The Evolution Of T-Shirt Launchers: A Fun Invention

The T-shirt launcher, also known as the T-shirt cannon, was invented by Tim Derk, the Coyote mascot for the San Antonio Spurs, in the mid-1990s. Derk was inspired by spud launchers used during wartime and wanted to improve the range of the rubber bands that mascots used to fire T-shirts into the crowd. The first T-shirt cannon weighed 90 pounds and was powered by a CO2 canister. Today, T-shirt cannons are much smaller and lighter, with some weighing as little as two pounds. They have become a popular feature at concerts and sporting events, with companies renting them out for promotional purposes.

Tim Derk, the T-shirt launcher inventor, was the San Antonio Spurs mascot

However, the gifts were limited to the throwing range of the mascot, leaving fans in the upper bleachers without any souvenirs. To address this issue, Derk, along with other mascots, used huge rubber bands to propel shirts higher up into the stands. Even with this method, called the "slingshot era", the range was still limited.

Determined to reach fans in the uppermost parts of the stadium, Derk and his peers decided to take things a step further. In the mid-1990s, they designed and fabricated a massive 90-pound cast-iron pipe, four feet in length, that utilized the pneumatic principle to blast T-shirts high into the air, reaching fans in the farthest sections.

Derk debuted his T-shirt cannon invention during a game, dressed as "Rambote", a combination of Rambo and the Spurs' Coyote. This innovation revolutionized the way mascots interacted with fans, and soon other mascots across the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL began adopting similar cannons, sparking an arms race of sorts.

The T-shirt cannon has evolved significantly since Derk's original invention, with modern versions weighing as little as two pounds, a far cry from the cumbersome 90-pound predecessor. Derk's creativity and dedication to enhancing the fan experience not only earned him recognition as the inventor of the T-shirt launcher but also solidified his place in the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2007.

The T-shirt launcher was inspired by wartime spud launchers

The T-shirt launcher was invented by Tim Derk, also known as the Coyote, in the mid-1990s. Derk was the mascot for the San Antonio Spurs from 1983 to 2004 and was always looking for ways to improve the live game experience for fans. He gave away free merchandise, including T-shirts, to spectators, but those seated in the upper bleachers rarely received anything. To reach them, Derk and his fellow mascots first used huge rubber bands to propel the shirts higher and further. However, these slingshots had limited range.

Derk and his peers then decided to design and build a large, heavy cast-iron pipe that used the pneumatic principle to fire T-shirts into the crowd. This T-shirt cannon was first used by Derk at a game, where he appeared as "Rambote". The T-shirt cannon was inspired by the "spud launcher", a cannon designed to shoot potato-sized objects, which was used during wartime.

The spud launcher, also known as the Holman Projector, was developed by the Department of Miscellaneous Weapons Development in Britain during World War II. It was used by sailors on commercial freighter ships who needed to protect themselves from enemy attacks after their anti-aircraft weapons were rerouted to warships. The Holman Projector shot projectiles out of a tube using steam from the ship's boiler. While grenades were typically fired from the spud launcher, sailors also loaded the gun with less-lethal ammunition, such as potatoes, when they were not under direct threat.

Derk recognised that the spud launcher could be adapted to fire clothing and adopted the concept for the T-shirt cannon. Other mascots quickly followed suit, and the T-shirt cannon began to be used across major sports leagues in the US, including the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL. Over time, the T-shirt cannon became smaller and lighter, with some now weighing as little as two pounds.

T-shirt launchers can be rented for events

For example, FunStuf Rentals offers the Micro-Mini T-Shirt Launcher for $75 for 24 hours, with each additional 24 hours costing $50. The launcher is easy to carry, has a shooting range of up to 150 feet, and is easy to reload. It is a popular choice for school, college, camp, sport, and fundraising events.

Tshirtgun.com also offers rentals for $300 per week or event (whichever is less). They offer the Bleacher Reacher Pro or Micro Mini T-Shirt Launcher for special events or trial periods. They will apply all of your rental money (minus shipping) towards the purchase of any of their launchers if you decide to keep it.

Renting a T-shirt launcher is a great way to enhance the fan interaction and crowd response at your event. Whether you are looking to promote your brand, engage with attendees, or simply add some excitement to your event, a T-shirt launcher can be a unique and effective tool.

It is important to note that when renting a T-shirt launcher, you may need to source CO2 locally and ensure proper packaging for the safe return of the launcher.

The launchers can be customised with logo panels or vinyl wrap

T-shirt launchers can be used to promote your team, event, or business. They are a great way to get your fans, employees, or supporters excited and entertained. The launchers can be customised with logo panels or vinyl wrap to showcase your brand or event sponsors. This is a great way to make your t-shirt launcher stand out and attract attention. The customisation options are endless, and you can work with a team of designers and engineers to create a truly unique cannon that reflects your brand identity.

Logo panels can be added to the launcher to showcase your team or company logo. This is a great way to reinforce your brand and make sure it is highly visible at your event. The vinyl wrap customisation option allows you to wrap the launcher in a vinyl sheet with your desired design. This could include event sponsors, company logos, or any other design you wish to include.

Customising your t-shirt launcher with logo panels or vinyl wrap is a great way to make a statement and ensure that your brand or event is memorable. It adds a personal touch and shows that you go the extra mile to create a unique experience for your fans, employees, or supporters. It also provides additional advertising opportunities and can help to increase brand awareness and recognition.

The launcher's large surface area provides ample space for customisation, ensuring that your logo or design is highly visible and stands out from the crowd. Whether you opt for logo panels or a vinyl wrap, customising your t-shirt launcher is a fun and effective way to promote your brand and create a lasting impression.

T-shirt launchers have been involved in several lawsuits

In 2018, a fan named Jennifer Harughty sued the Houston Astros, claiming that their mascot, Orbit, shot her with a T-shirt and shattered her finger, necessitating surgery. Harughty asked for $1 million in damages, claiming that the incident caused her mental anguish, loss of opportunity, and loss of enjoyment of life. The Astros responded that they do not agree with the allegations and that they would continue to use T-shirt launchers during games.

In another incident, a Mets fan named Alex Swanson sued the team in 2019, claiming that he was nearly blinded by a T-shirt cannon at a game. Swanson said the incident caused him to temporarily lose consciousness and suffer a detached retina, resulting in permanent damage to his vision and eye. He accused the ballpark of "negligence, recklessness, and carelessness" and challenged the commonly accepted "baseball rule," which states that fans accept some risk when attending a baseball game.

These lawsuits highlight the potential dangers of T-shirt launchers and raise questions about the responsibility of teams and venues to ensure the safety of spectators. While some teams have continued to use the launchers, others, like the University of Arkansas, have stopped using them due to safety concerns.

In addition to injuries, T-shirt launchers have also been implicated in illegal activities. In 2019, a woman named Kerri Jo Hickman was arrested for attempting to deliver contraband, including cell phones, chargers, earbuds, and drugs, by shooting them over the fence of a correction center using a T-shirt cannon. This incident demonstrates the potential for misuse of these devices and the need for strict operating rules and safety measures to be in place.

The lawsuits and incidents involving T-shirt launchers have brought attention to the potential risks associated with their use. While they are intended to enhance the fan experience, it is crucial to ensure that they are operated safely and responsibly to prevent injuries and misuse.

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