U.S. patent application number 10/789078 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for pneumatic shooting device.
Invention is credited to Wygant, Steven J..
Application Number | 20050188977 10/789078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34887174 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050188977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wygant, Steven J. |
September 1, 2005 |
Pneumatic shooting device
Abstract
A pneumatic shooting device, including a barrel and an action
having a housing defining a pressure reservoir with a discharge
outlet connected to the barrel. A linear bearing body is coupled
with the housing. A piston with a discharge end is slidably movable
within the linear bearing body to selectively open and close the
discharge outlet.
Inventors: |
Wygant, Steven J.;
(Syracuse, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Todd T. Taylor
TAYLOR & AUST, P.C.
142 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 560
Avilla
IN
46710
US
|
Family ID: |
34887174 |
Appl. No.: |
10/789078 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/409 20130101;
F41B 11/62 20130101; F41B 11/57 20130101; F41B 11/71 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/073 |
International
Class: |
F41B 011/00; A63B
065/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pneumatic shooting device, comprising: a barrel; and an action
including a housing defining a pressure reservoir with a discharge
outlet connected to said barrel, a linear bearing body coupled with
said housing, and a piston having a discharge end, said piston
being slidably movable within said linear bearing body to
selectively open and close said discharge outlet.
2. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said piston
includes an actuating end, said housing includes an actuating
reservoir, said actuating end at least partially located within
said actuating reservoir.
3. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 2, further including a
pressurized gas source pneumatically connected to both said
pressure reservoir and said actuating reservoir.
4. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 2, further including a
supply fitting pneumatically connected to said pressure reservoir,
an actuator fitting pneumatically connected to said actuating
reservoir and a slip ring connected to both said supply fitting and
said actuator fitting, said slip ring for a proper positioning of
said supply fitting and said actuator fitting.
5. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 2, further including an
end cap pneumatically connected to said actuating reservoir, said
end cap having an exhaust vent connected to an ambient.
6. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 2, further including a
pressurized gas source, a trigger being located pneumatically
between said pressurized gas source and said actuating reservoir,
and a trigger safety mechanically connected to said trigger.
7. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said discharge
end includes a radial seal.
8. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said pressure
reservoir includes a barrel interface, said discharge opening
located at said barrel interface, said barrel interface includes a
face seal.
9. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, further including a
pressurized gas source pneumatically connected to said pressure
reservoir, a regulator pneumatically connected to said pressurized
gas source and a tubing from said regulator to said pressure
reservoir.
10. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 9, wherein said tubing
has a burst pressure and said pressure reservoir has a pressure
rating, a ratio of said burst pressure to said pressure rating is
no more than 0.5.
11. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said pressure
reservoir has both a pressure rating and an operating pressure, a
ratio of said operating pressure to said pressure rating is no more
than 0.5.
12. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, further including a
pressure relief valve between said pressure reservoir and an
ambient.
13. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, further including a
breech associated with said barrel, said pneumatic shooting device
being loaded with a projectile at said breech.
14. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said pressure
reservoir is operated at a pressure of no more than 200 psi.
15. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said
discharge outlet has a discharge outlet diameter, said barrel has a
barrel diameter, a ratio of said discharge outlet diameter to said
barrel diameter is greater than 0.1.
16. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 15, wherein said
discharge outlet is an abrupt pneumatic orifice.
17. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said barrel
and said housing are one of monolithic and separate.
18. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said piston
includes an actuating end, said piston is at least one of
pneumatically actuated, electrically actuated, magnetically
actuated, electro-magnetically actuated and chemically
actuated.
19. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said
pneumatic shooting device is one of a bazooka, a grenade launcher,
a mortar, a rocket launcher, a cannon, a rocket propelled grenade
launcher, a missile launcher, a landmine and a gun.
20. The pneumatic shooting device of claim 1, wherein said linear
bearing body is one of defined by and attached to said pressure
reservoir
21. An action for use in a pneumatic shooting device, comprising: a
housing defining a pressure reservoir with a discharge outlet; a
linear bearing body coupled with said housing; and a piston having
a discharge end, said piston being slidably movable within said
linear bearing body to selectively open and close said discharge
outlet.
22. The piston valve of claim 21, wherein said piston includes an
actuating end, said housing includes an actuating reservoir, said
actuating end at least partially located within said actuating
reservoir.
23. A method of operating a pneumatic shooting device, comprising
the steps of: connecting said pneumatic shooting device to a
pressurized source gas thereby pressurizing a pressure reservoir of
an action; loading a projectile into a barrel of said pneumatic
shooting device; actuating a trigger of said pneumatic shooting
device; moving a piston within a linear bearing body of said
action; releasing said piston from a discharge outlet in said
housing; and expelling a volume of a pressurized gas through said
barrel thereby ejecting said projectile.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a pneumatic shooting
device, and, more particularly, to an action in a pneumatic
shooting device.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Pneumatic shooting devices are known which are used as a
non-lethal deterrent in law enforcement, as a simulated weapon in
war games and as a marking device in paintball competitions. A
known pneumatic shooting device includes a trigger actuated, spring
loaded bolt that, when actuated by pulling the trigger, strikes a
pneumatic valve. The striking action of the bolt opens the valve
releasing a pressurized gas behind a projectile which propels the
projectile through a barrel. A blowback from the valve returns the
bolt to a firing position and also results in less pressure for
propelling the projectile. Multiple moving parts, such as both the
bolt and the valve, increases the chance for device failure.
[0005] As applications for pneumatic shooting devices have
increased due to their utility and wide spread use, a need for
pneumatic shooting devices which fire larger projectiles has
developed. Larger projectiles require larger firing pressures. The
aforementioned pneumatic shooting devices are not suitable for
these larger projectiles primarily because their valve, receiver,
barrel and other elements are not suitable for the larger firing
pressures. In other words, the aforementioned pneumatic shooting
devices are not scalable to larger pressures required by larger
projectiles.
[0006] In paintball competitions, a known application of larger
projectile pneumatic shooting devices are in devices referred to as
"scenario launchers". Such a scenario launcher is used to fire a
rocket, for example, and a judge determines the "kill zone"
depending on the point of impact of the projectile, the terrain and
the type of projectile fired.
[0007] One known scenario launcher incorporates a rupture disk. The
rupture disk ruptures at a predetermined pressure allowing
pressurized gas to escape to propel the projectile. Such devices
have a time delay between triggering and firing. This delay occurs
as the pressure increases to rupture the disk. The delay may be as
long as one or more seconds. The shooter, during the delay, is
unsure of when or if the device will fire. Further, the shooter or
target can move during the delay resulting in loss of accuracy.
Another disadvantage is that the rupture disk needs to be replaced
after every firing.
[0008] Another known pneumatic shooting device uses a ball valve to
release the pressurized gas which propels the projectile. While the
initial release of pressure is relatively quick compared to the
rupture disk method, the release of pressure is gradual, as in
turning on a faucet, where the valve orifice transitions from a
fully closed position to a fully open position. In addition to not
having an explosive initial release of pressure, such devices make
a "swoosh" sound which does not provide an accurate sound
simulation.
[0009] A common problem with the higher operational pressures is
safety factor. A limitation to known pneumatic shooting devices is
that their structure does not allow safe operation at the pressures
required to propel a large projectile. A further limitation of
known pneumatic shooting devices is they are typically limited for
use with a single type of projectile, such as a ball.
[0010] What is needed in the art is a pneumatic shooting device
which is scalable to a large range of operating pressures, which
has a minimum of moving parts, which is operable at a relatively
high pneumatic pressure, which is capable of safe operation at high
pneumatic pressures, which does not reduce the operating pressure
due to blowback or other operational deficiencies, which is
economical to manufacture, which provides reliable repetitive use,
which requires minimal maintenance, which can be used with a
variety of projectiles or projectile material and which provides
good sound simulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a pneumatic shooting device
with a scalable action that is operable at a relatively high
pressure and over a large pressure range.
[0012] The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pneumatic
shooting device, including a barrel and an action having a housing
defining a pressure reservoir with a discharge outlet connected to
the barrel. A linear bearing body is coupled with the housing. A
piston with a discharge end is slidably movable within the linear
bearing body to selectively open and close the discharge
outlet.
[0013] An advantage of the present invention is a pneumatic
shooting device which is scalable to a large range of operating
pressures.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is a pneumatic
shooting device which has a minimum of moving parts.
[0015] Yet another advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which is operable at a relatively high
pneumatic pressure.
[0016] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which is capable of safe operation at
high pneumatic pressures.
[0017] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which does not reduce the operating
pressure due to blowback or other operational deficiencies.
[0018] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which is economical to manufacture.
[0019] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which provides reliable repetitive
use.
[0020] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which requires minimal maintenance.
[0021] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which can be used with a variety of
projectiles or projectile material.
[0022] A further advantage is of the present invention is a
pneumatic shooting device which provides good sound simulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a partially fragmentary side view of an embodiment
of a pneumatic shooting device of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a pneumatic
shooting device of the present invention shown in the ready
state;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a pneumatic
shooting device of the present invention shown in the fire
state;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a partially cross sectional side view of an
embodiment of the action of the present invention taken along
section line 4-4 in FIG. 1; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a partially fragmentary side view of another
embodiment of a pneumatic shooting device of the present
invention.
[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one
form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown a pneumatic shooting device 10 including a barrel
12 and an action 14.
[0031] Action 14 includes housing 16 defining a pressure reservoir
18 with a discharge outlet 20 connected to barrel 12. A linear
bearing body 22 is coupled with housing 16. Action 14 further
includes piston 24 with a discharge end 26. Piston 24 is slidably
movable within linear bearing body 22 to selectively open and close
discharge outlet 20.
[0032] Linear bearing body 22 can be at least partially defined by
and/or attached to pressure reservoir 18.
[0033] Piston 24 can include an actuating end 28, and housing 16
can include an actuating reservoir 30, actuating end 28 is at least
partially located within actuating reservoir 30. Seal 31, such as
an O-ring, pneumatically separates pressure reservoir 18 and
actuating reservoir 30. A pressurized gas source 32 is
pneumatically connected to both pressure reservoir 18 and actuating
reservoir 30. Pressurized gas source 32 can be a tube leading to a
pressure canister, as shown, or the canister alone. Trigger 34,
actuated by a shooter, actuates firing valve 36. Pressure reservoir
18 is pressurized by pressurized gas source 32 through regulator
60. Resilient member 36 biases discharge end 26 of piston 24
against discharge outlet 20 to allow the pressurization of pressure
reservoir 18. When trigger 34 is actuated to close firing valve 36
(FIG. 3) actuating reservoir 30 is pressurized to force actuating
end 28 to oppose resilient member 38 thereby opening discharge
outlet 20 and releasing the pressure 84 in pressure reservoir 18
through discharge outlet 20 and into barrel 12 to propel projectile
40 through and out of barrel 12.
[0034] A supply fitting 42 is pneumatically connected to pressure
reservoir 18. An actuator fitting 44 is pneumatically connected to
actuating reservoir 30. A slip ring 46 can be connected to both
supply fitting 42 and actuator fitting 44 to allow for a proper
positioning of supply fitting 42 and actuator fitting 44.
[0035] An end cap 48 is pneumatically connected to actuating
reservoir 30 and end cap 48 has an exhaust vent 52 connected to
ambient to discharge actuating reservoir 30 or alternatively,
housing 16 can include exhaust vent 53. A trigger safety 50 is
connected to trigger 34.
[0036] Discharge end 26 includes a taper 54 to improve the
explosive release of the pressurized gas into discharge outlet 20
and barrel 12. A radial seal 56 provides a pneumatic seal when
piston 24 closes discharge outlet 20. Alternatively, barrel
interface 58 of pressure reservoir 18 can include a face seal 57.
For a face seal embodiment, discharge end 26 of piston 24 fits over
discharge outlet 20, instead of in discharge outlet 20, and
contacts face seal 57. Both of the radial seal and the face seal
can be an O-ring, for example.
[0037] A regulator 60 is pneumatically connected to pressurized gas
source 32. A supply tubing 62 connects regulator 60 to pressure
reservoir 18. Similarly, actuator tubing 63 connects firing valve
36 to actuating reservoir 30. Tubing 62 has a burst pressure and
pressure reservoir 18 has a pressure rating, a ratio of the burst
pressure to the pressure rating is no more than 0.5 which provides
for the tubing to fail well prior to a potential failure of
pressure reservoir 18. In the unlikely event that tubing 62 fails
(regulator 60 regulates the pressure in tubing 62 below its burst
pressure), tubing 62 will harmlessly burst within tubing housing 64
and discharge pressure reservoir 18 well before the pressure rating
of pressure reservoir 18 is reached. As a further safety feature,
pressure reservoir 18 has both a pressure rating and an operating
pressure, a ratio of the operating pressure to the pressure rating
is no more than 0.5. Therefor regulator 60 regulates at a pressure
well below the pressure rating of pressure reservoir 18.
[0038] A pressure relief valve 66 is located between pressure
reservoir 18 and ambient to keep the operational pressure of
pressure reservoir 18 well below its pressure rating thus providing
further safety redundancy. A breech 68 is associated with barrel 12
and pneumatic shooting device 10 is loaded with projectile 70 at
breech 68. As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, barrel 12 is
disconnected from discharge outlet 20 during loading therefore
projectile 70 cannot be fired from barrel 12 during loading. A
trigger lock out (not shown) can be provided when the barrel is in
the open position to provide yet further safety redundancy.
[0039] For example, pressure reservoir 18 can have a pressure
rating of 500 psi (pounds per square inch) and pressure reservoir
18 is operated at a pressure of no more than 200 psi, well within
the pressure rating of pressure reservoir 18.
[0040] Discharge outlet 20 has a discharge outlet diameter 72.
Barrel 12 has a barrel diameter 74. A ratio of discharge outlet
diameter 72 to barrel diameter 74 is greater than 0.1. This
relatively large ratio provides for an explosive release of high
pressure, accompanied by a explosive sound, which is both capable
of propelling larger projectiles and providing realistic weapon
sound. Discharge outlet 20 can be an abrupt pneumatic orifice 76
which can further enhance the explosive sound at firing.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, pneumatic shooting device 80 can be a
grenade launcher demonstrating the scalable nature of action 14.
The pneumatic shooting device of the present invention can be a
bazooka, a grenade launcher, a mortar, a rocket launcher, a cannon,
a rocket propelled grenade launcher, a missile launcher, a landmine
and/or a gun further demonstrating the scalable nature of action
14.
[0042] Alternatively, barrel 12 and housing 16 are monolithic or
separate.
[0043] Although piston 24 is shown as being pneumatically actuated,
piston 24 can be at least pneumatically actuated, electrically
actuated, magnetically actuated, electro-magnetically actuated
and/or chemically actuated. For example, actuating end 26 of piston
24 can be magnetized and actuating reservoir 30 can include an
electrical coil. The trigger when actuated electrifies the coil
which provides a force on the actuating end of the piston thereby
firing the device. An example of chemical actuation is the trigger
impacting a pyrotechnic firing cap, firing the cap creating a
firing pressure, which firing pressure actuates the piston.
[0044] Alternatively, trigger 34 and firing valve 36 can be
replaced by a solenoid valve (not shown) for remote operation of
the pneumatic shooting device, as may be the case in a
multi-barreled arrangement, or when the pneumatic shooting device
is used on or in conjunction with a vehicle, which may a ground,
underground, air, sea, undersea or space vehicle. For example, the
multiple barreled arrangement is conceived as multiple pneumatic
shooting devices in a variety of geometric patterns depending on
the design and application of the multiple barreled arrangement.
Different types of pneumatic shooting devices, such as a bazooka
and a grenade launcher, can also be combined in a multiple barreled
arrangement. Each supply line for one of multiple of the pneumatic
shooting devices of the multiple barreled arrangement can be
connected to a regulator output of a pressurized gas source. Each
of the multiple pneumatic shooting devices can have separate
triggers and firing valves, or alternatively, the triggers and
valves can be replaced by a single or multiple solenoid valves, for
example, for simultaneous, sequential, or other patterned firing of
the multiple pneumatic shooting devices.
[0045] The pneumatic shooting device of the present invention can
be used with a variety of projectiles. For example, projectile 40
is shown as a ball, projectile 70 is shown as a rocket or bazooka
round and projectile 82 is shown as a grenade. The pneumatic
shooting device of the present invention can use a projectile which
is a fluid, a powder, a fragment, a rocket, a confetti, a shot, a
bazooka round, a mortar round, a missile, a ball, a bullet, a
grenade and/or a cannon shell.
[0046] In use, pneumatic shooting device 10 is connected to
pressurized gas source 32 which pressurizes pressure reservoir 18
of action 14. A projectile is loaded into barrel 12 of pneumatic
shooting device 10. Trigger 34 of pneumatic shooting device 10 is
actuated. Piston 24 is moved within linear bearing body 22 of
action 14. Piston 24 is released from discharge outlet 20 in
housing 16. A volume of a pressurized gas 84 is expelled through
barrel 12 thereby ejecting a projectile.
[0047] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *