Compressed gas cannon system and method of manufacturing and use thereof

Abstract

A compressed air cannon includes a launch pipe and a gas tube. The launch pipe has a closed end and an open end. The gas tube is into the top of the launch pipe, where the gas tube has an outlet directed toward the closed end of the launch pipe.

Claims

1. A compressed air cannon comprising: a launch pipe configured to contain materials to be launched directly from the launch pipe, having a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall with an interior surface and exterior surface; and a gas tube provided through the sidewall at an entry point of the launch pipe adjacent the open end, the gas tube provided with an outlet adjacent to the entry point into an interior of the launch pipe that is directed toward the closed end of the launch pipe.

2. The compressed air cannon of claim 1 wherein said gas tube having a 90 degree bend from the top of said launch pipe to direct said outlet toward said closed end of said launch pipe, and being positioned on the top of said launch pipe approximate the open end of said launch pipe.

3. The compressed air cannon of claim 1 wherein said gas tube is positioned with the outlet above a material line.

4. The compressed air cannon of claim 1 further comprising a stand for positioning the launch pipe at various launch angles to said stand, for positioning the compressed air cannon in various locations or to various objects, or combinations thereof.

5. The compressed air cannon of claim 4 wherein said stand comprising an adjustable elevation arm interconnecting said stand with said launch pipe.

6. The compressed air cannon of claim 5 wherein said adjustable elevation arm including a lower arm and an upper arm telescopically connected, wherein said lower arm and said upper arm including a plurality of adjustment holes for adjusting said launch pipe at various launch angles; whereby, said adjustable elevation arm allows said launch pipe to adjust from 10 degrees up to 60 degrees.

7. The compressed air cannon of claim 4 wherein said stand including a plurality of mounting holes approximate to each corner of said stand for securing the compressed air cannon in various locations or to various objects.

8. The compressed air cannon of claim 1 being a paint cannon, wherein said paint cannon: shoots paint at distances from 20 feet out to 75 feet, shoots out 1.5 gallons of paint in 1 second, or combinations thereof.

9. A paint cannon comprising: a launch pipe configured to contain materials to be launched directly from the launch pipe, having a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall with an interior surface and exterior surface; and a gas tube provided through the sidewall at an entry point of the launch pipe, the gas tube provided with an outlet adjacent to the entry point into an interior of the launch pipe that is directed toward the closed end of the launch pipe.

10. The paint cannon of claim 9 wherein: said gas tube having a 90 degree bend from the top of said launch pipe to direct said outlet toward said closed end of said launch pipe; said gas tube being positioned with the outlet above a material line; said gas tube being positioned on the top of said launch pipe approximate the open end of said launch pipe; or combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present paint cannon will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a compressed air cannon or paint cannon;

(3) FIG. 2 is another perspective view with an internal flow diagram of the compressed air cannon device or paint cannon device of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of the compressed air cannon device or paint cannon device of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4A is a side view of the compressed air cannon device or paint cannon device of FIG. 1 in a raised firing position;

(6) FIG. 4B is another view of the compressed air cannon device or paint cannon device of FIG. 1 in a lowered firing position;

(7) FIG. 5 is an environmental perspective view of multiple embodiments of the compressed air cannon devices or paint cannon devices with wireless activators mounted in various locations at a paint party;

(8) FIG. 6 is an environmental perspective view of multiple embodiments of the compressed air cannon devices or paint cannon devices with a wired activator mounted in various locations at a paint party firing material or paint; and

(9) FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary embodiment of the method of launching paint into the air.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

(11) Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 for firing, shooting, bursting, or blasting materials 11, like paint 96, confetti, other materials, or the like. The materials 11 fired by cannon 10, as used herein, may refer to paint 96, like neon paint, other liquids or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may also be used for firing confetti, streamers, rose pedals, tickets, money, and/or the like. As shown therein, compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 generally includes launch pipe 12 having closed end 14 and open end 16. Gas tube 18 may be into top 20 of launch pipe 12, where gas tube 18 may have outlet 22 directed toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12. In one embodiment, gas tube 18 may have 90 degree bend 24 from top 20 of launch pipe 12 to direct outlet 22 toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12. Gas tube 18 may be positioned with the outlet above material line 26 thereby allowing for compressed air 28 to enter launch pipe 12 at a maximum speed. In one embodiment, gas tube 18 may be positioned on top 20 of launch pipe 12 approximate open end 16 of launch pipe 12.

(12) Referring to FIGS. 2-3, in operation compressed gas 28, like compressed CO.sub.2, may enter gas tube 18 and move out of outlet 22. The 90 degree bend 24 may direct the flow of compressed gas 28 from outlet 22 toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12. Because outlet 22 of gas tube 18 may be above or outside of material line 26, compressed gas 28 may enter launch pipe 12 at a maximum speed. Once compressed gas 28 enters launch pipe 12 it may contact material line 26 of material 11 or paint 96 and do a u-turn, or 180 degree turn approximate to closed end 14 and be redirected toward open end 16 of launch pipe 12. One unique feature on this cannon may be the directing of compressed air 28 backwards along top 20 of launch pipe 12, keeping outlet 22 above material line 26. This gives the air enough time to reach max speed before contacting material 11 or paint 96 where the flow then travels along top 20 toward closed end 14 to where it hits the back of launch pipe 12 and makes a u-turn. This u-turn may be where you get your compression from causing paint 96 or other material 11 to project out of cannon 10 or 94 in a stream. As such, this feature of introducing compressed gas 28 at a maximum speed toward the closed end 14 of launch pipe 12 may provide the increased force or power to shoot, launch or fire material 11 or paint 96 out of open end 16 of launch pipe 12. In one embodiment, compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may shoot paint at distances from 20 feet out to 75 feet depending on the angle of launch. In another embodiment, compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may shoot out 1.5 gallons of paint in 1 second.

(13) Cannon 10 or 94 may use compressed CO.sub.2 because it may be pressurized at 850 psi which may provide extreme pressure through the system and is instant. In addition, it is also extremely cold causing a cooling effect in the liquid during hot summertime parties which is the most popular time for paint parties.

(14) In select embodiments, compressed air cannon 10 may also include valve module 30. Valve module 30 may be for controlling the compressed air 28 entered into compressed air cannon 10 via gas tube 18. Valve module 30 may be any device or combination of devices for controlling the compressed air 28 entered into compressed air cannon 10 via gas tube 18. Valve module 30 may be positioned anywhere on launch pipe 12, including, but not limited to over gas tube 18. Valve module 30 may be in communication with gas tube 18 for controlling the entrance of compressed air 28 into launch pipe 12 and out of outlet 22 toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12.

(15) In one embodiment, valve module 30 may include an internal valve 34. Internal valve 34 may be any valve internal to valve module 30. Internal valve 34 may be for controlling the compressed air 28 entered into compressed air cannon 10 via gas tube 18 from inside valve module 30. Internal valve 34 may be any valve or like device. In select embodiments, internal valve 34 may be an electric solenoid valve 36 for controlling compressed air cannon 10 remotely. In this electric solenoid valve embodiment, electric solenoid valve 36 may be a normally closed valve that opens when powered allowing for remote firing of compressed air cannon 10 via an activator 38. Activator 38 may be any device or combination of devices for remotely activating electric internal valve 34, like remotely activating electric solenoid valve 36. Activator 38 may include wired activators 40 (see FIG. 5), wireless activators 42 (see FIG. 6), the like, or combinations thereof. The wired activators 40 may be any devices for activating internal valve 34 via a wired signal, including, but not limited to, standard DMX controller 44 (like a DMX512 dimmer pack); a power strip; push button systems 46 (like cryo blaster push button systems); a foot switch, the like, or any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, electric solenoid valve 36 may allow for remote firing of compressed air cannon 10 via activator 38 controlled by a standard DMX controller 44 to signal compressed air cannon 10 to blast or fire. DMX controllers may be readily used in the special effects industry, which should allow for easy integration of the remote firing of compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 into standard special effects controls or modules. For example, in this embodiment, electric solenoid valve 36 may allow for remote firing of air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 via activator 38 controlled by a DMX512 dimmer pack to signal the cannon to blast. In another embodiment, electric solenoid valve 36 may allow for remote firing of compressed air cannon 10 via a push button firing system 46.

(16) Valve module 30 may include compressed gas inlet 48. Compressed gas inlet 48 may be for providing a means for introducing compressed gas or air 28 into compressed air cannon 10. Compressed gas inlet 48 may be in communication with gas tube 18, whereby valve module 30 may control compressed gas 28 moving from compressed gas inlet 48 into gas tube 18. Compressed gas inlet 48 may be operable to connect pressurized CO.sub.2 tank 50 to valve module 30 and gas tube 18. Whereby, compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may be operable by filling with material 11, like paint 96, and connecting pressurized CO.sub.2 tank 50. Valve module 30 may include power source 52. Power source 52 may be any power source for providing power to valve module 30. Power source 52 may be wired power or it may be wireless power, like via battery 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). In the wired embodiment, power source 52 may include power cord 54 extending from valve module 30, which may provide 110 volts or 220 volts of alternating current. In the wireless embodiment, power source 52 may include battery 56, which may be any size battery, including, but not limited to, providing 12 volts or 24 volts of direct current.

(17) In one embodiment, valve module 30 and launch pipe 12 may be integrally formed as one-piece housing 32. One-piece housing 32 may include launch pipe 12, valve module 30, and/or stand 58. Valve module 30 may include compressed gas inlet 48 which may be connected to internal valve 34. Whereby, launch pipe 12, and valve module 30 may be integrally formed to create one-piece housing 32. Integrally formed one-piece housing 32, as used herein, refers to one-piece housing 32 being manufactured or created as a single unit, requiring no assembly by the user. For example, one-piece housing 32 may not require any assembly of launch pipe 12 to valve module 30, and/or may not require any assembly of launch pipe 12 to stand 58. As such, integrally formed one-piece housing 32 may be created by any various integrally forming processes, including, but not limited to, any stamping processes, molding processes, welding processes, the like processes, or any combinations thereof for creating one-piece housing 32. One-piece housing 32 being integrally formed may allow for compressed air cannon 10 to be compact, easy to transport, easy to setup and/or tear down, capable of being placed, positioned, and or mounted in more desired locations, the like, or any combinations thereof.

(18) In select embodiments, compressed air cannon 10 may include stand 58. Stand 58 may be for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60 to stand 58 and/or for positioning compressed air cannon 10 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64. Stand 58 may include any device, means, or combination of devices and/or means for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60 to stand 58 and/or for positioning compressed air cannon 10 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64. Stand 58 may be any size, shape or material stand for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60 to stand 58, and/or for securing paint cannon 10 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64. In one embodiment, as shown in the FIGS., stand 58 may include I-shaped base 66. For stability, stand 58 may be sized larger than launch pipe 12.

(19) In select embodiments of stand 58, adjustable elevation arm 68 may be included along with pivot connection 69. Adjustable elevation arm 68 may be for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60 to stand 58. In one embodiment, adjustable elevation arm 68 and pivot connection 69 may interconnect stand 58 with launch pipe 12. Adjustable elevation arm 68 may be any means or may include any devices, or combination of means and devices for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60 to stand 58. In one embodiment, adjustable elevation arm 68 may include lower arm 70 and upper arm 72 telescopically connected. Lower arm 70 and upper arm 72 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 74 for adjusting launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60. A locking means, like a nail, screw, cotter pin, the like, etc. may be utilized with adjustment holes 74 for locking adjustable elevation arm 68 into a desired launch angle 60. Adjustable elevation arm 68 may allow compressed air cannon 10 to be adjusted to any desired launch angle 60. As such, adjustment holes 74 may be placed at any desired intervals on adjustable elevation arm 68 for creating any desired launch angles 60. In one embodiment, adjustable elevation arm 68 may allow launch pipe 12 to adjust from 10 degrees up to 60 degrees.

(20) In select embodiments of stand 58, plurality of mounting holes 76 may be included. Mounting holes 76 may be for positioning compressed air cannon 10 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64. Mounting holes 76 may include any desired number of holes and may be positioned in any desired location on stand 58. In one embodiment, mounting holes 76 may be approximate to each corner of stand 58 for securing compressed air cannon 10 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64.

(21) Compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may be provided in any desired length 78 and/or diameter 80 of launch pipe 12. For example, in one embodiment, compressed air cannon 10 may be provided with length 78 being between 24 inches to 30 inches and diameter 80 being approximately 4 inches.

(22) Compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may be filled with material 11, like paint 96, by any means. In one embodiment, compressed air cannon 10 may be manually filled by inserting material 11, like paint 96, into open end 16 of launch pipe 12. Launch pipe 12 can be filled all the way up until material 11, like paint 96 either comes out of open end 16 (lower launch angles 60) or comes up to gas tube 18 (higher launch angles 60). In another optional embodiment, compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94 may include auto refill assembly 82 for automatically refilling material 11 or paint 96 into launch pipe 12. Auto refill assembly 82 may include material inlet 84 positioned approximate open end 16 of launch pipe 12. 90 degree fitting 86 may be included from material inlet 84 to divert flow to closed end 14 of launch pipe 12. Submersible pump 88 may be included with auto refill assembly 82 for pumping material 11, like paint 96 or other materials into material inlet 84. Material tube 90 may be included with quick connect fitting 92 for moving material 11 or paint 96 from submersible pump 88 to material inlet 84. Whereby, launch pipe 12 may be automatically refilled by inserting submersible pump 88 into a material reservoir, like a paint bucket.

(23) Referring to FIG. 9, in use, method 100 of launching paint into the air may be accomplished with various embodiments of compressed air cannon 10 or paint cannon 94, as shown and described herein. Method 100 of launching paint into the air may generally include the steps of: step 102 of providing paint cannon 10 or 94 as shown and described herein with launch pipe 12 having closed end 14 and open end 16 and gas tube 18 into top 20 of launch pipe 12, where gas tube 18 has outlet 22 directed toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12; step 104 of connecting pressurized CO.sub.2 tank 50 to gas tube 18; and firing paint cannon 10 or 94.

(24) In one embodiment of method 100, when the provided paint cannon 10 or 94 further comprising valve module 30 positioned on launch pipe 12 and in communication with gas tube 18 for controlling the entrance of compressed air 28 into the launch pipe 12 and out of outlet 22 toward closed end 14 of launch pipe 12, wherein valve module 30 including internal valve 34 being an electric solenoid valve 36 for controlling the paint cannon 10 or 94 remotely via activator 38, step 106 of firing the paint cannon 10 or 94 may include step 108 of remotely firing of the paint cannon 10 or 94 via activator 38.

(25) In another embodiment of method 100, when the provided paint cannon 10 or 94 further comprising stand 58 for positioning launch pipe 12 at various launch angles 60, whereby method 100 may further include step 110 of positioning launch pipe 12 at desired launch angle 60 via stand 58.

(26) In another embodiment of method 100, when stand 58 further being for securing paint cannon 10 or 94 in various locations 62 or to various objects 64, whereby method 100 may further include step 112 of attaching stand 58 in desired location 62 or to desired object 64;

(27) The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.