U.S. patent application number 12/362820 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for non-lethal projectile launcher with split receiver.
This patent application is currently assigned to TIPPMANN SPORTS LLC. Invention is credited to Bryce A. Carrico, Dennis J. Tippmann, JR..
Application Number | 20090194088 12/362820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930442 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090194088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tippmann, JR.; Dennis J. ;
et al. |
August 6, 2009 |
NON-LETHAL PROJECTILE LAUNCHER WITH SPLIT RECEIVER
Abstract
A non-lethal projectile launcher (such as a paintball marker)
having a clamshell type receiver. One side of the receiver may be
split into a front portion and a rear portion that can be
independently detached from the other side. This allows the rear
portion to be detached to provide access to internal components
without requiring removal of the entire side of the receiver.
Inventors: |
Tippmann, JR.; Dennis J.;
(Fort Wayne, IN) ; Carrico; Bryce A.; (Fort Wayne,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
600 ONE SUMMIT SQUARE
FORT WAYNE
IN
46802
US
|
Assignee: |
TIPPMANN SPORTS LLC
Fort Wayne
IN
|
Family ID: |
40930442 |
Appl. No.: |
12/362820 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61025194 |
Jan 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/74 ; 124/1;
124/71; 124/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 11/00 20130101;
F41B 11/62 20130101; F41B 11/721 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/74 ; 124/71;
124/80; 124/1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/00 20060101
F41B011/00; F41B 11/32 20060101 F41B011/32; F41B 11/06 20060101
F41B011/06 |
Claims
1. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising: a barrel having a
bore dimensioned to receive a projectile; a firing mechanism
configured to propel a projectile through the bore in the barrel; a
clamshell type receiver comprising a first side and a second side,
wherein the first side comprises a front portion and a rear portion
that are attachable to the second side; wherein the front portion
is adapted to receive a portion of the barrel; and wherein the rear
portion is independently releasable from the second side with
respect to the front portion to provide access to internal
components disposed within the receiver.
2. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion
and the rear portion are separate, unconnected pieces.
3. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion
and the rear portion define a substantially uninterrupted exterior
surface.
4. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion
and the rear portion in combination extend longitudinally
substantially an entire length of the receiver.
5. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the receiver
includes a grip portion adapted to be grasped by a user, wherein
the rear portion defines the grip portion on the first side of the
receiver.
6. The projectile launcher of claim 1, further comprising a
foregrip extending from the front portion.
7. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the firing mechanism is disposed between the rear portion of the
first side and the second side.
8. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion
includes threads adapted to be coupled with threads on the
barrel.
9. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the firing mechanism
includes a valve arrangement configured to propel a projectile with
compressed gas.
10. The projectile launcher of a claim 1, wherein the firing
mechanism includes a valve arrangement configured to propel a
projectile with a combustible gas.
11. A receiver assembly for a projectile launcher, the receiver
assembly comprising: a first side comprising a front portion and a
rear portion that in combination extend longitudinally between a
barrel receiving portion and a grip portion; a second side
extending longitudinally between the barrel receiving portion and
the grip portion; wherein the second side is attachable to the
front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the front portion
and the rear portion are separate, unconnected pieces.
12. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the front portion
and the rear portion define a substantially uninterrupted exterior
surface.
13. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the first side and
second side include complementary portions along a longitudinal
axis.
14. The receiver assembly of claim 13, wherein the second side
includes a plurality of spaced apart connection points for
attaching a rail to the second side.
15. The receiver assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion
of the second side connection points comprise a recess dimensioned
to receive a nut.
16. The receiver assembly of claim 15, wherein the nut is
configured to receive a bolt extending through an opening in the
rail.
17. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the rear portion
defines a grip portion adapted to be grasped by a user.
18. The receiver assembly of claim 17, wherein the front portion is
configured to receive a foregrip.
19. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the front portion
includes threads adapted receive threads on a barrel.
20. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising; a receiver; a
barrel coupled with the receiver; a supply of compressed gas; a
valve arrangement operative to selectively allow flow from the
supply of compressed gas to propel a projectile out of the barrel;
a trigger operative to actuate the valve assembly; a coupling in
fluid communication between the valve arrangement and the supply of
compressed gas, wherein the coupling is movable between a first
position that engages the valve arrangement and a second position
out of engagement with the valve arrangement; and a fastener
configured to selectively fix the coupling in the first
position.
21. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the coupling
substantially reduces lateral movement of at least a portion of the
valve arrangement when in the first position.
22. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the fastener is
spaced apart from the valve arrangement.
23. The projectile launcher of claim 22, wherein the receiver
defines a recess spaced apart from the valve arrangement and the
fastener is disposed within the recess.
24. The projectile launcher of claim 23, wherein the coupling
extends through the recess.
25. The projectile launcher of claim 24, wherein at least a portion
of the coupling is disposed between the linear actuator and the
valve arrangement.
26. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein a leading end of
the coupling is seated in a portion of the valve arrangement.
27. The projectile launcher of claim 26, wherein the leading end
has an approximately inverted flare shape.
28. The projectile launcher of claim 27, wherein a portion of the
valve arrangement that receives the leading end has a tapered
portion.
29. The projectile launcher of claim 28, wherein the leading end
and the portion of the valve arrangement is a direct
connection.
30. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the coupling
includes external threads that are received by internal threads of
the fastener.
31. The projectile launcher of claim 31, wherein a portion of the
coupling that engages the valve arrangement does not include
threads.
32. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the fastener
comprises a nut.
33. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising; a receiver; a
barrel coupled with the receiver; a supply of compressed gas; a
valve arrangement operative to selectively allow flow from the
supply of compressed gas to propel a projectile out of the barrel;
a trigger operative to actuate the valve assembly; a coupling
operative to provide a sealed connection between the valve
arrangement and the supply of compressed gas; and wherein the
coupling is configured to lock at least a portion of the valve
arrangement in a substantially fixed position with respect to the
receiver.
34. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 33, wherein the
coupling directly engages at least a portion of the valve
arrangement.
35. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 33, further
comprising a nut spaced apart from the valve arrangement, wherein
at least a portion of the coupling passes through the nut.
36. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 35, wherein the
coupling includes external threads that mate with internal threads
of the nut.
37. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 36, wherein the nut
is disposed in an internal cavity of the receiver.
38. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 37, wherein the nut
has a fixed position within the receiver.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/025,194 filed Jan. 31, 2008, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for
launching projectiles. In one aspect, the invention relates to a
split clam-shell receiver for a projectile marker that provides
easy access to internal components. In another aspect, the
invention relates to a connection between a gas inlet line and
valve assembly. In a further aspect, the invention provides a
mechanism for maintaining the alignment of a valve assembly with a
sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Devices that fire frangible projectiles are known in the
art. For example, marking guns (commonly known as paintball guns or
paintball markers) typically use compressed gas or combustible fuel
to propel frangible projectiles that break upon impact. The
frangible projectiles commonly have a gelatinous or plastic shell
designed to break upon impact. Typically, the shells are filled
with marking material, such as paint or an immobilizing material,
such as a noxious chemical.
[0004] These types of devices have a wide variety of applications.
For example, a popular recreational use is in paintball games, in
which opposing sides attempt to seek out and "shoot" one another
with paintballs. Frangible projectiles have also been used to
segregate cattle within a herd. Likewise, law enforcement personnel
employ frangible projectiles with immobilizing materials for crowd
control.
[0005] From time to time, internal components of the device need to
be accessed for maintenance purposes. This requires disassembly of
the device, which can be cumbersome and time consuming.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect, the invention provides a paintball
marker (or other projectile launcher) having a clam shell-type
receiver. In some embodiments, one side of the clam shell receiver
may include multiple portions. For example, the side may have a
front portion and a rear portion that may be independently
decoupled from the other side. This may be used to allow access to
different internal components of the paintball marker.
[0007] According to another aspect, the invention provides a
connection between a gas inlet line and valve assembly. In one
embodiment, an external surface of the valve may include a
cone-like shape that is mated to fit in inverted flare connection
on the gas inlet line.
[0008] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a
mechanism for maintaining the alignment of a valve assembly with a
sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present disclosure will be described hereinafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting
examples only, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example paintball marker
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is the paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 with the rear
portion of the first side of the receiver removed;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the paintball marker shown
in FIG. 1 with the entire first side of the receiver removed;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a connection point
for coupling the second side of the receiver with an accessory,
such as a picatinny rail;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection point on
the second side;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view showing a connection
point for coupling the grip portion on the second side of the
receiver with a tank adapter;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the marker shown in
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing a
connection between an inlet gas line and a valve assembly; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing a valve assembly and a
sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.
[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. Components in the Figures are
not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. The exemplification
set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such
exemplification is not meant to be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example paintball marker 100 that is
capable of propelling projectiles toward a target. Although a
paintball marker is shown for purposes of illustration, the
principles described in this disclosure may also be used in other
projectile launchers, such as devices designed to fire traditional
pellets and BBs, non-traditional varieties of these projectiles,
and other types of projectiles, as well. It should be appreciated
that embodiments could be implemented in either compressed or
combustible fuel-powered launchers. An example of a compressed
gas-powered launcher includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,383 filed Dec. 1,
1995 for an "Impeder for a Gun Firing Mechanism With Ammunition
Feeder and Mode Selector," the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference. Another example of a compressed
gas-powered launcher includes Pre-grant Publication No.
2007/0181114 filed Feb. 7, 2006 for a "Combination Non-lethal
Projectile Launcher and Flash Light," which is also hereby
incorporated by reference. An example of a combustible fuel-powered
launcher includes Pre-grant Publication No. 2008/0190275 filed Aug.
15, 2007 for a "Projectile Launcher," which is hereby incorporated
by reference. The marker 100 could be implemented in a manual,
semi-automatic, or automatic launcher, even though a semi-automatic
launcher is shown for purposes of illustration.
[0021] In the example shown, the marker 100 includes a barrel 102
with a muzzle end 104 and a breach end 106. The breach end 106 of
the barrel 102 may include threads (FIG. 3) that are received in
corresponding threads in the receiver 108 by screwing the breach
end 106 into the receiver 108. By way of other examples, the barrel
102 may attach to the receiver 108 with an interference fit,
frictional fit, or unitary formation. The barrel 102 includes a
bore dimensioned to receive a frangible projectile, such as a
paintball. When the marker 100 is fired, such as by pulling the
trigger 109, a firing mechanism propels the projectile through the
bore in the barrel 102 and exits through the muzzle end 104. In
some embodiments, the firing mechanism may include a valve
arrangement that selectively releases compressed gas, such as
pressurized carbon dioxide, responsive to the trigger 109 to propel
the projectile out of the barrel 102. Other embodiments are
contemplated in which the firing mechanism ignites a combustible
gas responsive to the trigger 109 to propel the projectile out of
the barrel 102. Any firing mechanism, including those that use
compressed gas and combustible fuel, could be used to propel the
projection out of the marker 100. Example firing mechanisms are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,805,111 and 6,526,685, filed May 25,
2001 and Dec. 1, 2001, respectively, both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0022] As shown, the marker 100 includes a tank adaptor 114 adapted
to be in fluid communication with a supply of compressed gas or
combustible fuel, such as a canister of carbon dioxide or propane,
for example. In this example, the tank adaptor 114 is attached to
the bottom of the receiver's 108 grip 120. It should be
appreciated, however, that the tank adaptor 114 may be located
anywhere on the marker 100, so as to provide the marker 100 with a
supply of compressed gas or combustible fuel. Embodiments are
contemplated in which the tank adaptor 114 could be optional. For
example, the receiver 108 may include a port that allows for remote
installation of a canister of compressed gas or combustible fuel.
In the example shown, a conduit 116 allows flow between the gas
tank adaptor 114 and a valve assembly 118 (as best seen in FIG. 7).
Although this example shows the conduit 116 disposed below the
receiver 100, the conduit 116 may be located in other positions,
including internal to the receiver 108. For example, the conduit
116 could be formed by internal passages in the receiver 108.
[0023] As shown, the receiver 108 includes a grip portion 120 that
is dimensioned for a user to grasp. In the example shown, an
optional foregrip 122 is attached to the receiver 108 so a user may
grasp with his/her other hand to steady the marker 100. By way of
another example, the marker 100 may be formed without a grip 120.
For example, the marker 100 may be shaped like a rifle in which the
user holds the marker 100 via the receiver 108 and buttstop. In
this example, an optional rail 129 is attached to the top of the
receiver 108 for mounting accessories, such as a scope, handle,
site, etc. Although this example shows a picatinny rail, it should
be appreciated that other types of rails or other accessories could
be attached to the top of the receiver 108. As discussed below, a
portion of the receiver 108 may be detached to provide access to
internal components without requiring removal of the rail 129.
Likewise, as discussed below, the receiver 108 can be opened to
access internal components without removing the tank adaptor
114.
[0024] In the example shown, the receiver 108 is of the clamshell
type with a first side 124 (the left side in this example) and a
second side 126 (the right side in this example). The term
"clamshell type receiver" means a receiver that is split
approximately along the receiver's longitudinal axis into a first
side and a second side. In the example shown, the first side 124
and the second side 126 extend longitudinally along the entire
length of the receiver 108. The first side 124 and second side 126
are coupled together in this example using a plurality of bolts 128
and 131. It should be appreciated that other types of fasteners may
be used to couple the first side 124 and the second side 126
together. In this example, the first side 124 of the receiver 108
is split into a front portion 130 and a rear portion 132 that can
each be detached from the second side 126. In the example shown,
the rear portion 132 may be detached from the second side 126 by
removing bolts 128. The front portion 130 could then be detached
from the second side 126 by removing bolts 131. Although this
example shows five bolts 128 connecting the rear portion 132 to the
second side 126, it should be appreciated that more or less bolts
128 could be used. By splitting the first side 124 of the receiver
108, the user may detach only the rear portion 132, if desired, to
provide access to internal components for maintenance, installation
of accessories, or other purposes.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows the marker 100 of FIG. 1 with the rear portion
132 of the first side 124 of the receiver 108 detached. This
removal of the rear portion 132 provides access to several internal
components of the marker 100. FIG. 2 also shows the example
connection points 134 for attaching the rail 129 to the second side
126 of the receiver 108. Since the connection points 134 are formed
entirely on the second side 126 in this example, the rear portion
132 and front portion 130 can be detached from the second side 126
without detaching the rail 129. In FIG. 2, two connection points
134 are exposed on the second side 126 of the receiver 108 for
purposes of coupling the rail 129 to the second side 126 of the
receiver 108. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connection points
134 include a recessed area 136 dimensioned to receive a nut 140
with internal threads dimensioned to mate with external threads of
a bolt 142 that extends through a hole in the rail 129. Similar
connection points are shown in FIG. 6 for coupling the tank adaptor
114 to the second side 126 of the receiver 108. As shown, the
bottom of the grip portion 120 includes a recessed area 137 for
receiving a nut 141 with internal threads dimensioned to mate with
external threads of a bolt 143 that extends through a hole defined
in the tank adaptor 114. Although two connection points are shown
in the grip portion 120 for purposes of example, it should be
appreciated that one or more than two connection points could be
provided. As discussed above with respect to the rail 129, the rear
portion 132 could be detached from the second side 126 without
removing the tank adaptor 114.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows the example marker 100 in which both the rear
portion 132 and the front portion 130 of the first side 124 of the
receiver 108 have been detached from the second side 126. This
exposes the internal components of the marker 100 for maintenance
and/or repair. In this example, bolts 128 and bolts 131 would be
removed to detach the rear portion 132 and front portion 130,
respectively, from the second side 126 (bolts 128 and 131 are shown
attached to the second side 126 merely for purposes of
illustration, but would be removed to remove the front and rear
portions 130 and 132). In FIG. 3, an additional connection point
134 that allows the second side 126 of the receiver 108 to be
attached to the rail 129 is exposed due to the removal of the front
portion 130.
[0027] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-sectional view of the example
marker 100 shown in FIG. 1. In this view, a coupling 150 can be
seen that provides fluid communication between the conduit 116 and
an inlet port 152 of the valve 118 assembly. In this example, the
coupling 150 includes external threads 154 that mate with internal
threads of a fastener, such as a nut 156. This action fixes the
position of the valve body in place due to tension between the
coupling 150 and valve body. As configured in this example,
rotating the coupling 150 with respect to the fastener 156 causes
the leading end 158 of the coupling 150 to engage the valve
assembly 118. For example, the coupling 150 could be twisted in
place while the nut 156 is substantially fixed within the receiver
128. Other embodiments are contemplated in which tightening the nut
156 causes linear movement of the coupling 150 toward the valve 118
assembly, which engages the leading end 158 of the coupling into a
recess formed in the valve assembly 118 proximate the inlet port
152.
[0028] As best seen in FIG. 8, the leading end 158 of the coupling
150 has an inverted flare shape to provide a seal against a tapered
portion of the valve assembly 118 against which the leading end 158
engages. The tightening of the nut 156 locks the position of the
valve assembly 118 due to engagement by the coupling 150, which
provides a direct connection.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the valve assembly 118
includes a notch 162 that is dimensioned to receive a protrusion
164 extending from a sleeve 166 that surrounds the valve. This
allows a fixed rotational alignment between the sleeve 166 and the
valve assembly 118.
[0030] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present disclosure and various
changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *