U.S. patent application number 13/286029 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for paintball loader.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dye Precision, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bryon Benini, Eero Kaakkola, Gerald R. Parks.
Application Number | 20120103316 13/286029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42107638 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaakkola; Eero ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
PAINTBALL LOADER
Abstract
A paintball loader which feeds paintballs to a paintball marker
has a rotor body and a drive motor for rotating the rotor body. The
paintball loader can include a latch member for selectively
securing an upper shell member to a lower shell member. The
paintball loader can include a ramp member inside the upper and
lower shell members. The ramp member moves between a first or
flattened position and a second or raised position to facilitate
operation of the loader. The components of the loader are designed
so that assembly/disassembly is performed with few, if any, tools
to facilitate cleaning and/or maintenance.
Inventors: |
Kaakkola; Eero; (San Diego,
CA) ; Benini; Bryon; (San Marcos, CA) ; Parks;
Gerald R.; (Chula Vista, CA) |
Assignee: |
Dye Precision, Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
42107638 |
Appl. No.: |
13/286029 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12256434 |
Oct 22, 2008 |
8047190 |
|
|
13286029 |
|
|
|
|
61106973 |
Oct 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/51.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/53 20130101;
F41B 11/57 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/51.1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/02 20060101
F41B011/02 |
Claims
1.-34. (canceled)
35. A paintball loader for feeding one or more paintballs into a
paintball marker, the loader comprising: a housing having a first
body member and a second body member, the first body member being
supported by the second body member; a cover member disposed in the
housing; a rotor member disposed in the housing and having at least
one rotor fin configured to rotate about an axis; and a drive motor
disposed in the housing and below the cover member.
36. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the cover
member is releasably secured to the second body member.
37. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein a length
and a width of the cover member generally matches a length and a
width of the second body member.
38. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the cover
member is generally planar.
39. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the cover
has an outer perimeter that generally matches an inner perimeter of
the second body member.
40. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the first
body member is releasably secured to the second body member.
41. The paintball loader according to claim 35 further comprising a
rotor arm member having an opening and being configured to rotate
about substantially the same axis as the rotor member.
42. The paintball loader according to claim 41, wherein the drive
motor is configured to rotate both the rotor arm member and the
rotor member.
43. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the first
body member is releasably secured to the second body member with
fasteners, the fasteners being integral with the housing.
44. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the first
body member comprises an opening and a feed lid, the feed lid being
configured to move between an open position and a closed position,
the feed lid covering the opening when in the closed position.
45. The paintball loader according to claim 44, wherein the second
body member comprises an exit for the paintballs.
46. The paintball loader according to claim 45, wherein the exit is
aligned with the axis of rotation for the rotor member.
47. The paintball loader according to claim 45, wherein the cover
member separates the exit from the opening.
48. The paintball loader according to claim 35, wherein the cover
member includes an aperture, the aperture being disposed over the
rotor member.
49. The paintball loader according to claim 48, wherein a diameter
of the aperture is greater than a diameter of the rotor member.
50. A paintball loader for feeding one or more paintballs into a
paintball marker, the loader comprising: a housing having a first
body member and a second body member, the first body member
releasably coupling to the second body member at a joint; a rotor
member disposed in the housing and having at least one rotor fin
configured to rotate about an axis; a cover member disposed in the
housing and below the joint, the cover member having an aperture
disposed over the rotor member, the aperture being configured to
receive paintballs; and a drive motor disposed in the housing and
below the cover member.
51. The paintball loader according to claim 50 further comprising a
ramp member having a surface configured to contact the one or more
paintballs, the surface moving between a first position and a
second position.
52. A paintball loader for feeding one or more paintballs into a
paintball marker, the loader comprising: a first shell member
having an opening for receiving one or more paintballs; a second
shell member having an exit for the one or more paintballs;
interengaging structure on both of the first shell member and the
second shell member for releasably securing the first shell member
to the second shell member; a cover member disposed in the second
shell member and below the interengaging structure; a rotor member
disposed in the second shell member and having at least one rotor
fin configured to rotate about an axis; and a drive motor disposed
in the second shell member and below the cover member.
53. The paintball loader according to claim 52, wherein the
interengaging structure is disposed at least on opposite sides of
the loader.
54. The paintball loader according to claim 52, wherein the cover
member includes an aperture, the aperture being disposed over the
rotor member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/256,434, filed Oct. 22, 2008, which claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/106,973, filed Oct. 20, 2008, which are both hereby expressly
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a paintball loader, and
more specifically to a paintball loader which rapidly and forcibly
feeds paintballs to a paintball marker.
[0004] 2. Background of the Disclosure
[0005] This disclosure relates to loaders for pneumatic paintball
markers. Markers are typically used for target practice and in mock
war games. The markers can use a compressed gas, such as air or
nitrogen, to propel spherical projectiles called paintballs out of
the barrel of the device. Paintballs are typically comprised of a
colored liquid enclosed in a fragile gelatin casing. The paintballs
can be designed to rupture upon impact to mark the target.
[0006] Typically, conventional loaders include a housing which is
placed on an upper portion of the marker. The housing can be shaped
to hold a large amount of paintballs. An outlet tube is typically
located at the bottom of the housing through which the paintballs
drop either by the force of gravity or by the force of a paintball
feeding mechanism. The outlet tube can lead to the marker, where
the paintballs are propelled outwardly from the marker by
compressed air.
[0007] The main reason to provide a feeding mechanism is that the
feeding of paintballs only by force of gravity does not always work
satisfactorily. Firstly a high rate of fire, which is essential for
the player, can not be achieved merely by force of gravity.
Secondly the force of gravity only works when the marker is held in
an upright or close to upright position, and consequently there is
no feeding at all when the marker is tilted in certain angles since
the paintballs then do not fall into the outlet tube. This problem
can be avoided by providing a paintball loader mechanism which by
force inputs the paintballs into the outlet tube and into the
marker.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved
paintball loader for a pneumatic marker. An aspect of the
disclosure is directed to a paintball loader for feeding one or
more paintballs into a paintball marker. In some embodiments, the
loader can comprise a rotor member having at least one rotor fin
configured to rotate about an axis, a rotor arm member having an
opening and being configured to rotate about substantially the same
axis, and a drive motor configured to rotate the rotor member and
the rotor arm member.
[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a paintball
loader comprising a housing and a ramp member supported within the
housing and being configured to move from a first position to a
second position.
[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a paintball
loader for feeding one or more paintballs into a paintball marker,
the loader comprising a housing, at least a portion of the housing
having an opening through which the one or more paintballs are fed
to the paintball marker, a rotor member having a plurality of rotor
fins configured to rotate about an axis, a rotor arm member being
configured to rotate about substantially the same axis, at least a
portion of the rotor arm member being disposed above the opening
and below the rotor member, and a drive motor configured to rotate
the rotor member and the rotor arm member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present inventions will now be described in more detail
with reference to the following drawings, which show preferred
embodiments of the inventions and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a loader,
showing a lid member in an open position and the loader having
paintballs therein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, showing the lid member in an open position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a back view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, showing the lid member in an open position.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, showing the lid member in an open position.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the loader
shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded assembly view of the embodiment
of the loader shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, mounted on an embodiment of a marker, showing the lid
member in a closed position.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial exploded assembly view of another
embodiment of a loader having a rapid feed attachment supported
thereby.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the extension member illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the extension member illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the rapid feed valve member illustrated in FIG.
8.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rapid
feed valve member illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
rapid feed valve member.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the upper
shell member shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the upper
shell member shown in FIG. 1, showing the inside of the upper shell
member 110.
[0027] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
loader shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member has been
disengaged from the lower shell member, showing the flap member in
a first position relative to the base cover member.
[0028] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
loader shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member has been
disengaged from the lower shell member, showing the flap member in
a second position relative to the base cover member.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the top portion of an
embodiment of a ramp member of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of a ramp member shown in FIG. 17.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the top portion of an
embodiment of a base cover member of the embodiment of the loader
shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of a base cover member shown in FIG. 19.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member has been disengaged from
the lower shell member, showing the ramp member in the second
position and the base cover member in the first position relative
to the lower case member, and showing a plurality of paintballs
within the loader.
[0034] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
loader shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member has been
disassembled from the lower shell member, showing the ramp member
in the second position and the base cover member in a first
position relative to the lower case member.
[0035] FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
loader shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member has been
disassembled from the lower shell member, showing the ramp member
in the second position and the base cover member in a second
position relative to the lower case member.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a section view of the loader shown in FIG. 1,
after the upper shell member has been disassembled from the lower
shell member, showing the ramp member in the second position and
the base cover member in the first position relative to the lower
case member, taken through the line 23-23 shown in FIG. 21.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a section view of the loader shown in FIG. 1,
after the upper shell member has been disassembled from the lower
shell member, showing the ramp member in the second position and
the base cover member in the first position relative to the lower
case member, taken through the line 24-24 shown in FIG. 21.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch
member of the embodiment of the loader illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment of the latch member
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment of the loader shown
in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member and base cover member have
been disassembled from the lower shell member.
[0041] FIG. 28 is an exploded assembly view of the components of
the embodiment of the loader shown in FIG. 27.
[0042] FIG. 29 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of
the drive assembly shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the rotor member shown in FIG. 29.
[0044] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the rotor member shown in FIG. 29.
[0045] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
the support member and the embodiment of the rotor arm member shown
in FIG. 29.
[0046] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the rotor arm member shown in FIG. 29.
[0047] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the rotor base member shown in FIG. 29.
[0048] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the rotor base member shown in FIG. 29.
[0049] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the planetary gear member shown in FIG. 29.
[0050] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the planetary gear assembly shown in FIG. 29.
[0051] FIG. 38 is a top view of the embodiment of the lower shell
member shown in FIG. 28.
[0052] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of a
portion of the components comprising the embodiment of the feeder
assembly and the embodiment of the drive motor assembly shown in
FIG. 29.
[0053] FIG. 40 is a top view of a portion of the components
comprising the embodiment of the feeder assembly and the embodiment
of the drive motor assembly shown in FIG. 29.
[0054] FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a portion of the components
comprising the embodiment of the feeder assembly and the embodiment
of the drive motor assembly shown in FIG. 29.
[0055] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the switch gear shown in FIG. 29.
[0056] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
embodiment of the switch gear shown in FIG. 29.
[0057] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the second gear member shown in FIG. 29.
[0058] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the trigger member shown in FIG. 29.
[0059] FIG. 46A is a bottom view of a portion of the components
comprising the embodiment of the feeder assembly and the embodiment
of the drive motor assembly shown in FIG. 29, showing the switch
gear and trigger member in the first position.
[0060] FIG. 46B is a bottom view of a portion of the components
comprising the embodiment of the feeder assembly and the embodiment
of the drive motor assembly shown in FIG. 29, showing the switch
gear and the trigger member in the second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0061] FIGS. 1-3 are a perspective view, front view, and back view,
respectively, of an embodiment of a loader 100, showing the lid
member 102 in an open position. FIG. 1 illustrates the loader 100
having paintballs 104 therein. FIGS. 4-5 are top and bottom views,
respectively, of the embodiment of the loader 100 shown in FIG. 1,
again showing the lid member 102 in an open position. FIG. 6 is an
exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the loader 100 shown in
FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the loader 100
shown in FIG. 1, mounted on an embodiment of a marker 120, showing
the lid member 102 in a closed position.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the loader 100 can comprise a
casing 106 having a lower shell member or first body member 108 and
an upper shell member or a second body member 110. The upper shell
member 110 can have an opening 112 formed therein, sized and
configured to receive a plurality of paintballs 104 therethrough.
Additionally, the lower shell portion 108 can comprise a boss 114
having an opening or passageway 116 formed therein, the boss 114
and opening 116 being configured to provide a path for paintballs
104 from the loader 102 marker, such as the marker 120 illustrated
in FIG. 7.
[0063] In some embodiments, the loader 100 can also have a carrier
member 111 that can be supported by the upper case member 110. In
some embodiments, the carrier member 111 can be removed to allow a
user to easily change the lid member 102, the rapid feed member
(which will be described in greater detail below), or any other
components supported by the carrier member 111. The carrier member
111 can have an opening 113 formed therein that can be aligned with
and be substantially the same size as the opening 112 formed in the
upper shell member 110. The carrier member 111 can be supported by
the uppercase member 110 using fasteners 115 (illustrated in FIG.
6), rivets, snaps, adhesive, or any other suitable fastening
mechanisms or methods.
[0064] In some embodiments, the lid member 102 can be supported by
the carrier member 111. In particular, the lid member 102 can have
a hinge portion 122 that is configured to be rotatably supportable
by the carrier member 111 so that the lid member 102 can be rotated
between an open position (such as is illustrated in FIG. 1) and a
closed position (such as illustrated in FIG. 7). In some
embodiments, although not necessary, the loader 100 can have a
spring mechanism 124 (which can include a support rod) configured
to bias the lid member 102 in an open position. In some
embodiments, the lid member 102 can be formed from a substantially
transparent material, such as a plastic material, to allow a user
to view at least a portion of the inside of the casing 106.
[0065] The loader 100 can be configured so that the lid member 102
is selectively securable or lockable in a closed position so that
paintballs 104 are securely held within the loader 100 during use
of the loader 100. For example, in some embodiments, the carrier
member 111 and the lid member 102 can each have latched members
126, 128, respectively, that are configured to selectively block or
snap the lid member 102 in the closed position when a user exerts a
force on the lid member 102 so as to engage or secure the latch
members 126, 128 to one another. In some embodiments, the loader
100 can be configured such that a user need only exert a force on
the overhanging portion 130 of the lid member 102 in a direction
away from the carrier member 111 to disengage the lid member 102
from the latch mechanism 126 that can be formed on the carrier
member 111, hence disengaging the latch members 126, 128 from one
another.
[0066] The loader 100 can be configured such that the lid member
102 is biased toward a closed position. For example, the loader 100
or the lid member 102 (or a suitable variant of the lid member 102)
can include a spring mechanism that biases the lid member toward
the closed position. In some embodiments, the biasing force exerted
by the spring mechanism on the lid member toward the closed
position is adequate to prevent the lid member from inadvertently
opening during operation of the loader 100. In some embodiments,
the biasing force exerted by the spring member is adequate so that
a separate latch member to secure the lid member in a closed
position is not required.
[0067] Some embodiments of this configuration may require a user to
hold the lid member in an open position while loading paintballs
into the loader 100. In some embodiments, however, the loader 100
or the lid member can have detents or other suitable mechanisms
(such as cam-type hinge arrangement) that are configured to secure
the lid member in an open position against the bias of the spring
member such that a user is not required to hold the lid member in
an open position while loading paintballs. Thus, in some
embodiments of this arrangement, the spring member can exert a bias
on the lid member that can prevent the lid member from
inadvertently opening during operation of the loader, while the
loader 100 or the lid member are also configured to hold the lid
member in an open position after a user has at least partially
opened the lid member.
[0068] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the loader 100
can be transparent or translucent to allow a user to view at least
a portion of the inside of the loader 100 so as to, for example,
determine the approximate number of remaining paintballs within the
loader 100. For example, the loader 100 can have a pair of
generally transparent or translucent inserts 134 supported by the
upper shell member 110, configured to allow a user to view at least
a portion of the inside of the casing 106. Additionally, in some
embodiments, a cover plate 135 can be supported by the carrier
member 111. In some embodiments, the loader 100 can have one or
more emblems 136 positioned more supported at various locations by
the casing 106 and/or carrier member 111. The inserts 134, cover
plate 135, and/or emblems 136 can be supported by the casing 106
using fasteners, rivets, snaps, adhesive, or any other suitable
fastening mechanisms or methods.
[0069] The loader member 100 can have a power switch 138 supported
by the casing 106, in particular, supported by the lower shell
member 108. As will be described in greater detail below, the power
switch 138 can be configured to switch the power for the loader 100
between the on and off positions.
[0070] Additionally, in some embodiments, the loader 100 can have a
jam release trigger member or actuator 140 that, as will be
described in greater detail below, can be linked to the rotor
system on the inside of the loader 100 and can be configured to
clear the paintball jams that may occur within the loader 100. In
some embodiments, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5 (and, as
will be described below, FIG. 28), the trigger member 140 can be
supported by the lower shell member 108 so that the trigger member
140 can translate within an opening or channel 144 formed in the
lower shell member 108. As will be described, the loader 100 can be
configured so that a user can clear balls jammed within the loader
100 by pulling or sliding the trigger member 140 toward the front
portion 144a of the channel 144.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 1, the loader 100 can have a latch
member 146 that can be configured to selectively secure the upper
shell member 110 to the lower shell member 108 when the latch
member 146 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In
some embodiments, a user can release the latch member 146 by
pushing or depressing the latch member 146 toward the inside of the
casing 106, allowing the user to then disengage the upper shell
member 110 from the lower shell member 108 to access to the inside
of the loader 100, as desired.
[0072] In some embodiments, the loader 100 can have a locking tab
member 148 that can be configured to selectively lock the latching
mechanism 146 to prevent a user from inadvertently depressing the
latch member 146 and, hence, inadvertently disengaging the upper
shell member 110 from the lower shell member 108 during operation.
In particular, if the locking tab member 148 is slid to the open
position, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, the latch member 146 can
then be depressed. However, if the locking tab member 148 is slid
downward, so as to overlap and abut against the back, inside
surface of the latching mechanism 146, the latching mechanism 146
will then generally be in a locked configuration such that a user
will be inhibited from depressing the latching mechanism 146 and
disengaging the upper shell member 110 from the lower shell member
108. Again, in this configuration, the locking tab member 148 can
be configured to selectively secure the latching mechanism 146 in
the latched or locked position.
[0073] As mentioned, FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the
loader 100 shown in FIG. 1, mounted on an exemplary marker 120,
showing the lid member 102 in a closed position. As illustrated
therein, the marker 120 can have a feedneck supporting member 150
configured to receive the boss 114 formed on the loader 100. In
some embodiments, the feedneck 150 on the marker 120 can have a
tightening mechanism 152 configured to constrict the feedneck 150
around the boss 114 formed on the loader 100. For example, a clamp
mechanism or a collar and lever mechanism may be employed to secure
the loader 100 to the marker 120. In this assembled configuration,
the balls fed by the loader 100 through the opening 116 and the
boss 114 can enter the marker 120 through the feedneck 150 formed
on the marker 120, to be ultimately deployed by the marker 120 at
the desired target.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a partial exploded assembly view another
embodiment of a loader 110 having a rapid feed attachment 160
supported thereby. FIGS. 9, 10 are perspective views of the
embodiment of the extension member 162 illustrated in FIG. 8. FIGS.
11, 12 are perspective views of the embodiment of the rapid feed
valve member 164 illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated therein, in
some embodiments, the rapid feed attachment 160 can be used in
place of the lid member 102 described above.
[0075] In some embodiments, the rapid feed attachment 160 can
comprise an extension member 162 and a rapid feed valve member 164.
The extension member 162 can be configured to be received by the
opening 113 formed in the carrier member 111, or received by the
opening 112 formed in the upper shell member 110. In the
illustrated embodiment, if the extension member 162 is configured
to be received by the opening 113 formed in the carrier member 111.
One or more tabs or latches 166 formed or supported by the
extension member 162 can be configured to securely, but removably,
attach the extension member 162 to the carrier member 111.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the extension member 162 can
also have tabs 168 that can be configured to be received within
complementary depressions or openings formed in the carrier member
111, for example the openings formed in the carrier member
configured to support the spring mechanism 124.
[0076] Additionally, the extension member 170 can have an annular
channel or depression 170 that can be configured to receive the
generally rigid perimeter portion 172 of the rapid feed valve
member 164. In some embodiments, the rapid feed valve member 164
can be removably snapped into the channel 170 so that the rapid
feed valve member 164 is generally prevented from becoming
inadvertently disengaged from the extension member 162.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the rapid feed valve
member 164 can have a substantially rigid perimeter portion 172
configured to support a plurality of substantially pliable or
flexible flaps 174 which can be configured to generally prevent
paintballs from falling out of the casing 106 during operation of
the,loader 100. As such, the flaps 174 can be configured to be
deflectable in an inward direction (i.e., toward the opening 112
formed in the upper shell member 110) when paintballs located
outside of the casing 106 are forced against the outside surface
174a of the flaps 174, so as to permit paintballs to be loaded into
the casing 106 when a user so desires. The flaps 174 can be
substantially stiff or rigid and otherwise configured to resist
deflecting outwardly (i.e., away from the opening 112 formed in the
upper shell member 110) when paintballs located inside the casing
106 are forced against the inside surface 174b of the flaps, so as
to prevent paintballs located inside the casing 106 from
inadvertently falling out of the casing 106.
[0078] In some embodiments, the rapid feed valve member 164 can be
formed from a single material such that the flaps 174 and the
perimeter portion 172 are formed as a single, integral component.
In some embodiments, the rapid feed valve member 164 can be formed
from two or more materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the
perimeter portion 172 or a portion thereof can be formed from a
rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or a hard rubber.
Additionally, support members 175, which can be configured to
provide additional support to each of the flaps 174, can be formed
from a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or a hard
rubber. In this arrangement, with reference to FIG. 11, the
extended portions 177 of each of the flaps 174 can be formed from a
more pliable or resilient material, such as rubber or any other
suitable material. In some embodiments, in this arrangement, the
lower portion 172a of the perimeter portion 172 (as illustrated
most clearly in FIG. 12) can also be formed from the same material
used to form the extended portions 177. In some embodiments, each
of the extended portions 177 as well as the lower portion 172a or
other portion of the perimeter portion 172 can be integrally formed
or molded with, or otherwise joined with, the support members 175
and the rigid portion of the perimeter portion 172 to form a single
component.
[0079] Again with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, the flaps 174 of the
rapid feed valve member 164 can be sized, shaped, and arranged, and
otherwise configured to define a space or channel 176 and an
opening 178 therebetween. In some embodiments, as in the
illustrated embodiment, the rapid feed valve member 164 can be
configured so that the opening 178 is located generally off-center
from the center point of the perimeter portion 172 of the rapid
feed valve member 164. However, in some embodiments, as in the
embodiment of the rapid feed valve member 164' illustrated in FIG.
13, the rapid feed valve member 164' can be configured so that the
opening 178' is located at the approximate center point of the
perimeter portion 172' of the rapid feed valve member 164'.
[0080] Additionally, with reference to FIG. 9, the extension member
162 can have a rim portion 180 that can be configured to direct
paintballs into the opening 182 formed in the extension member 162.
In particular, the rim portion 180 can have an inwardly sloped
surface 180a that is configured to bias the paintballs to fall into
the opening 182 formed in the extension member 162 or to direct
paintballs toward the opening 182.
[0081] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the upper
shell member 110 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the
embodiment of the upper shell member 110 shown in FIG. 1, showing
the inside of the upper shell member 110. FIGS. 16A and 16B are
perspective views of the embodiment of the loader shown in FIG. 1,
after the upper shell member 110 has been disassembled from the
lower shell member 108, showing a ramp member 186 in a first
position and a second position, respectively, relative to the base
cover member 188.
[0082] In some embodiments, when the ramp member 186 is in a second
or raised position (as illustrated in FIG. 16B), the ramp member
186 can facilitate channeling paintballs into the rotor assembly
which, as will be described in greater detail below, feeds balls
through the opening 116 in the boss 114 so as to deliver paintballs
to the marker that supports the loader 100. Thus, in the second
position, the paintballs can be funneled toward the rotor assembly
without the user having to tilt, shake, or otherwise change the
orientation of the loader 100 in order for substantially all of the
paintballs to feed into the rotor assembly.
[0083] In some embodiments, the ramp member 186 can be configured
to rotate to the first position (as illustrated in FIG. 16A), so as
to increase the volume and paintball capacity of the loader 100
when a large number of paintballs are loaded into the casing 106 of
the loader 100. In some embodiments, the loader 100 can be
assembled without the ramp member 186. In some embodiments, the
base cover member 188 can be configured to cover the batteries,
rotor drive components, and other components supported within the
lower shell member 108, so as to generally seal off the batteries,
rotor drive components, and other components supported within the
lower shell member 108 so as to limit the exposure of these
components to paintballs or liquid from a ruptured paintball as the
paintballs are being fed through the loader 100.
[0084] As will become apparent, in some embodiments, the loader 100
can be configured such that most if not all of the components
comprising the loader 100 can be disassembled without the use of
any tools, so that a user can quickly and easily disassemble most
or all of the components, as desired, for quick cleaning and/or
maintenance. With reference to FIGS. 14-16B, as mentioned above,
the upper shell member 110 can be disengaged from the lower shell
member 108 by depressing the latch member 146 so as to displace the
latch member 146 through the opening 190 formed in the upper shell
member 110 a sufficient distance to disengage the latch member 146
from the upper shell member 110, and then by lifting the front
portion 110a of the upper shell member 110 away from the front
portion 108a of the lower shell member 108. In some embodiments,
the upper shell member 110 can have a tab 192 that can be
configured to be slidably received by the opening 194 formed in the
lower shell member 108, so that such tab 192 should be disengaged
from the opening 194 to completely disassemble the upper shell
member 110 from the lower shell member 108. Additionally, as most
clearly seen in FIG. 15, the upper shell member 110 can have a
plurality of bosses having openings axially positioned therein
configured to receive the fasteners 115 discussed above. As
discussed above, the fasteners 115 can be used to secure the
carrier member 111 to the upper shell member 110.
[0085] FIGS. 17, 18 are perspective views of an embodiment of a
ramp member 186 of the embodiment of the loader shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 19, 20 are perspective views of an embodiment of a base cover
member 188 of the embodiment of the loader 100 shown in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 16A-20, as mentioned briefly above,
in some embodiments, the loader 100 can have a ramp member 186
rotatably supported by the base cover member 188. In particular,
some embodiments of the loader 100 can be configured so that the
tabs 192 that can be integrally formed on the ramp member 186 are
received within the openings 194 formed in the base cover member
188. In this arrangement, the ramp member 186 can rotate between
the first or flattened position, as illustrated in FIG. 16A, and
the second or raised position, as illustrated in FIG. 16B.
[0086] Some embodiments of the ramp member 186 can be configured to
limit the range of rotational motion of the ramp member 186
relative to the base cover member 188 so as to limit the position
of the ramp member 186 relative to the base cover member 188 when
the ramp member 186 is in the fully raised or second position. In
particular, in some embodiments, one or more stops or protrusions
196 can be formed on the opposing outside surfaces of each of the
tabs 192 that can be configured to limit the rotational motion of
the ramp member 186 relative to the base cover member 188. The
protrusions 196 can be sized and positioned on the tabs 192 so
that, as the ramp member 186 is rotated to the second position
relative to the base cover member 188, the top surface 196a of the
protrusions 196 abuts with the bottom surface 188a of the base
cover member 188 adjacent to each of the openings 194 to inhibit
the further rotation of the ramp member 186 relative to the base
cover member 188.
[0087] In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, each
protrusion 196 can have a sloped or slanted surface 196b sized and
configured such that a lower portion 196c of each protrusion 196
has a smaller thickness than a portion of each protrusion adjacent
to the top surface 196a of each protrusion 196. The sloped surface
196b can facilitate the assembly of the ramp member 186 with the
base cover member 188 by making it easier to insert the tabs 192
into the channels 194.
[0088] In some embodiments, the cumulative thickness of each
protrusion 196 (at its largest thickness position) of each tab 192
can be approximately equal to the width of each channel 194 so that
each tab 192 of the ramp member 186 can be easily inserted into
each channel 194 when the ramp member 186 is assembled with the
base cover member 194. In some embodiments, the cumulative
thickness of each protrusion 196 (at its largest thickness
position) and each tab 192 can be slightly greater than the width
of each channel 194 so that each tab 192 of the ramp member 186
must be forced or snapped into each channel 194 when the ramp
member 186 is assembled with the base cover member 194, so as to
ensure that the top surface 196a of each protrusion 196 can overlap
and abut the bottom surface 188a of the base cover member 188.
[0089] In some embodiments, the tabs 192 can be positioned on the
ramp member 186 so that the width or distance between the tabs 192
is slightly greater than the width or distance between each of the
channels 194 so that the tabs 192 must deflect slightly inward when
the ramp member 186 is assembled with the base cover member 188.
After the ramp member 186 has been assembled with the base cover
member 188, the tabs 192 can deflect slightly outward so as to
ensure that the protrusion 196 foamed on each tab 192 can overlap
and abut the bottom surface 188a of the base cover member 188 and
prevent the over-rotation of the ramp member 186 relative to the
base cover member 188 when the ramp member 186 is moved to the
second position. In some embodiments, the tabs 192 can be angled
slightly in an outward direction (i.e., in the direction of the
protrusions 196) to ensure that the tabs 192 deflect outwardly
after the ramp member 186 has been assembled with the base cover
member 188 so that the top surface 196a of each tab 196 can overlap
and abut the bottom surface 188a of the base cover member 188.
[0090] With reference to FIGS. 6, 19, and 20, the base cover member
188 can be configured to support and a spring member 200 that can
be configured to bias the ramp member 186 in the second position
relative to the base cover member 188. In particular, a generally
cylindrical protrusion 202 can be integrally formed with, or
otherwise supported by, the base cover member 188. The protrusion
202 can be configured to support the spring member 200 in such a
manner that the spring member 200 can exert the above-mentioned
biasing force on the ramp member 186.
[0091] FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment of the loader 100
shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member 110 has been
disassembled from the lower shell member 108, showing the ramp
member 186 in the second position and the base cover member 188 in
the first position relative to the lower case member 108, and
showing a plurality of paintballs within the loader. FIGS. 22A and
22B are perspective views of the embodiment of the loader 100 shown
in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member 110 has been disassembled
from the lower shell member 108, showing the ramp member 186 in the
second position, and the base cover member 188 in a first position
and a second position, respectively, relative to the lower case
member 108. FIGS. 23 and 24 are section views of the embodiment of
the loader 100 shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member 110
has been disassembled from the lower shell member 108, showing the
ramp member 186 in the second position and the base cover member
188 in the first position relative to the lower case member 108,
taken through the line 23-23 and the line 24-24, respectively,
shown in FIG. 21. Some paintballs are shown in FIG. 24, while no
paintballs are shown in FIGS. 22A-22B. Although it is not
anticipated that the loader 100 would be operated with the upper
shell member 110 disassembled from the lower shell member 108, the
upper shell member 110 has been removed from these drawings for
illustration purposes.
[0092] As illustrated therein, the base cover member 188 can have
an opening 204 formed therein that can be sized and shaped to be
approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the perimeter of
a rotor member 206 that can be supported within the lower casing
108 as described below. Additionally, in some embodiments, the base
cover member 188 can have a downwardly sloping surface 208
surrounding the opening 204, configured to help funnel or channel
paintballs toward the opening 204 formed in the base cover member
188.
[0093] As will be described, in some embodiments, the base cover
member 188 can be removed from the lower shell member 108 without
the use of any tools so as to permit a user to access the
components of the loader 100 supported by the lower shell member
108 beneath the cover member 188. With reference to FIGS. 21-22B,
the front portion 188a of the base cover member 188 can be held in
place by one or more tabs 210 (two being shown) formed integrally
with or otherwise supported by the lower shell member 108 and
located at the front portion 108a of the lower shell member 108. In
particular, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 23, each of the one
or more tabs 210 can overlap and abut the front portion 188a of the
base cover member 188 so as to releasably secure the front portion
188a of the base cover member 188 and, hence, prevent the front
portion 188a of the base cover member 188 from translating in the
direction represented by the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 23.
[0094] FIGS. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a side view,
respectively, of an embodiment of a latch member 146 of the
embodiment of the loader 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. With reference
to FIGS. 24-26, the rear portion 188b of the base cover member 188
can be releasably secured by the latch member 146 so as to prevent
the rear portion 188b of the base cover member 188 from translating
in the direction represented by the arrow A1 discussed above. In
particular, the latch member 146 can have a protrusion 212 formed
integrally with or otherwise supported by the latch member 146 that
can be configured to releasably secure the rear portion 188b of the
base cover member 188 relative to the lower shell member 108. With
reference to FIGS. 25-26, the protrusion 212 can be configured to
have a slanted surface 212a and a lower surface 212b. The lower
surface 212b can be configured to overlap and, hence, secure the
base cover member 188 so as to prevent the rear portion 188b of the
base cover member 188 from translating in the A1 direction when the
base member 188 is in the first or rearmost direction relative to
the lower shell member 108. In some embodiments, the base cover
member 188 can be biased toward the first or rearmost direction.
One or more openings 214 can be formed in the latch member 146,
configured to receive one or more fasteners 215 that can be
threadably inserted into the threaded bosses 217 formed in the
lower shell member 108.
[0095] In this configuration, when the base cover member 188 is
moved from the first position (as illustrated in FIG. 22A) to the
second position (as illustrated in FIG. 22B) such that the second
surface 212b of the latch member 146 no longer overlaps and, hence
no longer secures, the rear portion 188b of the base cover member
188, the rear portion 188b of the base cover member 188 can then be
removed by a user by translating the rear portion 188b of the base
cover member 188 in the A1 direction. In some embodiments, a tabbed
protrusion 216 can be formed integrally with or otherwise supported
by the base cover member 188 and configured to assist a user in
translating the base cover member 188 from the first position (as
illustrated in FIG. 22A) to the second position (as illustrated in
FIG. 22B), or vice versa. After the rear portion 188b of the base
cover member 188 has been translated away from the lower shell
member 108 in the A1 direction, the front portion 188a of the base
cover member 188 can be removed from the lower shell member 108 by
translating the base cover member away from the front portion 108a
of the lower shell member 108 (i.e., toward the rear portion 108b
of the lower shell member 108) such that the one or more tabs 210
no longer overlap the front portion 188a of the base cover member
188.
[0096] FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment of the loader 100
shown in FIG. 1, after the upper shell member 110 and base cover
member 188 have been disassembled from the lower shell member 108.
FIG. 28 is an exploded assembly view of the components of the
embodiment of the loader 100 shown in FIG. 27. With reference to
FIGS. 27 and 28, the lower shell member 108 of the loader 100 can
be configured to support a paintball feeder assembly 218 and a
drive motor assembly 220 that can each be removed from the lower
shell member 108 without the use of any tools.
[0097] For example, in some embodiments, as in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 27, the feeder assembly 218 and the drive motor
assembly 220 can be supported by the lower shell member 108 and
selectively secured in the lower shell member 108 so as to avoid
inadvertent disengagement of the feeder assembly 218 and the drive
motor assembly 220 from the lower shell member 108 with the use of
one or more rotatably supported retention tabs 222. As illustrated
in FIG. 27, each of the retention tabs 222 can be configured to
rotate between a first or secured position (illustrated in solid
lines in FIG. 27) and a second or free position (illustrated in
dashed lines in FIG. 27). In the first position, the retention tabs
222 can be positioned so as to overlap a portion of the rotor
member 206 (a component of the feeder assembly 218) and at least a
portion of the drive motor assembly 220 so that the rotor member
206 and the drive motor assembly 220 are prevented from
inadvertently becoming disengaged from or translating away from the
lower shell member 108.
[0098] In particular, with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, each of
the retention tabs 222 can be removably attached to the lower shell
member 108 using a fastener 224 and bushing 226, although any
suitable fastening methods or components can be used. Each of the
retention tabs 222 can be configured to have an end portion 228
configured to overlap at least a portion of the drive motor
assembly 220 in the first position and also having a raised
protrusion projecting from the end portion 228 configured to
facilitate a user's ability to rotate the retention tabs 222.
Additionally, some embodiments of the tabs 222 can have an extended
portion 230 configured to overlap the rotor member 206 in the first
or secured position.
[0099] In the second position of each retainer tab 222, illustrated
in dashed lines in FIG. 27, the end portion 228' (for this
component, the callout 228' designates the end portion of each
retainer tab 222 in the second position) and the extended portion
230' (similarly, the callout 230' designates the extension portion
of each retainer tab 222 in the second position) can be rotated
about the fastener 224 and bushing 226 away from the rotor member
206 so that the extended portion 230' no longer overlaps the rotor
member 206 and so that the end portion 228 of each tab no longer
overlaps the drive motor assembly 220. In this configuration, when
the retention tabs 222 are in the second position, a user can
easily remove the rotor member 206 and/or the drive motor assembly
220 by lifting the rotor member 206 and/or the drive motor assembly
220 away from the lower shell member 108. In some embodiments, when
the retention tabs 222 are in the second position, a user can
remove the rotor member 206 (and then the other components of the
feeder assembly 218, which will be described in greater detail
below) without removing the drive motor assembly 220 and without
the use of any tools. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the
retention tabs 222 are in the second position, a user can remove
the drive motor assembly 220 without removing the rotor member 206
(or the other components of the feeder assembly 218).
[0100] As will be discussed in greater detail below, after the
rotor member 206 has been removed by a user, the remaining
components of the feeder assembly 218 can then be removed without
the use of tools. In some embodiments, some or all of the other
components comprising the feeder assembly 218 can be removed
simultaneously with the removal of the rotor member 206. In some
embodiments, when the retention tabs 222 are in the second position
and the feeder assembly 218 has been removed, it may then be easier
to remove or replace (i.e., reassemble) the drive motor assembly
220. Any of the components comprising the feeder assembly 218
and/for the drive motor assembly 220 can be reinstalled or
reassembled in the same fashion as described above regarding the
removal of these components.
[0101] In some embodiments, protrusions 232 can be formed on a
portion of the drive motor assembly 220. The protrusions 232 can be
configured to limit the range of rotation of the retention tabs 222
such that, when the retention tabs 222 are rotated so that the end
portion 228 of each tab abuts against the protrusions 232, each of
the tabs 222 is then aligned in an optimal secured or first
position relative to the feeder assembly 218 and the drive motor
assembly 220.
[0102] In some embodiments, the retention tabs 222 are spring
loaded so that a biasing force is exerted on the retention tabs 222
in the axially downward direction (i.e. with reference to FIG. 27,
the axially downward direction is into the page). This arrangement
can result in at least the extension portion 230 of one or more of
the tabs 222 exerting a downward force on the rotor member 206. In
some embodiments, this can be achieved by positioning a rubber
annular ring, an elastomeric spring, a metallic spring, or any
other suitable component between each fastener 224 and each
retention tab 222.
[0103] In some embodiments, the retention tabs 222 and other
associated components can be configured to define one or more
beveled surfaces configured such that at least the extension
portions 230 of each tab 222 move in the downward direction as each
tab 222 is moved from the second or free position to the first or
secured position. This arrangement may make it easier to move each
tab 222 from the second position to the first or secured position
because each tab 222 can move in a downward direction as it is
being rotated to the first position, so that the extension portion
230 does not abut into or interfere with an edge of the rotor
member 206 as the retention tabs 222 are being rotated to the first
position. In some embodiments, a rubber annular ring, an
elastomeric spring, a metallic spring, or any other suitable
component can be positioned between each fastener 224 and each
retention tab 222 to bias the retention tabs 222 so that the
beveled surfaces remain in contact. In this configuration, the
beveled arrangement can also result in a biasing force that biases
each of the tab members 222 towards the first, secured
position.
[0104] In some embodiments, the magnitude of the downward force
imparted by each of the tabs 222 can be slight. This configuration
can result in at least a slight downward force to be exerted on the
rotor member 206 and/or at least some of the other components
comprising the feeder assembly 218, which will be described in
greater detail below. In this configuration, the tabs 222 can help
prevent at least some of the components of the feeder assembly 218
from separating from one another during operation of the loader
100, potentially allowing the manufacturing tolerances of the
components comprising the feeder assembly 218 to be increased or
otherwise be less stringent. In some embodiments, only one of the
tabs 222 can be configured to be spring loaded or otherwise
configured as described above. In some embodiments, more than one
of the tabs 222 can be configured to be spring loaded or otherwise
configured as described above.
[0105] Some embodiments of the loader 100 can also have a retention
member 234 removably attached to the lower shell member 108 using
one or more fasteners 236 threadably received by one or more bosses
237 (shown in FIG. 38) formed in the lower shell member 108. The
retention member 234 can be configured to have an extended portion
238 that is configured to overlap and, hence, retain the rotor
assembly 218 in a similar manner as with the retention tabs 222
described above when such retention tabs 222 are in the first
position. In this configuration, when the retention tabs 222 is in
the second position (where the retention tabs 222 no longer overlap
the rotor member 206), the loader 100 can be configured such that a
user can remove the rotor member 206 from the lower shell member
108 without having to remove the retention member 234 from the
lower shell member 108. In particular, in some embodiments, when
the retention tabs 222 are in the second position, a user can
remove the rotor member by first lifting the end of the rotor
member 206 that is closest to the drive motor assembly 220 away
from the lower shell member 108, and then translating the rotor
member 206 simultaneously away from the lower shell member 108 and
the retention member 234.
[0106] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the power switch
138 can be slidably supported by the lower shell member 108 so that
at least a portion of the power switch 138 can pass through the
opening 240 formed in the lower shell member 108. In some
embodiments, an insert 139 can be assembled with the power switch
138 (i.e., inserted into the opening formed in the power switch
138) to provide greater contact surface for the power switch
relative to a contact button (not illustrated) supported on a
control or circuit board. Additionally, a pair of bosses 242 having
axial openings therein can be configured to receive the fasteners
224 and/or bushings 226 described above. Additionally, as mentioned
above, the trigger member 140 can be positioned within the channel
144 and supported by the lower shell member 108 by snapping the
trigger member 140 into the channel 144. As such, in some
embodiments, the trigger member 140 can have a pair of flanged tabs
that, once inserted into the channel 144, spread apart and have
overlapping surfaces so that the lower shell member 108 retains the
trigger member 140. As mentioned above, the loader 100 can be
configured so that the trigger member 140 is able to translate fore
and aft (i.e. toward and away from the rear portion 108b of the
lower shell member 108) relative to the channel 144 and, hence,
relative to the drive motor assembly 220.
[0107] FIG. 29 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiments of
the rotor assembly 218 and the drive motor assembly 220 shown in
FIGS. 27 and 28. As illustrated therein, in some embodiments, the
rotor assembly 218 can comprise the rotor member 206, a rotor arm
member 246, a support member 248 removably attached to a rotor arm
member 246 using a fastener 250, a rotor base member 252, and a
planetary gear assembly 254 comprising a first gear member 256 and
a plurality of a second gears 258 attached to the first gear member
256 using a plurality of fasteners 260. The second gears 258 can be
supported by the first gear member 256 in such a way that each of
the second gears 258 are each able to rotate about its own axis,
independent of the first gear member 256.
[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 29, the drive motor assembly 220 can
have one or more batteries or other suitable power sources 264, a
battery housing 266 having a connector wire 268, an upper housing
member 270, and a lower housing member 272. In some embodiments,
the battery housing 266 can be removably attached to the upper
housing member 270 using a fastener 274. In some embodiments, the
upper housing member 270 can be removably attached to the lower
housing member 272 using one or more fasteners 276. Additionally, a
drive motor 278 configured to rotate a worm gear 280 can be
supported within the lower housing member 272. In some embodiments,
the lower housing member 272 can also support a controller or
circuit board 282. The circuit board 282 can include a first wire
connector 284 configured to receive the connector wire 268 from the
battery housing 266, and a second wire connector 286 configured to
receive the wire connector 288 from the electric motor 278.
[0109] In some embodiments, a switch gear 290 configured to
interact with a switching mechanism (not illustrated) located on
the circuit board 282 can also be supported within the lower
housing member 272. In particular, with reference to FIG. 29, the
switch gear 290 can be supported on a first bolt or threaded shaft
292 and a second bolt or threaded shaft 294. In some embodiments,
the first threaded shaft 292 can be inserted from the outside of
the lower housing member 272 into a first opening 296 formed in the
lower housing member 272. In this configuration, the first opening
296 can be configured to receive and support at least a first end
portion 292a of the first threaded shaft 292. A second opening 298
formed in the lower housing member 272 can be configured to
threadably receive a second end portion 292b of the first threaded
shaft 292. In some embodiments, the second threaded shaft 294 can
be inserted from the outside of the lower housing member 272 into a
third opening 300 formed in the lower housing member 272. In this
configuration, the third opening 300 can be configured to receive
and support at least a first end portion 294a of the second
threaded shaft 294. A fourth opening 302 formed in the lower
housing member 272 can be configured to threadably receive a second
end portion 294b of the second threaded shaft 294.
[0110] The drive motor assembly 220 can be assembled so that the
first shaft member 292 supports a spring member 304 thereon and so
that the first shaft member 292 passes through a first opening 306
formed in the switch gear 290. As will be discussed, the spring
member 304 can exert a biasing force on the switch gear 290 in the
direction represented by arrow A2 shown in FIG. 29. In some
embodiments, the amount of force exerted by the spring member 304
on the switch gear 290 can be increased or decreased by threading
or unthreading, respectively, the first threaded shaft 292 into or
out of, respectively, the opening 298 formed in the lower housing
member 272. Thus, the force exerted by the spring member 304 can be
selectable or adjusted in this or any other suitable manner. In
some embodiments, the biasing force can be selectable or adjusted
by changing the tension of the spring member 304.
[0111] Additionally, the drive motor assembly 220 can be assembled
so that the second shaft member 294 passes through a second opening
308 formed in the switch gear 290. In this arrangement, the switch
gear 290 can be supported on the first and second threaded shaft
292, 294 so that the switch gear 290 can translate axially relative
to the first and second threaded shafts 292, 294. The spring member
304 can be configured to exert a biasing force on the switch gear
290 in the direction defined by arrow A2 shown in FIG. 29.
[0112] As will be described in greater detail below, as the switch
gear 290 moves axially along the two shafts 292, 294 in a direction
that is opposite to the direction of the arrow A2 to a particular
predetermined position or switch point, as the switch gear 290 can
activate a switching mechanism (not illustrated) supported by the
circuit board 282 to turn off the motor 278. When the switch gear
290 moves back away from the circuit board 282 (i.e., in the
direction defined by arrow A2) beyond the switch point, the
switching mechanism can then be turned back on to allow the motor
278 to operate.
[0113] As mentioned, when the motor 278 operates, the motor 278 can
turn the worm gear 280 in the direction defined by arrow A3 in FIG.
29. The worm gear 280 can then interact with a lowermost gear 314a
of the gear member 314, turning the gear member 314 in the
direction defined by arrow A4 in FIG. 29. In some embodiments, the
lowermost gear 314a can be integrally formed with an uppermost gear
314b to form a single, integrated unit that rotates as a single
entity. The gear member 314 can be supported about a shaft 316 that
can be supported by the openings 318, 320 formed in the lowermost
housing member 272. Additionally, a second gear member 322 can also
be supported by the shaft 316. The second geared member 322 can
have a lowermost gear member 322a and an uppermost gear member
322b.
[0114] In some embodiments, the motor assembly 220 can be
configured such that the gear member 314 can only rotate in a
single direction. For example, the gear member 314 can rotate in a
direction defined by arrow A4, but not in the opposite direction.
The gear member 314 can have an internal bearing system configured
to allow the gear member 314 to rotate in a first direction, but
not in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some
embodiments, the shaft 316 can be configured to have features to
permit the gear member 314 to rotate in a first direction, but not
in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some
embodiments, the first gear member 314 can be configured to rotate
independent about the shaft 316 relative to the second gear member
322.
[0115] FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views of the top and bottom
portion, respectively, of the embodiment of the rotor member shown
in FIG. 29. FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the
embodiment of the support member 248 and the embodiment of the
rotor arm member 246 shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 33 is a perspective
view of the bottom portion of the embodiment of the rotor arm
member 246 shown in FIG. 29. FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective views
of the top and bottom portion, respectively, of the embodiment of
the rotor base member shown in FIG. 29. FIGS. 36 and 37 are
perspective views of the top and bottom portion, respectively, of
the embodiment of the planetary gear assembly 254 shown in FIG. 29.
FIG. 38 is a top view of the embodiment of the lower shell member
108 shown in FIG. 28. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the bottom
portion of a portion of the components comprising the embodiment of
the feeder assembly 218 and the embodiment of the drive motor
assembly 220 shown in FIG. 29. FIGS. 40-41 are a top and bottom
view, respectively, of a portion of the components comprising the
embodiment of the feeder assembly 218 and the embodiment of the
drive motor assembly 220 shown in FIG. 29.
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 29-39, the feed assembly 218 can be
assembled by positioning the planetary gear assembly 254 in the
lower shell member 108 so that the annular lip 326 projecting away
from the bottom surface 256a of the first gear 256 of the planetary
gear assembly 254 can be supported adjacent to, but inside of, the
annular lip 328 that can project away from the bottom surface 108a
of the lower shell member 108. The annular lip 328 formed in the
lower shell member 108 can be positioned coaxially with respect to
the opening 116 formed in the lower shell member 108. In this
configuration, the planetary gear assembly 254 can generally rotate
freely relative to the lower shell member 108, but can be
constrained by the abutting annular lips 326, 328 from translating
in any radial direction. Further, in this configuration, the
planetary gear assembly 254 can be supported by the lower shell
member 108 so that the opening or passageway 330 formed in the
planetary gear assembly 254 is generally coaxially aligned with the
opening 116 formed in the lower shell member 108. Additionally, as
most clearly illustrated in FIG. 41, the first gear 256 of the
planetary gear assembly 254 can have a geared surface 333 that can
be configured to interact with the geared surface 323 formed on the
second gear member 322 supported by the shaft 316.
[0117] After the planetary gear assembly 254 has been assembled
with the lower shell member 108 as described above, the rotor base
member 252 can then be assembled with the planetary gear assembly
254 so that the first geared surface 334 of the rotor base member
252 aligns with and meshes with the geared surface 336 on each
secondary gear 258 of the planetary gear assembly 254. In this
configuration, the rotor base member 252 can rotate independent of
the first gear member 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254.
However, because of the interaction between the first geared
surface 334 of the rotor base member 252 and the geared surface 336
on each secondary gear 258, as the rotor base member 252 rotates
independent of the first gear member 256, each secondary gear 258
will be caused to rotate.
[0118] Additionally, the rotor base member 252 can have a second
geared surface 338 configured to mesh with and engage with the
uppermost gear 314b of the gear member 314 (as most clearly shown
in FIG. 38) so that, as the drive motor 278 turns the gear member
314, the gear member 314 can turn or rotate the rotor base member
252. The rotor base member 252 can have an opening or passageway
340 formed therein configured such that, when the rotor base member
252 is assembled with the planetary gear assembly 254, the opening
340 can be generally axially aligned with the opening 116 formed in
the lower shell member 108. Additionally, as will be described in
greater detail below, the rotor base member 252 can be configured
to receive and support the rotor arm member 246.
[0119] Some embodiments of the rotor base member 252 can define one
or more tabbed protrusions 344 formed on an inside surface 252a of
the rotor base member 252. In the illustrated embodiment, two
tabbed protrusions 344 are formed on opposing sides of the inside
surface 252a of the rotor base member 252, the tabbed protrusions
344 being separated by approximately 180.degree.. As will be
described in greater detail below, the one or more tabbed
protrusions can be formed on in a side surface of the rotor member
206, such tabbed protrusions being configured to interact with the
tabbed protrusions 344 formed on the rotor base member 252 to limit
the range of rotation of the rotor member 206 relative to the rotor
base member 252 and to drive the rotor member 206 as the rotor base
member 252 is rotated. In some embodiments, the rotor base member
252 can have an annular channel 346 formed therein, the channel 346
being configured to receive end of support a plurality of
paintballs (not illustrated).
[0120] As mentioned, the rotor base member 252 can be configured to
receive and support the rotor arm member 246. In particular, in
some embodiments, the rotor base member 252 can be configured to
support the rotor arm member 256 such that the generally
cylindrical protruding portion 348 projecting from the rotor arm
member 246 can be received within the opening 340 formed in the
rotor base member 252. With reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, an
opening or passageway 350 can be formed in the protruding portion
348, the opening 350 being sized and configured to permit the
generally uninhibited flow of paintballs therethrough.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotor arm member 246 can
have an arm 352 protruding therefrom, the arm 352 defining a
generally curved, arcuate, helical, or other suitable shape. The
arm 352 can have an inside surface 352a configured to guide one or
more paint balls toward the opening 350 as the rotor arm member 256
rotates within the rotor base member 252, as will be described in
greater detail below. The support member 248 can be configured so
as to not obstruct the designated flow path for the paintballs
through the opening 350.
[0121] The rotor arm member 246 can be configured to have two or
more arms 352 protruding therefrom. For example, the rotor arm
member 246 can be configured to have two arms 352 protruding
therefrom, being formed at mutually opposing positions. The rotor
arm member 246 can be configured such that each of the two arms 352
feed paintballs through each of the two separate openings 350,
respectively, formed in the rotor arm member 256. Each of the two
openings 350 can be configured to merge within the rotor arm member
246, or the two openings 350 can terminate at the bottom end of the
rotor arm member 246. The rotor arm member 246 can be configured to
comprise only one opening 250, through which each of the two arms
352 can feed the paintballs during operation.
[0122] Some embodiments of the rotor arm member 246 can have a
geared surface 354 formed on a portion of the generally
cylindrically shaped protrusion 342. As most clearly illustrated in
FIG. 41, the geared surface 354 can be configured to interact with
the geared surface 336 of each secondary gear 258 when the rotor
arm member 246 has been assembled with the rotor base member 252
and the planetary gear 254.
[0123] In some embodiments, the loader 100 can be configured so
that the rotor arm member 246 rotates at a different speed than the
rotor base member 252. For example, the rotor arm member 246 can
rotate approximately three times for every one rotation of the
rotor base member 252. In some embodiments, the loader 100 can be
configured so that the rotor arm member 246 rotates less than
approximately three times (e.g., approximately two times or less)
for every one rotation of the rotor base member 252. In some
embodiments, the loader 100 can be configured so that the rotor arm
member 246 rotates more than approximately three times (e.g.,
approximately four times or more) for every one rotation of the
rotor base member 252.
[0124] Additionally, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 32, the
support member 248 can be removably supported by the rotor arm
member 246 using the fastener 250. Some embodiments of the rotor
arm member 246 can have a threaded opening 358 configured to
receive the threaded fastener 250. However, any suitable fastener
or fastening technique can be used to join the support member 248
with the rotor arm member 246, including but not limited to
adhesive, rivets, plastic welding, or otherwise. In some
embodiments, the support member 248 can be integrally formed with
the rotor arm member 246. The support member 248 can have a
generally cylindrical protrusion 360 configured to be received by
an opening 362 formed in the rotor member 206, so that the rotor
member 206 can be supported thereby.
[0125] In some embodiments, the support member 248 can be spring
loaded or otherwise configured so that the support member 248
exerts a downward biasing force relative to the rotor arm member
246. This can result in an increased force being exerted on the
paintballs, causing the paintballs to be forced through the opening
116 in the housing 106. Accordingly, some embodiments of the
support member 248 (not illustrated) can have a spring member
positioned between the fastener 250 and the support member 248.
[0126] In some embodiments, the support member 248 can be spring
loaded or otherwise configured so that the support member 248
exerts an upward biasing force relative to the rotor arm member
246. This can result in fewer paintball jams during operation.
Accordingly, the support member 248 can have a spring member
positioned between the support member 248 and the rotor arm member
246.
[0127] In some embodiments, the rotor member 206 can be configured
to direct the paintballs toward the center of the feeder assembly
218 and, hence, toward the opening 350 formed in the rotor arm
member 246. With reference to FIG. 30-31, the rotor member 206 can
be configured to have a plurality of wall portions 364 between the
approximate center portion in the rotor member 206 and an outer
perimeter portion 366 of the rotor member 206. In some embodiments,
each of the wall portions 364 can define a generally curved or
arcuately shaped surface 364a thereon and a plurality of openings
368 each configured to receive a single paintball. The illustrated
embodiment of the rotor member 206 has eight openings 368. In some
embodiments, less than eight or greater than eight openings 368 can
be formed in the rotor member 206. Each of the wall portions 364
can be configured to channel or direct the paintballs to the
plurality of openings 368 formed in the rotor member 206, as
illustrated.
[0128] Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the wall portions
364 can be configured to have be tabbed protrusion 370 sized and
shaped to optimally direct a single paint ball into each of the
openings 368 and to rotate the paintballs relative to the rotor
base member 252. Finally, as mentioned above, the rotor member 206
can have one or more tabbed protrusions 376 formed on an outside
surface 206a of the rotor member 206, configured to interact with
the one or more tabs 344 formed along the rotor base member 252 to
limit the range of rotation of the rotor member 206 relative to the
rotor base number 252.
[0129] Further, some embodiments of the rotor member 206 can have
one or more angled protrusions 365 formed on the one or more of the
surfaces 364a. In the illustrated embodiment, one angled protrusion
365 is formed on each surface 364a. The angled protrusions 365 can
bias the paintballs positioned in the openings 368 and a downward
direction so as to inhibit the paintballs positioned in the
openings 368 from moving in an upward direction out of the openings
368.
[0130] In some embodiments, the angled protrusions 365 can each
define an angle that is less than approximately three degrees
relative to a vertical plane (i.e., a plane that is parallel to the
axial centerline of the rotor member 206). The angled protrusions
365 can each define an angle that is less between approximately
three degrees and approximately eight degrees relative to a
vertical plane (i.e., a plane that is parallel to the axial
centerline of the rotor member 206). In some embodiments, the
angled protrusions 365 can each define an angle that is greater
than approximately eight degrees relative to a vertical plane
(i.e., a plane that is parallel to the axial centerline of the
rotor member 206).
[0131] In some embodiments, the rotor member 206 is formed from two
or more different materials having different material properties.
For example, the rotor member 206 can be formed from two or more
different materials, wherein a more flexible material can be used
to form the features of the rotor member 206 where increased
flexibility is desired (e.g., at the portions of the rotor member
206 at which paintball jams are more likely to occur). In
particular, the rotor member 206 can be formed such that the tabbed
protrusions 370 are made from a material that is more flexible than
the material used to form the wall portions 364 of the rotor member
206. Additionally, some portions of the rotor member 206 (such as
the curved surface 364a) can have a smoother surface texture than
other portions of the rotor member 206.
[0132] The tabbed protrusions 370 can be formed separately from
some of the other components comprising the rotor member 206, and
can be hingedly supported by the rotor member 206. In some
embodiments, spring members are positioned adjacent to each of the
tabbed protrusions 370 so that the tabbed protrusions 370 can flex
and/or can exert a spring-like force on one or more of the
paintballs.
[0133] Additionally, the rotor member 206 can be configured to have
fewer wall portions 364 than the number of tabbed protrusions 370.
For example, one or more of the tabbed protrusions 370 can be
supported by the perimeter portion 366 of the rotor member 206,
such that the wall portions 364 are not positioned adjacent to all
of the tabbed protrusions 370. For example, the rotor member 206
can have a total of eight tabbed protrusions 370, but only four
wall portions 364.
[0134] With reference to FIG. 40, when the drive motor 278 is
activated, the worm gear 280 can drive the gear member 314 and,
consequently, the base rotor member 252 as described above. In this
configuration, the base rotor member 252 can be rotated in the
direction defined by arrow A5 shown in FIG. 40. As the base rotor
member 252 rotates in the direction A5, the base rotor member 252
can cause the second gears 258 to rotate as described above. As the
second gears 258 rotate, in this configuration, the second gears
258 can cause the rotor arm member 246 to rotate in the direction
represented by arrow A6 illustrated in FIG. 40. As illustrated
therein, the direction represented by arrow A6 is in the opposite
direction as compared to the direction represented by arrow A5.
Thus, in this configuration, when the drive motor 278 is activated,
the rotor member 246 can be caused to generally counter-rotate
relative to the rotor base member 252 and, accordingly,
counter-rotate relative to the rotor member 206.
[0135] As will now be described, some embodiments of the loader 100
can be configured to have a switching mechanism configured to
selectively stop the operation of the feeder assembly 218 when, for
example, a sufficient number of paintballs have been fed into the
marker and have backed up in the opening 116 formed in the lower
shell member 108. In this state, when a sufficient number of
paintballs have been fed into the marker such that the paintballs
have backed up in the opening 116, to provide for a more efficient
use of the drive motor assembly 220 and to reduce the force exerted
by the feeder assembly 218 on the paintballs, in some embodiments,
the loader 100 can be configured as described below.
[0136] FIGS. 42-43 are perspective views of the top portion and the
bottom portion, respectively, of the embodiment of the switch gear
290 shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the top
portion of the embodiment of the second gear member 322 shown in
FIG. 29. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
embodiment of the trigger member 140 shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 46 is a
bottom view of a portion of the components comprising the
embodiment of the feeder assembly 218 and the embodiment of the
drive motor assembly 220 shown in FIG. 29, showing the switch gear
290 and trigger member 140 in the first position. FIG. 46 is a
bottom view of a portion of the components comprising the
embodiment of the feeder assembly 218 and the embodiment of the
drive motor assembly 220 shown in FIG. 29, showing the switch gear
290 and the trigger member 140 in the second position.
[0137] With reference to FIG. 42, in addition to the features
described above, the switch gear 290 can have a notched or geared
surface 378 configured to mesh and interact with the uppermost gear
member 322b of the second gear member 322. Additionally, the switch
gear 290 can have a switch surface 380 that, in some embodiments,
can be slanted as illustrated in FIG. 42. The switch surface 380
can be configured to activate and deactivate a roller type switch
that can be mounted on the circuit board 282 as the switch gear 290
translates along the shafts 292, 294 received within the openings
306, 308, respectively. In some embodiments, the range of
translational motion of the switch gear 290 can be limited by the
internal dimensions of the, or internal features formed on the,
lower housing member 272. For example, in some embodiments, the
range of translation of the switch gear 290 in the direction
represented by arrow A7 can be limited by the contact of a portion
of the switch gear 290 with the lower housing member 272.
[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 46A, in some embodiments, the spring
member 304 mounted on the shaft 292 can exert a biasing force on
the switch gear 290 in the direction of the arrow A7 shown in FIG.
46A. As illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 46B as described above, the
geared surface 378 of the switch gear 290 can be configured to
interact with the uppermost gear member 322b of the second gear
member 322 such that the bias exerted by the spring member 304 on
the switch gear 290 can result in a bias force being imparted by
the switch gear 290 on the second gear member 322. This can cause
the second gear member 322 to be biased in the direction
represented by arrow A8 shown in FIG. 46A. Similarly, because the
lowermost gear member 322a is rotationally fixed to the uppermost
gear member 322b, and because the lowermost gear member 322 can be
configured to mesh and interact with the geared surface 333 of the
first gear member 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254, the bias
exerted on the second gear member 322 can result in a bias being
exerted on the first gear member 256 of the planetary gear assembly
254 in the direction represented by arrow A9 shown in FIG. 46A.
[0139] Thus, in total, in some embodiments, the spring member 304
can result in a bias being exerted on the first gear member 256 of
the planetary gear assembly 254 in the direction represented by
arrow A9 shown in FIG. 46A. The bias force being exerted on the
first gear member 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254 can hold
the first gear member 256 of the planet gear assembly 254 in a
stationary rotational position as the rotor base member 252 is
rotated by the drive motor 276 in the direction represented by
arrow A10 FIG. 46A.
[0140] In some embodiments, if the rotor seat assembly 218 becomes
filled with paintballs such that the rotor arm member 246 is
prevented from counter-rotating relative to the rotor base member
252, the binding of the rotor arm member 246 by the paintballs can
cause the rotor arm member 246 to rotate each of the second gears
258 against the force of the bias from the spring member 304 so
that the first gear 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254 can be
caused to rotate in the direction defined by arrow A10. Of course,
the first gear 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254 will not be
caused to rotate in the direction defined by arrow A10 unless the
force exerted on the planetary gear assembly 254 from the rotor arm
assembly 256 is greater than the force exerted on the planetary
gear assembly 254 from the spring member 304, as described
above.
[0141] However, if the bias force exerted by the spring member 304
is overcome, the first gear member 256 can rotate, causing the
second gear member 322 to rotate in the direction defined by arrow
A11 shown in FIG. 46B. The rotation of the second gear member 322
in the direction defined by arrow A11 can in turn cause the switch
gear 290 to translate in the direction represented by arrow A12 in
FIG. 46B, toward the second position of the switch gear 290
illustrated in FIG. 46B. When the switch gear 290 translates a
predetermined threshold distance in the direction represented by
arrow A12, a roller switch (not illustrated) that can be mounted on
the circuit board 282 can be caused to depress the switch, closing
the circuit of power to the drive motor 278 and, hence, stopping
the feeder assembly 218 from rotating any further until the bias
force exerted by the spring member 304 on the switch gear 290
overcomes the force exerted on the switch gear 290 by the second
gear member 322 and the switch gear 290 returns to the first
position, as illustrated in FIG. 46A.
[0142] Additionally, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS.
46A-46B, the trigger member 140 can be used to cause the rotor arm
member 246 to rotate relative to the rotor member 206 to clear any
paintball jams that may exist in the feeder assembly 218. For
example, if a paintball jam has caused the switch gear 292 move to
the second position, as illustrated in FIG. 46B, such that the
switch has turned the power off to the drive motor 278, the trigger
member 240 can be pulled or translated in the direction represented
by arrow A12 in FIG. 46B. In this state, where the switch has
switched off the power to the drive motor 278, the loader 100 can
be configured such that drive motor 278 is essentially frozen so as
to prevent the rotor base member 252 from rotating in any
direction. In this state, the loader 100 can be configured such
that, translating the trigger member 140 in the direction
represented by arrow A12 can cause the trigger member 140 to engage
and also translate the switch gear 290 in the direction represented
by arrow A12. This can cause the second gear member 322 to rotate
in the direction defined by arrow A11 in FIG. 46B causing the first
gear 256 of the planetary gear assembly 254 to rotate in the
direction defined by arrow A10 in FIG. 46B. This can cause each of
the second gears 258 to rotate in the direction of defined by
arrows A 13 in FIG. 46B, which can in turn cause the rotor arm
member 246 to rotate in the direction represented by arrow A14
shown in FIG. 46B.
[0143] For reference, when the rotor arm member 246 rotates in the
direction represented by arrow A14, the rotor arm member 246 will
be rotating in the opposite direction as compared to when the
feeder assembly 218 is operating in the feed direction and, hence,
feeding paintballs through the opening 116 formed in the lower
housing member 108. In other words, operating the trigger member
140 can cause the rotor arm member 246 to rotate in a backwards
direction, causing any paintball that are jammed in the feeder
assembly 218 to become dislodged or unjammed.
[0144] In some embodiments, the casing 106 can be configured to
have a capacity to hold up to approximately 200 paintballs or less.
In some embodiments, the casing 106 can be configured to have a
capacity to hold up to approximately 300 paintballs, or, in some
embodiments, up to approximately 400 paintballs or more. In some
embodiments, the loader 100 can be configured to feed paintballs
through the opening 116 formed in the lower shell member 108 at a
rate of approximately 40 or more paintballs per second. In some
embodiments, the loader 100 can be configured to feed paintballs
through the opening 116 formed in the lower shell member 108 at a
rate of approximately 50 or more paintballs per second. In some
embodiments, the loader 100 can be configured to feed paintballs
through the opening 116 formed in the lower shell member 108 at a
rate of approximately 60 or more paintballs per second.
[0145] In some embodiments, any of the suitable components
comprising the loader 100 can be molded or otherwise formed from
nylon, delrin, polycarbonate, polyurethane, or any other suitable
plastic or other material, or combination thereof. In some
embodiments, any of the suitable components comprising the loader
100 can be formed from a fiber reinforced material, such as glass
or carbon reinforced plastics, or a combination of fiber reinforced
materials and any other suitable materials.
[0146] The embodiments of the loader described herein can include
any of the components, features, details, or any other aspect of
the embodiments of the loader described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/258,100, titled Paintball Loader, filed on Oct. 26,
2005, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as
if fully set forth herein.
[0147] Although the inventions have been disclosed in the context
of a certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number
of variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in
detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this
disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the
scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that
various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be
combine with or substituted for one another in order to form
varying modes of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, it is intended
that the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by
the particular disclosed embodiments described above but by a fair
reading of the claims which follow.
* * * * *