U.S. patent application number 10/928617 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for combination fill nipple and on/off valve for a paintball gun.
Invention is credited to Jones, Danial.
Application Number | 20050115549 10/928617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34622818 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050115549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones, Danial |
June 2, 2005 |
Combination fill nipple and on/off valve for a paintball gun
Abstract
An integrated fill nipple and on/off valve for a paintball gun
preferably includes a body. The body preferably includes a gas
inlet to receive a gas from a compressed gas source and a gas
outlet to transmit the gas to the paintball gun. The body also
preferably contains a plug cavity for receivingly engaging a plug.
The plug preferably includes a flow aperture for transmitting the
gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. An actuator
preferably controls the plug position and, hence, a supply of gas
through the flow aperture. A fill nipple is also preferably
arranged on the plug. Movement of an actuator between an "on"
position and an "off" position can be configured to open and close
the on/off valve. In an open position, the flow aperture is
preferably positioned in communication with the inlet aperture to
permit a flow of gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet
aperture. Conversely, in a closed position, gas flow between the
gas inlet and the gas outlet is preferably prevented. Filling of
the compressed gas tank through the fill nipple can be permitted in
either position or in only one of the positions.
Inventors: |
Jones, Danial; (Waterford,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
1030 SW MORRISON STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97205
US
|
Family ID: |
34622818 |
Appl. No.: |
10/928617 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60498917 |
Aug 28, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/72 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/056 |
International
Class: |
F41B 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun
compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving
mechanism arranged in the valve body; and a fill nipple arranged on
a member of the valving mechanism.
2. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1,
further comprising: a plug cavity arranged through the valve body;
and a plug stem arranged through the plug cavity, wherein the plug
stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on an end thereof, and
wherein the plug stem further provides a portion of the valving
mechanism.
3. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2,
further comprising: a gas inlet arranged in the valve body to
communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage tank
and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body to
communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas
connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in
the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to
the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
4. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1,
wherein the fill nipple permits the flow of compressed gas into the
compressed gas tank regardless of the position of the on/off
valve.
5. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1,
wherein the fill nipple permits the flow of compressed gas into the
compressed gas tank only when the on/off valve is in the off
position.
6. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2,
further comprising a plurality of o-rings arranged around the plug
stem.
7. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2,
wherein the fill nipple comprises a fill aperture disposed through
a portion of the plug stem.
8. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1,
further comprising an actuator arranged to turn the valve on and
off.
9. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2,
further comprising an actuator arranged on an end of the plug stem
opposite the fill nipple.
10. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
9, wherein the valve actuator is actuated to rotate the plug stem
to turn the valve on and off.
11. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
3, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in proximity
to the plug cavity.
12. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
11, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the
plug cavity.
13. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun
compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving
mechanism arranged in the valve body; a plug cavity arranged
through the valve body; and a plug stem arranged through the plug
cavity, wherein the plug stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on
an end thereof, and wherein the plug stem further provides a
portion of the valving mechanism.
14. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
13, further comprising: a gas inlet arranged in the valve body to
communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage tank
and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body to
communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas
connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in
the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to
the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
15. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
14, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in
proximity to the plug cavity.
16. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
15, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the
plug cavity.
17. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun
compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving
mechanism arranged in the valve body; a plug cavity arranged
through the valve body; a plug stem arranged through the plug
cavity, wherein the plug stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on
an end thereof, and wherein the plug stem further provides a
portion of the valving mechanism; a gas inlet arranged in the valve
body to communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage
tank and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body
to communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas
connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in
the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to
the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
18. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
17, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in
proximity to the plug cavity.
19. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
18, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the
plug cavity.
20. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim
17, wherein the fill nipple is configured to permit filling of a
compressed gas storage tank regardless of a position of the on/off
valve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/498,917, filed Aug. 28, 2003, which
hereby incorporates by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to paintball guns. More
specifically, this invention relates to a paintball gun on/off
valve and fill nipple for selectively controlling a supply of gas
from a compressed gas source to a compressed gas storage tank and
from a compressed gas storage tank to a paintball gun.
[0003] A reliable on/off valve for selectively supplying a flow of
compressed gas to a paintball gun from a compressed gas tank is
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,821 B1 (the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety),
which issued Jul. 17, 2001 to Perry et al., and was assigned to
Smart Parts, Inc. In particular, the on/off valve shown and
described in Perry et al. overcame reliability problems with
preexisting on/off valves, including leakage of the compressed
gas.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paintball gun 50 having a
conventional on/off valve 100. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation
view of the on/off valve 100 of FIG. 1, showing the external
attachment between a pressure regulator 55 of a paintball gun 50
and a compressed gas source 60. The on/off valve 100 of FIGS. 1 and
2 is typical for paintball guns using compressed air or nitrogen as
the compressed gas source 60. FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of
an on/off valve 100A, similar to the valve 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. The compressed gas source 60A, used with the valve 100A, is a
CO.sub.2 source. FIG. 3 is a bottom right side perspective view of
the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 2A, shown independent of
attachment to external components. The only structural differences
between the valve 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the valve 100A of
FIGS. 2A and 3 are the type of actuator 122 used and the size of
the valve. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a lever-type actuator 122 on a larger
valve for use with a compressed air or nitrogen gas source 60,
while FIG. 3 shows a knob-type actuator 122A for use with a
compressed CO.sub.2 gas source 60A.
[0005] The internal configuration of the conventional on/off valves
100, 100A is shown in FIGS. 4-7. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a
horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view of the prior art
on/off valve 10A, shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged,
vertically cross-sectioned, partial right side elevation view of
the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a front
elevation view and a cutaway left side elevation view of a plug 120
for use in the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a
horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view and a vertically
cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve body 102 for use in
the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 3. The general internal
configuration of the valve 100 is the same as that for valve 100A,
except with respect to the sizing of the components.
[0006] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, this conventional on/off valve 100A
has a valve body 102 with a gas inlet 110 and a gas outlet 112
extending longitudinally through the body 102. The valve body 102
also includes a plug cavity 115 that extends laterally through the
body 102 between the inlet 110 and the outlet 112 from a right side
(top of FIG. 4) to a left side (bottom of FIG. 4) of the body 102.
A plug 120 is positioned within the plug cavity 115. The plug
includes a knob (or other actuator) 122A that can be rotated 900 to
switch the valve 100A on or off. The actuator 122A is attached to a
plug stem 124 that extends into and through the plug cavity 115. A
flow aperture 125 is provided through the plug stem 124, and is
located at the lateral position of the inlet 110 and the outlet
112, when the plug stem 124 is properly arranged inside the cavity
115.
[0007] Two o-rings 126, 126A extend around the plug stem 124 within
grooves 127, 127A on opposite lateral sides of the inlet 110 and
outlet 112. These o-rings 126, 126A provide a seal between the plug
stem 124 and the wall of the cavity 115 to prevent the gas from
leaking out through the plug ends and to ensure that the gas from
the gas inlet 110 travels to the gas outlet 112 when the valve 100A
is open. A third o-ring 128 is provided along the external surface
of the plug stem 124 within a circular-shaped groove 129. The third
o-ring 128 is designed to prevent gas from leaking into the outlet
112 and, hence, from flowing to the gun 50, when the actuator 122A
is in an "off" (closed valve) position. Specifically, when the
actuator 122A is located in an "off" position, the o-ring 128
surrounds an entry port 113 of the outlet 112, preventing the gas
from entering the outlet 112. It should be noted that the third
o-ring 128 only performs its sealing function when the valve is in
the "off" position.
[0008] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the operation of the prior art
on/off valves 100, 100A is as follows. When the actuator 122, 122A
is located in an "on" (open valve) position, the flow aperture 125
in the plug stem 124 is arranged in communication with both the
inlet 110 and the outlet 112 in order to permit the gas to flow
from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112. When the actuator 122, 122A
is rotated 900 from the open position into a closed position, the
third o-ring 128 slides into place around the entry port 113 of the
outlet 112, and the flow aperture 125 is positioned transverse to
an axis running from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112. This system
works fairly well for compressed air and Nitrogen systems which
have larger valve sizes.
[0009] Unfortunately, however, this configuration has several
disadvantages when used for CO.sub.2 systems, which generally have
smaller valves. In particular, the wall of the plug cavity 115 is
very difficult to debur, particularly around the entry port 113 of
the outlet 112. This is because the cavity 115 and port 113 are
located inside the valve body 102. Inevitably, therefore, small,
sharp protrusions are left on the wall surface of the cavity 115.
These protrusions tend to cut or slice the o-ring 128 as the plug
120 is rotated from the open to the closed position. Specifically,
burs around the entry port 113 of the outlet 112 tend to slice the
o-ring 128 as it slides past to reach the closed position. Once the
o-ring 128 has been cut, it can no longer provide an adequate
sealing function and gas will leak into the outlet 112 even when
the valve 100A is closed.
[0010] In addition, the o-ring 128 of the valve 100A is relatively
large and pliable, e.g., a 007-70.degree. Urethane (U) or Ethylene
Propylene (EP) o-ring. With this o-ring 128, when CO.sub.2 is used
as the compressed gas, the o-ring 128 has a tendency to absorb the
CO.sub.2 and expand as a result. Also, because the o-ring 128 is
fairly large in proportion to the diameter of the plug 120, it
tends to come out of its groove 129. Furthermore, pressure from the
gas source tends to force the o-ring 128 into contact with the
valve body 102. The expansion forces and gas pressure increase the
contact between the o-ring 128 and the body 102, thereby increasing
the likelihood that surface irregularities along the cavity walls
(and particularly around the entry port 113 of the outlet 112) will
destroy the o-ring 128. When the o-ring 128 is destroyed, the
compressed gas begins to leak from the on/off valve 10A, shortening
the life of the gas source. Because of this, the on/off valve 100A
is not sufficiently reliable.
[0011] The improved on/off valves 200, 200A, and 200B of Perry et
al., which are shown in FIGS. 8-13, provided a significant
improvement in the art by enabling an on/off valve for a paintball
gun with improved reliability. Specifically, in Perry et al., the
improved on/off valves have a valve body with a plurality of gas
apertures. The gas apertures include a gas inlet configured to
receive a gas from a pressurized gas source, and a gas outlet
configured to transmit the gas to a paintball gun. An actuator is
configured to selectively control a flow of the gas from the gas
inlet to the gas outlet. A seal is located inside a port of one or
more of the apertures to prevent the gas from leaking.
[0012] In operation, the valve is switched between an open ("on")
position and a closed ("off") position by actuation of the
actuator. In an open position, the flow of gas is permitted between
the gas inlet and the gas outlet. In a closed position, the flow of
gas is interrupted. The seal operates to prevent gas from leaking
from the port in which it is located. The seal performs its sealing
function when the valve is in its open position as well as when it
is in its closed position.
[0013] More specifically, FIG. 8 includes a horizontally
cross-sectioned bottom plan view of an on/off switch 200 of Perry
et al. FIG. 9 is a vertically cross-sectioned, enlarged right side
elevation view of a section of the on/off valve 200 of FIG. 8. FIG.
10 includes an enlarged front elevation view and a cutaway left
side elevation view of a plug 220 for use in the on/off valve 200
of FIG. 8. Finally, FIG. 11 includes a horizontally cross-sectioned
bottom plan view and a vertically cross-sectioned front elevation
view of a valve body 202 for use in the on/off valve 200 of FIG.
8.
[0014] The improved on/off valve 200 of Perry et al. has a valve
body 202 with gas apertures including a gas inlet 210 and a gas
outlet 212, each extending longitudinally through the body 202. The
valve body 202 further includes a plug cavity 215, extending
laterally through the body 202 between the inlet 210 and the outlet
212. A plug 220 is positioned within the plug cavity 215. An
actuator (such as a knob, lever, or other actuator) 222 is provided
on an external portion of the plug 220. Here, the actuator 222 is a
knob that is physically attached to a plug stem 224. The plug stem
224 extends into and through the plug cavity 215 from the right
side to the left side of the valve body 202. A flow aperture 225 is
provided through the plug stem 224 at the lateral position of the
inlet 210 and the outlet 212. The actuator 222 can be rotated
90.degree. to turn the valve 200 on or off.
[0015] Two o-rings 226, 226A extend around the plug stem 224 within
grooves 227, 227A on opposite lateral sides of the inlet 210 and
outlet 212. The o-rings 226, 226A prevent the gas from leaking out
through the plug ends and ensure that the gas from the gas inlet
210 travels to the gas outlet 212 when the valve 200 is open. They
also provide redundancy and dust protection. When the actuator 222
is located in an "on" position, the flow aperture 225 is arranged
in communication with both the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 in
order to permit a flow of the gas from the inlet 210 to the outlet
212.
[0016] A body o-ring 230 is provided within the valve body 202,
rather than along the external surface of plug stem 224.
Specifically, the body o-ring 230 is located inside either an exit
port 211 of the gas inlet 210 or in an entry port 213 of the gas
outlet 212. In this case, the body o-ring 230 is located in the
exit port 211 of the inlet 210. The body o-ring 230 provides a seal
between the valve body 202 and the plug stem 224, and prevents gas
from leaking out of the inlet 210. Because the o-ring surrounds the
inlet 210 of the valve body, it helps prevent gas leakage
regardless of the position of the actuator 222. It performs its
sealing function when the actuator is in the "on" position (open
valve) as well as when it is in the "off" position (closed
valve).
[0017] This configuration prevents the body o-ring 230 from moving
relative to the valve body 202 and thereby substantially eliminates
the risk of the body o-ring 230 being cut or damaged by burs in the
body 202. This is particularly advantageous because it is easier to
machine the plug stem 224 to remove burs than to remove burs from
the surface of the plug cavity 215. Accordingly, movement of the
finely-machined plug stem 224 in relation to the body o-ring 230 is
much less likely to damage the o-ring 230 than the movement of the
plug o-ring 128 in relation to the body 102. The body o-ring 230
will therefore have a significantly longer life than the prior art
plug o-ring 128 and provide a more reliable on/off valve 200.
[0018] In operation, the valve 200 is switched between an open
("on") position and a closed ("off") position through 90.degree.
rotation of the plug 224 via the actuator 220. In an open position,
the flow aperture 225 is arranged in communication with the inlet
210 and permits a flow of gas from the inlet 210 to the outlet 220.
In a closed position, the communication between the flow aperture
225 and the inlet 220 is severed because the flow aperture 225 is
then positioned transverse to the longitudinal axes of the inlet
210 and outlet 220. The body o-ring 230 provides a seal between the
valve body 202 and the plug 220 when the valve is in either the
open or the closed position. In the open position, the seal ensures
the gas will travel through the flow aperture 225. In a closed
position, the seal retains the gas within the inlet 210.
[0019] Gas pressure from the pressurized gas source 60 enhances the
sealing properties of the body o-ring 230 by encouraging the o-ring
230 into physical communication with the plug 220. Pressure arrows
232 in FIG. 9 illustrate how the gas pressure helps maintain the
body o-ring 230 in a sealing position. As gas travels to the exit
port 211 of the inlet 210 it comes into contact with the body
o-ring 230 and pushes it outward toward the plug stem 224.
[0020] Also, because the o-ring 230 is located in the valve body
202, rather than along the surface of the plug stem 224, rotation
of the plug 220 does not substantially move the o-ring 230 in
relation to the valve body 202. Accordingly, the only movement of
consequence for the body o-ring 230 is the movement of plug stem
224 across the o-ring 230. Again, because the plug stem 224 can be
machined with greater precision than the plug cavity 215, this
arrangement substantially prevents the o-ring 230 from being
destroyed or damaged by burs in the body 202.
[0021] Additional properties which aid in providing a more reliable
on/off valve 200 include the sizing and hardness of the body o-ring
230. The body o-ring 230, for instance, is preferably made of a
high density material, such as Urethane of approximately 90.degree.
shore hardness. The preferred o-ring 230 is also relatively small,
such as approximately a size 003 o-ring. Unlike a large, pliable
o-ring 128, a small, hard o-ring will not expand significantly as a
result of the presence of CO.sub.2. The body o-ring 230 therefore
retains its circular shape.
[0022] Additional o-rings 226, 226A provide additional sealing,
redundancy, and dust protection. Specifically, plug o-rings 226,
226A prevent dust or other foreign substances from entering the
valve assembly around the plug and provide redundancy by preventing
leaks when the inlet o-ring 230 becomes worn or damaged. They also
prevent leakage from the outlet 220 through the plug ends.
[0023] In another on/off valve 200A, shown in FIG. 12, the flow
aperture 225 can be moved into, and out of, fluid communication
with the inlet 210 and outlet 220 by pushing or pulling the plug
220A, rather than by rotation, as with the plug 220. A guide pin
can be provided to prevent rotation of the plug stem 224 and
maintain the flow aperture 225 in a proper relationship with the
inlet 210 and the outlet 212.
[0024] A body o-ring 230A can also be located within an entry port
213 to the gas outlet 212, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 13.
This o-ring 230A can be provided in addition to, or instead of, the
body o-ring 230 located in the exit port 211 of the gas inlet 210.
If sized and configured correctly, locating an o-ring 230A in the
entry port 213 of the outlet 212 can provide many of the same
benefits as locating the o-ring 230 within the exit port 211 of the
inlet 210. If the flow aperture 225 in the plug 224 is made smaller
than the outlet 212, the gas pressure (represented by pressure
arrows 224) coming from the flow aperture 225 will tend to expand
outward from the exit of the flow aperture 225 and force the o-ring
230A into a good sealing contact between the plug 224 and the valve
body 202B. Some problems with this embodiment, however, include the
difficulty of machining an o-ring retention area in the entry port
213 of the outlet 212, and the corresponding increase in expense.
The body 202B could be formed in two halves and then secured
together to reduce the complexity of the required machining, but
the body 202B would then be bulkier and still more expensive.
[0025] The flow aperture need not be a hole through the center of
the plug. The flow aperture, for instance, could be a groove around
the outside of the plug, or any other type of aperture which would
selectively allow gas to flow between the inlet and the outlet
based on actuation of the valve. Despite the improvements in on/off
valves provided by Perry et al., existing on/off valves have not
provided an integrated fill nipple, such as is used for filling
high pressure compressed gas tanks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an on/off valve includes an integrated fill nipple. More
particularly, a single spool, plug, or other valve member can be
configured to provide a fill nipple for filling a compressed gas
tank as well as an on/off valve for selectively supplying
compressed gas from the compressed gas tank to a connected
paintball gun.
[0027] The internal configuration of the on/off valve according to
a preferred embodiment of this invention preferably includes the
beneficial structural characteristics of Perry et al. Unlike the
on/off valve of Perry et al., however, the plug, spool, or other
valve member of a preferred embodiment of this invention also
preferably includes an integrated fill nipple. The fill nipple and
on/off valve can operate such that when the on/off valve is in
either an on or off position, the fill nipple can be used to direct
compressed gas from a compressed gas source into the tank to fill
the tank. When the on/off valve is in an on position, compressed
gas is preferably supplied from the compressed gas tank to a
connected device, such as a paintball gun.
[0028] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention
which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a
paintball gun with a compressed gas source, showing the general
location of an on/off valve according to the prior art;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the on/off valve of FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 2A is a side view of an on/off valve for a paintball
gun, similar to FIG. 2, according to another configuration of the
prior art;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a bottom, right side perspective view of the prior
art on/off valve for a paintball gun shown in FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view of
the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 3, with a cutaway view of an
o-ring configuration and a front elevation view;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a vertically cross-sectioned enlarged right side
elevation view of a section of the prior art on/off valve of FIG.
3;
[0035] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevation view and a cutaway
left side elevation view of a plug for use in the prior art on/off
valve of FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view
and a vertically cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve
body for use in the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view
and a front elevation view of an on/off valve for a paintball gun
according to an improved prior art on/off valve design;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a vertically cross-sectioned enlarged right side
elevation view of a section of the prior art on/off valve for a
paintball gun of FIG. 8;
[0039] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front elevation view and a cutaway
left side elevation view of a plug for use in the prior art on/off
valve of FIG. 8;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view
and a vertically cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve
body for use in the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 8;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a combination fill
nipple and on/off valve according to one embodiment of the present
invention, shown connected to a paintball gun;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the combination
fill nipple and on/off valve of FIG. 12, shown connected to a
compressed gas tank, wherein the valve body is shown transparently
to permit viewing of the fill nipple and valve spool;
[0043] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the combination
fill nipple and on/off valve of FIG. 13, shown removed from the
compressed gas tank with the valve in the off position, wherein the
valve body is shown transparently to permit viewing of the fill
nipple and valve spool;
[0044] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the combination
fill nipple and on/off valve of FIG. 13, shown removed from the
compressed gas tank and with the valve in the on position, wherein
the valve body is shown transparently to permit viewing of the fill
nipple and valve spool; and
[0045] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated on/off
valve and fill nipple according to an embodiment of this
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] A preferred embodiment illustrating the present inventive
principles will now be described with reference to the accompanying
figures. More specifically, FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a
combination fill nipple and on/off valve 1000 according to a
presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown
connected to a paintball gun 50. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective
view of the combination fill nipple and on/off valve 1000 of FIG.
12, shown connected to a compressed gas tank 60. In FIG. 13, the
valve body 1001 is shown transparently to permit viewing of a fill
nipple and valve spool 1010. FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged
perspective views of the fill nipple and on/off valve 1000 shown in
the "off" and "on" positions, respectively. And finally, FIG. 16 is
a cross-sectional view of the integrated on/off valve and fill
nipple 1000 of FIG. 13.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 12-16, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, an on/off valve and integrated
fill nipple 1000 are integrally provided. More particularly, the
on/off valve and fill nipple can be integrated for filling a
compressed gas tank into a valve member (such as a spool or plug)
1010 for selectively supplying compressed gas from the compressed
gas tank 60 to a connected paintball gun 50. The internal
configuration of the on/off valve portion 1020 according to a
preferred embodiment of this invention preferably includes the
beneficial structural characteristics of Perry et al. Unlike the
on/off valve of Perry et al., however, the plug, spool, or other
valve member 1010 of a preferred embodiment of this invention also
preferably includes an integrated fill nipple 1012. The fill nipple
and on/off valve 1000 can operate such that when the on/off valve
is in either an on or off position, the fill nipple 1012 can be
used to direct compressed gas from a compressed gas source (not
shown) into the tank 60 to fill the tank. When the on/off valve is
in an on position, compressed gas is preferably supplied from the
compressed gas tank 60 to a connected device, such as a paintball
gun 50.
[0048] The integrated fill nipple and on/off valve 1000, shown in
FIGS. 12-16, provides a further improvement in the art by combining
a reliable on/off valve 1020 for a paintball gun 50 with an
integrated fill nipple 1012, thus reducing the space required for
these components. More specifically, the integrated fill nipple and
on/off valve 1000 has a valve body 1001 with a plurality of gas
apertures. The gas apertures include a gas inlet 1021 configured to
receive a gas from a pressurized gas source, and a gas outlet 1022
configured to transmit the gas to a paintball gun 50. An actuator
1030 is configured to selectively control the flow of gas from the
gas inlet to the gas outlet. Seals (e.g., seal 1021a) may be
located inside a port of one or more of the apertures to prevent
the gas from leaking. A fill nipple 1012 is further preferably
arranged on a valve member 1010 (such as a spool or plug).
[0049] In operation, the valve member 1020 is switched between an
open ("on") position and a closed ("off") position by actuation of
the actuator 1030, which in turn moves the valve member 1020. In an
open position, the flow of gas is permitted between the gas inlet
1021 and the gas outlet 1022. In a closed position, the flow of gas
is interrupted. The seals (e.g., seal 1021a) operate to prevent gas
from leaking from the port in which they are located. The seal
1021a performs its sealing function when the valve is in its open
position as well as when it is in its closed position. In addition,
the fill nipple 1012 preferably provides a one-way flow path into
the compressed gas storage tank. The fill nipple 1012 can be
configured to permit filling regardless of the position of the
valve member 1020. Alternatively, the fill nipple 1012 can be
configured to permit filling only when the valve member 1020 is in
a desired one of the actuated or deactuated positions.
[0050] As stated previously, the integrated fill/nipple and on/off
valve 1000 preferably includes a valve body 1001 with gas apertures
including a gas inlet 1021 and a gas outlet 1022. These two
apertures each preferably extend longitudinally through the body
transverse to a plug cavity 1002. The plug cavity 1002 preferably
extends laterally through the body 1001 from one side to the other,
and is located longitudinally between the inlet 1021 and the outlet
1022. A plug 1010 is preferably positioned within the plug cavity
1002. An actuator 1030 (such as a knob, lever, or other actuator)
is preferably provided on an external portion of one end of the
plug 1010. In this particular embodiment, the actuator 1030 is a
knob or handle that is physically attached to a plug stem 1010. The
plug stem (or spool) 1010 preferably extends into and through the
plug cavity 1002 from the one side of the valve body 1001 to an
opposite side. A flow aperture 1023 is preferably provided through
the plug stem 1010 at the lateral position of the inlet 1021 and
the outlet 1022 to fluidly connect the inlet 1021 to the outlet
1022 when the valve actuator 1030 is positioned in the "on"
position. The actuator 1030 can preferably be rotated 90.degree. to
turn the valving mechanism 1020 "on" or "off".
[0051] Two o-rings 1020a, 1020h preferably extend around the plug
stem 1010 within grooves 1025a, 1025h arranged on opposite lateral
sides of the inlet 1021 and outlet 1022. The o-rings 1020a, 1020h
prevent gas from leaking out through the plug ends and ensure that
the gas from the gas inlet 1021 travels to the gas outlet 1022 when
the valving mechanism 1020 is open or "on." They also provide
redundancy and dust protection. When the actuator 1030 is located
in an "on" position, the flow aperture 1023 is arranged in fluid
communication with both the inlet 1021 and the outlet 1022 in order
to permit a flow of the gas from the inlet 1021 to the outlet
1022.
[0052] A body o-ring 1021a is preferably provided within the valve
body 1001. Specifically, the body o-ring 1021a is preferably
located inside either an exit port 1021h of the gas inlet or in an
entry port (not shown) of the gas outlet 1022. In this specific
embodiment, the body o-ring 1021a is located in the exit port 1021h
of the inlet 1021. The body o-ring 1021a provides a seal between
the valve body 1001 and the plug stem 1010, and prevents gas from
leaking out of the inlet 1021. Because the o-ring 1021a surrounds
the inlet 1021 of the valve body 1001, it helps prevent gas leakage
regardless of the position of the actuator 1030. It preferably
performs its sealing function when the actuator 1030 is the "on"
position (open valve) as well as when it is in the "off" position
(closed valve).
[0053] This configuration prevents the body o-ring 1021a from
moving relative to the valve body 1001 and thereby substantially
eliminates the risk of the body o-ring 1021a being cut or damaged
by burs in the body 1001. This is particularly advantageous because
it is easier to machine the plug stem 1010 to remove burs than to
remove burs from the surface of the plug cavity 1002. Accordingly,
movement of the finely-machined plug stem 1010 in relation to the
body o-ring 1021a is much less likely to damage the o-ring 1021a
than the movement of a plug o-ring in relation (not shown) to the
body 1001. The body o-ring 1021a will therefore have a
significantly longer life than the prior art plug o-ring and
provide a more reliable on/off valve.
[0054] In operation, the valve mechanism 1020 is switched between
an open ("on") position and a closed ("off") position through
90.degree. rotation of the plug 1010 via the actuator 1030. In an
open position, the flow aperture 1023 is arranged in communication
with the inlet 1021 and permits a flow of gas from the inlet 1021
to the outlet 1022. In a closed position, the communication between
the flow aperture 1023 and the inlet 1021 is severed because the
flow aperture 1023 is then positioned transverse to the
longitudinal axes of the inlet 1021 and outlet 1022. The body
o-ring 1021a provides a seal between the valve body 1001 and the
plug 1010 when the valve member 1020 is in either the open or the
closed position. In the open position, the seal 1021a ensures the
gas will travel through the flow aperture 1023. In a closed
position, the seal 1021a retains the gas within the inlet 1021.
[0055] Gas pressure from the pressurized gas tank 60 can enhance
the sealing properties of the body o-ring 1021a by encouraging the
o-ring 1021a into physical communication with the plug 1010. Also,
if the o-ring 1021a is located in the valve body 1001, rather than
along the surface of the plug stem 1010, then rotation of the plug
1010 does not substantially move the o-ring 1021a in relation to
the valve body 1001. Accordingly, in this particular configuration,
the only movement of consequence for the body o-ring 1021a is the
movement of plug stem 1010 across the o-ring 1021a. Because the
plug stem 1010 can be machined with greater precision than the plug
cavity 1002, this preferred arrangement substantially prevents the
o-ring 1021a from being destroyed or damaged by burs in the body
1001.
[0056] Additional properties which can aid in providing a more
reliable valving mechanism 1020 include the sizing and hardness of
the body o-ring 1021a. The body o-ring 1021a, for instance, is
preferably made of a high density material, such as Urethane of
approximately 90.degree. shore hardness. The body o-ring therefore
preferably retains its circular shape.
[0057] Additional o-rings can be included to provide sealing,
redundancy, and dust protection. Specifically, plug o-rings (e.g.,
o-rings 1010a, 1020a, 1020h) prevent dust or other foreign
substances from entering the valve assembly 1020 around the plug
1010 and provide redundancy by preventing leaks from the plug
cavity 1002 when the inlet o-ring 1021a becomes worn or damaged.
They can also help prevent leakage from the outlet 1022 through the
plug ends. Of course, the flow aperture 1023 need not be a hole
through the center of the plug 1010. The flow aperture 1023, for
instance, could be a groove around the outside of the plug 1010, or
any other type of aperture or flow path which would selectively
allow gas to flow between the inlet 1021 and the outlet 1022 based
on actuation of the valve mechanism 1020.
[0058] The primary benefits resulting from the integration of the
fill nipple 1012 with the on/off valve 1020 according to the
principles of the present invention include space and weight
savings which present important considerations in paintball guns.
In addition, the preferred integrated fill nipple and on/off valve
1000 includes a balanced pressured shaft 1010 that can rotate the
output air on and off while maintaining constant flow through the
input side with the fill nipple 1012. Integration of the fill
nipple 1012 with the on/off valve 1020 also reduces the number of
components required (e.g., eliminating a drive hex and thread along
with other components) for less expensive and easier assembly as
well as a cleaner installation and a lower profile. Combining the
two components also enables faster assembly.
[0059] According to one additional design consideration, fill speed
can be regulated by modifying the flow rate through the fill nipple
1012. This can be accomplished, for example, by changing the
diameter of the port 1011 passing through it. Reducing the flow
rate can prevent over-stressing the tank 60 that may result from
filling the tank 60 too fast.
[0060] Having described and illustrated the principles of the
invention, it should be apparent that the invention can be modified
in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles.
We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit
and scope of the following claims.
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