U.S. patent application number 11/866406 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for balanced, disguised, non-clogging paintball gun hopper with optional level.
Invention is credited to Ken Taylor.
Application Number | 20080078368 11/866406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39259903 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080078368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Ken |
April 3, 2008 |
BALANCED, DISGUISED, NON-CLOGGING PAINTBALL GUN HOPPER WITH
OPTIONAL LEVEL
Abstract
A paintball gun hopper disguised as a scope includes an outer
shell in the shape of a scope. The shell, which defines an interior
compartment for storing paintballs, includes at least one
resealable lid adapted to allow access to the interior compartment,
a front assembly operably attached to a front tube, a rear tube
operably attached to a rear assembly, a coupling joining the front
tube to the rear tube, and a dispensing tube extending downwardly
from the coupling and adapted to engage a corresponding neck of a
paintball gun. The hopper is adapted to achieve and maintain
balance of the paintball gun.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Ken; (Jacksonville,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK YOUNG, P.A.
12086 FORT CAROLINE ROAD, UNIT 202
JACKSONVILLE
FL
32225
US
|
Family ID: |
39259903 |
Appl. No.: |
11/866406 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60827901 |
Oct 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/64 20130101; F41B
11/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/49 |
International
Class: |
F41A 9/61 20060101
F41A009/61 |
Claims
1. A paintball hopper configured to engage a hopper inlet of a
paintball gun, said paintball hopper comprising at least one
reservoir, at least one inlet tube having a first end and a second
end, and a dispensing tube, said at least one reservoir being
coupled to the first end of said inlet tube, said dispensing tube
being coupled to the second end of said at least one inlet tube,
said reservoir comprising a chamber for holding a plurality of
paintballs, said inlet tube comprising a conduit for guiding
paintballs from said reservoir to said dispensing tube, said
dispensing tube being adapted to engage the hopper inlet of the
paintball gun.
2. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, said at least one inlet
tube having an inlet diameter, and said at least one reservoir
having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter being larger
than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter being larger than
a paintball.
3. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, said at least one inlet
tube having an inlet diameter, and said at least one reservoir
having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter being 1.5 to
10 times larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball.
4. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, said at least one inlet
tube having an inlet diameter, and said reservoir having a
reservoir diameter, said at least one reservoir diameter being 1.5
to 10 times larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet
diameter being 1.5 to 5 times larger than a paintball.
5. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one conical coupling disposed between said at least one
reservoir and at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a
smooth transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least
one inlet tube, said at least one inlet tube having an inlet
diameter, and said at least one reservoir having a reservoir
diameter, said reservoir diameter being larger than said inlet
diameter, and said inlet diameter being larger than a
paintball.
6. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball.
7. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball, said paintball hopper resembling a
scope.
8. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball, said paintball gun having an
anterior barrel, a posterior stock and a body disposed between said
stock and muzzle, said paintball hopper being configured to
maintain the center of mass of the paintball gun horizontally
between said barrel and said stock.
9. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball, said paintball hopper resembling a
scope, and said at least one reservoir including a removable
closure, said removable closure providing access to the interior of
the at least one reservoir.
10. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball, said paintball hopper resembling a
scope, and said at least one reservoir including a removable
closure, said removable closure being hingedly attached to said at
least one reservoir and providing access to the interior of the at
least one reservoir.
11. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
conical coupling disposed between said at least one reservoir and
at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a smooth
transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least one
inlet tube, each inlet tube having an inlet diameter, and each
reservoir having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter
being larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet diameter
being larger than a paintball, and a dorsal access tube parallel to
and aligned with the dispensing tube and configured to provide
access to said dispensing tube.
12. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, said hopper comprising
a material containing an functional additive from the group
consisting of a thermochromic additive in an amount effective to
cause the hopper to change color when temperature of the paintball
hopper is at least a determined temperature, a photochromic
additive a thermochromic additive in an amount effective to cause
the hopper to change color when the paintball hopper is exposed to
sunlight, and a phosphorescent polymer additive in an amount
effective to cause the hopper to absorb light energy and continue
to release that energy as visible light in darkness.
13. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
transparent window adapted for viewing an interior compartment of
the paintball hopper.
14. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
transparent closure adapted for viewing an interior compartment of
the paintball hopper.
15. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one conical coupling disposed between said at least one
reservoir and at least one inlet tube and configured to provide a
smooth transition from said at least one reservoir to said at least
one inlet tube, said at least one inlet tube having an inlet
diameter, and said at least one reservoir having a reservoir
diameter, said reservoir diameter being larger than said inlet
diameter, and said inlet diameter being larger than a paintball,
said conical coupling having acute conical angles between 5.degree.
and 30.degree..
16. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
readily visible leveling device attached to said at least one
reservoir.
17. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
readily visible leveling device attached to said at least one
reservoir, said readily visible leveling device comprising an
angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of the hopper
with indicia to designate if the hopper is level.
18. A paintball hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a
readily visible leveling device attached to said at least one
reservoir, said readily visible leveling device comprising an
angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of the hopper
with indicia to designate if the hopper is level, the angled spirit
level being mounted askew by 11 to 10.degree..
19. A paintball hopper configured to engage a hopper inlet of a
paintball gun, said paintball hopper comprising an anterior
reservoir, at least one anterior inlet tube having a first end and
a second end, a posterior reservoir, at least one posterior inlet
tube having a first end and a second end, and a dispensing tube,
said anterior reservoir being coupled to the first end of said
anterior inlet tube, said posterior reservoir being coupled to the
first end of said posterior inlet tube, said dispensing tube being
coupled to the second end of said anterior inlet tube and to the
second end of said posterior inlet tube, said reservoir comprising
a chamber for holding a plurality of paintballs, said anterior
inlet tube comprising a conduit for guiding paintballs from said
anterior reservoir to said dispensing tube, said posterior inlet
tube comprising a conduit for guiding paintballs from said
posterior reservoir to said dispensing tube, said dispensing tube
being adapted to engage the hopper inlet of the paintball gun, said
anterior inlet and posterior inlet tubes each having an inlet
diameter, and said anterior reservoir and said posterior reservoir
each having a reservoir diameter, said reservoir diameter being 1.5
to 10 times larger than said inlet diameter, and said inlet
diameter being 1.5 to 5 times larger than a paintball diameter, and
an anterior conical coupling disposed between said anterior
reservoir and said anterior inlet tube and configured to provide a
smooth transition from said anterior reservoir to said anterior
inlet tube, and a posterior conical coupling disposed between said
posterior reservoir and said posterior inlet tube and configured to
provide a smooth transition from said posterior reservoir to said
posterior inlet tube.
20. A paintball hopper according to claim 19, further comprising a
readily visible leveling device attached to said posterior
reservoir, said readily visible leveling device comprising an
angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of the hopper
with indicia to designate if the hopper is level, the angled spirit
level being mounted askew by 1.degree. to 10.degree. relative to
the reservoir.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
provisional application 60/827,901, filed Oct. 3, 2006, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to paintball gun hoppers,
and more particularly, to a balanced paintball gun hopper disguised
as a gun scope.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A paintball gun uses a rapidly expanding gas (usually
compressed CO.sub.2 or Air) to force a paintball through a barrel
with a muzzle velocity of approximately 300 ft/s. This velocity is
sufficient for most paintballs to break upon impact at a distance,
but not fast enough to cause tissue damage beyond mild
bruising.
[0004] During competition, success often hinges on having a
reliable gun with an ample steady supply of paintballs. The
objective of a paintball competition is to mark opposing players
with paint.
[0005] Frequent reloading during competition is disadvantageous, as
it takes time and leaves the player exposed to opponents. To
minimize reloading and ensure an adequate supply of paintballs,
hoppers (also known as loaders) have been devised to provide a
reservoir of paintballs for shooting. The most common form of
hopper, a gravity feed hopper, consists of a reservoir and a feed
tube molded into the bottom. Paintballs roll from the reservoir
into the tube. A removable lid is typically provided to facilitate
refilling and clearing jams.
[0006] Unfortunately, conventional hoppers are well known and
easily recognized by players. Opponents can readily estimate the
time to reload or number of remaining shots upon encountering a
player with a conventional hopper.
[0007] Another shortcoming of conventional hoppers is that they
tend to be imbalanced. Depending upon whether the hopper is front
heavy or rear heavy when loaded, it may shift the center of mass
forward towards the muzzle or backward toward the stock. This shift
in center mass can make a gun more difficult to aim.
[0008] Yet another shortcoming with conventional gravity-feed
hoppers is a susceptibility to clogging. Lateral forces exerted by
paintballs in a full or nearly full hopper can prevent paintballs
from freely entering and traveling through the feed tube.
[0009] Still another shortcoming of conventional hoppers is lack of
guidance in aiming. Conventional hoppers constitute prominent
features, but provide no means to assess whether the gun is level
and properly aimed.
[0010] Accordingly, a need exists for a balanced paintball gun
hopper that is disguised, not susceptible to clogging and aids
level aiming. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one embodiment a paintball gun hopper disguised as a
scope is provided. The hopper includes an outer shell in the shape
of a scope. The shell, which defines an interior compartment for
storing paintballs, includes at least one resealable lid adapted to
allow access to the interior compartment, a front assembly operably
attached to a front tube, a rear tube operably attached to a rear
assembly, a coupling joining the front tube to the rear tube, and a
dispensing tube extending downwardly from the coupling and adapted
to engage a corresponding neck of a paintball gun. The hopper is
adapted to achieve and maintain balance of the paintball gun.
[0012] In another embodiment, an exemplary paintball hopper
configured to engage a hopper inlet of a paintball gun, includes at
least one reservoir, at least one inlet tube has a first end and a
second end, and a dispensing tube. The at least one reservoir is
coupled to the first end of the inlet tube. The dispensing tube is
coupled to the second end of the at least one inlet tube. The
reservoir includes a chamber for holding a plurality of paintballs.
The inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs from the
reservoir to the dispensing tube. The dispensing tube is adapted to
engage the hopper inlet of the paintball gun. The at least one
inlet tube has an inlet diameter, and the at least one reservoir
has a reservoir diameter. The reservoir diameter is larger than the
inlet diameter, and the inlet diameter is larger than a paintball.
The reservoir diameter may be 1.5 to 10 times larger than the inlet
diameter, and the inlet diameter may be 1.5 to 5 times larger than
a paintball. At least one conical coupling may be disposed between
the at least one reservoir and at least one inlet tube. The conical
coupling configured to provide a smooth concentric transition from
the at least one reservoir to the at least one inlet tube. The
conical coupling has acute conical angles between 5.degree. and
30.degree.. The paintball hopper may be configured to maintain the
center of mass of the paintball gun horizontally between the barrel
and the stock. A removable closure provides access to the interior
of the at least one reservoir. The removable closure may be
hingedly attached to the at least one reservoir and provide access
to the interior of the at least one reservoir. An optional dorsal
access tube parallel to and aligned with the dispensing tube
provides access to the dispensing tube.
[0013] The material comprising the hopper may contain a functional
additive from the group consisting of a thermochromic additive in
an amount effective to cause the hopper to change color when
temperature of the paintball hopper is at least a determined
temperature, a photochromic additive a thermochromic additive in an
amount effective to cause the hopper to change color when the
paintball hopper is exposed to sunlight, and a phosphorescent
polymer additive in an amount effective to cause the hopper to
absorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible
light in darkness. A transparent window/closure adapted for viewing
an interior compartment of the paintball hopper may be
provided.
[0014] A readily visible leveling device may be attached to the at
least one reservoir. The device may comprise an angled spirit level
configured to indicate the level of the hopper with indicia to
designate if the hopper is level. The angled spirit level is
mounted askew by 1.degree. to 10.degree. relative to the
hopper.
[0015] In another embodiment, an exemplary paintball hopper is
configured to engage a hopper inlet of a paintball gun. The
paintball hopper includes an anterior reservoir, at least one
anterior inlet tube has a first end and a second end, a posterior
reservoir, at least one posterior inlet tube has a first end and a
second end, and a dispensing tube. The anterior reservoir is
coupled to the first end of the anterior inlet tube. The posterior
reservoir is coupled to the first end of the posterior inlet tube.
The dispensing tube is coupled to the second end of the anterior
inlet tube and to the second end of the posterior inlet tube. The
reservoir includes a chamber for holding a plurality of paintballs.
The anterior inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs
from the anterior reservoir to the dispensing tube. The posterior
inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs from the
posterior reservoir to the dispensing tube. The dispensing tube is
adapted to engage the hopper inlet of the paintball gun. The
anterior inlet and posterior inlet tubes each has an inlet
diameter. The anterior reservoir and the posterior reservoir each
has a reservoir diameter. The reservoir diameter is 1.5 to 10 times
larger than the inlet diameter. The inlet diameter is 1.5 to 5
times larger than a paintball diameter. An anterior conical
coupling disposed between the anterior reservoir and the anterior
inlet tube provides a smooth transition from the anterior reservoir
to the anterior inlet tube. A posterior conical coupling disposed
between the posterior reservoir and the posterior inlet tube
provides a smooth transition from the posterior reservoir to the
posterior inlet tube. A readily visible leveling device is attached
to the posterior reservoir. The readily visible leveling device
includes an angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of
the hopper with indicia to designate if the hopper is level. The
angled spirit level is mounted askew by 1.degree. to
10.degree..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and
advantages of the invention will become better understood with
reference to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings, where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an exemplary paintball
hopper in accordance with principles of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 is a profile view of an exemplary paintball gun
equipped with an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with
principles of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of an exemplary
paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention;
and
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary
paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an exemplary paintball hopper
in accordance with principles of the invention.
[0022] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures
or the shapes, relative sizes, proportions or materials shown in
the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated
with the same reference numerals, various views of an exemplary
paintball hopper 100 according to principles of the invention are
conceptually shown. The exemplary hopper 100 generally includes a
posterior reservoir 120 coupled to a posterior inlet 110 at a
posterior end of the posterior inlet 110, and an anterior reservoir
150 coupled to an anterior inlet 160 at an anterior end of the
anterior inlet 160. An anterior end of the posterior inlet 110 and
a posterior end of the anterior inlet 160 converge at a ventral
dispensing tube 140. The dispensing tube 140, configured to engage
the hopper inlet of a paintball gun, is generally perpendicular to
the posterior and anterior inlets 110, 160.
[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, a dorsal access tube 165 runs
parallel to and generally aligned with the ventral dispensing tube
140. The dorsal end of the ventral dispensing tube 140 and ventral
end of the dorsal access tube 165 converge at the anterior end of
the posterior inlet 110 and posterior end of the anterior inlet
160. Thus, the dorsal access tube 165 is configured to provide
convenient access to the dispensing tube. Such access facilitates
maintenance, including inspection, cleaning and clearing jams.
[0025] The exemplary hopper 100 features a shape that resembles a
scope. The posterior and anterior reservoirs 120, 150 comprise
hollow container sections of the hopper 100. The posterior and
anterior inlets 110, 160 comprise hollow tubular sections. The
reservoirs 120, 150 have a larger diameter than the inlets 110,
160, giving the hopper 100 a shape that generally resembles a
scope. By being disguised as a scope, the hopper may potentially
deceive opponents. Paintballs contained within the hopper 100 flow
from the reservoirs 120, 150 through the inlets 110, 160, through
the ventral dispensing tube 140 and into the hopper inlet of a
paintball gun. Filleted contours 415 facilitate a smooth continuous
flow of paintballs into the ventral dispensing tube 140.
[0026] One or more resealable closures, such as resealable lids
105, 125 and 145, are provided to allow access to the interior of
the hopper 100 through the anterior reservoir 150, posterior
reservoir 120 and dorsal access tube 165. Such resealable closures
provide access enables and facilitates refilling the hopper 100 and
clearing jams. Illustratively, a dorsal lid 105 and/or a posterior
lid 125 and/or an anterior lid 145 may be provided. Other closures
may be provided in addition to or in lieu of the dorsal lid 105
and/or a posterior lid 125 and/or an anterior lid 145. The lids
105, 125 and 145 may be attached to the hopper 100 with hinges,
tethers and/or other mechanical attachment means that allow
removal. By way of example and not limitation, one or more of the
closures may be threaded to engage a correspondingly threaded
section of the hopper assembly 100. In a preferred embodiment,
hinges 170, 175 and 180 are utilized to allow quick access without
losing the lid. The hinges may include spring closure mechanism
and/or mechanical locking features to secure the lid in a closed
position.
[0027] The outer shell 135 generally in the shape of a scope.
Additionally, as discussed below, the configuration of the hopper
facilitates achieving a desirable balance. The shell defines an
interior compartment for storing paintballs. Interior surfaces are
angled downwardly towards the dispensing tube 140 to encourage
paintballs to flow thereto.
[0028] Advantageously, a hopper 100 according to the principles of
the invention may be configured to achieve and maintain balance of
the paintball gun 200. Weight and balance are important factors for
most firearms, including paintball guns. While individual tastes
may vary (some prefer heavier guns, some lighter ones), the gun
should preferably balance between the shooter's hands and should
not feel barrel-heavy or stock-heavy. The paintball gun has an
anterior barrel, a posterior stock and a body disposed between the
stock and muzzle. Preferably, the paintball hopper is configured to
maintain the center of mass of the paintball gun horizontally
between the barrel and the stock, and vertically close to or in the
body, when the hopper is full, partially full and empty. The center
of mass is a specific point at which the system's mass behaves as
if it were concentrated. The center of mass is a function of the
positions and masses of the particles that comprise the system. As
paintballs are expelled from the system, the center of mass will
change and may not correspond to the position of any particular
mass.
[0029] The reservoirs 120, 150 and/or tubes 110, 160 may be sized
to locate the center of mass of the paintball gun equipped with the
hopper 100 at a desired point. The hopper 100 may be provided with
adjustable and/or replaceable tubes 110, 160 and/or adjustable
and/or replaceable reservoirs 120, 150. Alternatively, the hopper
100 may be properly sized and configured for a particular paintball
gun. By way of example and not limitation, in one embodiment the
tubes 110, 160 may be cut to size for a particular paintball gun
200, and the reservoirs 120, 150 may then be attached to the
properly cut tubes 110, 160. As another alternative, the hopper 100
may be provided with various sized components that can be selected
and assembled for a particular paintball gun 200.
[0030] Advantageously, a hopper according to principles of the
invention features a scope-like exposure which does not present a
substantial target or obstacle. When installed, the hopper 100 is
as close to the paintball gun 200 as possible. The hopper maintains
a profile close to the gun and may extend substantially the length
of the gun. Thus, contained paintballs are distributed along a
substantial part of the length of the gun, providing a lower stack
height of paintballs in the hopper. The lower stack height prevents
jams and maintains a low center of mass, while the elongated
configuration provides a large capacity.
[0031] In addition to storing substantial quantities of paintballs,
a hopper according to principles of the invention does so in an
embodiment disguised as a scope. The scope configuration introduces
an element of surprise while enhancing the appearance of the gun,
simulating assault rifles or other menacing firearms.
[0032] Capacity is important because current paintball guns fire a
significant quantity of paintballs in a short time span. To
accommodate a high rate of paintball consumption, a hopper
according to principles of the invention preferably holds a
substantial number of paintballs, such as 200 or 300 or more
paintballs. While a large capacity hopper is particularly
preferred, the invention is not limited to a hopper with any
particular capacity.
[0033] The hopper may be comprised of various materials, such as
metal and/or plastic. In an exemplary implementation, the hopper
100 is comprised of a rigid plastic or polymeric material, such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers,
urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE),
acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. While
many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the
aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing
from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is
relatively inexpensive, easy to use in manufacturing operations and
results in an aesthetically acceptable, durable, weather resistant
product. The material may further include additives to provide
desired properties such as desired colors, structural
characteristics, glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity
(e.g., color changes according to heat).
[0034] By way of example and not limitation, the hopper 100 may
optionally be formulated to change color when it reaches a
predetermined or higher temperature. This can be accomplished by
mixing a thermochromic additive to the base material in an amount
that is sufficient to achieve a desired color changing range. As an
example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 30% (pbw) of Matsui
International Co., Inc.'s Chromicolor.RTM. concentrate may be
introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure
that visibly changes color at a determined elevated temperature,
such as approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
[0035] Alternatively, a photochromic additive may be added to the
base material in an amount that is effective to achieve a desired
color change when the hopper 100 is exposed to certain lighting
conditions. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 35%
(pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.'s Photopia.RTM. additive
may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic
structure that visibly changes color in the presence of sunlight or
ultraviolet light.
[0036] As another alternative, phosphorescent polymer additives,
such as aluminate based phosphors, may be added to adsorb light
energy and continue to release that energy as visible light after
the energy source is removed. Advantageously, such an embodiment
provides a base that is easy to locate in darkened conditions,
making the vehicle easy to spot even at nighttime.
[0037] Optionally, the hopper 100 may be equipped with a window
adapted for viewing the contents. The window may comprise an
opening covered with a transparent material. The window may be
positioned to allow a user to observe when the hopper 100 is empty
or nearly empty. By way of example and not limitation, the window
may comprise a transparent closure, such as a transparent lid 105,
125, and/or 145. Thus, a user may view the interior of the hopper
100 to detect jams and determine when to refill the hopper 100.
[0038] Components of the hopper 100 may be produced using any
suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the chosen
material, such as (for example) injection, compression, structural
foam, blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing
techniques; vacuum forming; and casting. Preferably, the
manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at
relatively low cost per unit, and results in an aesthetically
acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality. The hopper
100 is preferably sufficiently strong and weather resistant such
that it does not structurally fail from the stresses and
environmental conditions encountered during use.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 2, a profile view of an exemplary
paintball gun equipped with an exemplary paintball hopper 100 in
accordance with principles of the invention is conceptually shown.
The exemplary a paintball gun 200 generally includes four main
components: a body 215, the hopper 100, a tank 230 and a barrel
205. Also included are a stock 255 or handle, trigger 220 and, in
the exemplary embodiment, an optional forward handle 210. The body
215 houses loading, triggering and valve mechanisms and provides
attachments for the trigger 220, hopper 100, tank 230, barrel 205
and stock 225. The tank 230 holds a compressed gas, usually
CO.sub.2 or air, which is used to accelerate the paintballs through
the gun barrel 205. The trigger 220 activates loading and valve
mechanisms to propel a paint ball under the influence of a charge
of compressed gas. The barrel 205 directs an accelerating paintball
and controls the release of the compressed gas behind it. Several
different bore sizes are available, to best fit different sizes of
paintball, and there are many different lengths, with various ports
(or vents), threaded attachments, and configurations. These
elements are typically included in many paintball guns. Indeed, the
aforementioned paintball gun 200 is intended to represent a broad
category of paintball guns capable of receiving paintballs from a
hopper 100 according to principles of the invention. Of course, the
paintball gun 200 may include fewer, different and/or additional
elements, provided it is capable of receiving paintballs from a
hopper 100 according to principles of the invention, generating a
charge of compressed gas and shooting the paintballs.
[0040] With reference now to FIG. 3, a second perspective view of
an exemplary paintball hopper 100 in accordance with principles of
the invention is conceptually shown. This view more clearly
illustrates the location of exemplary hinges 175, 180 for the
posterior and anterior lids 125, 145. Also illustrated is the
ventral dispensing tube 140 and the corresponding dispensing port
185 defined by the tube 140, through which paintballs travel from
the hopper 100 into the gun 200.
[0041] Now referring to FIG. 4, a cutaway perspective view of an
exemplary paintball hopper 100 in accordance with principles of the
invention is conceptually shown. This view illustrates the interior
compartments and conduits of the hopper 100. Each reservoir 120,
150 includes a relatively large and generally cylindrical interior
compartment 400, 430 having a diameter d.sub.r. The inlets 110, 160
also have generally cylindrical interior compartments 445, 450,
each having a diameter d.sub.i that is smaller than d.sub.r. In an
exemplary embodiment, d.sub.r is 1.5 to 10 times d.sub.i. Of course
d.sub.i is greater than the diameter of a paintball, and preferably
several times greater than the diameter of a paintball, e.g., 1.5
to 5 times the diameter of a paintball. Tapering joints, referred
to herein as conical couplings 115, 155, provide smooth and gradual
transitions 405, 425 from each reservoir compartment 400, 430 to
each inlet compartment 445, 450, with acute conical angles .alpha..
The angles .alpha. are preferably less than 45.degree. and more
preferably between 5.degree. and 30.degree..
[0042] Advantageously, the conical couplings 115, 155 help prevent
clogging without preventing paintballs from entering and flowing
through the dispensing tube 140. In a conventional hopper nearly
all lateral forces exerted by stored paintballs are transmitted to
paintballs at or near the dispensing tube. In a conventional
hopper, these lateral forces prevent the free flow of paintballs
through the dispensing tube, thereby contributing to clogging and
choking. However, the conical couplings 115, 155 of a hopper 100 in
accordance with principles of the invention, absorb an appreciable
portion of the lateral forces nearest the dispensing tube 140. The
effect is a substantial reduction in the lateral forces transmitted
to paintballs in vicinity of the dispensing tube 140. The lateral
forces and tendency to clog are typically greatest when a hopper is
full. By reducing these lateral forces, especially in vicinity of
the dispensing tube 140, the risks of clogging and choking are
substantially reduced. As the hopper 100 is emptied, the lateral
forces and risk of clogging decrease. Concomitantly, paintballs
become free to migrate and bounce around in the vacant space in the
emptying hopper 100.
[0043] Another important feature of an exemplary paintball hopper
100 in accordance with principles of the invention is a readily
visible leveling device to facilitate precise aiming 130. In one
embodiment, an angled spirit level comprising a transparent vial
containing a liquid (e.g., ethanol) and a bubble 135 is partially
embedded in the side wall of the exterior surface of the posterior
reservoir 120, on the side of the posterior reservoir 120 adjacent
to the gun 200. The level may be configured to indicate the level
of the hopper 100 between horizontal and vertical. Markings on the
vial may designate where the bubble should be if the hopper 100 is
level. As shown in the top view of FIG. 5, the level 130 is
preferably mounted askew (.theta.>0), such that the markings of
the vial designating a level orientation are visible from along the
side of the hopper 100 while a user looks and aims downstream at a
target. Thus, leveling does not detract from aiming. In a preferred
embodiment the angle .theta. is between 1.degree. and 10.degree.,
depending upon the diameter of the vial and the thickness of the
wall of the hopper 100.
[0044] While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been
described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations
thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then,
it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the
components of the invention, including variations in form, function
and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to
one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above
description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can
be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of
which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the
foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications
and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the
invention as claimed.
* * * * *