U.S. patent application number 13/931848 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for gas powered gun barrel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Erik K. Schlosser. Invention is credited to Erik K. Schlosser.
Application Number | 20140007857 13/931848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49877558 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140007857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schlosser; Erik K. |
January 9, 2014 |
Gas Powered Gun Barrel
Abstract
An improved barrel system for gas powered guns that improves the
performance of the guns, by employing adjustable inserts in slots
in the barrel to provide an effective barrel diameter less than the
bore diameter. The barrel system may optionally include barrel
liners, inserts and spin-control components.
Inventors: |
Schlosser; Erik K.; (College
Station, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlosser; Erik K. |
College Station |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49877558 |
Appl. No.: |
13/931848 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61667521 |
Jul 3, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/81 ;
124/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/16 20130101;
F41B 11/62 20130101; F41B 11/70 20130101; F41A 21/04 20130101; F41A
1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/81 ;
124/84 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/04 20060101
F41A021/04; F41B 11/70 20060101 F41B011/70 |
Claims
1. A barrel system for gas powered guns comprising a hollow
cylindrical barrel having a plurality of longitudinal slots spaced
around the circumference of the cylindrical barrel and inserts,
portions of which that fit into the slots and extend through the
barrel wall and beyond the surface of the inside wall of the
barrel.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the inserts are constructed to
snap fit into slots constructed to accommodate snap-fit
inserts.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the inserts have a bottom cross
section selected from the group consisting of flat, concave,
convex, pointed, dual and curved.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the inserts are, at least
partially, constructed of a flexible material.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein there are at least two sets of
slots spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical barrel,
one offset from the other and spaced longitudinally on the barrel
so that each slot in each set partially longitudinally overlaps a
slot in the next adjoining set and is spaced apart from the slots
of a second set; or the slots are spaced without overlap but with
inserts configured to have a portion of the insert extend beyond
the barrel surface inside the barrel so that inserts longitudinally
overlap.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the slot opening and the inserts
are structured to allow the insert to be fitted into the slot
opening so that the inserts fit into the slots and the top surface
of the insert(s) is positioned even with or extends slightly above
the surface of the outside circumference of the barrel.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrel as a single piece or
combined sections of barrel has a proximal end and a distal end and
wherein the proximal end has an adapter that is adapted to mate
with and connect to the breech connection of a gas powered gun.
8. The system of claim 1 also comprising a means for holding the
inserts in place when the system is in use.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the means is a cover.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrel comprises at least two
sections, a proximal end section and a distal end section, that can
be connected together to form a single slotted barrel.
11. The system of claim 1 also comprising a slotted inner liner to
be placed inside the bore of the barrel, wherein slots in the liner
match and communicate with the slots in the barrel.
12. The system of claim 7 wherein there is a removable liner that
fits inside the adapter inside bore.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the 1 adapter is slotted and the
liner grooved so that when assembled there are ridges inside the
barrel for a projectile to ride upon.
14. The system of claim 1 comprising means for inducing spin on a
projectile located on or attached to the distal end of the
barrel.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the distal end section has a
cover and slideable wedge that engages a strip disposed on top of
an insert that can flex downward to move an insert further into the
bore of the barrel thereby exerting increased friction on a
projectile in flight to cause it to spin.
16. The system of claim 14 comprising housing for inserts located
inside a cylindrical spin attachment attached to the distal end of
the barrel and means to position the inserts into a portion of the
bore of the barrel to contact a projectile passing through the
attachment.
17. A barrel system for gas powered guns comprising a hollow
cylindrical barrel having narrow, shaped ridges disposed on the
inside of the barrel or on the inside of a barrel liner, spaced
around the circumference of the cylindrical barrel or liner.
18. The barrel system of 17 wherein the ridges are malleable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 61/667,521, filed Jul. 3, 2012, the
contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to improved barrel systems and
barrels for gas powered guns such as paintball guns and airsoft
guns. More specifically, it relates to a gas powered gun barrel
system with adjustable inserts to provide an effective barrel
diameter that improves the performance of the guns.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Obtaining a correct match of barrel diameter with projectile
(paintball) diameter is a significant problem with paintball
(marking) gun performance. Because paintballs have pliable skin and
a soft (usually liquid) center, the diameter is not consistently
uniform and varies with temperature and other ambient conditions.
Moreover, paintball projectiles from the same manufacturer vary in
diameter slightly from batch to batch, which leads to unpredictable
shot placement and poor accuracy. Different manufacturers also
specifically make paintballs in different diameters. If the barrel
diameter is too small it produces excess drag and stress on the
ball which can seriously impede its velocity and can cause the
projectile to rupture in the barrel. A barrel with an inner
diameter too large will cause a paintball to ricochet in the barrel
as it travels along the barrel and exit in an unpredictable path
resulting in unstable trajectory and inconsistent accuracy.
Traditional barrels, when sized correctly create two (2) stress
points on the paintball projectile. Those points are on the equator
of the ball. Most balls are created from two (2) halves mated
together where the ends overlap, creating the slightly larger
equator of the ball. This method of paintball manufacturing is very
similar to the manufacturing of medicine capsules. More than two
contact points would be desirable.
[0006] Others have tried to address the problem of barrel and ball
match with grooved or "rifled" barrels-see U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,593
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,393. But these patents disclose grooved
barrels that are of fixed diameter and do not adequately address
the problems of variation in ball diameter nor are they adjustable.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,857 describes a popular method of changing
effective barrel diameter by providing varying diameter replacement
barrels.
[0007] The barrel system of this invention, having variable
inserts, allows for three or more points of contact and is easily
adjustable or tunable to optimize the effective barrel diameter.
The more contact points there are on the paintball, the more
distributed the force is on the paintball. This enables players to
shoot more brittle paintballs that are more likely to break on
their target. Using more brittle paintballs in traditional barrels
makes them more likely to break in the barrel.
[0008] The barrel/insert system of the present invention allows for
different designs of inserts to be used in the same barrel. The
inserts are tailored to achieve the effect and action desired. In
one embodiment, flexible or elastomeric inserts flex to allow for a
dynamic inner diameter effect.
[0009] When ball breaks do occur in the barrel, traditional barrels
force the paintball to pass through the broken paintball shell
pieces which can alter the paintball path unpredictably and result
in poor accuracy. The system of this invention allows balls to
shoot through a broken ball more easily since the ball never
touches the barrel bore surface; it reduces contact with the broken
paintball shell pieces.
SUMMARY
[0010] A gas powered gun barrel system comprising a barrel having
slots, inserts to fit into the slots and, optionally, means, such
as a cover, to hold the inserts into position when in use. In broad
aspect the system comprises a barrel (hollow cylinder) either as a
single section or multiple sections having a plurality of
longitudinal slots, each less than the length of the barrel.
[0011] In one embodiment there is also provided means at the distal
end of the barrel for effecting spin on a traversing ball.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a slotted barrel of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a barrel insert of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1C is isometric views of a liner for a breech adapter
of an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1D is isometric views of another liner for a breech
adapter of an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another slotted barrel of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a barrel insert of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a side view of a barrel insert of an embodiment
of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a series of figures, 4A-4I, of end view cross
sections of barrel inserts.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a barrel with snap-in
adaptable slots.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an end view of a barrel with inserts in place.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a barrel with cover
attached.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a barrel with sections
showing a section of the barrel with an inner liner and a section
of an inner liner of one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 8A is an end view of a barrel with sections showing a
section of the barrel with an inner liner and a section an inner
liner of one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 8B is an end view of a barrel with sections showing a
section of the barrel with an inner liner and a section an inner
liner of one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a two piece barrel of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a three piece barrel of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 11A is an isometric view of a spin adapter for use in
one embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 11B is an isometric inside view of a spin adapter for
use in one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 11C is also an isometric inside view of a spin adapter
for use in one embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a barrel of one embodiment
of the invention showing a spin adjustment means on the distal end
of the barrel.
[0032] FIG. 13A is also an isometric inside view of another spin
adapter for use in one embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 13B is also an isometric inside view of another spin
adapter for use in one embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 13C is also an isometric inside view of another spin
adapter for use in one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The gas powered gun (such as a paint gun or marking gun)
barrel system of the invention comprises a barrel having slots,
inserts to fit into the slots and, optionally, means, such as a
cover, to hold the inserts into position when in use. The system of
the present invention is also useful for Airsoft guns that can
shoot small caliber, 0.50 caliber paintballs which can benefit from
the system of this invention in the same way as paintball guns,
e.g. centering the ball, putting spin on the ball etc.
[0036] In broad aspect the system comprises a barrel (hollow
cylinder) having a plurality of longitudinal slots for receiving
inserts, each less than the length of the barrel, wherein the slots
are arranged in sets.
[0037] Preferably, in a single barrel embodiment, there are at
least two sets of slots spaced around the circumference of the
cylindrical barrel at the breech or proximal end of the barrel, one
set offset from the other and spaced longitudinally on the barrel.
The slots may or may not overlap longitudinally. In a preferred
embodiment they do not overlap, but inserts fit into the slots with
a portion that extends beyond the slot opening inside the barrel to
accomplish much the same effect as overlapping slots. In an
embodiment in which the slots do overlap, each set partially
overlaps a slot longitudinally in the next adjoining set and is
spaced apart from the slots of the other set so the paintball does
not experience a loss of contact with inserts over the length of
the barrel. In this embodiment the projectile material support
structure is not compromised by sharp or irregular ends of slots
that may cut into the projectile. It is preferred that the slots
not span the length of the barrel so as to allow variation in types
and placement of the inserts. In a two piece (or multi-piece)
barrel described below there is at least one set of slots in the
breech end barrel section and one set in the distal end barrel
section.
[0038] The barrel slots (openings through the barrel wall) provide
housing for inserts. It is beneficial to have three (3) inserts
(three rows of slots) so that there are three contact points on the
projectile ball instead of the normal two as is the case with a
smooth bore barrel where the larger circumference of the ball
(where the halves of the ball are joined in manufacture) contacts
the barrel inside wall. The more contact points that touch the
ball, the less force is exerted per contact point which, in turn
allows the use of more brittle paintballs. The added contact points
reduce the chance of the paintball breaking in the barrel and
increase the chance of the paintball breaking on target. U.S.
D559,923 is a design patent of a barrel having slots but the slots
are not of the kind disclosed in this invention--the slots not
being opened through the barrel wall except at the distal end.
[0039] The system of the invention allows for different effects on
the paintball to be obtained by varying the kind of insert used and
by the placement of the inserts in the barrel. The inserts provide
the ability to change the effective inner diameter of the barrel.
The inserts help to ensure centering of the paintball projectile
when there is a poor bore size to paintball match; in one
embodiment by using inserts that flex to change the effective inner
diameter dynamically. In some embodiments the inserts are designed
to induce spin on a paintball by using inserts that provide a large
surface area for friction on one side of the paintball, while using
inserts with a low surface area and low friction on the opposite
side of the paintball. The system can be arranged to create a choke
effect with different sized inserts creating larger effective inner
diameters on one end of the barrel then transitioning to smaller
effective inner diameters on the other end of the barrel.
Traditional barrels place great importance on honing the finish of
the inner diameter of the barrel, to make it as smooth as possible
in order to lower the drag that, in turn, causes the paintball to
spin and lead to unpredictable flight paths and inaccuracy. Over
time this finish degrades. Dropping the barrel can also scuff up
the inner end of the barrel, all leading to increased chances of
breaking paintballs in the barrel. In the system of this invention
barrel bore finish is not an issue since the ball does not contact
the bore wall but only the insert surface. Inserts are easily
changed, a solution far less expensive than a purchasing a new
barrel.
[0040] The system is very adaptable since the barrel can be made
from different materials, the position of slots can be varied, the
size and shape of slots can be different, the total number of slots
can be changed and the orientation of the slots can be varied.
Inserts can have diverse design shapes that create special effects
on the path of the paintballs and can made of different materials.
Attachment of the inserts in the slots is also very adaptable as
they may be held in place by a cover, clamps, magnetically,
physically attached to the barrel or secured by a snap fit design
as detailed below.
[0041] The optional use of an inner barrel liner (or barrel
sections of different diameters) will enable more efficient use of
gas propellants by limiting the amount of void space around the
paintball. As used herein and in the claims the term "slots" mean
longitudinal, generally rectangular, openings extending entirely
through the wall of the barrel, the opening having a length to
width ratio of at least 2/1, and preferably 4/1.
Barrel
[0042] Referring to the Figures, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 are perspective
(isometric) views of an embodiment of a barrel, 100, and insert 290
of this invention. The barrel has a proximal or breech end, (where
lead line 182 points in FIGS. 1 and 101 points in FIG. 2), and
distal or exit end, (where 185 lead line points in FIGS. 1 and 102
points in FIG. 2). The proximal end (182 and 155) is the end of the
barrel that connects to the paintball gun ("marker") breech and the
distal end is the end where projectiles exit the barrel. The breech
end is shown in FIG. 1 with a breech end adapter 182-183 and in
FIG. 2 with a threaded section, 155. The breech end will be made to
be fitted on the breech of the gun to which it is to be attached.
The threaded end 155 enables the barrel to be connected to the
female threads of the breech of a paintball gun (or Airsoft gun).
Most modern paintball guns have barrels that screw into a front
receiver on the gun. Older types slide the barrel on and screw it
in place. Barrel threading will be matched to that of the gun to be
used. Common threads are: Angel, Autococker, Impulse/Ion, Shocker,
Spyder, A-5, and 98 Custom.
[0043] Alternatively, adapters are provided (182/183 of FIG. 1)
that attach to the barrel by any suitable means, including pressure
fit, threaded, quick disconnect fitting, means to attach different
threaded breech adapters to the barrel or attach multiple barrels
together, means to attach a muzzle to the distal end of the barrel
or any other means that will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The use of adapters is useful since only the adapters will
need to be customized for different gun connections. Breech
adapters may have liners, 184 and 186, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D.
The liners as shown have a lips 185 and 187, to help hold them in
place. The liner such as shown in FIG. 1C is useful to reduce the
bore diameter of the adapter and thus allow less gas to escape
forward, thereby increasing the efficiency. The adapter shown in
FIG. 1D, 186, is designed to provide ridges for the projectile ball
to ride upon serving the same purpose of the inserts in the barrel.
The liner has ridges that fit into slots in the adapted body 185.
This adds to the efficiency in the same manner as the liner of FIG.
1C but adds protection for the paintball projectile by preventing
contact with the full inside bore of the liner. Both liners are
shown with threads 188, to allow attachment to female threads in
the breech of a gun. Connectors other than threads may also be
used.
[0044] In some embodiments the distal or exit end may have a
support ring at the end; see 140 in FIGS. 12 and 162 in FIG. 9. It
is preferred that the ring, if used, be knurled (patterned) to
provide a good grip for threading the barrel into the gun and aids
in threading the barrel into the threaded breech of the gun.
[0045] The barrel is shown in FIG. 1 with seven sets of slots
(openings through the wall of the barrel), each set with three
slots. FIG. 5 shows seven sets of slots. The slots are preferably
arranged equidistance around the circumference of the barrel
(120.degree. on center for three slots). Inserts can be snap-fitted
into the slots as is explained in the section following and can be
constructed with a longer length inside the barrel than the length
of slot opening to provide an overlap of the inserts and provide
smooth transition of the projectile as it travels from one set of
inserts to the next. In one embodiment (FIG. 2) each set of slots
is arranged so that the overlap is longitudinal (proximal end of
each slot of the second set of slots begins before the distal end
of the slots of the first set ends.) Each set overlaps the other
(though spaced apart around the circumference e.g. 60.degree. from
the adjacent slot in the preceding set.) The overlap typically will
be at least two (2) percent of the length of the slot and may be up
to about twenty (20) percent. An overlap of about five to ten
(5-10) percent is very suitable. These same overlap dimensions are
also suitable for overlap of inserts that fit into slots that do
not overlap.
[0046] Longitudinal overlap of the slots or of the inserts provides
smooth transition of the ball as it travels from one set of slots
or inserts to the next. The overlap allows for a continuous
effective barrel diameter inside the barrel as explained below.
Spacing other than equidistance around the circumference may be
appropriate for some circumstances, but in general, equidistance
spacing is preferred. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the slots have
tapered sides, 110, and ends. This embodiment allows inserts with
matching tapered sides to be placed into the slots but leaves the
outside surface of the insert even with or slightly above that of
the outside surface of the barrel. This allows the inserts to be
more securely held in place by a cover or by other means. It is
suitable but not preferred to have the surface of the insert at or
below the surface of the outside of the barrel so as to leave a
smooth surface of the outside diameter of the barrel--as can be
seen in FIG. 6. Tapered as the term is used herein and in the
claims means the sides of the slots are sloped from top (outside
wall of the barrel) to bottom (inside surface of barrel bore).
Tapered slot openings will, therefore be larger at the outside
barrel surface than at the inside barrel bore surface. This allows
inserts that are tapered to mate with the tapered slots to be
placed in the slots without passing through the slots. Many
variations in slot configuration are possible, those of FIGS. 1A
and 2 being illustrative of preferred embodiments. In most
preferred embodiments except in a multi-piece barrel, a set of the
slots will be placed near (within about ten (10) percent of the
length of the barrel from the end) the proximal (breech) end of the
barrel--if multiple slot sets are used they may extend the length
or a substantial portion of the barrel. In a multi-piece barrel
described following, the slots may be placed at the breech end and
the slots in separate pieces of the barrel of the multi-piece
barrel may extend to the end of the piece and converge with another
like slot of an adjoining piece. Moreover, the slots on the breech
adapter end may be inverted from normal and be tapered so that the
larger side of the taper is on the outside circumference. This
prevents the inserts from dislodging as the paintball moves past
them. This configuration is useful when the barrel is inside a
breech adapter or the barrel cover is too thick to fit inside the
marker breech and cannot hold those inserts in place.
[0047] The placement of slots allows inserts to be placed where the
balls will have maximum air pressure, a feature that distinguishes
the slots of this invention from previous barrel designs with
openings for venting usually placed near the distal end of the
barrel. It is, of course, within the scope of the invention to have
slots only on the distal end but this would reduce many of the
advantages of the invention and is not preferred.
[0048] The inserts are preferably held in place in the slots by a
snap-fit design as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. As shown in FIG. 1A the
slots 110 have a rounded end 184. This allowed the insert shown in
FIG. 1B to be inserted. The insert (290) illustrated in FIG. 1B has
a projection 294 at one end and a snap connector 292 at the other
end. The front is configured to slide into the rounded part of slot
184 and extend beyond the slot opening. The other snap end is
configured so that when pushed down into the slot, the part 292
flexes upward to allow the insert to seat. When seated, 292 flexes
downward to its original position to secure the insert into the
slot. The extension 294 of the insert that fits into 184 allows the
insert to overlap adjacent inserts arranged around the barrel
circumference without the necessity of overlapping the slots.
[0049] In another embodiment, grooves, of which 120 is one, shown
in FIG. 2 are optionally provided to accommodate O rings that hold
the inserts in place until a cover or other means to hold them in
place is applied. Paintball diameter and therefore gun barrel
nominal inside or bore diameter, generally range from 0.50 to 0.695
caliber (inches), and barrels are made to match these diameters. A
nominal diameter of about 0.68 caliber (inch) is typical and
common. Typical barrels are between 3 inches (76 mm) and 21 inches
(530 mm) long, with custom barrels up to about 36 inches (910 mm)
long. FIG. 2 also illustrates the threaded breech end of the barrel
and an optional banded exit end, 140.
[0050] Rather than the inserts slot patterns as those shown in FIG.
4A-4I, insert-like ridges may be formed or permanently attached
into the barrel inter surface or in a barrel liner (described
below). While this embodiment lacks flexibility to change and mix
and match inserts it eliminates the need for a cover or other means
to hold the inserts in place. The ridging can, for example, be
accomplished by over-molding in an injection molding process to
permanently attach inserts. Ridged sections can also be attached
inside the barrel or liner by adhesive or other suitable attachment
means. In another embodiment an elastomeric coating is applied that
would perform the same function as the inserts. The ridges may
suitably be rigid or be flexible (malleable).
Barrel Inner Liner
[0051] There is also optionally provided an inner barrel liner to
be used in the barrel to reduce the annular space formed between
the barrel actual bore diameter and the effective diameter formed
by the inserts. Generally these will be of shorter length than the
barrel and disposed at the breech or proximal end of the barrel.
Liners are further explained in the Insert section--see FIG. 8.
This inner liner will have slots matching the barrel slots for the
inserts to be placed in the barrel wall. Generally, the inner liner
will not extend far beyond half the length of the barrel (or less)
or be more than about eight (8) inches in length. The liner may
also be tapered, having a smaller diameter (greater wall thickness)
at the breech end. U.S. Pat. No. 7,775,200, Oct. 17, 2010 discloses
a tapered composite liner for barrels but not a liner that has
slots as in the present invention.
Multi-Piece Barrel
[0052] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, there
is provided a multiple piece (or multi-section) barrel, 150 and 160
(preferably two or three piece). This allows a selection of barrel
sections, like 150, that may be of various diameters to accomplish
results similar to those obtained by the barrel liner described
above. Rather than providing liners of different diameter, there
are barrel sections of different diameter. Different bore diameter
barrel section will accommodate different projectile sizes and
conditions and provide less annular space between the projectile
and inside barrel surface. This is the same effect as achieved with
the liners illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The breech section will
have a configuration such as that illustrated in FIG. 8A (except
the barrel bore will be a single piece and not have the liner 132).
The distal end view will be much like that illustrated in FIG. 8B.
Thus, the annular space between the barrel bore and the effective
diameter will be smaller in the breech end section than in the
distal section. In general, the breech sections, 150, will have a
smaller diameter than the bore diameter of section 160. The forward
or distal section will generally be of a fixed bore diameter and
not need to be changed. The breech section and distal sections will
be connected together, 166 and 156, by suitable means such as
threaded connection, pressure fit, quick connect fitting or any
other means that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Items 168 and 158 are the slots in the barrel like 110 in FIG. 2.
Item 162 is an end piece. The raised ring as shown in FIGS. 9 and
10 are useful to prevent a cover from sliding over the distal end.
This requires the cover to be attached from the proximal end. The
distal end shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 have a female groove to allow a
cover with an internal ring to snap fit onto the barrel. This
requires the cover to attach from the distal end.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9 the breech section may be connected to
the breech of the gun by means such as item 155 or by an optional
third section, 170, shown in FIG. 10 or 182 and 183 in FIG. 1. The
breech adapter, 170, will have means for attaching to the breech of
the gun with varying connector ends to accommodate the different
attachment means, generally female threads at the point that 170
points (threads not shown) for attaching the gun breech as
described above. Part 172 mates with part 152 to connect the
adapter, 170, to the barrel section 150, by any suitable means,
generally by male threads on 152 and female threads on 172. The end
of the breech section may be sloped to provide smooth transition to
the somewhat larger bore diameter of the distal section. The breech
section may also have a tapered internal bore diameter generally
with the smaller diameter at the breech end. The bore diameters
will be of nominal 0.68 caliber, for example, diameters of 0.687,
0.689, 0.693 and 0.697 inches.
[0054] Another embodiment is a breech adapter with the ability to
house barrel liners of different diameters.
[0055] The barrel may be made of any suitable material, including,
but not limited to, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper,
brass, shape memory alloys and/or polymers, and other more exotic
metals and synthetic materials such as engineered polymer
materials, plastics, reinforced polymers such as fiberglass, carbon
fiber reinforced polymers and the like.
Spin Control Embodiment
[0056] In another embodiment the barrel system is fitted with means
to impart top, side or backspin on the paintball. U.S. Pat. No.
7,699,048 describes a paintball barrel attachment that imparts
backspin on the ball as it exits the barrel attachment by providing
an adjustable means to provide friction on the top of the ball
which causes it to begin to rotate backwards. In the '048 patent
this is accomplished by an inverted trough that tilts slightly from
the direct line of flight of the ball. The tilt, downward incline,
of the trough may be adjusted by a slideable wedge mechanism that
pushes the trough downward to increase the incline. In one
embodiment of the present invention, friction is exerted on the
ball to cause backspin (or other spin direction) by an insert in a
slot in the barrel and adjusted by the extent the insert extends
into the barrel bore. Referring to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C and 12,
400 is a clamp the fits over a set of insert openings at the distal
end of the barrel, 232, 234 and 236 (FIG. 12). 402 is a handle
attached to a slide mechanism placed in slot 401. 402 is attached
to a wedge piece 406 (FIG. 11B). When slid forward 402 and 406 push
downward on strip (projection) 404. 404 is a strip the fits into
groove 112 (FIG. 12) and is attached at the end sections so that
the strip may be pushed downward. This strip in groove 112 pushes
down on an insert such as insert 200 in FIG. 3A that fits into
slots 232, 234 and 236. When the wedge mechanism, represented by
402 and 406, is moved forward 404 forces the associated insert
further into the barrel opening. When the insert extends further
into the barrel bore than other forward inserts (those toward the
breech end) it exerts friction on the ball that will cause the ball
to spin in a manner similar to the mechanism of U.S. Pat. No.
7,699,048. Any insert around the circumference may be activated by
rotating the clamp 400 to a suitable position over the desired
insert(s). It is preferred for spin control that there be four
insert openings (and inserts) arranged around the circumference of
the barrel spaced 90.degree. apart rather than the normal three.
Four equally spaced inserts will allow the choice of a spin
producing insert at the top, bottom or either side. While the
illustrated embodiment shows clamp 400 only on the terminal set of
inserts, a second clamp may be used for the penultimate set or a
single clamp may be fashioned to cover more than one set of
inserts. It is preferred that only the end set be used.
[0057] In another embodiment the spin adapter is shown in FIGS.
13A, 13B and 13C. This adapter is a separate cylindrical piece that
attaches to the end of the barrel rather than build into the distal
end of the barrel as is the case of the spin adapter shown in FIGS.
11 and 12. The insert(s) (not shown) may be fully seated in the
slots of the 428 housing and cannot be adjusted to extend into
those slots more/less or they may be seated with a void space
between the insert and backstop so that the projectile pushes the
insert into the void space. Adjustment is made by the position of
the backstop. The 426 backstop sits above the 428 insert housing.
This 426 backstop is what the insert(s) hit when the paintball
passes, pushing the insert(s) upwards into the 426 backstop. This
426 backstop can be adjusted closer or farther from the insert(s)
by switch or slide 424. The closer the 426 backstop to the
insert(s), the more aggressive the spin since the insert(s) provide
a slight, controlled obstruction to the paintball path. The farther
the 426 backstop to the insert(s) the less aggressive the spin
since the insert(s) provide less obstruction of the paintball's
path. Instead of adjusting the 426 backstop from the top only, as
shown in the Figures, there can also be a rotating adjustment. This
embodiment can be a cap that can be twisted to adjust or a means
similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,998, the relevant disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the
slideable mechanism is only one means of adjustably forcing an
insert into the barrel bore opening and other means will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Any inserts will be suitable
but flexible or elastomeric inserts described herein will generally
be preferred.
Inserts
[0058] FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric perspective views that
illustrate embodiments of the inserts of the invention. The insert
shown in FIG. 3A has a curved top, 201, that matches the outside
curve of the barrel, tapered sides, 202, which mate with tapered
sides of the slots illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a flat bottom
205. Other cross sections and insert configurations are shown in
FIG. 4, 4A-4I. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate inserts with tapered sides
(252, 255 and 258) to fit into mated tapered edges (110) of slots.
Any of the cross sections 4A-4I can have tapered sides as well.
FIGS. 4D-4I illustrate inserts having tops that project above the
surface of the outside of the barrel (260, 264, 266, 272, 276 and
281). It is preferred that the surface 261, 265, 269, 273, 277 and
282 be curved to match the curve of the outside diameter, but
extend slightly above the surface of the barrel. In one embodiment
the inserts will have a flexible or malleable bottom section to
allow dynamic (change with force of projectile) sizing of the
effective diameter. If the insert section in contact with the ball
is elastic, it will adjust for slight differences in the ball
diameter. In general, the entire insert will not be elastic or
flexible but only the bottom section that fits inside the
barrel--see 211, 212 and 213 in FIG. 6. These elastic inserts may
be constructed by any suitable means that will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. An example is to construct the body of the
insert of moldable elastomeric polyurethane. This will allow
manufacturing flexibility as different shapes and different
hardness can be easily adjusted in a molded product. The outward
body of the insert will, for example, be relatively hard (Shore A
hardness of 80 or more) but the bottom section that fits inside the
barrel (1/3 to 1/8 of bottom) will be soft--Shore A of 30 or
less.
[0059] The bottom of the inserts, that is the surface that is
placed inside the barrel and forms the sides of the effective
diameter barrel bore, may be any as shown in FIGS. 4A-4I or any
other suitable configuration that will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. The fairly wide flat bottom, 253 and 274, are easy to
machine and provide a large surface for the ball to ride upon. In a
properly sized effective diameter, the balls should ride upon the
same small center of the insert, no matter the insert width. The
shape will depend upon the desired results. For the least surface
contact with the paintball a convex or sharp bottom (259, 266, 271)
may be optimal. To obtain the most surface area to increase
friction as to induce a spin on the paintball, concave underside
may be optimal (363). Inserts of difference thickness (distance
extending into the barrel) may easily be placed in any slot in the
same barrel if the inserts all have the same footprint (shape) to
fit into the slot. FIG. 4H shows a dual or slotted surface 280 and
279 which may be desirable to increase contact points but not
surface drag. FIG. 4I illustrates a design that is curved across
the width of the bottom of the insert where the part 284 curves
across the bottom from one end to the opposite side 285 at the
other end of the insert. This provides a rifling effect to add spin
to the ball. A shape that is designed to score the outer shell of
the paintball projectile will cause the projectile to break more
easily upon contact with a target.
[0060] These cross sections are merely illustrative and are not
inclusive of all possible configurations. The important dimension
of the inserts is that they be sized to extend into the barrel,
that is, extend beyond the inside surface of the inside bore
diameter of the barrel. This will provide an effective diameter
(diameter of a circle that would touch the inserts) smaller than
the inside bore diameter of the barrel. The bottom (underside,
usually shaped) of the insert are the only points of contact for
the paintball projectile--paintballs do not touch the inner bore
surface of the barrel. Different types of inserts can be used to
provide different benefits, but can all fit the same barrel. For
example, the thickness (distance from top to bottom) of the inserts
determines the effective inner diameter of the barrel. This
provides a means to obtain a better match of the barrel to the size
of paintballs. Inserts may also be sectioned, shaped to fit
together to make a single insert and may be connected together in
any conventional way such as by an interlocking configuration.
Sectioned inserts will be useful where the slot is relatively long
as when one slot substantially traverses the length of the barrel.
The insets may also be ported to allow venting of pressure at the
distal section of the barrel.
[0061] Since the effective diameter is less than the actual inside
bore diameter of the barrel there is an annular space between the
ball and the inside bore surface which is an added benefit. The
annular space allows gas to surround the ball as it traverses the
barrel, to escape and thus reduce noise and also provide a space
for the debris of balls broken in the barrel. Traditional barrels
use porting (holes in the barrel) to lessen the noise signature of
the barrel by lowering the air pressure behind the ball to
atmospheric pressure once the paintball passes the first ported
holes.
[0062] The present invention allows for annular areas between the
barrel inner diameter and the paintball for air pressure to
equalize and lessen the "pop" when the paintball exits the barrel.
Generally, porting in traditional barrels is located near the
distal or exit end of the barrel since it would be undesirable to
port the barrel near the breech end and exhaust the air pressure at
that point. In the present invention the barrel may also include
traditional porting.
[0063] When ball breaks do occur, traditional barrels force the
paintball to pass through the broken paintball shell pieces and can
alter the paintball path unpredictably resulting in poor accuracy.
The annular space of the barrel with inserts allows the ball to
shoot through the break more easily since the ball never touches
the bore surface of the barrel and the debris will be located in
the annular space. It does not have to pass through the broken
paintball pieces and paint.
[0064] In one aspect there is also provided an inner barrel insert
or liner to be used in the breech or proximate longitudinal section
of the barrel as shown in FIG. 8. This liner will allow greater gas
pressure at the breech end of the barrel by reducing the annular
area but allow an expanded annular space in the distal or exit end
of the barrel. This will allow more gas to escape at the distal end
around the ball and reduce noise and better position the ball. In
general this inner insert will be less than about half the length
the barrel and no more about 3/4 the barrel length. Inner tubes of
four (4) to eight (8) inches will usually be suitable no matter the
length the barrel. For most barrels 8-10 inches is usually the
effective barrel length which is the distance over which the ball
is accelerating. However, the inner liner may be shorter. This
inner liner will have slots matching the barrel for inserts to pass
through the barrel and liner walls. As with the barrel bore surface
it is not intended that the balls touch the inner liner surface.
The inserts may also be mixed and matched. In one arrangement the
insert set or sets near the distal (exit) end of the barrel may be
thicker (extend farther into the bore) to provide a smaller
effective diameter to obtain a choking effect--use of narrower
inserts (for a higher inner diameter effect) on the proximal end of
the barrel with thicker inserts (for a lower inner diameter effect)
on the distal or exit end of the barrel.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows a barrel having seven sets of slots with three
slots in a set. There may be as few as two sets of at least two
slots and preferably three slots or as many as can be placed on a
barrel. In a multi-piece barrel the breech adapter may have only
one bank of slots but, in general, in most configurations, there
will be at least two. The number of inserts should, in general, be
at least three arranged around the circumference of the barrel and
can be as many as seven or nine, in odd or even numbers. In the
two-piece barrel there will be at least one set for each section of
barrel. More than nine would be cumbersome but not outside the
scope of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates slots that have tapered
sides for placement of tapered inserts so that the surface of the
barrel with inserts in place is smooth or with the inserts
projecting slightly above the outer barrel surface. This makes a
neat appearance and facilitates the use of a cover (as discussed
below) but is not essential to the function of the invention. FIG.
6 is an end view of a barrel having at least two sets of three
inserts in each set. The barrel 100 has an inside surface 105. The
inserts in one set, 211, 212 and 213 are spaced equidistance around
the circumference of the barrel. The next set of inserts 221, 222
and 223 are further along the length of the barrel and offset from
the first set. The dimension aD in FIG. 6 is the effective diameter
between the surface of the inserts and bD is the bore diameter. The
difference is the annular space, a, between the effective diameter
(aD) of the barrel and the barrel bore.
[0066] The inserts as shown have a transition taper (203 on FIGS.
3A and 3B) on the back (breech or proximal end) to transition from
the inner diameter of the barrel to the inner diameter of the
insert. This prevents the ball from being clipped or punctured when
moving from one set of inserts to the next.
[0067] Inserts may be made of many different materials, including
but not limited to, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper,
brass, other more exotic metals such as shape memory alloys,
magnetic metals and synthetic materials such as engineered polymer
materials, elastomers, plastics, reinforced polymers such as
fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced polymers and the like. The
inserts may be different colors or in a variety of colors or may be
engraved with numbers or symbols to aid in identification. This is
especially useful where there is a variety of inserts to be used
for different projectiles or shooting situations. Color coding the
inserts will allow easy identification.
Cover
[0068] A cover is used in some embodiments to hold inserts in
place. Before the cover is in place, the inserts have to be in
proper position. The cover keeps all inserts pushed against the
barrel and prevents the inserts from moving outwards when the
projectiles contact them. For this purpose, in one embodiment,
there are optional grooves, 120, for O rings in the barrel and in
each insert, 220. The O rings are installed first held in position
by the grooves, to keep the inserts from falling out before the
cover is installed over the O rings and insert.
[0069] The O rings are not essential as the user can simply hold
inserts in place manually or use other methods to hold them in
position until they are secured as by a cover. The cover may also
have apertures positioned so that inserts may be adjusted through
with the cover in place. The cover also gives the barrel a neat
appearance and provides added support.
[0070] Other means such as clamps, pressure fitted inserts, hook
and loop (Velcro.TM.) straps, tape or other like means may be used
to hold inserts to the barrel instead the cover.
[0071] An embodiment with the cover in place is shown in FIG. 7.
The cover also provides additional structural support for the
barrel. The aesthetics of the cover may also be enhanced by
anodizing and/or machine designed cuts. If the barrel is ported the
cover may be ported as well.
[0072] The cover may be a single piece as shown, in multiple pieces
that snap together or otherwise connected, or may be in the form of
multiple clamps to accomplish the same purpose. Clamps can clamp
onto the barrel where the O ring slots are shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and
3B. There would be a need to purchase only one (1) clamp per bank
of inserts. The cover may be constructed of any suitable material,
metal, polymer, elastomeric polymers and the like, it being only
necessary that it have sufficient structural strength for holding
the inserts in place. Additionally, the cover and/or barrel may be
made from a translucent/transparent material with the means to add
lighting effects (from a LED light for example) to the barrel
system. These effects can have different modes (constant on,
strobe, etc.) and can be triggered by sound of the projectile being
shot, movement of the marker. The cover may be made from an
elastomeric material that will flex slightly as the paintballs
contact the internal inserts. This allows the inserts to
momentarily become unseated as it is pushed by the paintball. In
another aspect, there is provided a muzzle piece that can be
attached to the end of the cover to provide different aesthetics.
This type of aesthetic is generally preferred by the military
simulation sector of Paintball enthusiasts. See, for example, the
discussion at the web site
http://www.wolfpackpaintballteam.com/paintball/paintball-muzzle-brakes.ht-
ml
[0073] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled
in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in
form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
specification is, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention should
be limited only by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References