U.S. patent application number 11/354820 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for paint ball loader.
Invention is credited to Paul Garfield Jong.
Application Number | 20060130822 11/354820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25414474 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060130822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jong; Paul Garfield |
June 22, 2006 |
Paint ball loader
Abstract
A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a
paintball inlet is provided. The loader apparatus includes a base
attachable to the paintball marker, a cartridge removably
attachable to the base, a motive means and a delivery conduit. The
cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs. The chamber has a
paintball outlet. The cartridge further includes a flow assistor.
The motive means is operatively connected to the flow assistor when
the cartridge is attached to the base. The delivery conduit is in
flow communication with the paintball outlet of the chamber and
with the paintball inlet of the paintball marker when the cartridge
is attached to the base and the base is mounted to the paintball
marker.
Inventors: |
Jong; Paul Garfield;
(Markham, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
40 KING STREET WEST
BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Family ID: |
25414474 |
Appl. No.: |
11/354820 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10689517 |
Oct 21, 2003 |
7017569 |
|
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11354820 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
|
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|
09901589 |
Jul 11, 2001 |
6644293 |
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10689517 |
Oct 21, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/51.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 39/02 20130101;
A45F 5/021 20130101; A45F 2003/144 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101;
F41B 11/53 20130101; F41C 33/02 20130101; F41B 11/57 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/051.1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/02 20060101
F41B011/02 |
Claims
1. A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a
paintball inlet, the loader apparatus comprising: a) a cartridge, a
motive means and a delivery conduit, b) said cartridge including a
chamber for paintballs, said chamber having a paintball outlet,
said cartridge further including a flow assistor, wherein said
motive means is operatively connected to said flow assistor when
said cartridge is attached to said base, wherein said cartridge is
removably connectable with respect to said delivery conduit for
communication of paintballs from said paintball outlet of said
chamber to said delivery conduit, c) and wherein said delivery
conduit is connectable with said paintball inlet of said paintball
marker for communication of paintballs thereto.
2. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
base, wherein said base includes said delivery conduit and said
cartridge is removably connectable to said base.
3. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said loader
apparatus further comprises a pressurizing member for maintaining a
force on said paintballs in said chamber to urge said paintballs
towards said paintball outlet.
4. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
pressurizing member comprises a spring, said spring being
operatively connected to said paintballs, so that said spring is
adapted to act on said paintballs to force said paintballs towards
said paintball outlet.
5. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flow
assistor comprises a generally funnel-shaped surface surrounding
said paintball outlet, said generally funnel-shaped surface
comprising surface irregularities for agitating paintballs.
6. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motive
means is an electric motor.
7. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base
further comprises a first mating surface, and said cartridge
further comprises a second mating surface, which contacts said
first mating surface when said cartridge is mounted on said base,
and said apparatus further comprises a connector for releasably
holding said first and second mating surfaces together.
8. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said connector
comprises a magnet, and a material that is magnetically attracted
to said magnet.
9. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said delivery
conduit comprises at least one paintball sensor for detecting the
presence of paintballs in said flow conduit, said at least one
sensor is operatively connected to said motive means so that said
sensor activates said motive means when said sensor does not detect
the presence of a paintball.
10. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said
paintball outlet comprises retractable stops positioned in said
paintball outlet, said stops being adapted to retract from said
paintball outlet to allow the passage of paintballs when said
cartridge is attached to said base, and said stops being adapted to
extend into said outlet to prevent the passage of paintballs when
said cartridge is unattached from said base.
11. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said motive
means is positioned in said base.
12. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a
first driven means positioned in said base, wherein said motive
means is operatively connected to said first driven means, and
further comprising a second driven means operatively connected to
said flow assistor, wherein said first driven means is operatively
connected to said second driven means when said cartridge is
mounted to said base.
13. A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a
paintball inlet, the loader apparatus comprising: a) a cartridge
and a delivery conduit, b) said cartridge including a chamber for
paintballs, said chamber defining a paintball outlet, and a
pressurizing member for maintaining a force on said paintballs in
said chamber to urge said paintballs in said chamber towards said
paintball outlet, wherein said pressurizing member is adapted to
contact a plurality of paintballs simultaneously, wherein said
cartridge is removably connectable with respect to said delivery
conduit for communication of paintballs from said paintball outlet
of said chamber to said delivery conduit, c) and wherein said
delivery conduit is fluidically connectable to said paintball inlet
of said paintball marker for communication of paintballs
therewith.
14. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a
base, wherein said delivery conduit is connected to said base, and
wherein said cartridge is removably attachable to said base.
15. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said
cartridge includes a flow assistor and said loader apparatus
further includes a motive means operatively connected to said flow
assistor when said cartridge is attached to said base.
16. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said
delivery conduit comprises at least one paintball sensor for
detecting the presence of paintballs in said delivery conduit,
wherein said at least one sensor is operatively connected to said
motive means so that said motive means is activated when said
sensor does not detect the presence of a paintball.
17. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said
pressurizing member comprises a spring, wherein said spring is
operatively connected to said paintballs, so that said spring is
adapted to act on said paintballs to force said paintballs towards
said paintball outlet.
18. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said motive
means is an electric motor positioned in said base.
19. A belt for use with a paintball loader apparatus having a base
for the mounting of cartridges of paintballs, the belt comprising:
a) a strap; and b) at least one cartridge mounting assembly
connected to said strap, said cartridge mounting assembly adapted
for holding a cartridge.
20. The belt as claimed in claim 19, wherein the base is adapted to
receive battery packs and the belt further comprises at least one
battery pack mounting assembly connected to said strap, said
battery pack mounting assembly adapted for holding a battery pack.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.
10/689,517 filed Oct. 21, 2003, which is still pending, which is a
Continuation-in-Part of Issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,293, issued Nov.
11, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to loader apparatuses for
paintball markers, and more particularly the invention relates to
apparatuses which include removable paintball cartridges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Paintball games are today played with sophisticated
paintball markers that can shoot as fast as the finger can pull the
trigger. The marker is equipped with a fixed bulk loader which is
mounted onto the paintball inlet of the marker. The paintballs are
gravity fed from the loader into the paintball inlet of the marker
often with the aid of a motorized flow assistor paddle or wheel
located in the loader. The flow assistor is activated when a sensor
in the neck of the loader senses an absence of paintballs leading
down into the paintball inlet of the marker.
[0004] Many problems exist with these conventional loaders. Because
the paintballs are gravity fed, the paintball marker must be held
in a substantially vertical orientation in order that paintballs
can be fed into the marker. As the angle of orientation of the
marker changes away from the vertical, the efficiency of the
paintball feed is reduced. At some critical angle, which varies
depending on the design of the loader, paintball feed into the
inlet of the marker, stops completely, making the marker
ineffective. Furthermore, the sensors located in the neck of the
loader, upon detecting the lack of paintball flow, will activate
the flow assistor in an attempt to initiate paintball flow. The
noise caused by the flow assistor actuation can inadvertently give
away the location of the game player to others. While the
activation of the flow assistor is important to maintain paintball
flow, it is advantageous to reduce the frequency of activation to
reduce the risk of disclosing the player's location to others.
Furthermore, when a player moves a marker with a partially full
loader, the paintballs inside the loader can rattle, also giving
away the player's location.
[0005] Another common problem with conventional loaders is that the
process for refilling an empty loader is both cumbersome and time
consuming. The end cap on the loader must be opened and the player
must fill the loader by pouring paintballs from a paintball storage
tube, which is typically carried on the player's belt. The
reloading process, while slow, is also prone to causing unwanted
noise.
[0006] Another problem with conventional loaders is that the power
source for the motor can fail during play, and is difficult and
time consuming to replace. The power source can fail for several
reasons, including a hardware failure or malfunction, or because
the battery has been depleted of its stored energy.
[0007] Consequently, there is a need for a paintball loader
apparatus for a marker that has at least one of the following
features: the loader enables the marker to be operated in any
orientation; the loader reduces unwanted noise from the flow
assistor device and from the paintballs; and the loader enables the
player to reload the loader with new paintballs and with a fresh
power source quickly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a loader
apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet.
The loader apparatus includes a cartridge, a motive means and a
delivery conduit. The cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs.
The chamber has a paintball outlet. The cartridge further includes
a flow assistor. The motive means is operatively connected to the
flow assistor when the cartridge mounted in communication with the
delivery conduit. The cartridge is removably attachable with
respect to the delivery conduit for communication of paintballs
therewith. The delivery conduit is connectable with the paintball
inlet of the marker.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention,
the loader may further include a pressurizing member in the chamber
of the cartridge. The pressurizing member pushes paintballs in the
chamber towards the paintball outlet.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the loader includes a base
to which the cartridge is removably connectable, and which includes
the delivery conduit.
[0011] In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a loader
apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet,
the loader apparatus including a cartridge and a delivery conduit.
The cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs. The chamber has a
paintball outlet and a pressurizing member for maintaining a force
on the paintballs in the chamber to urge the paintballs in the
chamber towards the paintball outlet. The pressurizing member is
adapted to contact a plurality of paintballs simultaneously. The
cartridge is removably connectable with respect to the delivery
conduit for communication of paintballs from the paintball outlet
of the chamber to the delivery conduit. The delivery conduit is
fluidically connectable to the paintball inlet of the paintball
marker for communication of paintballs therewith.
[0012] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a
belt for use with a paintball loader apparatus having a base for
the mounting of cartridges of paintballs. The belt includes a strap
and at least one cartridge mounting assembly connected to the
strap. The cartridge mounting assembly is adapted for holding a
cartridge. In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the belt
includes at least one battery pack mounting assembly connected to
the strap, for holding a battery pack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will now be described by way of
example only with reference to the attached drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1a is a side view of the loader apparatus shown in FIG.
1 with an optional set of adapters for connecting the loader
apparatus to a paintball marker;
[0016] FIG. 2a is a bottom plan view of the cartridge of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4a is a side view of the outlet portion of the
cartridge of FIG. 1 and the inlet portion of the delivery conduit
of FIG. 1, when the cartridge is removed from the base;
[0020] FIG. 4b is a side view of the outlet and inlet portions
shown in FIG. 4a, when the cartridge is mounted on the base;
and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a storage belt for
cartridges and battery packs;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a cartridge in accordance with
an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention
[0024] FIG. 8a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG.
8a;
[0026] FIG. 9a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG.
9a;
[0028] FIG. 10a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 10b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG.
10a;
[0030] FIG. 11a is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with
an optional mechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge from
the base, in a first position prior to actuation of the
mechanism;
[0031] FIG. 11b is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with
an optional mechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge from
the base, in a second position after actuation of the
mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with
another optional mechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge
from the base; and
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with
optional display indicators relating to the status of certain
parameters of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which illustrates a loader
apparatus 10 made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment
of the present invention and which will be used for the purposes of
describing the operational aspects of the invention.
[0035] Loader 10 is used to hold paintballs 12 and load paintballs
12 into paintball marker 14. Loader 10 comprises a paintball
cartridge 16, a base 18 and a delivery conduit 20 which
communicates with paintball inlet 22 of paintball marker 14.
[0036] The delivery conduit 20 may connect to the inlet 22 of the
marker 14 in any suitable way, such as by friction fit. Referring
to FIG. 1a, an adapter 24 may be included to connect the delivery
conduit 20 to the inlet 22. The adapter 24 may be a separate
component, or may alternatively be attached to either the loader 10
or to the marker 14.
[0037] The loader 10 may include one or more adapters 24 to permit
the conduit 20 to mount to paintball marker inlets 22 having
different sizes. Some marker inlets 22 may have different inlet
sizes. Also, some markers may have similar inner diameters for
passing paintballs 12, but may have different outer diameters. The
outer surfaces of such marker inlets 22 may also have different
shapes. For example, the outside perimeter of the marker inlet may
be square. The adapters 24 permit the loader 10 to mount to a
greater range of markers, than the loader 10 would otherwise be
mountable thereto. In an alternative embodiment not shown, a single
adapter could be provided that, that is adjustable in size to
permit the loader 10 to mount to inlets of different sizes. The
adapters 24 may mount to marker inlets 22 by various means, such as
by friction fit around a marker inlets. The adapters 24 may
similarly connect to the delivery conduit 20 of the loader 10 by
friction fit around the delivery conduit 20, or by any other
suitable type of connection, such as a bayonet mount.
[0038] Cartridge 16 is removable from base 18 so that when
cartridge 16 is empty, a user or player may remove cartridge 16 and
replace it with a new one upon base 18. Cartridge 16 comprises a
chamber 30 with an outlet 32, a flow assistor 34 and a pressurizing
member 36. Chamber 30 holds paintballs 12. The chamber 30 may be
sized to hold any suitable number of paintballs 12, in accordance
with the needs of the player.
[0039] An outlet 32 is included in the front wall of chamber 30 and
communicates with delivery conduit 20. Pressurizing member 36
maintains a force on paintballs 12 to push paintballs 12 towards
outlet 32 of chamber 30. Pressurizing member 36 comprises a
pressure plate 38 which is slidable within chamber 30, and a spring
40. Spring 40 acts on pressure plate 38, which contacts paintballs
12, to maintain a compressive force on paintballs 12. Spring 40 is
conical shaped which reduces the compressed length of spring 40
thereby reducing the overall size of cartridge 16. By maintaining a
compressive force on paintballs 12 the loader apparatus eliminates
unwanted noise that can occur from the jiggling of paintballs
within a partially full loader of the prior art. Such unwanted
noise can inadvertently give away a player's position during a
paintball game.
[0040] The spring 40 may alternatively be replaced by any other
suitable mechanism. For example, an air bladder (not shown) may
alternatively be used instead of a spring. The air bladder may be
connected to the air tank (not shown) of the marker 14 and may
receive a suitable pressure of air for pushing the pressure plate
38 towards the paintballs 12 to urge them towards the outlet
32.
[0041] The pressurizing member 36 is configured to contact a
plurality of paintballs 12 simultaneously. Furthermore, the
pressurizing member 36 can act on a plurality of paintballs 12
simultaneously without the need to have the paintballs 12 organized
in any specific way in the chamber 30. Thus, the paintballs 12 may
be randomly positioned in the chamber 30. This is advantageous, in
that the user is not required to fill the chamber 30 in any special
way. Instead, the chamber 30 may be refilled by simply pouring the
paintballs 12 therein.
[0042] The fixed end of spring 40 is connected to an end cap 42.
End cap 42 is removable from body 44 of cartridge 16 so that
cartridge 16 is refillable with paintballs 12, preferably when the
player is not engaged in play. End cap 42 and body 44 are
preferably joined using a bayonet-style connection 45. However, any
other style of connection that would enable end cap 42 to be
removably attached is acceptable. Cartridge 16 also has an end wall
46 which has an opening 48 surrounded by a bearing portion 49.
[0043] The cartridge 16 may alternatively be refilled with
paintballs 12 by other means. For example, the cartridge 16 may
open at the end with the opening 48. Paintballs 12 may be inserted
into the cartridge 16 via the opening 48. In this alternative, the
end cap 42 may be replaced by a fixed end that is preferably
integral with the body 44.
[0044] As a further alternative, the cartridge 16 may split along a
line that is coincident with the entrance into the flow assistor
34. As another alternative, the cartridge 16 may include a porthole
door that can be opened for refilling the chamber 30 with
paintballs 12. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous for the
pressurizing member 36 to be selectably lockable in a retracted
position to facilitate loading of paintballs 12 in the chamber 30.
A suitable locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided for this
purpose. Once the chamber 30 is loader, the locking mechanism may
be released permitting the pressurizing member 36 to act on the
paintballs 12.
[0045] The body 44 and cap 42 of the cartridge 16 may be made from
any suitable material, such as an organic polymer. The body 44 may
be assembled by any suitable means, such as by bonding by, for
example glue or epoxy, by snap-fit, by fasteners, such as screws,
by ultrasonic `welding`, or by friction fit. Alternatively, the
body 44 may be a single piece that is molded, such as by injection
molding. The cap 42 may be a single piece that may be molded by,
for example, injection molding.
[0046] Flow assistor 34 is used to assist the flow of paintballs 12
out of outlet 32 by rotating, causing agitation of paintballs 12.
The agitation thereby prevents paintballs 12 from wedging at outlet
32. Flow assistor 34 comprises a generally funnel-shaped agitation
surface 50 which has a large end 52 which is slightly smaller in
diameter than the inside diameter of chamber 30 and an annular
small end 54 which is attached to a discharge tube 56. Agitation
surface 50 includes surface irregularities 58 which include bosses
60 and dimples 62. Tube 56 passes through opening 48 in end wall 46
and is connected to an annular gear 66. Tube 56 and gear 66 have an
inside tubular surface 68, the outlet of which is outlet 32.
Tubular surface 68 is of a larger diameter than paintballs 12 but
small enough to prevent wedging of paintballs 12.
[0047] Base 18 houses the drive and controls for flow assistor 34.
Base 18 comprises a motive means 70 driving a driven means 72, a
controller 74 and a cartridge mounting surface 76. As well,
delivery tube 20 is formed integrally with base 18. Base 18 mounts
to paintball marker 14 by engaging delivery conduit 20 with marker
inlet 22.
[0048] The housing of the base 18 is shown at 79. The housing 79
may be made from any suitable material, such as an organic polymer.
The housing 79 may be assembled by any suitable means, such as by
bonding by, for example glue or epoxy, by snap-fit, by fasteners,
such as screws, by ultrasonic `welding`, or by friction fit.
Alternatively, the housing 79 may be a single piece that is molded,
such as by injection molding.
[0049] The motive means 70 may be an electric motor, or may
alternatively be any suitable motive means. For example, the motive
means 70 may be an air motor (ie. a motor that operates using
compressed gas pressure instead of electricity). The motive means
70 may alternatively be a spring or some other potential energy
storage device. For example, if the motive means 70 is a spring, it
could be a torsion spring that could be wound up to store
sufficient energy to rotate the flow assistor 34 for a selected
period of time or a selected number of rotations.
[0050] Driven means 72 transfers rotational power from motive means
70 to gear 66 for driving flow assistor 34. Driven means 72
includes a drive pulley 80, a driven pulley 82, a belt 84, a shaft
86, and a gear 88. Pulley 80 may be driven directly by motive means
70 and drives pulley 82 by means of belt 84. Shaft 86 extends from
the centre of pulley 82 connecting pulley 82 to gear 88. Gear 88
contacts gear 66 when cartridge 16 is mounted on base 18, to drive
gear 66 and flow assistor 34. Gear 66 is a second driven means for
operatively connecting flow assistor 34 to motive means 70.
[0051] It is alternatively possible for any driven means to replace
the driven means 72. For example, the belt 84 may be a toothed belt
and the pulleys 80 and 82 may be toothed, providing improved grip.
As another example, the pulleys 80 and 82 and the belt 84 may be
replaced by a gear train, which may include two or more gears.
[0052] To assist in the meshing of gears 88 and 66 when cartridge
16 is mounted on base 18, there is play in the fit between gear 88
and gear 66. Furthermore gears 88 and 66 may also include
chamfering of the edges of the gear teeth to further assist in
their meshing. As well, because pulleys 80 and 82, and belt 84 are
incorporated into driven means 72, gear 88 can be rotated as
required, taking advantage of belt slippage, in order to further
assist in the meshing of gears 88 and 66.
[0053] Delivery conduit 20 has an interior surface 90 that defines
a passageway 91. Passageway 91 has a diameter larger than
paintballs 12 but not so large as to allow the wedging of
paintballs 12.
[0054] Sensors 92 may be spaced along the entire length of
passageway 91 to sense the presence of paintballs 12 within
passageway 91.
[0055] The sensors 92 communicate with the controller 74 to
indicate whether or not paintballs 12 are present in the delivery
conduit 20.
[0056] Sensors 92 send signals to controller 74 through electrical
conduits 94. The sensors 92 may be mounted flush with surface 90 of
the passageway 91. Alternatively, the sensors 92 may be embedded
within the conduit 20, and may be recessed from the surface 90.
[0057] The sensors 92 may be mounted into apertures that are
provided in the conduit 20. Alternatively, the sensors 92 may be
molded directly into the conduit 20.
[0058] Sensors 92 may be infrared sensors or any other sensors that
will detect a body such as a paintball 12. For example, some
alternative types of sensor that could be used are proximity
sensors, lever-trip sensors, vibration sensors or tilt sensors.
[0059] On the bottom of base 18 is a battery pack mounting surface
98. A battery pack 102 may be removably attached to base 18 and
supplies power to controller 74 and to motive means 70 through
electrical conduit 104.
[0060] It is alternatively possible for the battery pack 102 to be
remote from the rest of the loader 10. For example, in an
embodiment that is not shown, the battery pack 102 may be worn on a
belt, and the electrical conduit 104 may be an insulated wire that
extends outwards from the base 18 to connect to the battery pack
102.
[0061] As a further alternative the battery pack 102 may mount to
the marker itself and to connect to the base 18 by means of an
outwardly extending electrical conduit 104.
[0062] The battery pack 102 includes a housing 103 and includes a
plurality of batteries 105. The batteries 105 may be any suitable
batteries, and may be rechargeable. For example, the batteries 105
may be, for example, Lithium ion, Nickel metal hydride, or Nickel
Cadmium. The batteries 105 may instead comprise a fuel cell.
[0063] In embodiments where the battery pack 102 is rechargeable,
the loader may further include a photo-voltaic cell or cell array
(not shown) which may be mounted on the exterior of the loader 10
or the marker 14 for gathering light and converting the light to
energy for recharging the battery pack 102. In this way, the
battery pack 102 may be recharged during play, particularly when
such play is outside.
[0064] Alternatively, the batteries 105 may be non-rechargeable,
such as alkaline batteries, and may be removable from the battery
pack 102 for disposal and replacement. As a further alternative,
the entire battery pack 102 may be disposable.
[0065] Instead of having a plurality of batteries 105, the battery
pack 102 may have a single battery 105. The single battery 105 may
be sized and configured based on the contained volume of the
battery pack housing 103.
[0066] The battery pack 102 may generate any suitable voltage. For
example, the battery pack 102 may generate 5V to operate the
loader. Alternatively, the battery pack 102 may generate some other
voltage, such as 48V. In embodiments where the battery pack 102
generates a higher voltage than is required for operation of some
or all of the electrical components of the loader 10, then the
voltage may be reduced by a suitable device, such as a voltage
regulator, that may be included in the controller 74 or that may be
separate from the controller 74.
[0067] The electrical conduit 104 may connect to the battery pack
105 by any suitable means, such as by contact plates, which may be
fixed, or which may be resilient. Another suitable means would be
battery clips, which clip to the battery terminals. Other suitable
means such as protrusions, bumps and the like may be alternatively
used.
[0068] A connector 109 connects the battery pack 102 to the base
18. The connector 109 may be any suitable type of connector, such
as, for example, a magnet 100 and a member 108 that is magnetically
attracted to the magnet 100. The magnet 100 may be in the form of a
plate that is flush-mounted on the battery pack mounting surface
98. The magnet 100 may be any type of magnet, such as a permanent
magnet, or an electromagnet.
[0069] The member 108 is mounted on the housing 103 of the battery
pack 102. The member 108 may be any material that is attracted to a
magnet. For example, the member 108 may be another magnet.
Alternatively, the member 108 may be a material that is
non-magnetic. For the purposes of this disclosure, a non-magnetic
material is a material that is not inherently magnetic. However, a
non-magnetic material may become magnetic when it is in contact
with a magnetic material. For example, carbon steel is not
inherently magnetic, however, it is attracted to magnets, and can
become magnetic when in contact with a magnetic material.
[0070] The magnet 100 may be positioned on the base 18 and the
member 108 may be positioned on the battery pack 102, as shown in
FIG. 1. Alternatively however, the magnet 100 may be positioned on
the battery pack 102, and the member 108 may be positioned on the
base 18.
[0071] The connector 109 may be another types of connector instead
of the magnet 100 and member 108. For example, the connector 109
may include a hook-and-loop fastener, whereby a hook portion is
mounted on one of the base 18 or the battery pack 102 and the loop
portion is mounted on the other of the base 18 or the battery pack
102. Alternatively, the connector may include a latch mechanism or
a clip mechanism to clip the battery pack 102 to the base 18.
[0072] Controller 74 receives signals from sensors 92 and operates
motive means 70 to rotate flow assistor 34 when any of sensors 92
do not detect a paintball 12, suggesting that passageway 91 is not
full of paintballs 12. Controller 74 also regulates the voltage of
power from battery pack 98 to motive means 70. As well, controller
74 monitors the power level in battery pack 98, and activates a
warning indicator 110 giving notice to the user, so that the user
can change the old battery pack 102 for a fresh one. Warning
indicator 110 is preferably located towards the rear of base 18, so
that it can be viewed by the user, but is at least partially hidden
from view by others. Warning light 110 is connected to controller
74 by an electrical conduit 111.
[0073] Reference is made to FIG. 13, which shows a plurality of
other indicators 115 that may optionally be included on the loader
10 in addition to the warning indicator 110. The indicators 115
include a first indicator 115a which indicates whether power is on
or off, a second indicator 115b which indicates a condition wherein
the cartridge has few balls remaining, a third indicator 115c which
indicates when the cartridge is empty, and a fourth indicator 115d
to indicate whether the battery pack 102 is low in stored
energy.
[0074] The indicators 115 may be any type of indicator, such as,
for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes) or conventional bulbs.
They may alternatively be part of an LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen.
[0075] The indicators 115 may be arranged in any way to suit the
needs of the user.
[0076] As a further alternative, one or more of the indicators 115
may indicate a condition using some other means than displaying the
information. For example, the indicators 115c and 115d may comprise
a vibrator device that could be activated to notify the user that a
low-balls condition or a low battery condition exists. The vibrator
device may vibrate in several different ways to indicate the exact
condition without the need for the user to take time and look at
the display. A vibrator device is also advantageous over indicators
of the prior art that emit sounds to indicate a condition, since
sound indicators can give away a player's position
inadvertently.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 1, an on/off switch 112 is included on
base 18, and provides the player with manual control for turning
controller 74 on and off. In the exemplary preferred embodiment,
power must pass through controller 74 to reach motive means 70. If
switch 112 is in the `off` position, then power is not sent to
controller 74 and motive means 70, and if switch 112 is in the `on`
position, then power is sent to controller 74, which can in turn
send power to motive means 70. On/off switch 112 may be connected
to controller 74 by an electrical conduit 113. The on/off switch
112 may operatively control the electrical connection between the
battery pack 102 and the controller 74, or alternatively, between
the battery pack 102 and the motive means 70.
[0078] The on/off switch 112 may be any suitable kind of switch.
For example, the on/off switch 112 may be a toggle switch, a push
button, a micro-switch, a membrane or a solid state switch. The
switch 112 may be positioned anywhere on the loader 10 suitable for
its intended purpose.
[0079] Reference is made to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3, which show
cartridge 16 and base 18 separately. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 3,
the exterior of cartridge 16 includes a mating surface 114 which
mates with mounting surface 76 of base 18. Mating surface 114
includes two locator bosses 118 and an activator boss 120. Mounting
surface 76 of base 18 includes two locating recesses 124 for
receiving locator bosses 118 and an activator switch 126 which is
activated when contacted by activator boss 120. Switch 126
effectively detects the presence of cartridge 16 by contact with
activator boss 120 and signals the presence to controller 74.
[0080] A connector 125 is provided for releasably connecting the
cartridge 16 to the base 18. The connector 125 may include a magnet
122 mounted on the base 18 and a member 116 mounted on the
cartridge 16, that is attracted to the magnet 122. The connector
125 assists in retaining the cartridge 16 on the base 18, in
addition to the locating bosses 118 and locating recesses 124,
which further assist in maintaining and positioning cartridge 16 on
base 18.
[0081] The member 116 may be a magnet itself, or it may be any
material that is not magnetic but is attracted to a magnet, such as
carbon steel.
[0082] The magnet 122 may be positioned on the base 18 and the
member 116 may be positioned on the cartridge 16, as shown in FIG.
1. Alternatively, however, the magnet 122 may be positioned on the
cartridge 16, and the member 116 may be positioned on the base
18.
[0083] The connector 125 may be another type of connector instead
of the magnet 122 and member 116. For example, the connector 125
may include a hook-and-loop fastener, whereby a hook portion is
mounted on one of the base 18 or the cartridge 16 and the loop
portion is mounted on the other of the base 18 or the cartridge 16.
Alternatively, the connector may include a latch mechanism or a
clip mechanism to clip the cartridge 16 to the base 18.
[0084] The connector 125 may also alternatively include a bayonet
mechanism or threaded connection for mounting the cartridge 16 to
the base 18.
[0085] The member 116 may be made from a material that is a
permanent magnet, and the magnet 122 may be made from a material
that is not magnetic. For example, the magnet 122 may be made from
carbon steel, which is attracted to magnets, but is not magnetic
itself when positioned away from any magnetic fields.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, when cartridge 16 is mounted on base 18
and boss 120 is in contact with switch 126, a signal is sent to
controller 74 through electrical conduit 127 indicating that a
cartridge 16 is present and that motive means 70 can be operated as
required. When cartridge 16 is removed from base 18, then
controller 74 is notified that cartridge 16 is not present. In the
event that controller 74 is prompted to actuate motive means 70,
(for example, by sensors 92), motive means 70 will only be actuated
if controller 74 is signaled that a cartridge 16 is present. Switch
126 is connected to controller 74 by an electrical conduit 127.
Controller 74 operates motive means 70 when boss 120 contacts
switch 126 and prevents the actuation of motive means 70 when boss
120 does not contact switch 126.
[0087] A summary description of the logic by which controller 74
operates motive means 70 will now be provided. When switch 112 is
`off`, when switch 126 is not contacted by activator boss 120, or
when battery pack 102 does not have enough power, then controller
74 cannot operate motive means 70. When switch 112 is `on`, when
switch 126 is contacted by boss 120 and when battery pack 102 has
enough power, controller 74 can operate motive means 70. When any
of sensors 92 detect a gap between paintballs 12 in passageway 91,
then controller 74 operates motive means 70 (and flow controller
34), provided that switch 112 is `on`, battery pack 102 has enough
power, and switch 126 is contacted by boss 120.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2b, cartridge 16 includes a boss 128
which mates with a recess 129 on base 18. Boss 128 and recess 129
together with magnet 122 and the member 116, and bosses 118 and
recesses 124, help keep cartridge 16 positioned on base 18.
[0089] Alternatively, the cartridge 16 and base 18 may include
matable irregularities on their respective mounting surfaces, which
cooperate to retain the cartridge 16 in position on the base 18,
instead of, or in conjunction with the connector 125, and the
bosses 118 and recesses 124.
[0090] To remove the cartridge 16 from the base 18, the cartridge
16 may be released manually by the user. In other words, to remove
the cartridge the user may grip the cartridge and manually pull it
away from the base. The removal operation can alternatively be
automated to some degree. Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b the
attractive force between the magnet 122 and the member 116 may be
reduced or eliminated to facilitate removal of the cartridge 16
from the base 18.
[0091] The reduction or elimination of the attractive force between
the magnet 122 and the member 116 may be accomplished in several
other ways. For example, one or both of the magnet 122 and the
member 116 may be moveable so that the distance between them can be
adjusted between a first distance (see FIG. 11a) wherein they are
relatively close to provide a relatively strong attractive force to
retain the cartridge 16 on the base 18 and a second position (see
FIG. 11b) wherein they are positioned relatively far apart to
reduce or substantially eliminate the attractive force between them
to facilitate removal of the cartridge 16 from the base 18.
[0092] Alternatively, the magnet 122 may be an electromagnet and
may be deactivated electrically. The member 116 in such an
embodiment would preferably be a non-magnet.
[0093] In the case when in FIGS. 11a and 11b, whereby the magnet
122 is moveable, a motive means 400 for moving the magnet 122
between the first and second positions is provided. The motive
means 400 may include a mechanical linkage that is manually
actuated via a lever mounted on the exterior of the base 18.
Alternatively, the motive means 400 could include an electric
actuator, such as a solenoid, for moving the magnet 122.
[0094] A switch 402 may be operatively connected to the magnet 122
and/or the member 116 for initiating the reduction of the magnetic
force between the magnet 122 and the member 116. The switch 402 may
be an electrical switch or a mechanical switch. Examples of switch
402 include a toggle switch, a button, a lever, a membrane and an
electrically sensitive touch surface.
[0095] The switch 402 may be positioned on the base 18,
particularly for embodiments where the switch operates the magnet
122. Particularly for an embodiment using an electric actuator, the
switch 402 could be positioned remotely from the base 18 so that it
is more easily accessible by the same hand that is holding the
marker 14, thus leaving the other hand free to remove the cartridge
16. For example, the switch 400 could be positioned on the marker
14 itself near the trigger and could communicate with a control
means, such as the controller 74 using any suitable kind of
wireless signal.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 12, the system for assisting in the
removal of the cartridge 16 could alternatively include a
mechanical switch 400 connected to a lever 404 that is positioned
on the mounting surface 76, 220 on the base 18. The lever 404 moves
between a retracted position wherein the cartridge 16 is permitted
to be connected to the base 18, and an extended position, wherein
the lever 404 projects outwards from the mounting surface 220 to
urge the cartridge 16 away from the mounting surface 76, 220. A
suitable mechanical linkage is provided to operatively connect the
switch 400 and the lever 404.
[0097] Reference is made to FIGS. 4a and 4b which show a sectional
side view of gear 66 and discharge tube 56, and which show flow
preventers 130 and 131. As shown in FIG. 4a, cartridge flow
preventer 130 and base flow preventer 131 prevent the spillage of
paintballs 12 from outlet 32 and from the inlet of passageway 91
respectively, when cartridge 16 is not mounted on base 18. FIG. 4b
shows flow preventers 130 and 131 when cartridge 16 is mounted on
base 18.
[0098] Cartridge flow preventer 130 comprises retractable stops.
The stops extend radially inwards from surface 68 to prevent the
flow of paintballs out from outlet 32. The stops can be retracted,
however, to permit the flow of paintballs out from the outlet 32.
The stops include a plurality of arms 132 which are made from a
resilient flexible material. Such a material is preferably a
resilient flexible polymer, which will not damage paintballs 12.
Arms 132 are mounted fixed at one end into surface 68 and include
wedge shaped nubs 134. Nubs 134 project into outlet 32 as shown in
FIG. 4a when cartridge 16 is not mounted on base 18, preventing the
flow of paintballs 12 through outlet 32. Cartridge flow preventer
130 therefore prevents the flow of paintballs 12 through outlet 32
when cartridge 16 is not mounted on base 18. A recess 136 is
included underneath the free end of each of arms 132. Recess 136 is
sized so that if arm 132 is depressed as shown in FIG. 4b, no part
of arm 132 or nub 134 would project into outlet 32. As shown in
FIG. 4b, when cartridge 16 is mounted on base 18, a passageway
inlet tube 137 which projects from base 18 and which communicates
with passageway 91, projects into outlet 32, pushing nubs 134 and
arms 132 into recesses 136, allowing paintballs 12 to flow through
outlet 32.
[0099] When cartridge 16 is removed from base 18, the arms 132
return to their original position to extend radially inwards from
surface 68, due to their resiliency, so that they prevent the flow
of paintballs 12 from outlet 32.
[0100] Base flow preventer 131 includes a leading edge surface 138
and a trailing edge surface 139. Preferably as shown in FIGS. 4a
and 4b, surface 138 slopes smoothly from a diameter substantially
equal to that of tubular surface 68, to a diameter slightly larger
than paintballs 12. The trailing edge surface 139 of flow preventer
131 is preferably contoured to hold and partially cup a paintball
12, to inhibit paintball 12 from rolling backwards out of the inlet
of passageway 91. Together, surfaces 138 and 139 permit the entry
of paintballs 12 into the inlet of passageway 91, but inhibit
paintballs 12 from rolling out of the inlet of passageway 91.
[0101] Reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows a belt 140 which
can be worn by the player and which stores both spent and full
replacement cartridges 16. Belt 140 comprises a strap 142, a
closure 144 such as Velcro.TM., a plurality of mounting assemblies
146 for receiving spent or fresh cartridges 16, and a plurality of
mounting assemblies 148 for holding spent or fresh battery packs
102. Mounting assembly 146 includes a complementary portion to the
connector portion that is present on the cartridge 16. For example,
in the embodiment of the cartridge 16 that has the member 116, then
the mounting assembly 146 may include the magnet 122. Furthermore,
the mounting assembly 146 includes two locating recesses 152 for
receiving locating bosses 118 and a locating recess 154 for
receiving activator boss 120. As well, mounting assembly 146
includes an opening 156 for gear 66.
[0102] Mounting assembly 148 includes a complementary portion to
the connector portion that is present on the battery pack 102. For
example, in the embodiment of the battery pack 102 that has the
member 108, then the mounting assembly 146 may include the magnet
100.
[0103] Reference is made to FIGS. 6 and 7, which show a cartridge
200 and a base 202 in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Cartridge 200 is similar to cartridge 16,
except as follows. Cartridge 200 has a body 204 that is generally
cylindrical about an axis 206. A member 208 extends around the
circumference of body 204. A depression ring 210 extends around the
circumference of body 204. An activator flange 212 extends radially
outwardly from depression ring 210, and preferably does not extend
radially past the outer diameter of body 204. By having a flange
212 that does not extend past the outer diameter of body 204, the
flange is less prone to damage in the event that cartridge 200 is
dropped. The forward end of cartridge 200 has a chamfered surface
214 that extends around the circumference of body 204.
[0104] Base 202 is similar to base 18 (FIG. 1) except as follows.
Base 202 includes a generally part-cylindrically shaped cartridge
mounting surface 220 that is shaped to mate with the generally
cylindrical shaped body 204 of cartridge 200.
[0105] A connector for releasably connecting the cartridge 200 and
base 202 together may include a magnet 222 and a member 208 that is
attracted to the magnet 222. The magnet 222 may be generally
part-cylindrically shaped and may be incorporated into mounting
surface 220. Magnet 222 mates with a portion of member 208 on
cartridge 200 to help hold cartridge 200 on base 202.
[0106] The member 208 may be a magnet itself, or it may be any
material that is not magnetic but is attracted to a magnet, such as
carbon steel.
[0107] The magnet 222 may be positioned on the base 202 and the
member 208 may be positioned on the cartridge 200, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. Alternatively, however, the magnet 222 may be
positioned on the cartridge 200, and the member 208 may be
positioned on the base 202.
[0108] The connector may be another type of connector instead of
the magnet 222 and member 208. For example, the connector may
include a hook-and-loop fastener, whereby a hook portion is mounted
on one of the base 202 or the cartridge 200 and the loop portion is
mounted on the other of the base 208 or the cartridge 200.
[0109] For example, the member 208 may be made from a material that
is a permanent magnetic, and the magnet 222 may be made from a
material that is not magnetic. For example, the member 222 may be
made from carbon steel, which is attracted to magnets, but is not
magnetic itself when positioned away from any magnetic fields.
[0110] Mounting surface 220 also includes a pair of raised ridges
224, which define a groove 226. Inside groove 226 is an activation
switch 228. Ridges 224 fit within a portion of depression ring 210
on either side of flange 212 on cartridge 200. Flange 212 is thus
received in groove 226 and contacts activation switch 228, to
indicate to the controller (not shown) in base 202 that cartridge
200 is present. Base 202 also includes a chamfered hood portion
230, which receives chamfered edge 214 on cartridge 200. By having
chamfered hood 214 and by having chamfered forward edge 214, the
mounting of cartridge 200 onto base 202 is facilitated. A hole 232
in base 202 receives gear 66 from cartridge 200, so that gear 66
can connect to the internal drive mechanism (not shown) within base
202. Battery pack 102 mounts as before to base 202.
[0111] Cartridge 200 can be mounted onto base 202, while cartridge
200 is in any circumferential orientation about axis 206, thus
facilitating the mounting of cartridge 200 onto base 202.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment, activator flange 212 is recessed
in depression ring 210, and does not extend past the outer diameter
of body 204. Alternatively, however, body 204 may have no
depression and activator flange 212 may extend from body 204, thus
extending past the outer diameter of body 204.
[0113] In a preferred embodiment, delivery conduit 20 is included
integrally with base 18. The loader can alternatively include a
separate base and separate delivery conduit. In this alternative
embodiment, the delivery conduit can mount to the inlet of a
paintball marker separately, and the base can connect to the
delivery conduit. Cartridges, in turn, could mount to the base,
similarly to cartridges 16 and 200 and bases 18 and 202.
Alternatively, the separate delivery conduit can mount to the base,
and then the base/conduit assembly can mount to the inlet of a
paintball marker.
[0114] Preferably, a plurality of sensors 92 are included within
passageway 91. Alternatively, a single sensor may be included in
passageway 91.
[0115] In a preferred embodiment, spring 40 and pressure plate 38
are used to urge paintballs 12 towards outlet 32. Alternatively,
any other pressurizing means can be used to maintain a compressive
force on paintballs 12 and to urge them towards outlet 32 while
ensuring that the compressive force is not so large as to damage
paintballs 12.
[0116] In a preferred embodiment, tube 56 rotates directly against
bearing portion 49. The apparatus can alternatively have a tube, a
bearing portion and a bearing, (e.g. a ball bearing) in between the
tube and the bearing portion. Any other suitable bearing means can
be used.
[0117] In a preferred embodiment, flow assistor 34 includes
agitation surface 50 with bosses 60 and dimples 62 in order to
agitate paintballs 12 and assist flow. In an alternative
embodiment, the agitation surface may include only bosses 60. In
another alternative, the agitation surface may include only dimples
62. Alternatively, any other suitable flow assistance means may be
used.
[0118] Reference is made to FIGS. 8a and 8b, which show a loader
300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
The loader 300 includes a cartridge 301 and a base 302. The
cartridge 301 may be similar to the cartridge 34 (FIG. 1) except
that the cartridge 301 includes a flow assistor 303 instead of the
flow assistor 34 (FIG. 1). The flow assistor 303 rotates about an
axis A, and includes a plurality of paintball guide chambers 304
(see FIG. 8b) arranged in a polar array about the axis A.
[0119] The guide chambers 304 may be defined by a generally conical
surface 306 and by radially extending fins 308. The guide chambers
304 are fed paintballs 12 from the cartridge chamber, which is
shown at 309 (FIG. 8a) as a result the force exerted thereon by the
pressurizing member 36 (FIG. 8a). The guide chambers 304 are each
sized to retain one paintball 12.
[0120] An outlet 310 is positioned at a point along the swept
surface of the flow assistor 303 on the wall of the chamber 309
(FIG. 8a). The outlet 310 is preferably positioned on the bottom of
the chamber 309 (FIG. 8a) so that gravity assists in the flow of
paintballs 12 through the outlet 310 when the marker 14 is in a
typical orientation, which is generally level, as shown in FIG.
1.
[0121] The outlet 310 communicates with a conduit 314 in the base
302. The conduit 314 in the base 302, in turn, communicates with
the inlet of the paintball marker (not shown). The conduit 314
defines a paintball flow path to the inlet of the paintball marker
(not shown). The conduit 314 permits paintballs 12 to flow in a
single row, and is sized to be sufficiently large in
cross-sectional size to permit flow of paintballs 12 therein, but
not so large as to risk jamming or wedging of two paintballs 12
against each other therein.
[0122] A fixed guide wall 315 extends into the chamber 30 from the
conduit 314 to prevent paintballs 12 from passing over the outlet
310 without falling therethrough.
[0123] The generally conical surface 306 facilitates the transfer
of force from the pressurizing member 36 (FIG. 8a) to paintballs 12
in the conduit 314. Because the surface 306 is conical, paintballs
12 are urged towards the outer perimeter of the conical surface
306, as a result of the pressure applied to the paintballs 12 from
the pressurizing member 36. The force that urges the paintballs 12
towards the outer perimeter of the conical surface 306 may be
broken down into a vector addition of a radial component and an
axial component. A portion of the radial component of the force is
transferred to the paintballs 12 in the conduits 312 and 314. The
wall of the chamber 30 receives the rest of the radial
component.
[0124] A gear 316 replaces the gear 66 (FIG. 1) on the cartridge
301. The gear 316 may be similar to the gear 66 except that the
gear 316 lacks a paintball feed conduit therethrough, which is
present on the gear 66 of FIG. 1. The gear 66 may be driven by the
pinion gear 88 in the base 302. The pinion gear 88 is operatively
connected to a motive means (not shown) in the base 302. Aside from
the position of the paintball feed conduit 314, the base 302 may be
similar to the base 18 (FIG. 1).
[0125] Reference is made to FIGS. 9a and 9b, which show a loader
318 which has the base 302 and a cartridge 320. The cartridge 320
may be similar to the cartridge 301 (FIGS. 8a and 8b), except that
the cartridge 320 has a flow assistor 321 which is a variation of
the flow assistor 303 (FIGS. 8a and 8b). The flow assistor 321
includes a shaft 322, which is generally cylindrical and which
connects to the gear 316 for rotation therewith. The shaft 322 has
a plurality of fins 323 thereon which form chambers 324 (see FIG.
9b) for retaining paintballs 12 during the rotation of the shaft
322. The fins 323 are notched to clear a fixed guide wall 326 which
extends into the cartridge chamber, which is shown at 328 (FIG.
9a). The fins 323 cooperate with the fixed guide wall 326 to guide
paintballs 12 out of the outlet, shown at 330.
[0126] The end of the shaft 322 that is present in the cartridge
chamber 328 may be coned, to guide the paintballs 12 into the
chambers 324.
[0127] Reference is made to FIGS. 10a and 10b, which show a loader
332 which has the base 302 and a cartridge 334. The cartridge 334
may be similar to the cartridge 301 (FIGS. 8a and 8b), except that
the cartridge 334 has a flow assistor 338 instead of the flow
assistor 303 (FIGS. 8a and 8b). The flow assistor 338 may have a
cone shaped portion 339 which has a plurality of chambers 340 (FIG.
10b) defined directly therein, instead of being defined by fins
(see FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b). The chambers 340 (FIG. 10b) may have
any suitable shape for retaining a paintball 12. The chambers 340
are provided with clearance to clear a fixed guide wall 342 which
extends into the cartridge chamber, which is shown at 344 (FIG.
10a). The cone shaped portion 339 cooperates with the fixed guide
wall 342 to guide paintballs 12 out of the outlet, shown at
346.
[0128] The flow assistor 338 connects to the gear 316 for rotation
therewith.
[0129] In the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 8a,
8b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b, wherein a fixed guide wall extends into
the chamber 30, the fixed guide wall may be made flexible and
resilient so that breakage of paintballs 12 is inhibited during
rotation of the flow assistor. The fixed guide wall has been
described as being integral with the cartridge. It is alternatively
possible for the fixed guide wall to the integral with the base
302.
[0130] The driven means 72 may further include an optional slippage
mechanism 89 therein (see FIG. 1). The slippage mechanism 89 may be
configured so that slip is prevented when the paintballs 12 flow in
the normal fashion during rotation of the flow assistor 34, and
slip is permitted when there is a paintball jam if one should occur
during rotation of the flow assistor. The slippage mechanism 89 may
be incorporated for use with any of the flow assistors described
herein. The slippage mechanism 89 may, for example, be incorporated
on the output shaft of the motor 70 between the motor 70 and the
pulley 80.
[0131] In an alternative embodiment, the loader apparatus includes
a cartridge and base, the cartridge having paintball chamber 30 and
flow assistor 34 mounted therein, the flow assistor being driven by
a motor, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this
alternative embodiment however, the cartridge may be fixed
permanently to the base, or may be removable therefrom.
[0132] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, cartridge flow
preventer 130 comprises spring plungers, (eg. ball plungers),
spaced circumferentially around surface 68, instead of arms 132 and
recesses 136. The plungers would extend radially inwards in outlet
32 to prevent paintballs 12 from spilling out of outlet 32, when
the cartridge is not mounted to the base. The plungers would be
compressed out of the way by passageway inlet 137, when the
cartridge is mounted to the base, so that the plungers would not
inhibit the flow of paintballs. As another alternative, cartridge
flow preventer 130 can comprise resilient, flexible wires that
would be shaped substantially as a mirror image to flow preventer
131. Such wires would preferably have a slope surface similar to
surface 138, so that they would be pushed radially out of the way
by inlet 137 when the cartridge is mounted to the base.
[0133] In a preferred embodiment, magnets hold the cartridge on the
base. Alternatively, a single magnet and a ferrous metallic plate
could be used or a magnet and any other material that is attracted
magnetically to a magnet can alternatively be used. Alternatively,
another retaining structure may be used, such as a hook and loop
fabric material (Velcro.TM.). Similarly, a magnet and a ferrous
metallic plate, or a hook and loop fabric material can
alternatively be used to hold the battery pack to the base.
[0134] The term `electrical conduit` has been used to denote an
electrical connection between several components, such as between
sensors 92 and the controller 74, and between the on/off switch 112
and the controller 74. The electrical conduits that are used may
be, for example, an electrically conductive wire, or they may be an
electrical conduit on a hard circuit board, or an electrical
conduit on a flexible circuit board.
[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the driven means include pulleys,
a belt, and meshing gears between motive means 70 and flow assistor
34. Alternatively, different driven means may be incorporated, such
as a magnetic drive, or simply two gears.
[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the loader 10 is removable from
the inlet 22 of the marker 14. In an alternative embodiment, a
marker (not shown) may have a delivery conduit that is permanently
connected to the inlet of the body of the marker. The permanent
connection may be as a result of the base 18 being integral with
the marker inlet. Instead of being integrally formed with the
marker inlet, the delivery conduit from the loader could be
permanently mounted to the marker inlet by means of an adhesive or
one or more fasteners, such as screws.
[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the battery pack 102 is removable
from the loader 10 for replacement and for recharging in
embodiments incorporating rechargeable batteries 105. It is
alternatively possible, however for the battery pack to remain
fixed in the loader.
[0138] As another alternative that is not shown, the battery pack
102 may be fixedly attached to the cartridge 16. As such, if either
the batteries 105 run out of power, or the cartridge runs out of
paintballs 12, then the cartridge 16 may be removed and replaced
quickly, so that a new cartridge 16 and a fresh battery pack 102
are provided at the same time. In this case, the cartridge 16 would
include electrical contacts which contact electrical contacts in
the base to connect the battery pack 102 to the controller 74 and
motive means 72. In this case, the battery pack 102 may be
removable from the cartridge 16 for recharging or may alternatively
be fixed in the cartridge 16 and may be recharged while remaining
within the cartridge 16.
[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the loader 10 includes a battery
pack 102 that mounts to the base 18. It is alternatively possible
for the battery pack 102 to be omitted from the loader 10. For
example, the motive means for the flow assistor 34 may be a spring,
which would not require a battery pack 102. As another example, the
loader 10 may alternatively be electrically connected to the
battery of the marker 14 itself (not shown). The marker may include
a battery where there are electrical or electronic components
operating therein.
[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 16, 200 mounts
above the base 18, 202. In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge
16, 200 may mount in any suitable orientation relative to the base
18, 202. For example, the cartridge 16, 200 may mount on the side
of the base 18, 202 or under the base 18, 202. Furthermore, the
base 18, 202 and cartridge 16, 200 may together mount underneath
the barrel of the marker 14, shown at 500 in FIG. 1. By mounting
the base 18, 202 and cartridge 16, 200 underneath the barrel 500,
the weight distribution of the assembly of the marker 14 and the
loader 10 is lowered so that the assembly is less top heavy than
with an embodiment whereby the loader 10 mounts above the marker
14. The delivery conduit 20 in any case remains in communication
with the inlet 22 of the marker 14, which is typically on top of
the marker 14. The delivery conduit 20 can be made flexible to
accomplish the task of connecting the outlet 32 of the chamber 30
with the paintball inlet 22 of the marker 14.
[0141] It has been described to provide a mechanism to inhibit
paintballs from spilling out of the outlet 32 of the chamber 30
when the cartridge is not mounted on the base. It is alternatively
possible to include a closure (not shown) for the outlet 32 which
can be opened either manually or automatically upon installation of
the cartridge on the base. The closure acts to prevent debris from
entering the chamber 30 when the cartridge is not mounted on the
base.
[0142] The housings and some components of the base and cartridge
have been described as being made of a suitable plastic. It is
alternatively possible for the housings in particular and the
delivery conduit to be made from a suitable metal that is
preferably lightweight.
[0143] In the embodiments described, a base has been included to
which the cartridge mounts removably. It is alternatively possible
to have the cartridge mount to any structure so that it is in flow
communication with the paintball inlet of the marker 14. As such,
any structure to which the cartridge mounts removably is
effectively a base in the sense that that term is meant herein.
[0144] Providing a paintball loader apparatus with a pressurizing
member to push the paintballs towards the outlet of the loader,
reduces unwanted noise from the paintballs contained therein, and
further allows the paintball marker to be fired while in any
orientation. Furthermore, providing the apparatus with a base and a
quickly removable cartridge provides the user with the utility of a
quick, inexpensive way of refitting the marker with a fresh
paintball supply, while maintaining the advantages inherent in a
motorized discharging means. Furthermore, providing a quickly
removable battery pack provides the user with the ability to
quickly replace the battery pack to continue game play.
[0145] As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various
modifications and adaptations of the apparatus described above may
be made without departure from the present invention, the scope of
which is defined in the appended claims.
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