Patent Abstract:
In a certain aspect, some embodiment provides apparatus and methods to facilitate the launching or throwing of streamer rolls, consisting of various paper, plastic and/or other materials, including in particular rolled paper or other material. Various embodiments provide such an apparatus that is safe and easy to use, durable, and/or economical to manufacture.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Many people enjoy throwing streamer rolls of paper, plastic and other material for entertainment and decorative purposes. Merely by way of example, a roll of crepe paper, toilet paper, specialty manufactured paper, and other rolled or folded paper and other material etc. may be thrown and/or draped over objects to decorate a venue for an event, to celebrate a success, mark an event (such as the birth of a baby, holidays, birthdays etc.) and/or as a friendly prank. Such objects might include natural and/or man-made items such as, by way of example, rafters, houses, light poles, cars, trees and many other objects. People also enjoy throwing streamer rolls that unravel in the air to create streamers at sporting events, parades, school functions, weddings, graduations, important announcements and other various celebratory events. Unfortunately, for some, the effort required to effectively throw a streamer roll without mechanical assistance can/may injure a person&#39;s arm(s), back, neck, shoulder(s) etc. Additionally some individuals do not have the strength and/or physical dexterity to accurately throw a streamer roll at such distances, heights and/or locations so as to achieve the desired result. Further, if thrown without assistance, a streamer roll may fail to unravel properly, potentially causing property damage or personal injury to others (from impact of the unrolled or partially unrolled streamer) and/or frustration for the thrower due to their not being able to direct the streamer roll to the desired distance, height and/or location. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In a certain aspect, some embodiment provides apparatus and methods to facilitate the launching or throwing of streamer rolls, consisting of various paper, plastic and/or other materials, including in particular rolled paper or other material. Various embodiments provide such an apparatus that is safe and easy to use, durable, and/or economical to manufacture. 
         [0003]    In another aspect, some embodiment provides for an apparatus for launching and/or throwing streamer material of which the streamer material may be arranged in a roll around a first longitudinal axis, the apparatus having a second longitudinal axis and comprising a flexible central shaft and/or handle portion, which provides added distance and height to the streamer roll as a result of leverage and the whipping motion resulting from said flexibility, in mechanical communication with a material-holding element, which may be minimally flexible to aid in securing the streamer roll in place prior to launching and to also provide added distance and height to the streamer roll as a result of the leverage and whipping motion resulting from said flexibility. In an aspect, the material-holding element may be configured to engage the streamer roll by way of pressure along the flat sides of the streamer roll, as opposed to engaging the circumference of the streamer roll, and to release the streamer roll upon manipulation of the apparatus by way of centrifugal force, such that the material-holding element imparts an initial spin upon the streamer roll during its assent from the original resting location of the streamer roll through the entire length of the material-holding element and thereafter causing the streamer roll to unroll with significant spin upon release from the apparatus. 
         [0004]    One set of embodiments, for example, provides an apparatus for launching or throwing a streamer roll (e.g., a paper, plastic or other material streamer or roll of typical toilet paper). In an aspect of some embodiments, the streamer material may be arranged in a roll around a central core. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flexible central shaft and/or handle portion (which may or may not include a radius along all or a portion of its length and/or an articulated hinge (or other method for collapsing the handle) to allow for folding, or otherwise reducing the overall length of, the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage), which provides added distance and height to the streamer roll as a result of leverage and the whipping motion resulting from said flexibility, in mechanical communication with a material-holding element, which may be minimally flexible to aid in securing the streamer roll in place prior to launching and to also provide added distance and height to the streamer roll as a result of leverage and the whipping motion resulting from said flexibility. In an aspect, the material-holding element may be configured to engage the streamer roll by way of pressure along the flat sides of the streamer roll as opposed to engaging the circumference of the material. 
         [0005]    In certain embodiments, the material-holding element engages the streamer roll in order to hold the roll of material regardless of the orientation of the material-holding element and regardless of the circumference of such roll in so much as the apparatus is designed to accommodate the circumference of many typical commercially available streamer and toilet paper rolls of varying dimensions. In other embodiments, the material-holding element is configured to release the streamer roll upon manipulation of the apparatus, such that with the use of centrifugal force the material-holding element imparts a significant spin upon the streamer roll prior to and upon releasing the streamer roll from the apparatus. By way of example, the spin of the streamer roll is generated as the user swings the apparatus in an approximate arc, thereby allowing the streamer roll to rotate and travel along the elongated length of the material-holding element. This spin can/will cause the streamer roll to begin to unroll with significant rotation prior to and upon release from the material-holding element of the apparatus. 
         [0006]    Another set of embodiments provides methods of unrolling, throwing and/or launching streamer rolls and/or other rolled material. An exemplary method comprises engaging streamer roll material with a launching apparatus (or, more specifically, with a minimally flexible material-holding element of a launching apparatus). In an aspect, the launching apparatus might comprise a flexible central shaft and/or handle portion in mechanical communication with a material-holding element; the material-holding element might be configured to engage the streamer roll. In accordance with some embodiments, the method further comprises moving the apparatus through a range of motion describing an approximate arc and/or if desired for purposes of attempting to cause the roll to travel with a certain speed and trajectory, substantially stopping the movement of the apparatus, so as to cause the apparatus to release the rolled material in such a way to impart a spin on the rolled material. As noted above, this spin can/will cause the rolled material to begin to unroll prior to and immediately upon release from the apparatus. In some cases, the rolled material is released in a given direction so as to cause the material to substantially unroll while in flight and thereafter to drape over an object as it unrolls, if desired. In other cases, the roll material is released in a given direction so as to cause the material to substantially unroll while in flight and thereafter to eventually fall to the ground. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary side elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary rear elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the front of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the front of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary side view of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary side elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows an exemplary illustrates an individual using a launching apparatus to launch a streamer roll, in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a flexible central shaft and/or handle with an articulating hinge in accordance with various embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]      FIG. 1  Side elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0017]    A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings and/or pictures wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings and/or pictures to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub label may or may not be associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. The apparatus consists of various lengths of a flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  (which may or may not include a radius along all or a portion of its length and/or an articulated hinge to allow for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage) of which a stop  105  (or other such mechanism(s), such as a lanyard, to lessen the likelihood that the apparatus may become airborne when being used as described herein) may be attached at one (1) end. Also attached to the flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  is the minimally flexible material-holding element  115  which holds the streamer roll  120 . Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. The product consists of a flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  (which may or may not include a radius along all or a portion of its length and/or an articulated hinge to allow for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage) of which a stop  105  (or other such mechanism(s), such as a lanyard, to lessen the likelihood that the apparatus may become airborne when being used as described herein) may be attached at one end. Also attached to the flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  is the minimally flexible material-holding element  115  which holds a streamer roll. Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the minimally flexible material-holding element  115  portion of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. Attached to a flexible central shaft and/or handle (which may or may not include an articulated hinge to allow for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage) is the material-holding element  115  which holds the streamer roll  120 . Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  Cross-sectional view of the front of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. Attached to a flexible central shaft and/or handle is the material-holding element  115  which holds a streamer roll. The material-holding element  115  allows a streamer roll to begin rotating along the length of the material-holding element  115  while still engaged within the material-holding element  115  as a result of the material-holding element  115  flaring to continually wider dimensions as it progresses further away from where the material-holding element  115  is in mechanical communication with the flexible central shaft and/or handle. This therefore allows the streamer roll to initially remain in place within the material-holding element  115  and thereafter to rotate freely out of the material-holding element  115  via centrifugal force when using the streamer launching apparatus to launch or throw a streamer roll. Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  Cross-sectional view of the front of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. The material-holding element  115  is designed to hold a streamer roll securely inside the material-holding element  115  at the narrowest point, which is generally closest to where the material-holding element  115  is in mechanical communication with the flexible central shaft and/or handle. The design allows the streamer roll to remain in place until such a time as the streamer launching apparatus is used to launch or throw a streamer, and it allows the material-holding element  115  to accommodate various widths of streamer rolls within a narrow parameter due to the flexibility of the material of the material-holding element. The material-holding element  115  flares to wider dimensions as it progresses further away from where the material-holding element  115  is in mechanical communication with the flexible central shaft and/or handle thereby allowing the streamer roll to initially stay in place and thereafter to rotate freely out of the material-holding element  115  by way of centrifugal force when using the streamer launching apparatus to launch or throw a streamer roll. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  Side view of a minimally flexible material-holding element of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of a minimally flexible material-holding element  115  of a launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. Attached to a central shaft and/or handle is the material-holding element  115  which holds the streamer roll  120 . Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. This view illustrates that the flexibility of the material-holding element  115  creates sufficient pressure on the flat side of the streamer roll  120  (as opposed to engaging the circumference of the streamer roll) to keep the streamer roll  120  in place at various angles, when held upside down and when moved about due to the flexibility of the material-holding element. The material-holding element  115  flares to wider dimensions thereby allowing the streamer roll to initially be put in place and generally stay in place and to thereafter rotate freely out of the material-holding element  115  via centrifugal force when using the streamer launching apparatus to throw a streamer roll  120 . The material-holding element  115  has a minimal curve radius where the streamer roll  120  is initially placed at the narrowest point of the material-holding element  115  and evolves to a slightly more severe curve radius as the material-holding element  115  extends further away from the flexible central shaft and/or handle which causes the rotation of the streamer roll  120  to increase when nearing the end of, and when exiting, the apparatus thereby creating significant spin on the streamer roll  120  as it rolls along the extended length of the material holding element  115 . This significant spin may allow the streamer roll  120  to unravel quickly, thereby allowing for the streamer roll  120  to quickly disengage from the central core of the streamer roll  120  itself. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  Side elevation view of a streamer launching apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a launching apparatus  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. The apparatus consists of a flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  (which may or may not include a radius along all or a portion of its length and/or an articulated hinge to allow for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage) of which a stop  105  (or other such mechanism(s), such as a lanyard, to lessen the likelihood that the apparatus may become airborne when being used as described herein) may be attached at one (1) end. Also attached to the flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  is the minimally flexible material-holding element  115  which holds the streamer roll  120 . Included as part of the material-holding element  115  are multiple air flow cutouts  118  that allow air to pass through the apparatus when in use so as to make the throwing process easier as a result of there being less air resistance. Also shown is the relative angle of the flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  as it relates to the material-holding element  115 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 8  Illustrates an individual using a launching apparatus to launch a streamer roll, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  illustrates an individual using a launching apparatus to launch a streamer roll  120 , in accordance with various embodiments. One embodiment involves an individual swinging the apparatus over one or the other shoulder using either one (1) or two (2) hands and arms in a similar manner as one might if swinging a lacrosse stick in an arc, although side, angled and other throwing styles and patterns are also envisioned depending on the preference of the user. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a flexible central shaft and/or handle with an articulating hinge in accordance with various embodiments. 
         [0034]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a flexible central shaft and/or handle, in accordance with various embodiments. This illustrates a side view of a flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  (which may or may not include an articulating hinge  113  to allow for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle  110  of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage) of which a stop may be attached at one (1) end and a minimally flexible material-holding element which holds a streamer roll on the other end. One embodiment includes a flexible central shaft and/or handle which includes an articulating hinge  113  that allows for folding the flexible central shaft and/or handle of the apparatus upon itself to allow for compact storage of the apparatus when not in use. 
         [0035]    Another set of embodiments provides a method for throwing and/or launching a roll of paper or other material; in an aspect, such methods may employ the apparatus described herein. The method may cause the thrown material to unravel (unroll) while in the air, creating streamers of material. The method, in some embodiments, comprises situating a roll of material in a material-holding element of a launching apparatus (such as those described herein). The user holds a handle portion of the apparatus in one hand or two hands and/or quickly moves the apparatus in a motion generally describing an arc by an overhand or underhand throwing motion of a user, among others. When the throwing motion is suddenly stopped, the angular momentum of the material launches the roll or material into the air. In some cases, the movement of the apparatus is performed so as to cause the material to fly over a desired object and the material can unroll as it travels through the air. In case of a roll of paper, the roll or material is released in a direction that will cause the material to drape over an object (such as a tree, car, rafter, etc.) as it unrolls to apply decorative paper or other material as desired. 
         [0036]    The above throwing apparatus has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0