U.S. patent application number 11/065467 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for paintball gun with power assisted trigger.
Invention is credited to Stanley Gabrel.
Application Number | 20060185657 11/065467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911317 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060185657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gabrel; Stanley |
August 24, 2006 |
Paintball gun with power assisted trigger
Abstract
A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism is
described. The paintball gun includes a body portion defining a
launching chamber, a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas
into the launching chamber, a valve in the pneumatic circuit for
controlling the release of propellant, a rotating motor coupled to
the valve, a trigger sensor responsive to movement of the trigger,
an electric power source, an electric circuit connecting the power
source to the motor and a switch operably connected to the trigger
sensor for controllably opening and closing the electric
circuit.
Inventors: |
Gabrel; Stanley; (Round
Lake, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IP FOCUS LAW GROUP, LTD
608 NORTH CARLYLE LANE
SUITE 100
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
IL
60004
US
|
Family ID: |
36911317 |
Appl. No.: |
11/065467 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/73 ;
124/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/71 20130101;
F41B 11/57 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/073 ;
124/031 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/00 20060101
F41A019/00; F41B 11/00 20060101 F41B011/00 |
Claims
1. A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism
including a trigger, the gun comprising: a body defining a
launching chamber configured to receive propellant gas from a
compressed gas source; a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant
gas into the launching chamber, the pneumatic circuit including a
valve for controlling the release of propellant; a rotating motor
coupled to the valve; a trigger sensor responsive to movement of
the trigger; a power source; an electric circuit connecting the
power source to the motor; a switch in the electric circuit for
controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being
operably connected to the trigger sensor.
2. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the valve is
configured to directly release propellant into the launching
chamber.
3. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the valve is
configured to start a sequence of mechanical movements that release
propellant into the launching chamber.
4. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a cam
mechanism operably adapted between the valve and the motor for
actuating the valve.
5. The paintball gun according to claim 4 wherein the cam
mechanisms includes an end cam.
6. The paintball gun according to claim 4 wherein the cam
mechanisms includes an end cam.
7. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a
motor-position feedback sensor adapted to indicate the position of
the motor.
8. The paintball gun according to claim 6 wherein the feedback
sensor and the motor are integrated into a single component
housing.
9. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the motor
includes a mechanical reset.
10. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a
worm mechanism for actuating the valve.
11. The paintball gun according to claim 9 wherein the worm
mechanism and the motor are integrated as a single component.
12. The paintball gun according to claim 9 wherein the worm
mechanism and the motor are integrated into the same component
housing.
13. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the trigger
sensor and the trigger are combined as a touch sensitive
sensor.
14. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the rotating
motor is coupled to the valve indirectly via a sear-hammer
mechanism.
15. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the rotating
motor is configured to actuate a sear.
16. A grip subassembly suitable for automated firing of a paintball
gun having a propellant flow valve, the subassembly comprising: a
frame adapted for mounting to the gun; a trigger sensor positioned
to detect a pull of a trigger; a rotating motor adapted to be
coupled to the valve; a power source connection; an electric
circuit connecting the power source connection to the motor; a
switch in the electric circuit for controllably opening and closing
the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger
sensor.
17. A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism
including a trigger, the gun comprising: a body defining a
launching chamber configured to receive propellant gas from a
compressed gas source; a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant
gas into the launching chamber, the pneumatic circuit including a
valve for controlling the release of propellant; a linear motor
coupled to the valve; a trigger sensor responsive to movement of
the trigger; a power source; a circuit connecting the power source
to the linear motor; a switch in the circuit for controllably
opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably
connected to the trigger sensor.
18. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the valve is
configured to directly release propellant into the launching
chamber.
19. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the motor is a
brushless linear drive.
20. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the valve is
configured to initiate a sequence of mechanical actions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to s paintball marking gun having a
power assisted trigger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Paintball marking guns are used in a variety of targeting
and simulated battle games (e.g. capture the flag). These guns
launch a ball of paint with a frangible shell that is designed to
hold the ball shape until striking an object after firing. Upon
striking the object, the ball is set to break open leaving a paint
spot.
[0003] Paint-ball guns typically employ a firing system powered by
compressed gas such as air. Compressed gas is supplied from a
supply tank which is mounted to or carried with the gun. The gun
systems are equipped with pressure regulators which receive gas
from the tank at a relatively high pressure and deliver gas at a
reduced, more consistent pressure for propelling the paintball.
[0004] Such paintball guns are available with either manual or
power-assisted trigger mechanisms to control the release of
compressed gas. Whether actuated manually or with power-assistance,
conventional paintball guns rely on a spring-loaded hammer (or
striker) mechanism for actuating the valve pin that releases
propellant gas. The spring-loaded hammer is recocked using what is
called the blowback of the propellant gas as a paintball is fired.
The mechanical striking action of the hammer is undesirable because
it tends to jolt or otherwise destabilize the paintball gun when
firing rapidly. Paintball gun designers have sought to eliminate
the hammer strike from the firing mechanism and create a more fully
pneumatic gun.
[0005] Power-assisted trigger mechanisms require only a relatively
slight pulling and therefore reduce undesired gun movement.
Conventional power-assisted trigger mechanisms include a switch
activated solenoid with battery power. A successful commercial
design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,746 to Gabrel. A serious
drawback of solenoid based trigger systems in this regard is
limited driving force. The maximum solenoid driving force that can
be generated with conventional portable batteries (e.g., standard
9V 6LR61) is relatively low as compared to the requirements of
preferred paintball gun designs. Paint balls are preferably
propelled by gas released from a chamber pressurized above 250 psi.
Solenoids powered with small batteries are not capable of
efficiently actuating valve pins at such high pressures.
[0006] Some gun designs therefore provide for a special lower
pressure gas circuit, which in turn drives a valve mechanism for a
higher pressure circuit. This lower pressure operation is less
efficient in that additional compressed gas is required for each
paint ball launch cycle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,504 to
Rice et al. is directed to a paintball gun having separate high
pressure and low pressure chambers.
[0007] There would be several advantages to power-assisted
paintball guns having internal actuators with increased driving
force.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Paintball guns according to the present invention have a
power assisted trigger mechanism and include a body portion
defining a launching chamber, a pneumatic circuit for directing
propellant gas into the launching chamber, a valve in the pneumatic
circuit for controlling the release of propellant, a rotating motor
coupled to the valve, a trigger sensor responsive to movement of a
trigger, an electric power source, an electric circuit connecting
the power source to the motor and a switch operably connected to
the trigger sensor for controllably opening and closing the
electric circuit.
[0009] The paintball gun is optionally equipped with a motor
actuator position sensor for controlling the actuation of the
propellant valve. The rotating motor is preferably geared.
[0010] An embodiment of the invention is a grip subassembly
suitable for use with new gun body designs or retrofitting to
conventional gun designs having a propellant valve or equivalent
flow control mechanism. The grip subassembly includes a frame
adapted for mounting to the gun body, a trigger movably secured to
the frame, a trigger sensor positioned to detect a pull of the
trigger, a rotating motor adapted to be coupled to the valve (or
valve equivalent mechanism), a power source connection adapted to
connect a power source, an electric circuit for connecting the
power source connection to the motor, a switch in the electric
circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the
switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the accompanying drawings that form part of the
specification like numerals are employed to designate like parts
throughout the same.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the firing mechanism
elements of a paintball gun having a power-assisted trigger
mechanism according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view, partially in
section and partially broken away, of a paintball gun according to
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a worm drive
actuator and gas valve showing details of the retraction
submechanism;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view taken
generally along the plane 4-4 of FIG. 3 for illustrating the
torsional winding spring;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevation view, partially in
section and partially broken away to reveal internal details,
showing the grip frame and adjacent portions of the gun body
according to an alternate embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor driven
disk cam with gas valve configuration;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor driven
disk cam mechanism showing an alternate cam profile;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevation view of an end cam
configuration with gas valve;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a gun grip subassembly
partially in section to reveal internal components;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an alternate gun grip
subassembly also partially in section to reveal internal
components; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a brushless linear drive
and gas valve according to an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of
embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and
described hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the
invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present
disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and does not limit the invention to the illustrated
embodiments.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a paintball gun 10 is
illustrated with components of a power-assisted firing mechanism
revealed. Paintball gun 10 includes a body portion 12 (FIG. 2)
which defines a paintball inlet 13, a launching chamber 14, a grip
portion 16 and a trigger 18 (FIG. 2). A pneumatic circuit 20
extends from gas inlet 22, through a variety of internal channels
represented by channels 20A and 20B, and into firing chamber 14.
Gas inlet 22 is adapted to connect a pressurized gas source 23.
Included in propellant circuit 20 is a valve 24 for controlling the
release of propellant. As used herein, the term "valve" is a
reference to interacting mechanical elements which move between at
least one position in which gas flow is blocked and at least one
position in which gas flow is permitted. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
valve 24 is preferably a discrete component. Alternate embodiments
are contemplated in which valve 24 is defined by a combination of
gun body elements and other moving parts.
[0025] Gun 10 further includes a trigger sensor 26, a rotating
motor 28 mechanically linked to propellant valve 24, a display 30,
an integrated circuit (IC) 32, an electric power source in the form
of a battery 40 and battery connections 41. A circuit board (PCB)
36 supports electronic components and electrically interconnects
the electric/electronic components to form a circuit 38 between
power source 40 and motor 28. At least one switch 42 is present in
circuit 38 between battery 40 and motor 28 for controlling motor
28. In a preferred embodiment, switch function 42 is provided in
integrated circuit (IC) 32. In an alternate embodiment, switch
function 42 is integrated within trigger sensor component 26. PCB
36 supports a display 30, IC 32 and pushbuttons 44A and 44B.
Pushbuttons 44A and 44B are provided for gun operator inputs to
microcontroller IC 32.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, grip frame 16 defines a housing 17
for receiving trigger components. A valve 24 and a motor 28 are
secured and positioned in gun body portion 12. Valve 24 is a
preferably a multi-way spool valve having a spool 48 operably
linked to a shaft 50 of motor 28. Valve 24 is biased to a closed
position, either by an internal spring, propellant pressure or a
combination of spring and propellant pressure. Motor 28 is
positioned to mechanically actuate a biased-closed, spool valve
stem 48. Motor 28 is a worm mechanism that includes a drive portion
52, a threaded shaft 50 and a position sensor 54. Activation power
connections 56 link drive 52 of motor 28 to IC 32 through PCB 36.
Likewise, feedback connections 58 link sensor 54 to IC controller
chip 32.
[0027] Trigger sensor (or switch) 26 is positioned to detect a pull
of gun trigger 18. IC 32 is operably linked through PCB 36 to
trigger sensor 26, power connections 56, feedback connections 58,
battery 40 and battery power connections 41. IC 32 includes a
switching function 42 in activation circuit 38 for selectively
powering motor drive 52. A two-finger trigger 18 is movably mounted
to frame 16 with a pin 19.
[0028] In operation, a pull of trigger 18 is detected by trigger
sensor 26 and communicated to IC 32. In response, IC 32 activates a
feedback control between sensor 54 and motor drive 52 (utilizing
switch function 42). In this way, trigger sensor 26 is operably
linked to the switch function 42 in activation circuit 38. The
feedback control selectively energizes drive portion 52 through
switch function 42 to rapidly extend shaft 50 until sensor 54
detects that shaft 50 has extended sufficiently to actuate valve
24.
[0029] The actuation of valve 24 causes the initial flow of
propellant into pneumatic circuit 20. In a preferred embodiment as
illustrated, the actuation of valve 24 releases propellant gas to
urge bolt 60 towards barrel portion 14. The travel of bolt 60 past
opening 62 releases a charge of propellant through central channel
64 to launch a paintball 8 (FIG. 1). Thus, in the preferred
embodiment, a sequence of mechanical movements ultimately releases
propellant into the firing chamber.
[0030] In an alternate embodiment, valve 24 is a multi-way valve
activated in stages by successive linear motion of stem 48. In such
an alternate embodiment, a first stage activation directs
pressurized gas to move bolt 60 into the firing position, while a
second stage of activation releases pressurized gas directly into
launching chamber 14. As used herein, the phrase "directly into
launching chamber" is a reference to the free flow of propellant
through valve 24 into chamber 14.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, IC 32 is
configured to energize drive 52 to rapidly retract shaft 50 into a
reset position for re-firing following actuation of valve 24.
Position sensor portion 54 serves the special purpose of allowing
IC 32 to be properly reset into the retracted position after
electric power is interrupted. When power is first turned on to the
electronic components of gun 10, IC 32 can determine whether shaft
50 is in the reset position and ready for firing or whether shaft
50 must be retracted by energizing drive portion 52.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor with
gas valve subassembly 125 showing details of an alternate,
mechanical reset mechanism. Subassembly 125 includes a rotating
worm-drive motor 128 configured to actuate a gas propellant valve
124. Worm motor 128 includes a drive portion 152, a shaft 150 and
drive activation connections 156. A torsional spring 151 is
connected between shaft 150 and a portion of frame body 12 as best
shown in FIG. 4. Shaft 150 is biased by torsional spring 151 into
the reset (or retracted) position. Upon activation of drive portion
152 in response to a trigger pull, shaft 150 is rotated and
extended under tension to actuate valve 124. Following actuation of
valve 124, drive 152 releases shaft 150 such that spring 151
rotates worm shaft 150 into the reset position to be ready for
re-firing. Valve spool 148 is likewise biased towards the extended
position with a spring or propellant such that it returns to the
extended, closed-valve position after actuation.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows selected parts of a paintball gun having an
alternate rotating motor firing mechanism according to the present
invention.
[0034] Paintball gun 210 includes a body portion 212, a grip frame
216 and a trigger 218. Housed within gun body 212 and frame 216 are
a propellant valve 224 for the gun-firing pneumatic circuit (not
separately shown), a rotating motor 228 for actuating valve 224, a
trigger sensor 226, a display 230, an integrated circuit (IC) 232,
an electric power source 240 and a circuit board 236 for
interconnecting electric and electronic components.
[0035] Gun 210 includes a cam mechanism formed by motor 228 and
valve 224. More specifically, a cam disk 266 is secured on shaft
250 of motor 228 and positioned such that stem 248 of valve 224
acts as a cam mechanism follower. Paintball gun 210's operation is
similar to paintball gun 10 as described above. A pull of trigger
218 is detected by trigger sensor 226, communicated to IC 232,
which is configured to respond by activating a feedback control
between position sensor 254 and motor drive 228. The feedback
control energizes drive portion 252 to rotate shaft 250 and cam
disk 266. The rotation of cam disk 266 translates to linear motion
of spool 248 to actuate valve 224. As described above for gun 10,
actuation of valve 24, valve 224 initiates the flow of propellant
into a pneumatic circuit 20 as shown schematically in FIG. 1.
[0036] A feature of gun 210 is efficient power-assisted rapid
firing. IC 232 is configured to energize drive 252 and rotate disk
266 to a reset position following the opening of valve 224. Spool
248 is biased by spring or propellant pressure into the reset
position towards disk 266. When the gun operator calls for rapid
firing by either cycling or holding down trigger 218, IC 232
responds by rotating cam disk 266 at a predetermined speed which
can be set according to the reset-time requirements of valve 224
and the mechanical-pneumatic firing mechanism. For paintball guns
capable of faster mechanical reset to the firing position, the
rapid-fire rotation speed of drive 252 can be set relatively
higher. For guns with a slower reset response, rotation speed can
be set to a relatively lower value.
[0037] A further feature of gun 210 is battery power efficiency. A
number of gun body designs require that the propellant valve (e.g.,
224) be maintained in a hold position. This hold function is
achieved in solenoid-powered guns by continuing to energize the
solenoid after the trigger pull.
[0038] Guns according to the present invention, however, do not
require this continued supply of batter power. The rotating motors
can be left in the valve-actuated position for the desired hold
period before resetting without spending battery power.
[0039] The cam mechanism of paintball gun 210 preferably includes
eccentrically mounted disk with a circular profile as shown in FIG.
6, but alternate shapes are contemplated. For example, disk 268
shown in FIG. 7 has a square or rectangular cross-section. The
circular shaped cam disk 268 completes one firing with each
complete rotation. Rectangular shaped disk 268 (FIG. 7) completes
multiple firing cycles per rotation.
[0040] The disk-type cam mechanism specified in FIGS. 5-7 calls for
an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of linear
motion of spool 248. FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the
present invention in which an end cam mechanism assists with
firing. Rotating motor 328 includes a drive portion 352, a sensor
portion 354, drive connections 356, sensor connections 358 and a
rotating shaft 350. An end cam 366 is mounted at an end of shaft
350. End cam 366 includes a face configuration (or profile) to
engage and actuate spool 348 of valve 324. Spool 348 and cam 366
are preferably secured together in by a track or other defined path
on the distal portion of cam 366. Such an end cam mechanism allows
the axis of rotation of drive shaft 350 and the axis of linear
motion of valve spool 348 to be substantially parallel.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the rotating motor
configurations as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-8, the sensor (e.g.,
sensor 54) and the drive portion (e.g., drive portion 52) are
integrated into a single motor component (such as motor 28). A
suitable worm-drive type integrated component is commercially
available from Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. (Waterbury,
Conn., USA). When integrated with the motor (e.g., 28, 228), the
position sensor (e.g., 54, 254) is preferably an encoder type. In
an alternate embodiment, the position sensor (e.g., 54, 254) is
discrete from the drive motor and positioned to provide a signal
response to the position of the shaft (e.g., 50, 250).
[0042] When separate, discrete components are employed for the
rotating motor and the position sensor, various configurations are
contemplated. Shown in FIG. 9, for example, is a grip frame
subassembly 411 having a disk cam mechanism with a cam position
sensor 454 separate from the rotating motor drive 428. Subassembly
411 includes a frame, a rotating motor 428, a trigger 418, a
trigger sensor 426, a power source 440, a display 430 and a circuit
board 436. Shaft 450 carries a disk cam 466 bearing a position
marking (or code) 467 that is detected by discrete, optical sensor
454. PCB 436 supports and interconnects the following components:
trigger sensor 426, optical sensor 454, power source 440, display
430, input bottons 444A and 444B and a microcontroller integrated
circuit (IC) 432. Optical sensor 454 provides feedback for
controlling motor 428 and resetting cam 466 to a starting position
if electric power is interrupted to IC or cam 466 is otherwise
off-alignment from the reset position.
[0043] Shown in FIG. 10 is a grip subassembly 511 for a paintball
gun having a motor with gear box and sear mechanical linkage.
Subassembly 511 includes a frame body 516, a trigger 518, a sear
lever 570, a motor-driven cam disk 566, a rotating motor 528, a
display 530, a battery 540, a circuit board 536 and an integrated
circuit microcontroller 532 (mounted to the underside of PCB 536).
Frame 516 defines a housing 517 for receiving trigger components.
Lever 570 is mounted to frame 516 using pin 572 such that its lower
portion 574 follows and is actuated by disk cam 566. Motor 528
includes a torque amplifying gear box 529 for increasing the torque
at cam disk 566.
[0044] Grip subassembly 511 is shown mounted to a gun body 512
equipped with a sear engaging hammer 578. Body 512 includes a
spring 580 to bias hammer 578 towards a propellant valve 524. A
recess 582 in hammer 578 is provided to catch on sear lever
570.
[0045] Grip subassembly 511 is another example of a rotating motor,
power-assisted trigger system in which the position sensor is a
discrete component housed separately from motor 528. Optical sensor
554 is positioned to be responsive to the position of cam marking
567.
[0046] In operation of a paintball gun according to subassembly
511, a trigger pull is detected by trigger sensor 526 and
communicated to microcontroller IC 532. IC 532 responds to trigger
sensor by activating a feedback loop between sensor 554 and motor
528. Cam 566 is rotated to move sear lever 570 and release hammer
578. Hammer 578 then strikes spool 548 to open valve 524 and
release propellant for a gun launching sequence. After striking
spool 548, hammer 578 is recoiled (partially with propellant) and
re-latched onto sear lever 570.
[0047] When the power assisted trigger is first turned on and the
components on circuit board 536 are energized, IC 532 polls sensor
554 to determine the location of cam 566. If cam 566 is not in the
reset position upon power up, IC 532 energizes motor 528 to rotate
cam 566 into the reset, ready-for firing position.
[0048] The type of position sensor for detecting the position of
rotating motor shafts or cams is not limited to encoders or optical
sensors but also includes simple contact proximity sensors,
magnetic sensors such as hall effect sensors, and strain gauge
sensors.
[0049] The motors 228, 328, 428 and 528 (specified for embodiments
including a cam) are preferably brushed DC motors.
[0050] A feature of an alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a motor-valve subassembly 625
that includes a brushless linear drive 628 and a housing for valve
components 624. Linear drive 628 includes power connections 656 and
an extending shaft 650. Spool 348 and shaft 650 are preferably
secured together to allow for retraction. Preferred linear drivers
for the present application are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,289,575 and 6,603,224, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent with
the present teachings. Upon activation of drive 628 in response to
a trigger pull, shaft 650 extends to actuate valve 624. Following
actuation of valve 624, drive 628 retracts shaft 650 such that
spool 648 is pulled or otherwise allowed to return to the reset
position to be ready for re-firing.
[0051] The paintball guns and grip frames specified here have been
illustrated partially in section. The grip frames define a housing
(e.g, housing 17, FIG. 2) for power-assisted trigger components
(e.g., PCB 36, FIG. 2). When stored or in use, the trigger
components are protected with a cover.
[0052] Several of the embodiments specified herein include an
integrated circuit (IC) for controlling the motor actuator. A
suitable microcontroller IC for the embodiments of the present
invention is commercially available from Microchip Technology, Inc.
(Chandler, Ariz.) under the designation PIC 16C924-04.
[0053] A wide variety of conventional materials are suitable for
making the body, grip frame and mechanical linking components of
the present invention. These materials include metals, notably
aluminum and steel, and various high-strength composites without
limitation that all or any of the elements be made of the same
material. Grip frame portion 16 is preferably an aluminum alloy
(e.g., 6061-T6) or a stainless steel (e.g. 302-304 or 316).
[0054] The foregoing specification and drawings are to be taken as
illustrative but not limiting of the present invention. Still other
configurations and embodiments utilizing the spirit and scope of
the present invention are possible, and will readily present
themselves to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *