U.S. patent application number 12/102535 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for projectile launcher with reduced recoil and anti-jam mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tippmann Sports, LLC. Invention is credited to Stanley Gabrel.
Application Number | 20110232618 12/102535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44654923 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110232618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gabrel; Stanley |
September 29, 2011 |
PROJECTILE LAUNCHER WITH REDUCED RECOIL AND ANTI-JAM MECHANISM
Abstract
A projectile launcher having a pneumatic assembly that reduces
recoil. The launcher may include a gas storage chamber that is
filled with compressed gas and then selectively vented to propel
projectiles. In some cases, an electronic control circuit may be
provided to selectively vent the gas storage chamber. In some
embodiments, the launcher may include an anti jam feature that
reduces breakage of projectiles during firing.
Inventors: |
Gabrel; Stanley; (Round
Lake, IL) |
Assignee: |
Tippmann Sports, LLC
Fort Wayne
IN
|
Family ID: |
44654923 |
Appl. No.: |
12/102535 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60911689 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
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60911782 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
|
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60981287 |
Oct 19, 2007 |
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61029562 |
Feb 28, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/723
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/73 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/00 20060101
F41B011/00; F41B 11/32 20060101 F41B011/32 |
Claims
1-43. (canceled)
44. An apparatus for propelling a projectile with compressed gas,
the apparatus comprising: a barrel; a compressed gas source; a body
coupled with the barrel, wherein the body defines a gas storage
chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with the compressed
gas source and hold a predetermined volume of compressed gas
therein; a receptacle configured to provide a supply of projectiles
to the body; a firing tube into which the gas storage chamber is
vented; a valve arrangement movable between a ready-to-fire
position that allows fluid communication between the gas storage
chamber and the compressed gas source and a firing position that
vents gas from the gas storage chamber to propel projectiles
through the barrel, wherein the valve arrangement includes: a first
valve with a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the distal end
includes a sealed portion that prevents venting of the gas storage
chamber into the firing tube when the valve arrangement is in the
ready-to-fire position and allows venting of the gas storage
chamber when the valve arrangement is in the firing position, and a
second valve that is configured to selectively provide compressed
gas to the proximate end of the first valve for moving the valve
arrangement between the ready-to-fire position and the firing
position; a firing mechanism for actuating the second valve;
wherein the valve arrangement includes a control passageway adapted
to provide fluid communication between the compressed gas source
and the proximate end of the first valve, wherein the second valve
prevents fluid communication between the control passageway and the
compressed gas source when the valve arrangement is in the
ready-to-fire position; and wherein the proximate end of the first
valve includes a portion into which a biasing member is disposed,
wherein the biasing member urges the distal end toward the firing
tube, wherein compressed gas flowing through the control passageway
overcomes a biasing force of the biasing member to move the distal
end away from the firing tube when the valve arrangement is in the
firing position.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the first valve is a spool
valve and the second valve is a spool valve.
46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the second valve has a
reduced length compared to the first valve.
47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the second valve has a
reduced diameter compared to the first valve.
48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the second valve has a
reduced travel compared to the first valve.
49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the second valve moves about
its longitudinal axis.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the second valve moves
substantially about a transverse axis with respect to the first
valve.
51. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the firing mechanism
includes a trigger assembly and at least a portion of the trigger
assembly contacts a portion of the second valve when a user
actuates the trigger assembly.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein at least a portion of the
trigger assembly directly contacts a portion of the second valve
when a user actuates the trigger assembly.
53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein at least a portion the
second valve moves longitudinally when a user actuates the trigger
assembly.
54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the
trigger assembly moves concomitant with the second valve.
55. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the sealed portion of the
first valve comprises a face seal on the distal end.
56. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the sealed portion of the
first valve comprises an O-ring on the distal end.
57. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the sealed portion of the
first valve includes an O-ring disposed within the firing tube into
which the distal end extends when the valve arrangement is in the
ready-to-fire position.
58. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the distal end of the first
valve moves away from the firing tube when the valve arrangement
moves from the ready-to-fire position to the firing position.
59. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the first valve moves toward
the gas storage chamber when the valve arrangement moves from the
ready-to-fire position to the firing position.
60. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the first valve includes a
reduced dimension portion that permits flow from the compressed gas
source to the gas storage chamber when the valve arrangement is in
the ready-to-fire position.
61. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the valve arrangement
includes a longitudinally-extending passageway that provides fluid
communication between the gas storage chamber and the firing tube
when the valve arrangement is in the firing position.
62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the passageway provides
fluid communication between the gas storage chamber and the
compressed gas source when the valve arrangement is in the
ready-to-fire position.
63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the valve arrangement
includes an entry port that provides fluid communication between
the passageway and the compressed gas source when the valve
arrangement is in the ready-to-fire position.
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the entry port extends
transversely with respect to the passageway.
65. An apparatus for propelling a projectile with compressed gas,
the apparatus comprising: a barrel; a compressed gas source; a body
coupled with the barrel, wherein the body defines a gas storage
chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with the compressed
gas source and hold a predetermined volume of compressed gas
therein; a firing tube into which the gas storage chamber is
vented; a receptacle configured to provide a supply of projectiles
to the body; a first valve movable between an open position and a
closed, wherein the first valve has a proximate end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end includes a sealed portion that prevents
venting of the gas storage chamber into the firing tube when the
first valve is in the closed position and allows venting of the gas
storage chamber when the first valve is in the open position, and a
second valve movable between a ready-to-fire position and a firing
position, wherein the second valve controls fluid communication
between the compressed gas source and a portion of the first valve
when in the ready-to-fire position and allows fluid communication
between the compressed gas source and the portion of the first
valve when in the firing position; a firing mechanism configured to
move the second arrangement from the ready-to-fire position to the
firing position, wherein the firing mechanism includes a trigger
and an electronic switch configured to detect movement of the
trigger; wherein the firing mechanism includes a linear actuator
movable between a first position and a second position responsive
to the electronic switch; and wherein the firing mechanism includes
a sear-like mechanism disposed between the linear actuator and the
second valve.
66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the sear-like mechanism has
a first end adjacent to the second valve and a second end adjacent
to the linear actuator.
67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein movement of the linear
actuator from the first position to the second position moves the
sear-like mechanism from a third position to a fourth position.
68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the sear-like mechanism
rotates between the third position and the fourth position.
69. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the switch is a contact
switch.
70. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the switch includes a Hall
effect sensor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 60/911,689, 60/911,782, 60/981,287, and 61/029,562
filed Apr. 13, 2007, Apr. 13, 2007, Oct. 19, 2007, and Feb. 28,
2008, respectively. The entire disclosures of these applications
are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention generally relates to compressed gas powered
projectile launchers, such as paintball markers (also known as
paintball guns). In particular, the invention relates to a
projectile launcher having a firing mechanism with reduced recoil.
In some cases, the invention provides an anti-jam feature that
reduces chopping or shearing of projectiles during firing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Devices that fire frangible projectiles are known in the
art. For example, paintball markers are used for marking in
forestry and cattle ranching. Paintball markers have also become
popular in a variety of targeting and simulated battle games (e.g.,
capture the flag). In some cases, law enforcement employs markers
to aid in crowd control and other situations where less-than-lethal
force is desired.
[0004] The markers launch a projectile typically using compressed
gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Compressed gas is supplied
from a supply tank which is typically mounted to or carried with
the marker. In some cases, the markers may be equipped with
pressure regulators, which receive compressed gas at a relatively
high pressure and deliver the gas at a reduced, more consistent
pressure for propelling the projectile.
[0005] There are two main types of markers presently on the market.
One type uses a hammer with a tripping mechanism to strike a firing
valve, where part of the compressed gas is used to propel the
projectile and another portion of the gas is used to return the
hammer to a ready-to-fire position (i.e., "recock" the marker).
This type of design causes kickback or recoil when recocking the
marker.
[0006] The second type of marker includes a spool valve where the
marker's bolt is utilized as a spool valve with sealing members
placed on it. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that sealing
members are the size of the bolt and require significant force to
jump start bolt movement under pressure. Also, the lubrication
state of O-rings effects velocity of the bolt. If the o-rings are
dry, a large force is needed to move the spool-bolt combination
forward to load the paintball into the barrel, which can cause
paintball breakage. To reduce paintball breakage, soft o-rings with
a very small squeeze are being used. This leads to another problem
when using carbon dioxide ("CO.sub.2") as a source of energy,
because during rapid firing liquid CO.sub.2 imbeds with the sealing
members, resulting in a loss of elasticity and leaks. Other
pneumatic markers include complicated firing mechanisms. Drawbacks
of these more complicated mechanisms include operating difficulty,
frequent maintenance issues, and high manufacturing cost.
[0007] Another common problem with existing markers is breakage or
rupturing of the frangible projectiles. The frangible projectiles
commonly have a gelatinous or plastic shell designed to break upon
impact. Typically, the shells are filled with a marking material,
such as paint, and/or an immobilizing material, such as a noxious
chemical. Projectiles drop by gravity force from a hopper (or are
otherwise fed) into the marker's breech chamber. Typically, the
firing mechanism includes a bolt that pushes the projectile into
the barrel when the user pulls the trigger. In some cases, however,
the projectiles become partially inserted into the breech chamber.
When this happens, the bolt tends to chop or shear the projectile,
which fouls the marker's breech chamber and barrel.
[0008] Existing markers have a cylindrical feed tube disposed
usually on the top portion of the marker and perpendicular to the
barrel. The upper portion of the feed tube is typically connected
to a hopper. Since the feed tube has a cylinder extending into
another cylinder formed inside the breech chamber, intersecting
curves (rays) exist when viewed in three dimensional object
geometry. The opening cavity of breech chambers in existing markers
is made by using a ball end-mill, which is cylindrical in shape.
The end mill has end flutes that are formed in a circular
configuration, and when plunged into a solid material will form
half of the sphere extending into a cylinder as shown in FIG. 37.
In this particular case, the ball end mill plunges into the breech
chamber body until it reaches the lowest point of the internal
cylindrical surface of the breech chamber, where the cylindrical
surface of the breech chamber is the extension of the barrel's
cylindrical bore.
[0009] From a three dimensional geometry standpoint, this results
in an intersection of two cylinders and the intersection of a
cylinder with half of the sphere. The intersection of two cylinders
results in elliptically-shaped curves. The intersection of a
cylinder with a sphere has a parabolic curve in one of the views.
In the scenario presented above, the projectile needs to drop all
the way down to the point where the center of the projectile lies
within the breech cylinder symmetrical line, which is an extension
of the barrel's internal bore for loading the projectile to be
fired. In a case when the projectile feed is provided by
gravitational force, many times during rapid firing projectiles do
not reach the point of readiness to be loaded into the barrel.
Instead, the projectiles are still falling when the sliding bolt
forces the projectile into the firing chamber through the
elliptical/parabolic intersecting lines which are smaller in width
than the diameter of the projectile causing paintball breakage.
[0010] Another common problem encountered with firing projectiles
is accuracy. For example, paintball manufacturing often results in
paintballs that are not perfectly round and can have significant
variability in average diameter. Without wishing to be bound by a
particular theory, Applicant believes this causes paintballs to
start spinning during the loading operation into the firing
chamber. Rotations of the paintballs are then further promoted when
compressed gas is applied to fire the paintball. Applicant believes
that excessive paintball rotation causes undesirable variation in
trajectory (similar to how a soccer player tries to impart a curve
in the ball path to avoid a goalie).
[0011] It therefore would be desirable to provide a novel
projectile launcher that reduces recoil and paintball breakage.
SUMMARY
[0012] According to one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus
for propelling a projectile with compressed gas. The apparatus
includes a barrel, a compressed gas source, and a body coupled with
the barrel. The body defines a gas storage chamber adapted to be in
fluid communication with the compressed gas source and hold a
predetermined volume of compressed gas. In some cases, the
apparatus may include a hopper configured to provide a supply of
projectiles to the body. A valve arrangement is provided that is
movable between a ready-to-fire position that allows fluid
communication between the gas storage chamber and the compressed
gas source and a firing position that vents gas from the gas
storage chamber to propel projectiles through the barrel. When in
the firing position, the valve arrangement prevents fluid
communication between the gas storage chamber and the compressed
gas source. A firing mechanism, such as a trigger, is provided to
move the valve arrangement from the ready-to-fire position to the
firing position. In some embodiments, the valve arrangement moves
between the ready-to-fire position and the firing position
responsive to an electronic control circuit.
[0013] In one illustrative embodiment, the gas storage chamber may
vent into a firing tube. For example, when in the ready-to-fire
position, the valve arrangement could include a valve, such as a
spool valve, with a distal end that prevents venting of the gas
storage chamber into the firing tube. Typically, the valve's distal
end may be sealed in some manner. By way of example, the distal end
could include a face seal or an O-ring. Embodiments are
contemplated in which an O-ring could be disposed within the firing
tube and the distal end could extend into the firing tube when the
valve arrangement is in the ready-to-fire position.
[0014] Depending on the exigencies of a particular application, the
apparatus could include a volume adjustment mechanism that controls
the volume of gas with which projectiles are propelled out of the
barrel. In some embodiments, for example, a wall defining at least
a portion of the gas storage chamber could be movable to adjust a
volume of compressed gas that can be held within the gas storage
chamber. Typically, the wall is movable substantially along a
longitudinal axis of the body.
[0015] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method
for propelling a projectile using compressed gas. The method may
include the step of providing an apparatus adapted to propel
projectiles using compressed gas. Typically, the apparatus would be
configured to propel projectiles responsive to actuation of a
trigger. The fluid communication between a compressed gas source
and a gas storage chamber disposed within the apparatus is
maintained until a user actuates the trigger. The gas storage
chamber is vented responsive to actuation of the trigger. In most
cases, the fluid communication between the compressed gas source
and the gas storage chamber is prevented while the trigger is being
actuated. Embodiments are contemplated in which the method includes
the step of moving a wall defining the gas storage chamber to
adjust a volume of gas with which projectiles are propelled from
the apparatus.
[0016] In some illustrative embodiments, a projectile path from a
feed port to the barrel includes an elbow-shaped portion. For
example, a breech chamber could be free from intersecting lines
created during a manufacturing process. In some cases, the breech
chamber may be larger than an internal bore of the barrel.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present disclosure will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting
examples only, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view partially in cross-section
of a projectile launcher according to an embodiment of the present
invention and shows the launcher in ready to fire position.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the spool valve
illustrating first and second surface areas of the spool valve
piston.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the compressed gas
storage chamber and shows the spool valve in the middle of the
actuating cycle, where access of the compressed gas to the gas
storage chamber is closed and gas access to the firing tube is
closed as well.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gun in the firing
position.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly and
shows an alternate embodiment of the bolt in the ready to fire
position.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly and
shows an alternate way of retracting the bolt to the ready to fire
position using a piston-cylinder combination instead of a
spring.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly and
shows an alternate embodiment of the bolt in the firing
position.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of the firing mechanism
and shows a cross-section of the mechanism where the spring is used
to bias the spool valve to the forward position, which corresponds
to a ready to fire position.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the firing mechanism presented in FIG. 7, but in firing
position.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the
electrically-actuated projectile launcher.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of
the launcher showing an alternate embodiment of the bolt assembly
in the ready-to-fire position.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of
the launcher showing an alternate embodiment of the bolt assembly
in the firing position.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism
according to an alternate embodiment shown in the ready-to-fire
position.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism
shown in FIG. 12 and showing gas flow for the firing position.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism
according to an alternate embodiment in ready-to-fire position.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism of
FIG. 14 shown in a firing position.
[0035] FIGS. 16 A-B, 17A-B, and 18A-B illustrate via schematic
cross sectional views alternate embodiments for establishing a seal
between spool element and the firing tube manifold.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism
according to an alternate embodiment shown in the ready-to-fire
position.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the firing mechanism of
the paintball gun of FIG. 19 shown in a firing position.
[0038] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a projectile launcher according to an
alternative embodiment when in the ready-to-fire position.
[0039] FIG. 23 shows the projectile launcher of FIGS. 21 and 22 in
the firing position.
[0040] FIGS. 24-31 show the firing sequence of the projectile
launcher of FIG. 21 using a face seal on the spool valve.
[0041] FIG. 32 shows a projectile launcher according to an
alternative embodiment when in the ready-to-fire position.
[0042] FIG. 33 shows a projectile launcher of FIG. 32 in the firing
position.
[0043] FIG. 34 shows the projectile launcher of FIG. 24 in which
the volume adjustment mechanism is according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 35 shows a projectile launcher according to an
alternative embodiment when in the ready-to-fire position.
[0045] FIG. 36 shows the projectile launcher of FIG. 35 when in the
firing position.
[0046] FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of a prior art breech
chamber along with the view of a ball end mill tool as used in
manufacturing the breech chamber.
[0047] FIG. 38 is a three dimensional view of a cylinder
intersecting a sphere.
[0048] FIG. 39 is a three dimensional view of two cylinders
intersecting each other.
[0049] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a prior art
breech chamber with a paintball represented in phantom to show a
successful ball loading sequence.
[0050] FIG. 41 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic view of
the same prior art breech chamber showing a misaligned paintball
being loaded into the firing chamber in that the paintball is
offset from the base of the breech chamber cavity.
[0051] FIG. 41A is vertical cross-sectional view taken along the
plane 5A-5A in FIG. 41.
[0052] FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of the breech chamber
according to present invention and shows paintball being loaded
into the firing chamber with improved entry path to reduce
paintball breakage in case the paintball does not reach the bottom
surface of the breech cavity.
[0053] FIG. 42A illustrates a consistent vertical cross-sectional
view taken along the planes A-A, B-B and C--C in FIG. 42.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the breech chamber
according to the present invention and shows a paintball being
loaded into the firing chamber through the improved entry area to
reduce paintball spinning.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of the breech chamber
according to present invention and shows a paintball being loaded
into the firing chamber with improved entry path to reduce
paintball breakage.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the breech
chamber according to present invention shown in cross sectional
views.
[0057] FIG. 45A is vertical cross-sectional view taken along the
plane D-D in FIG. 45.
[0058] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out
herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such
exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many
different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings
disclose only preferred forms as examples of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so
described, however. The scope of the invention is identified in the
appended claims.
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a projectile launcher, generally referred to by
reference number 10, constructed according to an embodiment of the
present invention. While the subject invention is discussed herein
in the context of a paintball marker, it should be appreciated that
the projectile launcher 10 could be adapted to launch other types
of non-lethal projectiles, such as spark balls, Pepperballs.TM. or
other frangible projectiles filled with liquids, powders or other
substances. The principles of the invention could also be adapted
to devices for firing other types of non-lethal projectiles, such
as BBs, pellets, air-soft pellets, darts, etc.
[0061] In the embodiment shown, the projectile launcher 10 includes
a body 12 with a grip portion 14. As shown, the grip portion 14 is
coupled to the body 12 with screws 20a and 20b. It should be
appreciated that other fastening devices, such as pins, clips,
latches, etc., could be used to couple the grip portion 14 with the
body 12. In some cases, the grip portion 14 and body 12 could be
formed as a single, unitary member. A pivotally mounted trigger 16
is disposed within a trigger guard 18. The user would pull the
trigger 16 to activate firing of the projectile launcher 10. A
barrel 22 extends from the body 12. As shown, the barrel is secured
to the body 12 with threads, but could be secured using an
interference fit, frictional fit, or other connection. The barrel
22 includes a bore through which a projectile 24, such as a
paintball, is propelled during firing.
[0062] In this embodiment, a pneumatic assembly is disposed inside
a bore 26 defined in the body 12. As shown, the pneumatic assembly
comprises a bolt assembly 28, a firing mechanism with a gas storage
chamber 30, a pneumatic assembly having a spool valve 32 with a
piston 34, and several sealing members to control gas communication
inside the pneumatic assembly. The pneumatic assembly is activated
by a flow valve secured within the body 12 and is equipped with
control valve 36 with valve stem 37 and seal members 38 and 40
spaced apart from each other.
[0063] In this example, the projectile 24 enters a breech chamber
42 from a projectile inlet 44. In other examples, the projectile
launcher 10 may include an integral magazine for feeding
projectiles into the breech chamber 44. The bolt assembly 28 is
received into the front portion of the bore 26 and cooperates with
a firing tube 46 and the barrel 22. A biasing member 48 is disposed
in the bore 26 between a seat member 50 and a dog portion 52 of a
bolt 54. In this embodiment, the biasing member 48 urges the bolt
54 to a ready-to-fire position. As shown, the bolt 54 is
cylindrical in shape and is slidably mounted circumjacent to a
portion of the firing tube 46.
[0064] In this illustrative embodiment, the gas storage chamber 30
is defined by a bore 56 in a sleeve member 58, a portion of the
firing tube 46, a manifold 60, and the spool valve 32. The firing
tube 46 and manifold 60 are adapted for placement within the bore
56 and threadedly engaging into the sleeve member 58. O-rings 62
and 64 (or other types of seals) prevent gas from escaping to the
atmosphere.
[0065] The spool valve 32 is slidably mounted within the gas
storage chamber 30 and manifold 60 and is capable of movement
between a forward position and rearward position, where these
positions correspond to a ready-to-fire and firing position,
respectively. The valve pin 36 is operatively coupled with a lever
66, a connecting link rod 68 and the trigger 16. An end cap 70,
which screws into the manifold 60 in this embodiment, serves as a
stop to limit rearward movement of the spool valve 32. As shown, an
O-ring 72 placed on the end cap 70 prevents compressed gas from
escaping to the atmosphere.
[0066] In the embodiment shown, compressed gas enters the
projectile launcher 10 from a gas source (not shown) at a
preselected pressure through an entry port P. Although the entry
port P is on top of the manifold 60 in the embodiment shown, it
could be on the bottom or on a side (or other desired location).
The gas storage chamber 30 is filled with compressed gas through a
passageway 74 with communication of a circumferential recess 76 and
a bore 78. The circumferential recess 76 permits gas flow to fill
the gas storage chamber 30 in the ready-to-fire position, because
the seal member 80 is unsealed from spool valve portion 82. In the
embodiment shown, the seal member 84 prevents gas from discharging
to internal bore 86 of firing tube 46 by sliding forward end 88 of
the spool valve 32 into seal member 84 placed inside a valve body
(firing tube) 46. As discussed below with respect to FIGS. 16A-18B,
several embodiments are contemplated in which the gas storage
chamber 30 could be sealed in the ready-to-fire position.
[0067] At the same time, a sub chamber 90 is filled with compressed
gas through the bore 78 and a passageway 74, where the passageway
74 is formed by a canal 92. O-ring 40 with cooperation from the
valve pin 36 prevents gas from escaping to the atmosphere. The
force from compressed gas generated on the face surface of the
valve pin 36 biases the valve pin 36 down towards the grip portion
14 creating the passageway 74. This also resets the trigger 16 to
the ready-to-fire position through mechanical linkage of the lever
66 and link rod 68. Other arrangements can be provided where a
valve pin 36 is directly activated by a portion of the trigger 16,
as discussed below. The piston 34 may be integrated into or linked
with the spool valve 32. One side of the piston 34 has a surface
area A1, which receives continuous supply of compressed gas from
the gas source. The other side has a surface area A2 partially
defining sub chamber 90 and receives selective supply of compressed
gas. As shown, the sub chamber 90 is also defined by a cylindrical
section 96 formed inside the manifold 60 and a wall 98 of the end
cap 70. A seal member 100 prevents gas communication between the
two piston sides.
[0068] When the trigger 16 is pulled, the valve pin 36 will move
due to the mechanical linkage of the link rod 68 and lever 66 to
the position shown in FIG. 4.
[0069] This results in closing access of the compressed gas from
the port P to sub chamber 90 with seal member 38 and then venting
compressed gas from sub chamber 90 to the atmosphere. An absence of
compressed gas in the sub chamber 90 will result in a loss of force
on the piston 34 at the surface area A2. The remaining opposing
force coming from the compressed gas pressure being applied at the
surface area A1 will bias the spool valve 32 to the firing position
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows the spool valve 32 in the middle of a firing
cycle, where fluid communication between the compressed gas source
and the gas storage chamber 30 is prevented by the seal member 80
and cooperation of the spool valve portion 82. Access to the firing
tube's 46 internal bore 86 of is still closed at this stage with
the seal member 84 and forward end 88. Accordingly, a quantity of
compressed gas is still held within the gas storage chamber 30.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, further movement of the spool valve
32 will result in creating an opening for the compressed gas to
enter the internal bore 86 of the firing tube 46 by withdrawing the
forward end 88 from the seal member 84 as illustrated by discharge
passageway 102. Compressed gas is then supplied to a bolt piston
104 resulting in the force to carry the bolt 54 forward by
overcoming the force from the biasing member 48. At the same time,
the face surface 106 of the spool valve 32 is exposed to the
pressurized gas inside the gas storage chamber 30 resulting in the
additional force which will help to keep the spool valve 32 in an
open position until the firing cycle is finished to prevent double
firing, even when gas venting from the sub chamber 90 is stopped
during the firing cycle. When gas venting from the sub chamber 90
is stopped during the firing cycle, the additional force exerted
from the face surface 106 compresses remaining gas inside sub
chamber 90 to create enough opening to execute the firing
cycle.
[0072] During firing, the force acting on the face surface 106 in
the rearward direction increases as spool valve 32 is withdrawn
from the firing tube 46 because the face of the spool valve 32
presents additional surface area. The resulting rearward travel of
the spool valve 32 is relatively faster because the pressure in sub
chamber 90 has been reduced. Accordingly, movement of the spool
valve 32 is affected by reducing pressure in the sub chamber 90 in
this embodiment. This results in a pneumatic tripping mechanism
without additional parts, such as complicated mechanical tripping
mechanisms, or expensive electronic devices. Also, this embodiment
does not require manual recocking. Another advantage is the fact
that the bolt 54 does not take part (participate) in any of the
direct sealing means such as o-rings or other nonmetallic
materials. When the bolt 54 does not execute a full loading cycle
(hits the projectile during loading operation, not shown), it will
reset itself quickly to the ready-to-fire position.
[0073] As the bolt 54 moves forward when the projectile 24 is first
loaded into a firing position, the bolt ports 108 slide past an
outer cylinder 110 of the firing tube 46 allowing compressed gas
communications between the internal bore 86 of firing tube 46 and
the barrel 22 through a passageway 102 to fire a projectile. The
passageway 102 is used to provide gas communication to load the
projectile 24 into the barrel 22 and fire the projectile 24. After
compressed gas is vented from the gas storage chamber 30 to fire
the projectile 24, the biasing member 48 will then return bolt 54
to the ready-to-fire position since force on the bolt piston 104 is
not present.
[0074] When the trigger 16 (not shown) is released, the valve pin
36 will retract to the ready-to-fire position. This movement closes
the passageway 112 with o-ring 94 and provides communication
between sub chamber 90 and inlet port P through passageway 74 as
seen in FIG. 1. The compressed gas present in sub chamber 90 will
apply pressure on the surface area A2 of the piston 34 resulting in
a force which will move spool valve 32 to the ready-to-fire
position as shown in FIG. 1 by overcoming the force generated from
applying pressure on the surface area A1, which is smaller than
surface area A2.
[0075] Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a bolt 114
is presented in the ready-to-fire position. As shown, a bolt piston
116 is extended into an annular firing tube 118 using a round shaft
120. FIG. 6 shows the marker of FIG. 5 in the firing position,
where the piston 116 moves beyond the distal end of the firing tube
46, creating a passageway 134 through which compressed gas can flow
to propel the projectile 24 out of the barrel 22. Loading the
projectile 24 into the barrel 22 and then propelling the projectile
24 is done by gas delivery passageway 134 and powered by compressed
gas from gas storage chamber 30.
[0076] FIG. 5A shows an alternate way of retracting a bolt 122
using a continuous supply of compressed gas, which enters a
cylinder 124 through a passageway 126. O-rings 128 and 130 serve as
seals for the piston-cylinder combination. The surface area of the
piston 116 is larger than the opposing surface area 132 resulting
in forward movement of the bolt 122 to first load the projectile 24
into the barrel 22 and then fire the projectile 24 as shown in FIG.
6. After the projectile 24 is fired, the absence of the compressed
gas on the surface area of the piston 116 will result in returning
the bolt 122 to the ready-to-fire position by the force exerted on
surface area 132.
[0077] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the
pneumatic assembly. In this embodiment, a spring 136 is utilized to
urge a spool valve 138 to a forward position, which corresponds to
the ready-to-fire position. As shown, the spring 136 is disposed
between an end cap 140 and a rear portion of the spool valve 138.
FIG. 7 shows the firing mechanism in the ready-to-fire position
with the spring 136 applying force on the spool valve 138, which
results in gas communication between a gas port P and a gas storage
chamber 142 through a passageway 144. Seal members 146 and 148 seal
the gas storage chamber 142. An area C in front of a piston 150 is
vented to the atmosphere.
[0078] When the trigger 16 (not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) is pulled,
gas communication is provided between a flow valve (not shown) and
the area C of the piston 150 through a passageway 152 as shown in
FIG. 8. By providing compressed gas to area C, the force exerted on
the surface area B will force the spool valve 138 to a rearward
position by overcoming the biasing force of the spring 136. The
compressed gas disposed in the gas storage chamber 142 is then
released into a firing tube 154 through a passageway 156, similar
to the previous embodiment. A face surface 158 of the end cap 140
and a face surface 160 of a manifold 162 serve as a stop-bumper to
limit movement of the spool valve 138 in the forward and rearward
positions, which correspond to the ready-to-fire position and
firing position, respectively. O-ring 164 seals the piston 150 with
a cylinder 166. When the trigger 16 is released, compressed gas
from area C is vented to the atmosphere, thereby moving the spool
valve 138 by the force of the spring 136 back to the ready-to-fire
position as seen in FIG. 7.
[0079] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the projectile launcher
10 is electronically controlled. In this embodiment, an electronic
circuit board 168 can be mounted in the grip portion 14 and
includes a processor or any other logic device 170, a source of
electric power 172, and a trigger switch or sensor 174. In some
cases, the sensor 174 could include a mechanical portion, such as a
plunger, that comes into contact with a portion of the trigger 16
such that movement of the trigger 16 will cause movement of the
mechanical portion to actuate the sensor 174. Embodiments are also
contemplated in which the sensor 174 could detect the position of
the trigger 16 without any direct contact. For example, the trigger
16 may include one or more magnets and the sensor 174 could be a
Hall-effect sensor that could detect the position of the
magnets.
[0080] An electropneumatic valve 176 may be provided to activate
firing operations of the projectile launcher 10 and is connected
with the circuit board 168. In such embodiments, the circuit board
168 could be configured to transmit one or more electrical pulses
to operate the electropneumatic valve 176. As shown, seal members
178 and 180 provide a sealed connection with bore 78 and passageway
74 and electropneumatic valve 176.
[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bolt
assembly 182 disposed inside the body 12. In this example, a bolt
184 is shown in the ready-to-fire position due to urging of the
biasing member 156. An end cap 186 threadedly engages the bolt 184
to provide a resting surface for the biasing member 156. A spool
valve 188 is shown in the ready-to-fire position where flow of
compressed gas to an internal passageway 190 of the bolt 184 is
prevented by a seal member 192. A gas storage chamber 194 is
located in the lower portion of the body 12.
[0082] FIG. 11 shows the spool valve 188 in an open position
(firing position) enabling compressed gas flow through the internal
passageway 190 of the bolt 184 by unsealing the seal member 192.
The compressed gas in the gas storage chamber 194 flows through the
bores 196, 198. This causes cross bore 200 disposed in the bolt 184
to align with a circumferential recess 202 formed inside the body
12. This allows compressed gas to enter the internal passageway 190
and propels the projectile 24 out of the barrel 22. A passageway
204 provides visual illustration of the compressed gas path from
the gas storage chamber 194 to a launching chamber 206.
[0083] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a marker 204 according to an
alternative embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the marker 204 in the
ready-to-fire position, while FIG. 13 shows the marker 204 in a
firing position. The marker 204 includes a gas inlet port 206
through which compressed gas enters the marker 204 from a
compressed gas source (not shown). Although the gas inlet port 206
is shown on a bottom portion of the example marker 204, it should
be appreciated that the gas inlet port 206 could be disposed in
other positions of the marker 204.
[0084] In FIG. 12 (the ready-to-fire position), the gas inlet port
206 is in fluid communication with a gas storage chamber 208 to
fill the gas storage chamber 208 with a predetermined volume of
compressed gas. In the embodiment shown, an entry passageway 210
extends along a longitudinal axis of the marker 204 to a pneumatic
assembly. As shown in FIG. 12, the compressed gas enters the
pneumatic assembly through an entry port 212 and flows through a
passageway 214 to the gas storage chamber 208.
[0085] A spool valve 216 is disposed in the pneumatic assembly in
the embodiment shown. As shown, the spool valve 216 includes a
sealed end 218 with a face seal 219 that prevents flow into an
internal bore of a firing tube 220 when in the ready-to-fire
position. In the embodiment shown, the sealed end does not extend
into the firing tube 220. FIGS. 16A-18B show several embodiments in
which the sealed end 218 could be implemented, as discussed below.
An opposing end of the spool valve 216 includes a recessed portion
222 in which a biasing member 224 urges the spool valve 216 toward
the ready-to-fire position in which the sealed end 218 prevents
flow from the gas storage chamber 208 to the firing tube 220. This
end of the spool valve 216 includes a seal 226, such as in o-ring,
to prevent flow from the entry port 212 to a control passageway
228.
[0086] When in the firing position (FIG. 13), the control
passageway 228 is used to direct compressed gas toward a flange 230
of the spool valve 216. The force of compressed gas on the flange
230 overcomes the biasing member 224 to move the spool valve 216 to
the firing position, in which the gas storage chamber 208 is in
fluid communication with the firing tube 220.
[0087] A control valve 232 selectively controls the flow of
compressed gas into the control passageway 228, depending on the
position of a trigger 234. In the embodiment shown, the control
valve 232 includes a reduced dimension portion 236 between a first
valve portion 238 and a second valve portion 240. The first valve
portion 238 selectively allows/prevents flow from the entry
passageway 210 to the control passageway 228. The second valve
portion 240 selectively allows/prevents flow between the control
passageway 228 and the atmosphere.
[0088] In the ready-to-fire position (FIG. 12), the first valve
portion 238 blocks flow between the entry passageway 210 and the
control passageway 228, while the second valve portion 240 allows
the control passageway 228 to vent to the atmosphere. Accordingly,
compressed gas does not act on the flange 230 of the spool valve
216.
[0089] In the firing position (FIG. 13), the control valve 232
moves (upward in the embodiment shown) so that the first valve
portion 238 allows flow between the entry passageway 210 and the
control passageway 228, and the second valve portion 240 prevents
flow from the control passageway 228 and the atmosphere. This
allows compressed gas to flow into the control passageway 228 and
act on the flange 230, which overcomes the force of the biasing
member 224, thereby moving the spool valve 216 to the firing
position. In the embodiment shown, the trigger 234 includes a lever
portion 242 that moves the control valve 232 from the ready-to-fire
position to the firing position.
[0090] In the embodiment shown, a wall 244 of the gas storage
chamber 208 is movable to adjust the volume of the gas storage
chamber 208. As shown, an end cap 246 is coupled with the movable
wall 244 so that movement of the end cap 246 allows movement of the
wall 244. This allows the user to adjust the velocity at which the
projectile 24 is propelled out of the barrel 22 by controlling the
amount of compressed gas in the gas storage chamber 208. In some
cases, for example, a paintball field or competition may limit the
maximum speed at which the projectile is allowed to travel. This
feature will allow the user to adjust the maximum velocity to take
into account the particular conditions, such as temperature,
humidity, etc. Additionally, the wall 244 allows the pressure at
which the marker 204 operates to be adjusted. Typically, the marker
204 will include a pressure regulator (such as regulator 317
discussed below), which can be used to adjust the pressure at which
the compressed gas enters the marker 204. To reduce breakage of
weak projectiles, for example, the regulator could be adjusted to a
low pressure in conjunction with moving the wall 244 to provide a
larger volume within the gas storage chamber 208. In other
situations, the marker 204 could be adjusted to more efficiently
use compressed gas by increasing the pressure using the regulator
while reducing the volume of the gas storage chamber 208 using the
wall 244.
[0091] The operation of the marker 204 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13
will now be discussed. In the ready-to-fire position (FIG. 12), the
biasing member 224 urges the spool valve 216 to a closed position
in which the sealed end 218 prevents flow between the gas storage
chamber 208 and the firing tube 220. The first valve portion 238 of
the control valve 232 blocks flow between the entry passageway 210
into the control passageway 228. The compressed gas flows from a
compressed gas source, through the entry passageway 210, through
the pneumatic assembly (via the entry port 212 and passageway 214)
and into the gas storage chamber 208. Accordingly, a predetermined
volume of compressed gas fills the gas storage chamber 208. The
movable wall 244 in the gas storage chamber 208 can be used to
adjust the volume of compressed gas, which adjusts the projectile
velocity upon firing.
[0092] When a user pulls the trigger 234, the lever portion 242
moves the control valve 232 (upward in the example shown) to a
firing position. In this position, the first valve portion 238 of
the control valve 232 allows flow of compressed gas into the
control passageway 228, but the second valve portion 240 prevents
venting of the control passageway 228 to the atmosphere. The
compressed gas flowing into the control passageway 228 provides a
force on the flange 230 of the spool valve 216. This compressed gas
force overcomes the force of biasing member 224 and will,
therefore, open the spool valve 216 (by shifting rearward in this
example). When the spool valve 216 opens, the compressed gas in the
gas storage chamber 208 will vent through the passageway 214 into
the firing tube 220. Compressed gas is then supplied to a bolt
piston 248, which moves the bolt 250 forward by overcoming the
force of biasing member 252. This moves the projectile 24 to a
launching position (in the barrel 22 as shown) and the compressed
gas is discharged through bolt ports 254, which propels the
projectile 24 out of the marker 204. Also, spool valve 248 stops
more air from entering the gas storage chamber 208 when in the
firing position.
[0093] When the compressed gas has vented from the gas storage
chamber 208, the reduced pressure will allow the biasing member 252
to urge the bolt 250 rearward to a ready-to-fire position. The
force of compressed gas acting on the other places of control valve
232 will move the control valve 232 to a ready-to-fire position
when the user releases the trigger 234. This movement of the
control valve 232 blocks the compressed gas from entering the
control passageway 228 (via the first valve portion 238) and vents
the compressed gas in the control passageway 228 to the atmosphere.
Since compressed gas no longer acts on the flange 230, the biasing
member 224 urges the spool valve 216 back to a closed (i.e.,
ready-to-fire) position. When the spool valve 216 is in the
ready-to-fire position, the gas storage chamber 208 is filled with
compressed gas for the next shot.
[0094] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a portion of a marker 256 according to
an alternative embodiment. FIG. 14 shows the marker 256 in the
ready-to-fire position, while FIG. 15 shows the marker in a firing
position. The marker 256 includes a gas inlet port 258 through
which compressed gas enters the marker 256 from a compressed gas
source, such as a carbon dioxide canister. Although the gas inlet
port 258 is shown on a bottom portion of the example marker shown,
it should be appreciated that the gas inlet port 258 could be
disposed on other locations of the marker 256.
[0095] The gas inlet port 258 is in fluid communication with a gas
storage chamber 260 to fill the gas storage chamber 260 with a
predetermined volume of compressed gas. In the embodiment shown, an
entry passageway 262 extends along a longitudinal axis of the
marker 256 to a firing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 14, the
compressed gas enters the firing mechanism through an entry port
264 and flows through a passageway 266 to the gas storage chamber
260.
[0096] A spool valve 268 is disposed within the marker 256. As
shown, the spool valve 268 includes a sealed end 270 that prevents
flow between the gas storage chamber 260 and a firing tube 272,
when in the ready-to-fire position. In the example shown, the
sealed end 270 includes a face seal 271 that blocks flow between
the gas storage chamber 260 and the firing tube 272 when in the
ready-to-fire position. The opposing end of the spool valve 268
includes a recessed portion 274 in which a biasing member 276 urges
the spool valve 268 toward the ready-to-fire position. In the
example shown, the biasing member 276 is disposed between the spool
valve 268 and in an end cap 278. The end cap 278 limits rearward
movement of the spool valve 268 during the firing position. The
spool valve 268 includes a reduced dimension area 280 that allows
fluid communication between the entry port 264 and the passageway
266 in the ready-to-fire position. A valve portion is provided with
a seal 283 to prevent flow to the gas storage chamber 260 from the
entry port 264, when the marker 256 is in the firing position. The
spool valve 268 includes a flange 284 with a seal 285 that is
proximate to a control passageway 286.
[0097] When in the firing position (FIG. 15), the control
passageway 286 is used to direct compressed gas toward the flange
284. The compressed gas force acting on the flange 284 overcomes
the biasing member 276, which moves the spool valve 268 (rearward
in the embodiment shown) to the firing position.
[0098] A control valve 288 selectively controls the flow of
compressed gas into the control passageway 286, depending on the
position of trigger (not shown). As discussed with previous
embodiments, the trigger may include a lever portion that moves the
control valve 288 from the ready-to-fire to the firing position. In
the embodiment shown, the control valve 288 includes a reduced
dimension portion 292 disposed between a first valve portion 294
and a second valve portion 296. The first valve portion 294
selectively allows/prevents flow from the entry passageway 262 to
the control passageway 286. The second valve portion 296
selectively allows/prevents flow between the control passageway 286
and the atmosphere.
[0099] In the ready-to-fire position (FIG. 14), the first valve
portion 294 blocks flow between the entry passageway 262 and the
control passageway 286, while the second valve portion allows the
control passageway 286 to vent to the atmosphere. Accordingly, no
compressed gas acts on the flange 284 of the spool valve 268.
[0100] In the firing position, the control valve 288 moves (upward
in the embodiment shown) so the first valve portion 294 allows flow
between the entry passageway 262 and the control passageway 286 and
the second valve portion 296 prevents flow from the control
passageway 286 to the atmosphere. This allows compressed gas to
flow into the control passageway 286 and act on the flange 284,
which overcomes the force of biasing member 276 and moves the spool
valve 268 to the firing position.
[0101] The operation of the marker 256 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15
will now be discussed. In the ready-to-fire position (FIG. 14), the
biasing member 276 urges the spool valve 268 to a closed position
in which the sealed end 270 prevents flow between the gas storage
chamber 260 and the firing tube 272. The first valve portion 294 of
the control valve 288 blocks flow between the entry passageway 262
and the control passageway 286. The compressed gas flows from a
compressed gas source, through the entry passageway 262, through
the entry port 264, passageway 266, and into the gas storage
chamber 260. Accordingly, a predetermined volume of compressed gas
fills the gas storage chamber 260.
[0102] When a user pulls the trigger, the control valve 288 moves
to the firing position due to movement of trigger. In this
position, the first valve portion 294 allows flow of compressed gas
into the control passageway 286, but the second valve portion 296
prevents venting of the control passageway 286 to the atmosphere.
The compressed gas flowing into the control passageway 286 provides
a force on the flange 284 of the spool valve 268. This force will
overcome the biasing member 276 and will, therefore, open the spool
valve 268 (by shifting it rearward against the end cap 278 in this
example).
[0103] With the spool valve 268 open, the valve portion 282
prevents flow from the entry passageway 262 to the gas storage
chamber 260. The compressed gas in the gas storage chamber 260
vents into the firing tube 272. This compressed gas is supplied to
a bolt piston 298, which moves a bolt 300 forward by overcoming the
force of biasing member 302. This movement moves the projectile 24
to a launching position (in the barrel 22 as shown) and the
compressed gas is discharged through the bolt ports 304. This
propels the projectile 24 out of the barrel 22.
[0104] When the compressed gas has vented from the gas storage
chamber 260, the reduced pressure will allow the biasing member 302
to urge the bolt 300 rearward to the ready-to-fire position. The
force of compressed gas acting on the control valve 288 to a
ready-to-fire position when the user releases the trigger. This
movement of the control valve 288 blocks compressed gas from
further entering the control passageway 286 and vents the remaining
compressed gas in the control passageway 286 to the atmosphere.
Since compressed gas no longer acts on the flange 284, this allows
the biasing member 276 to urge the spool valve 268 back to a closed
position. When the spool valve 268 is in this position, the gas
storage chamber 260 is filled with compressed gas for the next
shot.
[0105] FIGS. 16A-18B show example embodiments in which venting of
compressed gas within the gas storage chamber 260 may be
controlled. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the
sealed end 270 of the spool valve 268 includes an O-ring 271a
surrounding the sealed end 270 of the spool valve 268. In FIG. 16B,
the ready-to-fire position, the O-ring 271a prevents venting of the
gas storage chamber 260 into the firing tube 272. In FIG. 16A, the
spool valve 268 is open which vents compressed gas into the firing
tube 272. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is similar to
that shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, except that the O-ring 271b is
disposed on an end the firing tube 272. FIGS. 18A and 18B show an
embodiment in which the sealed end 270 includes a face seal 271c
that is attached to the spool valve using a fastener 273, such as a
screw. In this embodiment, the face seal 271c prevents fluid
communication between the gas storage chamber 260 and the firing
tube 272 when in the ready-to-fire position (FIG. 18B) and allows
venting of the gas storage chamber 260 to the firing tube 272 when
in the firing position (FIG. 18A).
[0106] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a marker 306 according to an
alternative embodiment. FIG. 19 shows the marker 306 in the
ready-to-fire position, while FIG. 20 shows the marker 306 in a
firing position. This embodiment is similar to the marker 204 shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, but a passageway 308 extends from the entry
passageway 210 to the control valve 232. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 19 and 20, the control valve 232 may selectively block flow
between the passageway 308 and the control passageway 228. Also,
the positioning of the control valve 232 blocks venting of the
control passageway 228 to the atmosphere. During operation, the
first valve portion 238 of the control valve prevents flow between
the passageway 308 and the control passageway 228 in the
ready-to-fire position and allows venting to the atmosphere. In
this embodiment, a venting passageway is disposed between the grip
14 and the body 12. In the firing position (FIG. 20), the reduced
dimension portion 236 of the control valve 232 allows fluid
communication between the passageway 308 and the control passageway
228 and prevents venting to the atmosphere.
[0107] FIGS. 21-23 show a marker 310 according to an alternative
embodiment. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the marker 310 in a ready-to-fire
position, while FIG. 23 shows the marker 310 in a firing position.
In the embodiment shown, the marker 310 includes a gas source port
312 that would be in fluid communication with a gas source (not
shown). As shown, the gas source port 312 includes internal threads
314 that could be used to mate with external threads on a
compressed gas canister. It should be appreciated that other
arrangements could be provided to interface a compressed gas source
with the gas source port 312. In the embodiment shown, the gas
source port 312 is in fluid communication with a conduit 316, which
supplies the compressed gas to a regulator 317, which supplies the
compressed gas to a gas inlet port 318 at a desired pressure.
[0108] In the embodiment shown, projectiles are supplied through a
projectile inlet 44 via gravity force to the breech chamber 42 of
the marker 310. It should be appreciated that projectiles 24 could
be supplied using a force-fed feeder, such as an agitating feeder
or impeller-fed feeder. As shown, the breech chamber 42 includes a
spring-loaded ball detent 319 that prevents forward movement of the
projectile 24 into the barrel 22 prior to firing. The biasing force
of the ball detent 319 is sufficiently weak to be easily overcome
when the marker 310 is fired.
[0109] The gas inlet port 318 is in fluid communication with a gas
storage chamber 320 to fill the gas storage chamber 320 with a
predetermined volume of compressed gas. In the embodiment shown, an
entry passageway 322 extends along a longitudinal axis of the
marker 310 to a pneumatic assembly. The compressed gas enters the
pneumatic assembly through an entry port 324 and flows through a
passageway 326 to the gas storage chamber 320.
[0110] A spool valve 328 is disposed within the firing mechanism in
the embodiment shown. As shown, this spool valve 328 includes a
forward end 330 that extends into a firing tube 332. A seal 334
prevents flow from the gas storage chamber 320 into the firing tube
332. As discussed above, FIGS. 16a-18b show several embodiments in
which the forward end 330 could be implemented with a seal that
prevents flow into the firing tube 332. FIGS. 24-31 show an
embodiment in which a face seal 335 prevents flow from the gas
storage chamber 320 into the firing tube 332, as discussed below.
The opposing end of the spool valve 328 includes a recessed portion
336 in which a biasing member 338 is disposed. In this embodiment,
the biasing member 338 urges the spool valve 328 toward the
ready-to-fire position in which the forward end 330 and seal 334
prevent flow from the gas storage chamber 320 into the firing tube
332. This end of the spool valve 328 includes a seal 340 such as a
O-ring, to prevent flow from the entry port 324 to a control
passageway 342.
[0111] When in the firing position (FIG. 23), the control
passageway 342 is used to direct compressed gas toward a flange 344
of the spool valve 328. The force of the compressed gas on the
flange 344 overcomes the biasing member 338 to move the spool valve
328 to the firing position (rearward in the embodiment shown), in
which the gas storage chamber 320 is in fluid communication with
the firing tube 332.
[0112] In FIG. 22, control valve 346 selectively controls the flow
of the compressed gas into the control passageway 342, depending on
the position of the trigger. In the embodiment shown, the control
valve 346 includes a reduced dimensioned portion 348 disposed
between a first valve portion 350 and a second valve portion 352.
The first valve portion 350 selectively allows/prevents flow from
the entry passageway 322 to the control passageway 342. The second
valve portion 352 selectively allows/prevents flow between the
control passageway 342 and the atmosphere. In the ready-to-fire
position (FIGS. 21 and 22), the first valve portion 350 blocks flow
between the entry passageway 322 and the control passageway 342,
while the second valve portion 352 allows the control passageway
342 to vent to the atmosphere. Accordingly, no compressed gas acts
on the flange 344 of the spool valve 328. In the firing position,
the control valve 346 moves (upward in the embodiment shown) so the
first valve portion 350 allows flow between the entry passageway
322 and the control passageway 342 and the second valve portion 352
prevents flow from the control passageway 342 and the atmosphere.
This allows compressed gas to flow into the control passageway 342
and act on the flange 344, which overcomes the force of biasing
member 338, thereby moving the spool valve 328 to the firing
position. In the embodiment shown, the trigger includes a lever
portion 354 that moves the control valve portion 346 from the
ready-to-fire position to the firing position.
[0113] In the embodiment shown, a wall 356 of the gas storage
chamber is movable to adjust the volume of the gas storage chamber
320. As shown, an end cap 358 is coupled with the wall 356 so that
movement of the end cap 358 allows movement of the wall 356. This
allows the user to adjust the speed at which the projectile is
propelled out of the barrel by controlling the volume of compressed
gas in the gas storage chamber 320. In some cases, for example, a
paintball field or other competition may limit the maximum speed at
which the projectile is allowed to travel. This feature would allow
the user to adjust the maximum speed to take into account the
particular conditions, such as temperature, humidity, etc.
[0114] An alternative embodiment of projectile velocity adjustment
is shown in FIG. 34. In this embodiment, an adjustment mechanism
357 with external threads 358 extends into the gas storage chamber
320. A movable wall 359 includes internal threads that mate with
the external threads 358 of the adjustment mechanism 357.
Accordingly, rotation of the adjustment mechanism 357, such as
using a hex wrench in a recess 361, will linearly move the movable
wall 359. This linear movement of the wall 359 adjusts the volume
of the gas storage chamber 320, thereby adjusting the projectile
velocity.
[0115] The operation of the marker 310 shown in FIGS. 21-23 will
now be discussed. In the ready-to-fire position (FIGS. 21-22), the
biasing member 338 urges the spool valve 328 to a closed position
in which the forward end 330 and a seal 334 prevent flow between
the gas storage chamber 320 and the firing tube 332. The first
valve portion 350 of the control valve 346 blocks flow between the
entry passageway 322 and the control passageway 342. The compressed
gas flows from a compressed gas source (not shown), through the
conduit 316, an adjustable gas regulator 317, gas inlet port 318,
entry passageway 322, and then through the passageway 326 to the
gas storage chamber 320. Accordingly, a predetermined volume of
compressed gas fills the gas storage chamber 320. The movable wall
356 and the gas storage chamber 320 can be used to adjust the
volume of compressed gas, which adjusts the projectile's velocity
upon firing.
[0116] When the user pulls the trigger 16, the lever portion 354 of
the trigger 16 moves the control valve 346 to a firing position. In
this position, the first valve portion 350 of the control valve 346
allows for the compressed gas into the control passageway 342, but
the second valve portion 352 prevents venting of the control
passageway 342 to the atmosphere. The compressed gas flowing into
the control passageway 342 provides a force on the flange 344 of
the spool valve 328. This force overcomes the force of biasing
member 338 and will therefore open the spool valve 328 (by shifting
the spool valve 328 rearward in this example). When the spool valve
328 opens, the compressed gas in the gas storage chamber 320 will
vent through the passageway 326 into the firing tube 332. The
compressed gas is then supplied to a bolt piston 360, which moves
the bolt 362 forward by overcoming the force of biasing member 364.
This moves the projectile to a launching position (in barrel as
shown in FIG. 23) and the compressed gas is discharged through the
bolt ports 366, which propels the projectile out of the marker
310.
[0117] When the compressed gas has vented from the gas storage
chamber 320, the reduced pressure will allow biasing member 364 to
move the bolt 362 rearward to the ready-to-fire position. The force
of compressed gas acting on the control valve 346 will move the
control valve 346 to the ready-to-fire position when the user
releases the trigger. This movement blocks compressed gas from
entering the control passageway 342 (due to the first valve portion
350) and vents the compressed gas remaining in the control
passageway 342 to the atmosphere. Since the compressed gas no
longer acts on the flange 344, this allows the biasing member 338
to urge the spool valve 328 back to a closed (i.e., ready-to-fire)
position. When the spool valve 328 is in this position, the gas
storage chamber 320 is filled with compressed gas for the next
shot.
[0118] The operation of the marker 310 shown in FIGS. 24-31 in
which a face seal 335 blocks flow between the gas storage chamber
320 and the firing tube 332 when in the ready-to-fire position will
now be discussed. FIG. 24 shows the marker 310 in the ready-to-fire
position, in which compressed gas flows into the gas storage
chamber 320 via the entry passageway 322, entry port 324, and
passageway 326. This fills the gas storage chamber 320 with a
predetermined volume of compressed gas.
[0119] FIG. 25 shows the marker 310 initially after the user has
pulled the trigger 16, which moves the control valve 346 to an open
position. In this position, the first valve portion 350 of the
control valve 346 allows compressed gas to flow from the entry
passageway 322 into the control passageway 342. This allows
compressed gas to act on the flange 344 of the spool valve 328. As
shown in FIG. 26, the compressed gas force on the flange 344
overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member 338 to move the
spool valve 328 rearward, which unseals the firing tube 332. This
allows the compressed gas in the gas storage chamber 320 to vent
into the firing tube 332.
[0120] FIG. 27 shows the spool valve 328 open with compressed gas
in the gas storage chamber 320 venting into the firing tube 332.
The compressed gas is then supplied to a bolt piston 360, which
moves the bolt 362 forward by overcoming the force of biasing
member 364. This moves the projectile to a launching position (in
barrel 22 as shown) and the compressed gas is discharged through
the bolt ports 366, which propels the projectile out of the marker
310, as shown in FIG. 28.
[0121] When the compressed gas has vented from the gas storage
chamber 320, the reduced pressure will allow biasing member 364 to
move the bolt 362 rearward to the ready-to-fire position, which
allows the next projectile to enter the breech chamber 46 as shown
in FIG. 29. The force of compressed gas acting on the control valve
portion 346 will move the control valve 346 to the ready-to-fire
position when the user releases the trigger, as shown in FIG. 30.
This movement blocks compressed gas from entering the control
passageway 342 (due to the first valve portion 350) and vents the
compressed gas remaining in the control passageway 342 to the
atmosphere. Since the compressed gas no longer acts on the flange
344, this allows the biasing member 338 to urge the spool valve 328
back to a closed (i.e., ready-to-fire) position, as shown in FIG.
31. When the spool valve 328 is in this position, the gas storage
chamber 320 is filled with compressed gas for the next shot.
[0122] FIGS. 32 and 33 show an alternative embodiment in which the
spool valve is urged closed (i.e., to the ready-to-fire position)
using compressed gas. FIG. 32 shows the marker 310 in the
ready-to-fire position while FIG. 33 shows the marker 310 in the
firing position. In this embodiment, the control valve 346 allows
flow into the control passageway 342 when in the ready-to-fire
position. The compressed gas acts on a surface 368 of the spool
valve 328, which overcomes a biasing force of a biasing member 370
to maintain the spool valve 328 in the closed position. When a user
pulls the trigger 16, the control valve 346 prevents flow from the
entry passageway 322 into the control passageway 342. Also, the
control valve 346 vents the compressed gas in the control
passageway 342 to the atmosphere. This relieves the surface 368 of
compressed gas force, which allows the biasing force of the biasing
member 370 to urge the spool valve 328 to an open position. This
vents the gas storage chamber 320, as discussed above.
[0123] FIGS. 35 and 36 show an alternative embodiment in which the
pneumatic assembly is electronically controlled. FIG. 35 shows the
marker 310 in the ready-to-fire position while FIG. 36 shows the
marker 310 in the firing position. In the embodiment shown, the
trigger 16 actuates a switch or sensor 372, which is electronically
connected with a controller circuit 374. Although the sensor 372 is
a contact switch in the embodiment shown, the sensor 372 could
detect movement of the trigger 16 in another manner. For example,
an embodiment is contemplated in which the sensor 372 is a
Hall-effect sensor that detects movement of magnets associated with
the trigger. Such an arrangement is described in co-pending
application Ser. No. 60/942,144, filed Jun. 5, 2008, which is
hereby incorporated by reference. A power source 373, such as a
battery, and a capacitor 375 (and/or other electronic components)
may be associated with the controller circuit 374 in some
embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the controller circuit 374
and other electronic components 373, 375 are disposed within the
grip 14; however, one or more of these components could be located
in other areas of the marker 310.
[0124] When the user pulls the trigger 16, the controller circuit
374 actuates a linear actuator 376 responsive to the sensor 372.
The linear actuator 376 includes a movable portion 378 that is
movable between a first position (FIG. 35) and a second position
(FIG. 36). For example, embodiments are contemplated in which the
linear actuator 376 could be a voice coil or like device. It should
be appreciated that other electronically-actuated linear actuators
may also be suitable.
[0125] A sear-like member or lever 380 pivots about a pin 382. This
lever 380 is somewhat analogous to a sear that initiates a firing
sequence in a projectile launcher, such as that described in U.S.
Published Patent Application 2006/0169268, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. As shown, the lever 380 includes a first
arm 384 adjacent the end of the moveable portion 378 of the linear
actuator 376 and a second arm 386 adjacent the control valve 346.
With this arrangement, movement of the moveable portion 378 from
the first position to the second position pivots the lever 380 to
actuate the control valve 346. This initiates the firing sequence
as described above.
[0126] FIGS. 37-45A discuss another embodiment in which a marker
includes a feature that reduces breakage and/or shearing of
projectiles during firing. This feature could be implemented with
the pneumatic assembly discussed above, or with other valve
arrangement for venting compressed gas to propel a projectile.
Moreover, this embodiment could be adapted for use with
combustion-power projectile launchers.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 37, a step in the manufacturing
process of a prior art breech chamber 388 is shown using ball end
mill 390 plunged into the breech chamber 388 to define through a
feed port 392. A breech chamber opening 394 and firing mechanism
opening 396 along with the feed port 392 are preferably cylindrical
in shape and defined by a breech chamber body 398. The ball end
mill 390 includes a cylindrical portion 400 and spherical portion
402 as shown.
[0128] FIG. 38 represents a three dimensional view of the sphere Si
intersecting a cylinder C1 creating an intersecting curve L1. Now
referring to FIG. 39, a similar effect is shown wherein cylinder C1
intersects with another cylinder C2, creating an intersecting curve
L2. The scenario presented in FIGS. 38 and 39 can be also applied
in FIG. 37 where breech chamber opening 394 and firing mechanism
opening 396 intersect with cylindrical portion 400 and spherical
portion 402 of the ball end mill 390 creating intersecting curves
(rays) as well.
[0129] FIG. 40 shows a sequence for a successful loading operation
of a paintball P in a prior art breech chamber where first, the
paintball drops by the force of gravity or being forced by the
feeder (not shown) through the feed port 392 to a breech chamber
cavity 404 until the paintball P reaches the bottom portion of the
breech chamber cavity B, which is cylindrical in shape. Next, a
bolt 406 is activated by a firing mechanism (not separately shown)
to load the paintball P into a firing chamber 408 by sliding
forward along the breech chamber opening 394 and the firing
mechanism opening 396, and than being propelled by compressed gas
delivered through a passageway 410. The intersection curves created
by manufacturing process described in FIG. 37 are shown and
represented by reference L3.
[0130] FIG. 41 is an elevation view of the prior art breech chamber
388 and shows a case of rapid firing wherein the firing cycle is
shorter than the paintball loading cycle into the breech chamber
cavity 404, which often results in loading paintball into the
firing chamber 408 before the paintball can reach the base (or
bottom) B of the breech chamber cavity 404. The length D1
represents the offset distance from the base surface of the breech
chamber cavity 404 to the nearest point of the paintball P.
[0131] FIG. 41A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the
paintball entry into the firing chamber 408 as described in
reference to FIG. 40. Since the intersecting curve L3 is elliptical
in shape with the width smaller than the paintball diameter in this
particular view, the paintball P overlaps the paintball entry
opening as seen with dotted curves 407 preventing paintball P from
entering to firing chamber 408. The force generated by the sliding
bolt 406 forces the paintball into the firing chamber 408 resulting
in paintball breakage.
[0132] FIGS. 42 and 42A are a simplified, horizontal
cross-sectional view showing the open-path entry of the paintball P
into the firing chamber 408 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 42A is a vertical cross-sectional view of
the desirable paintball path which can be defined in a form of the
radius comparison in a way that radius R2 of the elbow type
paintball path curve should be equal to or greater than radius R1
of the paintball P to provide for unobstructed paintball entry into
the firing chamber 408. This can be achieved by selecting a
different manufacturing process or by removing material defining
the intersecting curves created in a conventional manufacturing
process.
[0133] FIG. 43 illustrates another drawback in prior-art breech
chamber configuration where the diameter of the cylindrical breech
cavity 404 is substantially the same as the diameter of the barrel
opening 412. Paintballs are not perfectly spherical due to
variations cased by the manufacturing process. As shown in 43, an
egg shaped paintball P extends a distance D2 over the cylindrical
breech chamber opening 394 and when loaded into the firing chamber
408 first touches entry edge E which causes the paintball P to
start spinning. Once initiated, the spinning is further promoted
and the spinning rate increased when propellant fires the paintball
through the barrel. The consequence of a spinning paintball is a
curve trajectory. In case of paintball game curved or otherwise
variable trajectory is undesirable, since the object of the
paintball game is to mark the player, not to avoid him.
[0134] FIG. 44 shows an improved breech chamber according to an
embodiment of the present invention with recess R to provide
smoother paintball entry into the firing chamber in case the
paintball is oversized or out of round. Curve C in a form of a
regular chamfer or any other shape improves paintball P entry to
even higher degree. These improvements significantly reduce the
rate of paintball spinning and subsequently provide straighter
trajectory to hit the desired target.
[0135] FIGS. 45 and 45A represent an optional alternate to FIGS.
42-43. The breech chamber configuration shown in 45 and 45A
addresses the improvements described above in reference to both
FIGS. 42 and 44, but reflecting a concern for manufacturability. As
described earlier, a paintball drops from the hopper (not
separately shown) into the breech cavity 130 through the feed port
12. In the prior art breech chamber cavity is cylindrical in shape
as seen in FIG. 42A. In the example presented in FIGS. 45 and 45A,
a breech chamber 414 is substantially rectangular in cross-section
(i.e., shape) having walls W1 and W2 to prevent the paintball from
moving sideways and a bottom surface S for receiving paintball. A
rectangular breech chamber can be accomplished by simple
manufacturing process and is free from intersecting curves. A
circular recess R1 in the form of a chamfer or any other shape and
additional radius R2 helps even further for guided paintball entry
into the cylindrical firing chamber surface 396. In case the
paintball does not reach the surface S during rapid firing, the
paintball will slip into the firing chamber when pushed by the bolt
406, since there are no intersecting curves to obstruct entry as
shown in FIG. 42.
[0136] 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 spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *