal disc 28 to provide a suitable frictional resistance, the barrel portion 84 may be easily and rapidly adjusted to the desired orientation.

[0082] Installation and detachment of the barrel portion 84 and the base portion 20 are relatively simple to enable rapid installation and detachment of the barrel portion 84.

[0083] In the barrel portion 84 according to the present invention, the firing pin 315 may be displaced by the compressed air cartridge 115 to set the safety unit 150 to a firing state, such that the cap unit 136 may disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115 to release compressed air, thereby ejecting confetti into the air.

[0084] Since the distal end 155 of the inner coupling member 151 and the second limiting portion 177 of the pressing member 173 are coupled such that the inner coupling member 151 is unable to pivot the pressing member 173, even if the safety member 179 is in the non-safety position, the cap 137 still cannot actuate the inner coupling member 151 to pivot, such that the safety unit 150 may remain in the unfired state. This avoids the safety unit 150 from being inadvertently fired after the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the coupling tube 72, providing safety for the barrel portion 84.

[0085] In the cap unit 136 according to the present invention, by the airtight engagement between the guiding tube 331 and the cap 137 and between the guiding tube 331 and the compressed air cartridge 115, the guiding tube 331 extends beyond the compressed air cartridge 115, such that the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115 will not leak to the outside. Thus, the guiding tube 331 may support the firing pin 315 well to enable displacement of the firing pin 315 while maintaining airtight contact with the compressed air cartridge 115.

[0086] By coupling the two coupling portions 193 of the safety member 179 with the two coupling portions 88B of the connecting member 86, the safety member 179 is reliably maintained in the safety position before the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the coupling tube 72. This further assures that the pressing member 173 cannot pivot to avoid the firing pin 315 from moving to the push position, thereby avoiding accidental release of the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge 115. Furthermore, after the barrel portion 84 is coupled with the base portion 20, the safety member 179 will automatically displace to the non-safety position to permit firing of the barrel portion 84, thereby providing both safety and convenience.

[0087] Furthermore, by the cooperation of the outer coupling member 157 with the firing pin 315, after the firing pin 315 reaches the push position, the outer coupling member 157 will push the pressing member 173 to pivot, thereby assuring firing of the barrel portion 84.

[0088] By the cooperation of the inner coupling member 151 with the pressing member 173, in a case that the pressing member 173 is not pivoted to disengage from the inner coupling member 151, the inner coupling member 151 is prevented from pivoting to assure that the cap 137 cannot disengage from the compressed air cartridge 115. Thus, the confetti cannot device 10 according to the present invention has excellent safety.

[0089] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]The present invention relates to a confetti cannon device 10 suitable for launching confetti, such as small pieces or streamers of colored paper, into the air at the festival and in a joyous atmosphere. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the confetti cannon device 10 comprises a base portion 20 having a housing 22. The housing 22 includes a planar platform 24 and a limiting rod 25 (FIGS. 3 and 7) extending downward from a bottom face of the platform 24 into an interior of the housing 22. A longitudinal collar 26 is securely mounted on the platform 24. The base portion 20 further includes an arm 30 securely mounted in the housing 22. The arm 30 includes a first engaging end 32 and a second engaging end 34 spaced from the first engaging end 32. The arm 30 further includes a threading connection portion 36 disposed on an intermediate portion between the first engaging end 32 and the second engaging end 34 and located adjacent to the second engaging end 34.

[0039]The arm 30 is received i...

Claims

1. A confetti cannon device comprising: a compressed air cartridge (115) having an interior space receiving compressed air; a cap unit (136) including a cap (137) airtightly and removably coupled with the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the cap unit (136) further includes a movable firing pin (315) configured to be airtightly coupled with and movable relative to the compressed air cartridge (115) and the cap (137), and wherein the firing pin (315) is movable between a standby position and a push position; and a safety unit (150) mounted outside of the cap unit (136), wherein the safety unit (150) is configured to be set in either of an unfired state and a firing state, wherein the safety unit (150) remains in the unfired state when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the safety unit (150) is switched to the firing state, the cap (137) disengages from the compressed air cartridge (115), permitting the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge (115) to eject confetti into air.

2. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a safety member (179) mounted outside of the safety unit (150), wherein the safety member (179) is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position, wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the safety unit (150) remains in the unfired state, and the firing pin (315) remains in the standby position, and wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the firing pin (315) is movable to the push position, and the safety unit (150) is permitted to enter the firing state.

3. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes a pressing member (173) pivotably mounted above the cap (137) and an outer coupling member (157) which is pivotable, wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the pressing member (173) is not pivotable to prevent pivotal movement of the outer coupling member (157), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the pressing member (173) is pivotable, wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, the outer coupling member (157) remains unmoved, wherein when the firing pin (315) moves from the standby position to the push position, the outer coupling member (157) is pivoted by the firing pin (315) to push the pressing member (173) to pivot, the safety unit (150) is switched to the firing state, and the cap (137) is pushed by the compressed air in the compressed air cartridge (115) to thereby disengage from the compressed air cartridge (115).

4. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes an inner coupling member (151) which is pivotable, wherein the inner coupling member (151) includes a through-hole (156), wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, the firing pin (315) does not extend through the through-hole (156) of the inner coupling member (151), the inner coupling member (151) is located between the cap (137) and the outer coupling member (157), and the inner coupling member (151) is coupled with the pressing member (173) such that the inner coupling member (151) is unable to push the pressing member (173) to pivot, wherein pivotal movement of the inner coupling member (151) is prevented by the pressing member (173) when the pressing member (173) is not pivotable, and the inner coupling member (151) abuts against the cap (137) to prevent the cap (137) from disengaging from the firing pin (315), wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the firing pin (315) extends through the through-hole (156) of the inner coupling member (151) to push the outer coupling member (157) to pivot, pivotal movement of the outer coupling member (157) causes pivotal movement of the pressing member (173) to disengage the pressing member (173) from the inner coupling member (151), the cap (137) is pushed by the compressed air to actuate the inner coupling member (151) to pivot, thereby completely disengaging the cap (137) from the compressed air cartridge (115).

5. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes a pivotal seat (119) coupled with the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the pivotal seat (119) includes a first pivotal portion (131A), a second pivotal portion (131B), and a third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the second pivotal portion (131B) is adjacent to the third pivotal portion (131C) and is located between the first pivotal portion (131A) and the third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the inner coupling member (151) includes a distal end (155) warping away from the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the inner coupling member (151) is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion (131A), wherein the outer coupling member (157) further includes two outer pivotal portions (159) having a gap (171) therebetween, wherein the outer coupling member (157) further includes an inner end (171)A located between the two outer pivotal portions (159) and contiguous to the gap (171), wherein the two outer pivotal portions (159) are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the pressing member (173) further includes a first limiting portion (175) and a second limiting portion (177) contiguous to the first limiting portion (175), wherein the pressing member (173) is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion (131B) and is located in the gap (171), wherein the distal end (155) of the inner coupling member (151) and the second limiting portion (177) are coupled such that the inner coupling member (151) is unable to push the pressing member (173) to pivot, wherein when the safety unit (150) is in the unfired state, the limiting portion (175) remains above the inner end (171A) of the outer coupling member (157), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position and the firing pin (315) moves toward the push position, the inner end (171A) of the outer coupling member (157) presses against the first limiting portion (175) to pivot the pressing member (173).

6. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: a filling sleeve (195) including a filling chamber (197) configured for receiving the confetti; and a connecting member (86) coupled with the filling sleeve (195), wherein the connecting member (86) includes an upper compartment ((92)), a channel (113) formed in an outer periphery of the connecting member (86), and a notch (114) intercommunicating with the channel (113) and the upper compartment (92), wherein the pressing member (173) is aligned with the notch (114), wherein the safety member (179) includes a stopping portion (191) formed on an inner periphery of the safety member (179), wherein the safety member (179) is slidably coupled with the connecting member (86), wherein the stopping portion (191) is received in the channel (113), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the stopping portion (191) is located in the notch (114) and contiguous to the pressing member (173), thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member (173), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion (191) is located in the channel (113) and spaced from the notch (114) and the pressing member (173), thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member (173), wherein when the safety unit (150) is in the firing state, a portion of the pressing member (173) is located in the notch (114).

7. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap unit (136) further includes a guiding tube (331) having a hole (332) extending therethrough in an axial direction of the guiding tube (331), wherein the compressed air cartridge (115) includes a neck (117) and a bottom end (116) spaced from the neck (117), wherein the cap (137) is airtightly and removably coupled with the neck (117), wherein the cap (137) includes an engaging hole (139), wherein an outer surface of an end of the guiding tube (331) is airtightly coupled with the engaging hole (139), wherein another end of the guiding tube (331) extends through and is airtightly coupled with the bottom end (116) of the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the hole (332) of the guiding tube (331) is spaced from the interior space of the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the firing pin (315) includes a first end (317) and a second end (319), wherein the firing pin (315) is slidably coupled with the hole (332) of the guiding tube (331), wherein the first end (317) and the second end (319) of the firing pin (315) are located outside of the guiding tube (331), wherein the first end (317) of the firing pin (315) extends beyond the bottom end (116) of the compressed air cartridge (115), and wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the second end (319) of the firing pin (315) switches the safety unit (150) to the firing state.

8. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a safety member (179) movably mounted outside of the safety unit (150), wherein the safety member (179) is movable between a safety position and a non-safety position, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes a pressing member (173) mounted above the cap (137) and switchable between a pivotable state permitting pivotal movement and a non-pivotable state not permitting pivotal movement, wherein the pressing member (173) further includes an outer coupling member (157), wherein the pressing member (173) includes a first limiting portion (175) located above the outer coupling member (157), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the safety member (179) prevents the pressing member (173) from pivoting, such that the outer coupling member (157) is not pivotable, and the cap (137) is prevented from disengaging from the compressed air cartridge (115), and wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the pressing member (173) is pivotable, wherein when the pressing member (173) is in the non-pivotable state, the first limiting portion (175) prevents pivotal movement of the outer coupling member (157), which, in turn, prevents the firing pin (315) from moving to the push position, wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, the second end (319) of the firing pin (315) is spaced from the outer coupling member (157), wherein when the pressing member (173) is in the pivotable state and the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the second end (319) of the firing pin (315) pushes the outer coupling member (157) to pivot, and an inner end (171A) of the outer coupling member (157) presses against the first limiting portion (175) to pivot the pressing member (173), thereby switching the safety unit (150) to the firing state.

9. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes an inner coupling member (151) which is pivotable, wherein the inner coupling member (151) includes a through-hole (156), wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, the inner coupling member (151) is located between the cap (137) and the outer coupling member (157) and presses against the cap (137), wherein the outer coupling member (157) includes an inner end (155) coupled with a second limiting portion (177) of the pressing member (173), wherein pivotal movement of the inner coupling member (151) is prevented by the pressing member (173) in the non-pivotable state, and the inner coupling member (151) prevents the cap (137) from disengaging from the firing pin (315), wherein when the firing pin (315) is in the standby position, the firing pin (315) does not extend through the through-hole (156) of the inner coupling member (151), wherein when the pressing member (173) is in the pivotable state and the firing pin (315) is in the push position, the second end (319) of the firing pin (315) extends through the through-hole (156) of the inner coupling member (151) to push the outer coupling member (157) to pivot, the inner coupling member (151) disengages from the pressing member (173) to permit pivotal movement of the inner coupling member (151), and the cap (137) pushes the inner coupling member (151) away and disengages from the neck (117).

10. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a connecting member (86) receiving the compressed air cartridge (115), the cap unit (136), and the safety unit (150); a safety member (179) mounted outside of the connecting member (86) and movable along an axial direction of the connecting member (86) between a safety position and a non-safety position; a base portion (20) including a coupling tube (72) detachably coupled with the connecting member (86), wherein the safety member (179) is in the safety position before the connecting member (86) is coupled with the coupling tube (72), the firing pin (315) remains in the standby position, the safety unit (150) remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member (86) is coupled with the coupling tube (72), the safety member (179) is pushed by the coupling tube (72) to the non-safety position, permitting movement of the firing pin (315) to the push position, and the safety unit (150) is switchable to the firing state; and an actuator (80) securely mounted in the coupling tube (72), wherein the actuator (80) includes a movable member (82) facing the firing pin (315), wherein when the actuator (80) is energized, the movable member (82) displaces to push the firing pin (315) to move from the standby position to the push position.

11. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base portion (20) further includes a housing (22) and a longitudinal collar (26) securely mounted on the housing (22), wherein the base portion (20) further includes a rotary table (42) pivotably coupled to the longitudinal collar (26), wherein the coupling tube (72) is pivotably coupled with the rotary table (42), wherein the rotary table (42) and the connecting member (86) are jointly pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal collar (26), and wherein the coupling tube (72) is pivotable about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base portion (20) further includes a longitudinal disc (28) coupled with the rotary table (42) to permit joint pivotal movement of the longitudinal disc (28) and the rotary table (42), wherein the longitudinal disc (28) has semi-circular cross sections and is received in the housing (22), wherein the housing (22) includes a limiting rod (25) which cooperates with the longitudinal disc (28) to limit a rotational angle of the rotary table (42) to be smaller than 360 degrees, wherein the base portion (20) further includes an arm (30) securely mounted in the housing (22), wherein the arm (30) includes a first engaging end (32) securely connected to the housing (22), a second engaging end (34), and a threading connection portion (36) between the first engaging end (32) and the second engaging end (34), wherein a longitudinal retaining element (38) is securely mounted to the second engaging end (34) and faces the longitudinal disc (28), wherein the base portion (20) further includes a longitudinal knob (40) in threading connection with the threading connection portion (36), wherein rotation of the longitudinal knob (40) causes movement of the longitudinal retaining element (38) toward or away from the longitudinal disc (28), and wherein a contact pressure between the longitudinal retaining element (38) and the longitudinal disc (28) is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the rotary table (42) about the longitudinal collar (26).

13. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rotary table (42) further includes a connecting portion (44) and two extension portions (48) securely mounted to two ends of the connecting portion (44), wherein each of the two extension portions (48) includes an inner cover (52) having a fixing portion (54), wherein the rotary table (42) further includes two transverse receiving rings (56) each of which is securely mounted to a respective inner cover (52) and is rotatably coupled with a bearing (58), wherein each bearing (58) includes an inner end 61 located on an inner side of the respective inner cover (52) and coupled with a longitudinal disc (64) to permit joint pivotal movement of the bearing (58) and the respective longitudinal disc (64), wherein the coupling tube (72) is coupled with the bearings (58) to permit joint pivotal movement of the coupling tube (72) and the bearings (58), wherein the rotary table (42) further includes two longitudinal knobs (68) in threading connection with the fixing portions (54), wherein each of the two longitudinal knobs (68) is coupled with a longitudinal retaining element (70), wherein each of the two longitudinal knobs (68) is pivotable to move a respective longitudinal retaining element (70) toward the respective longitudinal disc (64), and wherein a pressing force imparted to each of the two longitudinal discs (64) by the respective longitudinal retaining element (70) is in direct proportion to resistance to pivotal movement of the coupling tube (72) about the transverse axis.

14. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a base portion (20) including a coupling tube (72); a connecting member (86) receiving the compressed air cartridge (115), the cap unit (136), and the safety unit (150), wherein the connecting member (86) includes a coupling portion (88B); and a safety member (179) mounted outside of the connecting member (86) and movable between a safety position and a non-safety position, wherein the safety member (179) includes a coupling portion (193), wherein the safety member (179) remains in the safety position before the connecting member (86) is coupled with the coupling tube (72), wherein the coupling portion (193) includes a first portion (193A) and a second portion (193B), wherein the first portion (193A) protrudes outward from an outer periphery of the safety member (179), wherein the second portion (193B) protrudes outward from an inner periphery of the safety member (179), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the second portion (193B) of the coupling portion (193) is coupled with the coupling portion (88B) of the connecting member (86) to retain the safety member (179) in the safety position, the firing pin (315) is prevented from moving to the push position, and the safety unit (150) remains in the unfired state, wherein when the connecting member (86) is coupled with the coupling tube (72), an end of the coupling tube (72) presses against the first portion (193A), such that the coupling portion (193) deforms elastically, the second portion (193B) disengages from the coupling portion (88B) of the connecting member (86), and the safety member (179) is pushed to move from the safety position to the non-safety position, wherein only when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the firing pin (315) is permitted to move to the push position, and the safety unit (150) is switchable to the firing state.

15. The confetti cannon device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the safety unit (150) further includes a pivotal seat (119) coupled with the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the pivotal seat (119) includes a first pivotal portion (131A), a second pivotal portion (131B), and a third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the second pivotal portion (131B) is adjacent to the third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the safety unit (150) includes an outer coupling member (157) and an inner coupling member (151), wherein the inner coupling member (151) includes a distal end (155) warping away from the compressed air cartridge (115), wherein the inner coupling member (151) is pivotably coupled with the first pivotal portion (131A), wherein the outer coupling member (157) includes two outer pivotal portions (159) having a gap (171) therebetween, wherein the outer coupling member (157) further includes an inner end (171A) located between the two outer pivotal portions (159) and contiguous to the gap (171), wherein the two outer pivotal portions (159) are pivotably coupled with the third pivotal portion (131C), wherein the pressing member (173) further includes a first limiting portion (175) and a second limiting portion (177) contiguous to the first limiting portion (175), wherein the pressing member (173) is pivotably coupled with the second pivotal portion (131B) and is located in the gap (171), wherein the distal end (155) of the inner coupling member (151) and the second limiting portion (177) are coupled such that the inner coupling member (151) is unable to push the pressing member (173) to pivot, wherein the safety member (179) further includes a stopping portion (191), wherein the connecting member (86) further includes a notch (114), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the stopping portion (191) is located in the notch (114) and contiguous to the pressing member (173), thereby preventing pivotal movement of the pressing member (173), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the stopping portion (191) moves out of the notch (114) and is spaced from the pressing member (173), thereby permitting pivotal movement of the pressing member (173) and permitting the safety unit (150) to switch to the firing state, wherein the confetti cannon device further comprises: a stopper (337) which is annular and includes a coupling block 339 on an inner periphery of the stopper (337), wherein the connecting member (86) includes a first connecting end (88), a second connecting end (90), and an intermediate portion (89) between the first connecting end (88) and the second connecting end (90), wherein the connecting member (86) further includes a coupling groove 118 formed in the first connecting end (88), wherein the safety member (179) is slidably coupled with the intermediate portion (89), wherein the stopper (337) is mounted around the first connecting end (88) and is contiguous to the intermediate portion (89), wherein the coupling block (339) of the stopper (337) is coupled with the coupling groove (118) to retain the stopper (337) in place relative to the connecting member (86) along an axial direction of the connecting member (86), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the safety position, the safety member (179) is spaced from the stopper (337) along the axial direction of the connecting member (86), wherein when the safety member (179) is in the non-safety position, the safety member (179) abuts against the stopper (337), and wherein the coupling tube (72) is coupled with the second connecting end (90) of the connecting member (86); and a filling sleeve (195) including a filling chamber (197) configured for receiving the confetti, wherein an end of the filling sleeve (195) is coupled with the first connecting end (88) of the connecting member (86) and abuts against the stopper (337).

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