U.S. patent application number 11/480301 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for valve arrangement.
Invention is credited to Dennis J. JR. Tippmann.
Application Number | 20070017406 11/480301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35373998 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017406 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tippmann; Dennis J. JR. |
January 25, 2007 |
Valve arrangement
Abstract
A valve arrangement for use in a device for propelling a
projectile with compressed gas, such as a paint ball marker, has a
body which defines a first space for receiving compressed gas, a
second space for receiving compressed gas, a first valve for
selectively venting gas from the first space, and a second valve,
actuated in response to the venting of gas from the first space,
for releasing gas from the second space to propel the projectile.
The valve arrangement may be used in various types of devices,
including a revolver style apparatus in which one or more of the
valve arrangements are placed in chambers of a cylinder. The valve
arrangement may also be used in a cartridge or shell arrangement,
which may then be loaded into a device adapted to accept and fire
such cartridges or shells.
Inventors: |
Tippmann; Dennis J. JR.;
(Fort Wayne, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
600 ONE SUMMIT SQUARE
FORT WAYNE
IN
46802
US
|
Family ID: |
35373998 |
Appl. No.: |
11/480301 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10849391 |
May 19, 2004 |
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11480301 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/440 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 31/383 20130101;
F41B 11/723 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/440 |
International
Class: |
F42B 5/00 20060101
F42B005/00 |
Claims
1-41. (canceled)
42. A revolver-style apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile,
the apparatus comprising: a barrel; a firing mechanism; a revolving
cylinder comprising at least one chamber, wherein the chamber
defines a first space configured to receive compressed gas and a
second space configured to receive compressed gas; a first valve
configured to vent gas from the first space responsive to operation
of the firing mechanism; a second valve configured to release gas
from the second space responsive to venting of gas from the first
space to propel the projectile through the barrel; wherein the
second valve includes an elongated portion and a head portion;
wherein the head portion is movable between a first position that
prevents release of gas from the second space and a second position
that allows release of gas from the second space; and wherein the
head portion includes a plurality of longitudinally extending
grooves.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the head portion has a
substantially greater diameter than the elongated portion.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the head portion includes a
front face adjacent a bore configured to receive and position the
projectile relative to the second space and the front face includes
a seal configured to prevent release of gas from the second
space.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein at least a portion of the
head portion is adjacent to the bore without any intervening
structure between at least a portion of the head portion and the
bore.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the bore is adjacent to the
barrel.
47. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the elongated portion
defines a cavity dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the
first valve.
48. A revolver-style apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile,
the apparatus comprising: a barrel; a firing mechanism; a revolving
cylinder comprising at least one chamber, wherein the chamber
defines a first space configured to receive compressed gas and a
second space configured to receive compressed gas; a first valve
configured to vent gas from the first space responsive to operation
of the firing mechanism; a second valve configured to release gas
from the second space responsive to venting of gas from the first
space to propel the projectile through the barrel; wherein the
second valve includes an elongated portion and a head portion;
wherein the head portion is movable between a first position that
prevents release of gas from the second space and a second position
that allows release of gas from the second space; and wherein the
head portion has a substantially greater diameter than the
elongated portion.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said head portion includes a
front face adjacent a bore configured to receive and position the
projectile relative to the second space and the front face includes
a seal configured to prevent release of gas from the second
space.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein at least a portion of the
head portion is adjacent to the bore without any intervening
structure between at least a portion of the head portion and the
bore.
51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the bore is adjacent to the
barrel.
52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the elongated portion
defines a cavity dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the
first valve.
53. A method for converting a bullet-firing revolver into a
revolver-style paintball marker, the method comprising the steps
of: providing a bullet-firing revolver with a bullet-firing
cylinder disposed in a cavity of the bullet-firing revolver,
wherein the bullet-firing cylinder includes a plurality of
circularly arranged chambers that are each dimensioned to receive a
bullet; removing the bullet-firing cylinder from the bullet-firing
revolver; providing a paintball-firing cylinder dimensioned to be
received in the cavity, wherein the paintball-firing cylinder
includes a plurality of circularly arranged chambers configured to
receive compressed gas, wherein the chambers of the
paintball-firing cylinder have the same relative spatial
relationship as the chambers of the bullet-firing cylinder and
wherein each chamber of the paintball-firing cylinder includes a
valve arrangement configured to propel a paintball out of the
bullet-firing revolver responsive to a firing mechanism of the
bullet-firing revolver; and coupling the paintball-firing cylinder
to the bullet-firing revolver.
54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the steps of
removing the paintball-firing cylinder from the bullet-firing
revolver and placing the paintball-firing cylinder into a container
that fills each chamber with compressed gas.
55. A method for charging a paintball-firing cylinder with
compressed gas, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
paintball-firing revolver with a paintball-firing cylinder disposed
in a cavity of the paintball-firing revolver, wherein the
paintball-firing cylinder includes a plurality of circularly
arranged chambers that each include a valve arrangement; removing
the paintball-firing cylinder from the bullet-firing revolver;
placing the paintball-firing cylinder into a container configured
to simultaneously fill each chamber with compressed gas; and
coupling the paintball-firing cylinder to the paintball-firing
revolver.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to paintball markers, and
like devices for firing frangible projectiles. More specifically,
the invention relates to a valve arrangement for use with such
markers and devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Several methods have been developed for firing paintballs.
Many of these methods employ a container of pressurized gas, which
is coupled to the gun. Compressed gas is piped and valved from the
container, and used to fire a paintball. Such guns allow the
pressurized gas to be released directly from the container in
discrete amounts through a triggering mechanism, thereby firing
paintballs one at a time with the released gas.
SUMMARY
[0003] The invention allows a paintball to be fired using a novel
valve arrangement. The valve arrangement can be filled or
"pre-charged" with a compressed gas to fire the paintball. One
embodiment of the valve arrangement allows it to be refilled with a
compressed gas allowing it to fire another paintball.
[0004] The valve arrangement may be used with various types of
markers to be used for firing paintballs. For example, one
embodiment of the valve arrangement can be disposed in a cylinder
of a revolver. An individual valve arrangement can be placed in
each chamber of the cylinder, allowing each chamber to be capable
of firing a paintball. In one embodiment, this configuration allows
a bullet-firing revolver to be modified by replacing its cylinder
with a paintball-firing cylinder. The paintball cylinder can be
configured such that the firing mechanism of the revolver can be
used with the valve arrangement to fire a paintball from each
chamber of the paintball cylinder. In one embodiment, the paintball
cylinder can also be removed and placed into a container, allowing
each fired chamber to be refilled with compressed gas, such that
the chambers are pre-charged to fire another paintball.
[0005] Another embodiment of the valve arrangement can be disposed
in a casing to create a self-contained cartridge, thus allowing a
paintball to be fired from a gun adapted for use with such
cartridge. After firing, the casing and valve arrangement can be
refilled with compressed gas, preparing it to fire another
paintball.
[0006] While these valve arrangement embodiments may be used for
firing paintballs, it is contemplated that the valve arrangements
described herein can fire other non-lethal projectile types, such
as pepper balls or spark balls, for example.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the valve arrangement
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the illustrated
embodiments, exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] The following description references the attached drawings
which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of
a valve arrangement for firing a paintball, and an associated
casing and paintball which may be assembled to form a cartridge
arrangement.
[0010] FIG. 2A is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.
2A.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of
a valve arrangement for firing a paintball, and associated cylinder
components which may be assembled for use in a revolver.
[0013] FIG. 4A is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.
4A.
[0015] FIGS. 5A through 5C are sectional views of a valve
arrangement illustratively showing the manner in which a paintball
is fired.
[0016] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein are illustrative, and are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of
a valve arrangement 12 which may be positioned in body 10 for
purposes of firing a paintball. The embodiment of FIG. 1 is
particularly well-suited for use in firing a paintball from a
paintball marker adapted for use with a cartridge-like assembly,
similar to a shotgun shell or rifle cartridge. Body 10 includes
threads 11, which correspond to those of end cap 36 to be used for
sealing body 10 at end 13. (See also FIG. 2B.) Valve arrangement 12
includes sliding member 18. Seal 16 fits within head 19 of sliding
member 18 with seal 16 being fastened to sliding member 18 with
fastener 14. Head 19 of sliding member 18 has grooves 17 formed
therein.
[0018] Sliding member 18 also includes port 20, disposed in a wall
thereof, which allows first and second spaces 21, 23 within body 10
to communicate, as described in more detail below. O-ring 22 fits
into groove 24 of sliding member 18 to create a seal within body
10. Spring 26 fits within bore 40 of sliding member 18. Valve plug
27 includes valve stem 28, base 29, and extension 31. Valve stem 28
extends from base 29. Extension 31 extends from base 29 in a
direction opposite that of valve stem 28. Base 29 is larger in
diameter than extension 31. This allows extension 31 to fit within
spring 26 but prohibits base 29 and valve stem 28 from entering
spring 26. Valve plug 27 is formed to fit within bore 40. Valve
stem 28 extends through openings 33, 37 of seal 30 and seal cap 34,
respectively. O-ring 32 is positioned between seal 30 and seal cap
34 with o-ring 32 fitting onto an extension of seal cap 34. (See
also FIG. 2B.)
[0019] With valve arrangement 12 positioned in body 10, end cap 36
can be attached to body 10, thereby sealing end 13 of body 10. This
embodiment illustratively shows end cap 36 to be fastened to body
10 through interacting threads. (See also FIG. 2B.) It is
appreciated that body 10 and end cap 36 may be fastened by other
means such as an adhesive, for example, or may be integral
structures. FIGS. 1 and 2B also illustrate the manner in which a
paintball 42 can be positioned in end 15 of body 10.
[0020] FIG. 2A shows an end view of the illustrative embodiment of
end cap 36 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A also shows valve stem 28
extending through opening 35 of end cap 36. Opening 35 is large
enough that base 29 is also visible through opening 35.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A.
Valve arrangement 12 is illustratively shown disposed within bore
41 of body 10. Sliding member 18 is positioned in bore 41 such that
it creates spaces 21, 23. O-ring 22 seals space 21 from space 23.
However, bore 41 and port 20 allow space 21 and space 23 to
communicate with one another. O-ring 32 is illustratively shown to
seal space 21 from the outside. End cap 36 is also shown to provide
a seal through the interaction of its threads 45 and threads 11 of
body 10.
[0022] When spaces 21, 23 are filled with a compressed gas, base 29
is forced against seal 30. Base 29 is forced against seal 30 not
only by the pressure created in space 21, but also through the
force generated by spring 26 in direction 64. This seals first
space 21 from the environment external to body 10. Body 10 is also
shown to include a bore 52, which illustratively accommodates
paintball 42. Bore 52 and bore 41 communicate through opening 56.
When spaces 21, 23 are pressurized, seal 16 is forced against
sealing surface 62 of bore 41. This seals bore 52 from bore 40.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of valve arrangement 12 with
an illustrative embodiment of a revolver cylinder 66. Cylinder 66
is illustratively shown to include a plurality of chambers 68.
Although only one valve arrangement 12 is shown in FIG. 3, it is
appreciated that each chamber 68 can accommodate a valve
arrangement 12. In one embodiment, cylinder 66 is formed so that it
can replace a bullet-firing cylinder in a revolver. The firing
mechanism in the revolver activates an individual valve arrangement
12, allowing a paintball 42 to be fired from the revolver. Once
each chamber 68 contains a valve arrangement 12, end cap 72 is
attached to cylinder 66. Cylinder 66 contains a plurality of bores
70 that align with a plurality of openings 76 in end cap 72. This
allows end cap 72 to be attached to cylinder 66 through fasteners
78 being disposed through openings 76 and secured within bores
70.
[0024] End cap 72 also includes a plurality of openings 74 that
align with chambers 68. This alignment allows valve stem 28 to be
accessed through its respective opening 74. Opening 74 is large
enough to allow a revolver hammer to strike valve stem 28, thereby
activating valve arrangement 12, as illustrated and described below
with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5C. Bore 80 in cylinder 66
allows cylinder 66 to be coupled to a revolver.
[0025] FIG. 4A illustratively shows an end view of valve
arrangement 12, cylinder 66 and end cap 72. This view shows the
orientation of openings 74, 76 in end cap 72. FIG. 4A also shows
the accessibility of valve stem 28 through openings 74. FIG. 4B
shows a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4A. Valve
arrangement 12 is illustratively positioned in chamber 68 of
cylinder 66. The relative positions of valve arrangement 12 in
chamber 68 and paintball 42 in bore 84 is similar to that shown in
FIG. 2B.
[0026] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustratively show how paintball 42 is
fired using the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B
illustratively shows the position of valve arrangement 12 when
spaces 21, 23 are filled with a compressed gas such that valve
arrangement 12 is ready to fire paintball 42. FIG. 5A shows valve
stem 28 being actuated in direction 60, overcoming the force
exerted in direction 64 on valve plug 27 by spring 26 and the
compressed gas in space 21. This actuation causes base 29 to be
separated from seal 30, which allows space 21 to communicate with
the environment external to cylinder 66. As illustrated by arrows
90, 92 in FIG. 5A, this actuation allows the compressed gas in
space 21 to flow out of cylinder 66. At this time, gas will also
flow from space 23 through port 20 into space 21, then out of
cylinder 66. However, due to the size of port 20 compared to the
area allowing space 21 to communicate externally to cylinder 66
through actuation of valve stem 28, a pressure differential will
exist between the spaces 21, 23 (i.e., the pressure in space 23 is
greater than the pressure in space 21).
[0027] The pressure differential causes sliding member 18 to move
in direction 64, as shown in FIG. 5B, and sliding member 18 is
illustratively shown to have moved in direction 64 such that seal
16 moves away from sealing surface 88 of cylinder 68. This allows
bore 84 and space 23 to communicate with one another through
opening 86. Due to the fact that only a small amount of compressed
gas can escape through port 20 by the time sliding member 18 is in
the position shown in FIG. 5B, there will be ample compressed gas
left in space 23 to fire paintball 42 with the desired force.
Grooves 17 of head 19 reduce the distance traveled by the
compressed gas from space 23 to opening 86 (illustrated by arrows
94, 96), thereby increasing reaction time between the actuation of
valve stem 28 and the firing of paintball 42.
[0028] FIG. 5C illustratively shows paintball 42 being fired and
valve arrangement 12 returning to the position illustratively shown
in FIG. 4B. After paintball 42 is fired from bore 84 in direction
60, spring 26 forces sliding member 18 in direction 60 and valve
plug 27 in direction 64. This causes base 29 to be pressed against
seal 30 and seal 16 to be pressed against sealing surface 88 to
re-establish the seals isolating spaces 21, 23 from the external
environment, as illustratively shown in FIG. 5C. Valve arrangement
12 may be recharged for use in firing another paintball. In one
arrangement, cylinder 66 is placed in a container for such, and
valve stem(s) 28 actuated in direction 60 such that base 29 moves
away from seal 30 (the position illustrated in FIG. 5A). This will
allow compressed gas to flow into space 21, and then space 23
through port 20. After spaces 21, 23 are charged with compressed
gas, valve plug 27 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 4B.
Another paintball can then be placed in bore 84 and valve
arrangement 12 is then ready to fire again. It is appreciated that
valve arrangement 12 shown positioned in body 10 in FIGS. 1 through
2B functions similarly to that described in connection with FIGS.
5A through 5C. The arrangement of FIGS. 1 through 2B may also be
re-chargeable in a manner similar to that described.
[0029] It is appreciated that body 10 and cylinder 66 are
illustrative examples of the manner in which valve arrangement 12
may be used. Valve arrangement 12 can be similarly adapted to fire
a paintball from a variety of markers. Different calibers of
paintballs, or other projectiles, can be employed. The arrangement
is intended to be refillable with compressed gas in a manner such
as that described in the foregoing. However, it is possible to
employ the valve arrangement described in a "single-use" manner, if
the application warrants.
[0030] Although the present description references particular
means, materials and embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily
ascertain the essential characteristics from the foregoing
description. Various changes and modifications may be made to adapt
the various uses and characteristics without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *