Confetti launcher

Abstract

A novelty device comprising a base and a housing structure supported for rotation with respect to the base. The device may be placed on a cake. The housing structure includes launch tubes assemblies which, when activated, shoot confetti upwards from the housing. An initiator is provided to initiate rotation of the housing structure. As the housing structure rotates, a sequencer activates the launch tube assemblies in a sequential manner. The initiator may also allow a central candle to rise as rotation commences. A sound generation unit plays music, such as “Happy Birthday” as the housing structure rotates.

1 . A novelty device comprising a base and a housing structure supported for rotation with respect to the base, the housing structure comprising an activator for initiating rotation of the structure; a plurality of confetti launch tube assemblies, each including a launch tube having a distal end from which material loaded into the launch tube is ejected directly into the air; and means for activating each of the launch tube assemblies in a continuous sequential manner after activation as the housing structure rotates to eject the material from the launch tube assembly. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the base includes a drive for rotating the housing in the single continuous manner. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the initiator comprises a timer whereby rotation of the structure by the drive commences a delay time after the timer is activated. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the base comprises a spiral spring tensioned between a base housing and a rotating drive plate operatively connected to the housing structure. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the drive plate is maintained in an initial fixed position with the spiral spring tensioned by a pin. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the pin is located on a crank lever located in the housing structure. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein crank lever is mounted for vertical travel within the housing structure. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the crank lever is spring loaded for upward travel and is initially maintained in a lowered position with the pin being in the releasable lock locking position. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the retainer releases the crank lever for upward travel upon activation of the initiator, allowing the housing to rotate with respect to the base. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the initiator includes a timer comprises a string, the string serving as the retainer. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  further including means for severing the string to release the crank lever. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the means for severing is a candle. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the crank lever supports a candle holder. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the confetti launch assemblies are located on an exterior of the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein each confetti launch assembly comprises a launch tube and a spring loaded piston within the launch tube configured for travel from an initial cocked position for discharge of confetti loaded within the housing. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein each piston is retained in the initial cocked position by a launch lever engaging the piston, the launch levers being located within the housing. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the base includes a cam extending into the housing for sequential engagement with the launch levers for disengaging the launch levers from the respective pistons. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the launch levers comprise part of the sequencer.