U.S. patent application number 14/192015 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for paintball marker with interchangeable firing modes.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Alan Williams. Invention is credited to David Alan Williams.
Application Number | 20140338649 14/192015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51894765 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140338649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; David Alan |
November 20, 2014 |
PAINTBALL MARKER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FIRING MODES
Abstract
The present disclosure discloses a paintball marker capable of
interchanging between a bolt action firing valve and a spool action
firing valve. The present disclosure further provides a method of
interchanging between the bolt action firing valve and the spool
firing valve.
Inventors: |
Williams; David Alan;
(Bluffton, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Williams; David Alan |
Bluffton |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51894765 |
Appl. No.: |
14/192015 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61770133 |
Feb 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/73 ; 124/45;
29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/55 20130101;
Y10T 29/49716 20150115; F41A 9/68 20130101; F41B 11/62 20130101;
F41B 11/723 20130101; F41B 11/721 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/73 ; 124/45;
29/401.1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/70 20060101
F41B011/70; F41B 11/50 20060101 F41B011/50; F41B 11/72 20060101
F41B011/72 |
Claims
1. A paintball marker including: a frame portion; a trigger
mechanism; a barrel for propelling a paintball therefrom; a bolt
action firing valve; and a receiver portion at least partially
received into the frame portion and coupled to the trigger
mechanism, the barrel coupled to one of the receiver portion and
the frame portion, the receiver portion defining a firing chamber
sized to reversibly receive the bolt action firing valve and secure
the bolt action firing valve in a first orientation in the firing
chamber, the receiver portion adapted to receive a paintball from a
paintball reservoir and compressed gas from an external source to
propel the paintball.
2. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the bolt action firing
valve includes a translatable cycle hub having a bolt handle.
3. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the firing chamber is
sized to reversibly receive a spool firing valve when the bolt
action firing valve is removed therefrom, the firing chamber
configured to secure the spool firing valve in a first
orientation.
4. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the barrel screws into
the receiver portion.
5. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the receiver portion is
adapted to be at least partially received into the frame portion
while coupled to the barrel.
6. (canceled)
7. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the paintball reservoir
comprises a magazine couplable to the receiver portion, the
magazine including two vertical columns of paintballs stacked on
top of each other within each column.
8. The paintball marker of claim 7, wherein the magazine is
configured to allow discharge of one of the two vertical columns at
a time.
9. The paintball marker of claim 8, wherein the magazine defines an
opening above each vertical column, the openings sized to allow the
paintballs to pass. therethrough.
10. The paintball marker of claim 9, wherein the magazine includes
a coil spring configured to applying a force on the vertical
columns of paintballs in a direction toward the openings above each
vertical column.
11. (canceled)
12. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism
includes a trigger and lever arm which when activated slide along a
first axis.
13. The paintball marker of claim 1 further comprising a stock
adapted for reversibly attaching to the frame portion, the stock
including a cheek abutment and a shoulder abutment.
14. (canceled)
15. The paintball marker of claim 13 further including a first
adjuster and a second adjuster, the first adjuster adapted for
altering the positioning of the cheek abutment and the second
adjuster adapted for altering the positioning of the shoulder
abutment.
16. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the receiver portion
is further configured for mounting a sight thereto.
17. A method of interchanging a bolt action firing valve in a
paintball marker with a spool action firing valve, the method
including the steps of: disposing a receiver at least partially
within a frame; placing a bolt action firing valve disposed within
the receiver in a post-fired state; removing the bolt action firing
valve from a firing chamber defined by the receiver, said step of
removing the bolt action firing valve comprising removal of at
least one valve securing pin from a valve securing pin opening
defined by the receiver and retracting the bolt action firing valve
through an opening defined by the receiver; inserting a spool
firing valve into the firing chamber of the receiver by inserting
the spool firing valve through the opening, the step of inserting
comprising placing the spool firing valve in a first configuration
within the firing chamber of the receiver; and inserting the at
least one valve securing pin through the valve securing pin opening
defined by the receiver, the step of inserting further including
disposing the at least one valve securing pin within an aperture
defined by the spool firing valve.
18. The method of claim 17 further including the steps of:
disconnecting a barrel from the receiver prior to the step of
removing the receiver from the frame; and reconnecting the barrel
to the receiver after the step of securing the receiver within the
frame.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of disconnecting the
barrel includes unscrewing the barrel from the receiver.
20. The method of claim 17 further including the steps of:
disconnecting a magazine enclosing a plurality of paintballs from
the receiver prior to said step of removing the receiver from the
frame; and reconnecting the magazine to the receiver after the step
of securing the receiver within the frame.
21. The method of claim 17 further including the steps of:
disconnecting one of a compressed air and a compressed gas source
from the receiver; removing the receiver from the frame, the step
of removing comprising removal of at least one receiver securing
pin from a receiver securing pin opening defined by the frame;
placing at least a portion of the receiver within the frame;
securing the receiver within the frame, said step of securing
comprising inserting the at least one receiver securing pin into
the receiver securing pin opening; and, reconnecting one of the
compressed air or compressed gas source to the receiver.
22-25. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure relates to paintball markers. More
specifically, the field of the present disclosure is that of a
paintball marker capable of interchanging between various firing
modes and a method of interchanging between the various firing
modes.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Paintball markers are used in the recreational activity
paintball, to shoot a projectile (e.g., a paintball) containing
paint or a marking substance at an opponent. Paintball markers
typically utilize compressed air or gas, such as carbon dioxide
(CO2), to project the paintball from the paintball marker. In
general, paintballs comprise thin shell encapsulates which are
designed to break upon contacting an opponent thereby marking the
opponent with the encapsulated paint or marking substance.
[0005] Most paintball markers share some common components. For
example, paintball markers typically include a barrel from which
the paintball is discharged, a trigger which induces firing of the
paintball, a reservoir capable of holding a plurality of
paintballs, and an intake for compressed air or gas.
[0006] Different paintball markers may also have different modes
for firing paintballs. Manual paintball markers, for example,
discharge only a single paintball per trigger pull while automatic
firing paintball markers can discharge multiple paintballs per
trigger pull. Although the discharge rate of paintballs with manual
paintball markers is decreased, in some instances such as
tournament play manual paintball markers are preferred or even
required.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a paintball marker.
According to some embodiments, the paintball marker includes a
frame portion, a trigger mechanism, a barrel for propelling a
paintball therefrom, a bolt action firing valve, and a receiver
portion at least partially received into the frame portion and
coupled to the trigger mechanism. The barrel is coupled to either
the receiver portion or the frame portion and the receiver portion
defines a firing chamber sized to reversibly receive the bolt
action firing valve and secure the bolt action firing valve in a
first orientation in the firing chamber. The receiver portion is
also adapted to receive a paintball from a paintball reservoir and
compressed gas from an external source to propel the paintball.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method of interchanging a bolt action firing valve with a spool
firing valve within a paintball marker is disclosed. The method,
according to such embodiment includes the steps of disposing a
receiver at least partially within a frame, placing a bolt action
firing valve disposed within the receiver in a post-fired state,
and removing the bolt action firing valve from a firing chamber
defined by the receiver. The step of removing the bolt action
firing valve includes removal of at least one valve securing pin
from a valve securing pin opening defined by the receiver and
retracting the bolt action firing valve through an opening defined
by the receiver. The method also includes the step if inserting a
spool firing valve into the firing chamber of the receiver by
inserting the spool firing valve through the opening, this step
including placing the spool firing valve in a first configuration
within the firing chamber of the receiver. Further, the method
includes the step of inserting the at least one valve securing pin
through the valve securing pin opening defined by the receiver,
this step further including disposing the at least one valve
securing pin within an aperture defined by the spool firing
valve.
[0009] Additionally, the instant disclosure provides a paintball
marker magazine adapted to couple to a receiver of a paintball
marker. The magazine includes a frame which defines a first and a
second opening sized to allow a paintball to pass therethrough. The
magazine further includes a receiver coupling component which is
configured to couple the magazine to a receiver of a paintball
marker in a first orientation. The magazine also includes a first
paintball column having a plurality of paintballs aligned
vertically on top of each other, and in which the first paintball
column is vertically aligned underneath the first opening. Even
further, the magazine also includes a second paintball column
having a second plurality of paintballs aligned vertically on top
of each other, in which the second paintball column vertically
aligned underneath the second opening. According to the instant
disclosure the magazine also includes a coil spring which is
configured to supply a substantially consistent force onto each of
the first and second paintball columns in a direction toward the
first and second opening respectively.
[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, a
paintball marker is provided. The paintball marker comprises a
frame portion, a trigger mechanism, a barrel for propelling a
paintball therefrom, and a receiver portion adapted to receive a
paintball from a paintball reservoir. The receiver portion includes
a bolt having an open position allowing the receiver portion to
receive the paintball from the paintball reservoir and a closed
position blocking the receiver portion from receiving the paintball
from the paintball reservoir. The receiver portion is adapted to
receive a compressed gas from an external source to propel the
paintball. The receiver is adapted to: move the bolt into the
closed position by applying pressure from the compressed gas to an
internal chamber in fluid contact with the bolt, the internal
chamber being selectively opened by movement of a poppet between a
first and second position, moving the poppet from the first
position to the second to release pressure from the internal
chamber upon activation of the trigger mechanism, propelling the
paintball from the barrel of the paintball marker with the
compressed gas, moving the bolt from the closed position to the
open position with a second spring, loading a paintball into the
receiver from the paintball reservoir, returning the poppet to the
first position to close the internal chamber, moving the bolt into
the closed position by applying pressure from the compressed gas to
the internal chamber in fluid contact with the bolt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining
them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be
better understood by reference to the following description of
embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a paintball marker
including a bolt action firing valve.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a paintball
marker illustrating both a bolt action firing valve and a spool
firing valve.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
paintball marker including a bolt action firing valve.
[0015] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a receiver and magazine
of an embodiment of a paintball marker including the bolt action
firing valve.
[0016] FIG. 4b is a magnified view of the encircled region of FIG.
4a.
[0017] FIG. 4c is a magnified view of the intake assembly of FIG.
4a.
[0018] FIG. 4d is a magnified view of the magazine connection
assembly of FIG. 4a.
[0019] FIG. 4e is another magnified view of the magazine connection
assembly of
[0020] FIG. 4a.
[0021] FIG. 4f is a magnified view of the regulator of FIG. 4a.
[0022] FIG. 4g is another magnified view of the regulator of FIG.
4a.
[0023] FIG. 5a is a side view of the bolt action firing valve.
[0024] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the bolt action firing
valve.
[0025] FIG. 5c is a view of the bolt action firing valve in a
ready-to-fire state.
[0026] FIG. 5d is a view similar to FIG. 5c showing the bolt action
firing valve in a post-fired state.
[0027] FIG. 5e is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of
an intake assembly of the bolt action firing valve.
[0028] FIG. 5f is a magnified perspective view of a selector
component having the selector switch set on bolt action firing and
a magnified perspective cross-section view of the selector
component.
[0029] FIG. 5g is a cross-sectional view of a bolt action firing
valve.
[0030] FIG. 6a is a side view of the spool firing valve.
[0031] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the spool firing valve
in a post-fired state.
[0032] FIG. 6c is a view similar to FIG. 6b showing a spool firing
valve in a ready-to-fire state.
[0033] FIG. 6d is a side view of a pump action firing valve.
[0034] FIG. 6e is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of
an intake assembly of a spool firing valve.
[0035] FIG. 6f is a magnified perspective view of a selector
component having the selector switch set on spool firing valve.
[0036] FIG. 6g is a perspective view of a spool firing valve in a
ready-to-fire state having a portion of the spool valve chassis
removed.
[0037] FIG. 6h is a magnified cross-sectional view of a selector
component of the spool action firing valve in a ready-to-fire
state.
[0038] FIG. 6i is a perspective view of a spool firing valve in a
post-fired state having a portion of the spool valve chassis
removed.
[0039] FIG. 6j is a magnified cross-sectional view of a selector
component of the spool action firing valve in a post-fired
state.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a magazine
according to the instant disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
paintball marker according to the instant disclosure showing the
receiver and magazine of the paintball maker of FIG. 1 positioned
in a different frame or chassis.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet alternative embodiment
paintball marker according to the instant disclosure showing the
receiver and magazine of the paintball maker of FIG. 1 positioned
in another different frame or chassis.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a side view of the paintball maker of FIG. 9 with
portions removed showing a trigger rod transferring actuation of a
forward trigger to a rearward trigger.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
closed bolt semi auto engine of an exemplary paintball marker in a
first configuration.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
closed bolt semi auto engine of an exemplary paintball marker in a
second configuration.
[0046] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent
embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not
necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in
order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The
exemplifications set out herein illustrate an exemplary embodiment
of the disclosure, in one form, and such exemplifications are not
to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any
manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0047] The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in
the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are
chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize
their teachings.
[0048] Paintball marker 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 for shooting a
paintball. Asdepicted in FIG. 2, paintball marker 100 includes
stock portion 102, frame or chassis 104, receiver 106, barrel 108,
firing valve 110, 110', and magazine 112. As disclosed and
described herein, firing valve 110 of paintball marker 100 may
comprise bolt action firing valve 20 (FIG. 5a), spool firing valve
260 (FIG. 6a), and pump action firing valve (not illustrated).
Paintball marker 100 allows a user to switch between the various
firing valves 100 for any reason.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 3, stock portion 102 includes stock
frame 113, shoulder abutment 120, shoulder abutment adjuster 122,
and shoulder abutment extension rods 124. Activation of adjuster
122 in a first direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) causes extension
rods 124 to extend out of stock frame 113 while activation of
adjuster 122 in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) causes
extension rods 124 to retract into stock frame 113. Shoulder
abutment 120 is coupled to extension rods 124 such that when
extension rods 124 extend out of or retract into stock frame 113,
shoulder abutment 120 positioning relative to stock frame 113 is
adjusted. Although exemplified in FIG. 3 as a rotatably knob or
wheel affixed to stock frame 113, it should be understood that
adjuster 122 may take various forms capable of causing extension
rods 124 to extend from stock frame 113. Additionally, while
exemplified herein as comprising three extension rods 124, stock
portion 102 may include one, two, or more than three shoulder
abutment extension rods 124.
[0050] Remaining with FIG. 3, stock portion 102 further includes
facial abutment
[0051] 126, facial abutment adjuster 128, and facial abutment
extension rods 130. Activation of adjuster 128 in a first direction
(e.g., counter-clockwise) causes extension rods 130 to extend out
of stock frame 113 while activation of adjuster 128 in a second
direction (e.g., clockwise) causes extension rods 130 to retract
into stock frame 113. Facial abutment 126 is coupled to extension
rods 130 such that when extension rods 130 extend out of or retract
into stock frame 113, facial abutment 126 positioning relative to
stock frame 113 is adjusted. Although exemplified in FIG. 3 as a
rotatable knob or wheel affixed to stock frame 113, it should be
understood that adjuster 128 may take various forms capable of
causing extension rods 130 to extend from stock frame 113.
Additionally, while exemplified herein as comprising three
extension rods 130, stock portion 102 may include one, two, or more
than three facial abutment extension rods 130.
[0052] Returning to FIG. 2, stock frame 113 includes attachment
element 132 having insert adapter 134 which is adapted to cooperate
with stock receiving portion 148 of frame 104 in order to secure
stock portion 102 with frame 104. Although illustrated herein as
couplable separate components, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure that stock portion 102 and frame 104 comprise a
single component of paintball marker 100. Continuing with FIG. 2,
frame 104 is depicted including frame body 140 and handle 142.
Frame body 140 defines magazine receiving portion 144, barrel
receiving portion 146, stock receiving portion 148, and receiver
receiving portion 150. Insert adapter 134 (of stock portion 102) is
received within stock receiving portion 148 of frame 104 (FIG. 3),
and secured thereto with a connection pin which secures insert
adapter 134 to frame 104. As illustrated in FIG. 1, barrel
receiving portion 146 is adapted to receive barrel 108, magazine
receiving portion 144 is adapted for receiving magazine 112, and
receiver receiving portion 150 is adapted for receiving receiver
106, where receiver 106 is secured in frame 104 by receiver
securing pins 161.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 4a, receiver 106 is illustrated
including trigger assembly 150, firing valve guide assembly 160,
intake assembly 170, and magazine connection assembly 180. Trigger
assembly 150, as shown in FIG. 4a, includes trigger 152, lever arm
154, and sear latch 156. While trigger assembly 150 is illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 4a as a rigidly affixed component of receiver 106,
it should be understood that trigger assembly 150 may also be
detachable from receiver 106.
[0054] In the embodiment of trigger assembly 150 illustrated in
FIG. 4a, activation of trigger 152 by applying a force to trigger
152 in direction D1 causes trigger 152 to slide in direction DI.
Sliding of trigger 152 in direction D1 causes lever arm 154 to move
in the direction D1 such that sear latch 156 is displaced to
direction DI. Displacement of sear latch 156 towards direction D1
creates an alteration in the orientation of hammer sear 162 (FIG.
4b).
[0055] Another exemplary embodiment of trigger assembly 150 (not
illustrated) may include a translation pin positioned at location
158 of FIG. 4a. According to this embodiment of trigger assembly
150, when a force is applied to trigger 152 in direction D1,
trigger 152 rotates clockwise about the translation pin at position
158. Rotation of trigger 152 about translation pin 158 causes
displacement of lever arm 154 such that sear latch 156 is displaced
in direction DI. Displacement of sear latch 156 towards direction
D1 creates an alteration in the orientation of hammer sear 162
(FIG. 4b).
[0056] Further, according to exemplary embodiments of trigger
assembly 150, including embodiments advantageous for use with
semi-automatic and automatic embodiments of paintball marker 100,
activation of trigger 152 (e.g., by sliding in direction D1 or
translating about translation pin 158) may bring about a positional
change in firing valve 110 within receiver 106 or regulator 174
(such as regulator valve 177) within intake assembly 170 (both
discussed below). As is seen in FIG. 6h, a firing pin within
selector component 175' is translated from a ready-to-fire state
(FIG. 6h), in which compressed air or gas is travels through Port
1, and a post-fired state (FIG. 6j) in which the seal between the
firing pin and 0 Ring 1 is relieved allowing compressed gas to pass
by 0 Ring 1 and through Port 2. A exemplary selector component 175
which may be utilized with a bolt action firing valve is presented
in FIG. 5f depicting the firing pin being stationary and creating a
seal with 0 Ring 2, whereby the compressed air or gas is free to
pass into bolt action firing valve through Ports 1 and 2.
[0057] Although described herein by two exemplary embodiments, it
is within the scope of the present disclosure that lever arm 154
movement may occur in any of a variety of manners, including
rotation, sliding, pivoting of lever arm 154, and combinations
thereof. Further, while trigger assembly 150 is illustrated herein
as comprising manual function, it should also be understood that
trigger assembly 150 comprising electronic function is also within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0058] Remaining with FIG. 4a, an exemplary embodiment of intake
assembly 170 is depicted including intake valve 172 and regulator
174. During use, intake valve 172 couples to an external compressed
air or gas tank, such as a carbon dioxide (002) tank. Regulator 174
operates in concert with trigger assembly 150 and firing valve 110
for controlling the insertion of compressed air or gas into firing
chamber 164.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 4c, an exemplary intake assembly 170
is shown. As depicted, compressed air or gas enters paintball
marker 100 at intake valve 172 where it travels to regulator 174,
which may comprise a first portion 174' and a second portion 174''.
According to the exemplary embodiment of regulator, the compressed
gas may first enter first portion 174' of regulator 174, which may
comprise a high pressure chamber when in the ready-to-fire state.
As illustrated in FIG. 4c, when in a post-firing or resting state,
the compressed gas is prevented from passing from first portion
174' into second portion 174'' (shown in the exemplary embodiment
as being blocked by an end of regulator valve 177 having an
O-ring).
[0060] Remaining with FIG. 4c, when trigger 152 is activated (e.g.,
slid in direction D1 or translated about translation pin 158, for
example), compressed gas is allowed to enter second portion 174''
of regulator 174. For example, activation of trigger 152 may cause
regulator value 177 (under spring action) to remove the blockage
between first portion 174' and second portion 174''. Upon entering
second portion 174'' of regulator 174, the compressed gas travels
to selector component 175 (FIG. 5f) where gas passes through Ports
1 and 2 into firing valve 110, placing paintball in a ready-to-fire
state or a firing state. (Passage of gas through selector component
175' in a spool action filing valve is shown in FIGS. 6h and
6j).
[0061] Continuing with FIG. 4a, magazine connection assembly 180
couples magazine 112 to receiver 106. As shown in FIG. 1, magazine
112 is received in magazine receiving portion 144 of frame 104
where magazine 112 reversibly couples to receiver 106 (shown in
FIG. 4a).
[0062] With reference to FIG. 4a, an exemplary embodiment of
magazine connection assembly 180 is illustrated. As shown in FIGS.
4d and 4e, magazine connection assembly 180 may include retention
bracket 181 and spring-action release 182. As illustrated in FIG.
4d, when magazine 112 is received in receiving portion 144, at
least a portion of retention bracket 181 reversibly couples (e.g.,
engages or partially enters) retention bracket engaging area 183 of
outer casing 200 of magazine 112. Release or removal of magazine
112 from receiving portion 144 is accomplished by activating (e.g.,
pressing towards magazine 112) spring-action release 182, whereby
the portion of retention bracket 181 coupled to (or within)
retention bracket engaging area 183 is removed from retention
bracket engaging area 183, allowing release of magazine 112 from
receiving portion 144.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4a, magazine 112 includes outer casing 200
which defines first opening 202 and second opening 204. Magazine
112 further includes first stack region 206, corresponding to a
portion of magazine 112 in vertical alignment with first opening
202, and second stack region 208, corresponding to a portion of
magazine 112 in vertical alignment with second opening 204.
Magazine 112 allows a user to discharge all paintballs contained
within first stack region 206, release (as described above) and
rotate magazine 112, then reconnect magazine 112 to receiver 106
such that the paintballs within second stack region 208 may be
discharged. Thus, according to some embodiments of paintball marker
100, magazine 112 is capable of being received (and reversibly
coupled to receiving portion 144) in multiple orientations.
[0064] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that first
and second stack regions 206, 208 may comprise any number of
paintballs disposed on top of each other. For example, one
exemplary embodiment of magazine 112 includes twelve paintballs
aligned (or stacked) directly on top of each other in each of first
and second stack regions 206, 208. Another exemplary embodiment
includes twenty paintballs aligned (or stacked) directly on top of
each other in each of first and second stack regions 206, 208.
[0065] According to some embodiments of paintball marker 100,
magazine 112 utilizes coil spring 210 positioned adjacent both
stack regions 206, 208. An exemplary embodiment of magazine 112
utilizing spring coil 210 is depicted in FIG. 7. As depicted,
magazine 112 includes ball retainer 211, which according to the
illustrated embodiment, remains in the up or retention position
(depicted) under a force applied by a spring (not shown). When
magazine 112 is received within receiving portion 144, ball
retainer 211 is forced downward (for example, ball retainer 211 may
slide down along the side of magazine 112.
[0066] According to the exemplary embodiment of magazine 112
illustrated in FIG. 7, coil spring 210 applies a consistent
vertical force to the paintballs towards openings 202 and 204. For
example, coil spring 210 may comprise a stainless steel strip 213
(shown in FIG. 7 as being fastened to paintball lift plate 215 by
way of fastener 217) which exerts a constant force resisting
uncoiling when the strip 213 is extended. This resisting force
allows coil spring 210 to apply a consistent vertical force at a
constant rate at all extension lengths of strip 213. By way of
example, coil spring 210 may apply a constant vertical force of
approximately 0.75 pounds throughout the extension of strip 213
(thus the same vertical force is applied throughout stack regions
206, 208 regardless of the number of paintballs remaining in each
stack region 206, 208). By applying a constant (and same) vertical
force on the paintballs within stack regions 206, 208 throughout
the discharge of all paintballs, coil springs 112 allows for
delicate paintballs to be loaded in larger stacks while not causing
dimpling of the balls from higher forces. Further, coil springs 112
maintains a high force to continue to be applied on each paintball
within stack regions 206, 208 in order to load each round into the
firing chamber 164.
[0067] It should be noted that although magazine 112 is depicted
herein as including coil spring 210 magazine 112 may utilize a
pressure spring (not shown). Further, although magazine 112 is
depicted herein as containing round paintballs, magazine 112 may
contain ballistic paintballs having a shape more closely resembling
a bullet. For example, First Strike Ballistic Round paintballs by
Perfect Circle Paintballs Inc., and HydroTec.RTM. H2O based
paintballs by HyrdoTec Inc., and the like, provide exemplary
paintballs which may be utilized with paintball marker 100.
[0068] Remaining with FIG. 4a and returning to receiver 106, firing
valve guide 160 of receiver 106 is depicted as defining valve
receiving opening 162, firing chamber 164, valve securing pin
openings 166, receiver securing pin openings 167, and barrel
receiving opening 168. Additionally, although not depicted herein,
valve guide 160 may allow for attachment of a sight or scope
thereon. Exemplary embodiments of firing valve guide 160 may also
define breach load opening 163 (see FIG. 1). Breach load opening
163 provides the user with the ability to load paintball marker 100
by hand, or to optionally attach a feed neck (not shown) attaching
to a hopper (also not shown) filled with paintballs. As such, it
should be understood that paintball marker 100 allows a user to
load and operate paintball marker 100 by way of manual loading
paintball rounds into breach opening 163, using a hopper (such as a
standard hopper) connected to breach load opening 163 by way of a
feed neck, or with magazine 112.
[0069] Although not specifically depicted herein, barrel receiving
opening 168 is adapted for receiving and securing one end of barrel
108 to receiver 106. In one exemplary embodiment of paintball
marker 100, barrel receiving opening 168 comprises a threaded
receptacle and barrel 108 comprises a threaded end, such that the
threaded end of barrel 108 screws into the thread receptacle of
barrel receiving opening 168.
[0070] Valve receiving opening 162, defined by firing valve guide
assembly 160, is adapted for allowing firing valve 110 to be
inserted into receiver 106. With reference to FIG. 4a, firing valve
110 is secured in receiver 106 by way of valve securing pins 165
which are inserted through valve securing pin openings 166 of
receiver 106.
[0071] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure
depicted in FIGS. 5a and 5b, firing valve 110 includes bolt action
firing valve 220. Referring specifically to FIG. 5a, bolt action
firing valve 220 includes end cap 222, cycle hub 224 and bolt
handle 225, bolt action chassis 226, valve spring chassis 228,
power tube chassis 230, and power tube guide 232. Power tube
chassis 230, includes first side 227 and second side 229 and
defines top opening 231 and bottom opening 233 allowing for hammer
240 to be partially disposed within, and slide within, power tube
chassis 230.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 5b, end cap 222 is depicted as
coupled to cycle hub 224 by way of hex bolt 234. Hex bolt 234, as
illustrated in FIG. 5b, couples to valve spring adjustment driver
235 which is partially disposed within cycle hub 224. Valve spring
adjustment driver 235 extends into bolt action chassis 226 and is
further coupled to valve spring adjuster 236. Valve spring adjuster
236 is also disposed within bolt action chassis 226 and acts on
valve spring 237 to adjust tension of valve spring 237. Valve
spring 237 comprises a compression spring, which contacts valve
spring adjuster 236 at a first end, also contacts power tube valve
seat 238 at a second end of valve spring 237. In operation, valve
spring 237 functions to return power tube valve seat 238 into a
sealed (or ready-fire-state) upon a firing event. Additionally, as
is described below, during the initiation of a firing event, valve
spring 237 functions to absorb the inertia of hammer 244.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 5b, power tube 240 also includes hammer
seat 242, which is shown in contact with hammer 244. As illustrated
in FIG. 5b, hammer 244 defines opening 245 which is sized to allow
power tube 240 to pass through. Opening 245 also allows hammer 244
to slide along power tube 240 in directions D2 and D3. Power tube
240 also passes through hammer spring 246 which contacts hammer 244
at a first end of hammer spring 246 and a wall of ball pusher 248
at a second end of hammer spring 246. Ball pusher 248 is sized to
allow power tube 240 pass through and allow ball pusher 248 to
slide along power tube 240.
[0074] Referring next to FIG. 5c, an embodiment of paintball marker
100 comprising bolt action firing valve 220 in a ready-to-fire
state is depicted. In order to place bolt action firing valve 220
in a ready-to-fire state, a user is required to translate cycle hub
224, in general, by turning bolt handle 225 to a first position.
The user then slides bolt handle 225 in a first direction, then
slides bolt handle 225 in a second direction before translating
cycling hub 224, thereby placing bolt handle 225 in a second
position. By way of example and with reference to FIG. 5a, when
bolt action firing valve 220 is in a post-fire state (see FIG. 5d),
in order to place bolt action firing valve 220 in a ready-to-fire
state (see FIG. 5c), the user may first turn bolt handle 225
approximately 45 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction. The user
may then retract bolt action firing valve 220 in direction D3 by
pulling on bolt handle 225. While in a retracted position, a
paintball is loaded from magazine 112 (or, for example, a hopper)
into firing valve guide assembly 160 of receiver 106. The user then
slides bolt action firing valve 220 in direction D2 by pushing on
bolt handle 225 at which point the user may then turn bolt handle
225 approximately 45 degrees in a clockwise direction thereby
placing bolt action firing valve 220 in a ready-to-fire state.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 5c, when bolt action firing valve 220
is in a ready-to fire state, hammer 244 and ball pusher 248 are in
close proximity such that hammer spring 246 is highly compressed.
Also illustrated in the ready-to-fire state, retaining edge 193 of
hammer sear 192 is positioned such that it secures hammer 244 and
ball pusher 248 in the ready-to-fire position. As shown, retaining
edge 193 contacts latch rim 249 of ball pusher 248 and prevents
ball pusher 248 from sliding along power tube 240 in direction D2.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5c, hammer sear 192 is
affixed to hammer 244 thereby maintaining hammer 244 and ball
pusher 248 in close proximity while in a ready-to-fire state such
that hammer spring 246 remains highly compressed.
[0076] Remaining with FIG. 5c, when in the ready-to-fire state,
hammer 244 may be positioned along power tube 240 (in the D2
direction) such that hammer 244 is not in contact with hammer seat
242. Additionally, valve spring 237 may be in an extended (or
reduced tension) state.
[0077] While in the ready-to-fire state, compressed air or gas,
which enters paintball marker 100 through intake valve 172, is
introduced into valve spring chamber 251. With reference to FIGS.
5e and 5f, as compressed air or gas enters intake valve 172 the gas
travels into first portion 174' of regulator 174. From second
portion 174'' of regulator 174, the gas passes into selector
component 175. As can be seen in FIG. 5f, the gas passes into bolt
action firing valve 220 through Ports 1 and 2 of selector component
175.
[0078] In operation, according to an embodiment of paintball marker
100 depicted in FIG. 5c, when bolt action firing valve 220 is in
the ready-to-fire state and trigger 152 is pressed (such that it
slides in direction D1, FIG. 4a), lever arm 154 (which is affixed
to trigger 152, FIG. 4a) is also displaced in direction DI.
Displacement of lever arm 154 in direction D1 causes displacement
of sear latch 156 in direction D1, thereby causing hammer sear or
lever 192 to slightly rotate in a clockwise position. Rotation of
hammer sear 192 in a clockwise position thereby causes retaining
edge 193 to lower such that it no longer contacts latch rim 249 of
ball pusher 248.
[0079] Upon hammer sear 192 releasing latch rim 249, hammer spring
246 expands, aiding the propulsion of ball pusher 248 in direction
D2 along power tube 240. Ball pusher 248 causes a paintball,
previously loaded into firing valve guide assembly 160 of receiver
106, to fire from barrel 108. When trigger 152 is activated, gas
previously sealed within valve spring chamber 251 (e.g., in the
read-to-fire state illustrated in FIG. 5c) is released into power
tube chamber 253 creating high gas pressure exerting force behind
(or on the back of) the paintball. As depicted in FIGS. 5c and 5d,
when trigger is activated, hammer sear 192 releases hammer 244 from
ball pusher 248, whereby the compressed hammer spring 246 propels
hammer 244 along power tube in direction D3. Hammer 244 impacts
hammer seat 242 thereby displacing power tube 240 in direction D3
causing valve seat 238 to displace in direction D3 and compress
valve spring 237. Displacement of valve seat 238 and compression of
valve spring 237 allows for the high pressure of compressed gas
built up on valve spring chamber 251 to be released and enter power
tube chamber 253, creating high gas pressure force behind the
paintball thereby aiding in the propulsion of the paintball from
barrel 108. Post-firing, hammer spring 246, which extends during
firing, compresses thereby bring hammer 244 and ball pusher 248
closer in proximity. Likewise, post-firing, valve spring 237 which
during firing compresses, extends back towards equilibrium creating
the seal allowing for gas pressure to build within valve spring
chamber 251.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 5d, bolt action firing valve 220 is
illustrated in a post firing state. As illustrated in FIG. 5d, in a
post-firing state hammer 244 and ball pusher 248 are not in
relatively (as compared to a ready-to-fire state) close proximity.
Also, hammer spring 246 is no longer highly compressed but is
instead extended or at a state of equilibrium. As explained above,
in post-firing state, hammer spring 246 moves. hammer 244 and ball
pusher 248 towards one another again, and valve spring 237 (which
compresses during firing) is re-extended, or at a state of
equilibrium allowing for sealing of valve spring chamber 251.
[0081] Returning bolt action firing valve 220 to the ready-to-fire
state requires the user to again turn bolt handle 225 in a first
position, then slide bolt handle 225 in a first direction, then
turn bolt handle 225 to a second position. As exemplified, user
activity is required for firing each paintball when using bolt
action firing valve 220.
[0082] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure
depicted in FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c, firing valve 110 includes spool
firing valve 260. With reference to FIG. 6a, spool firing valve 260
includes spool valve portion 262 and ball pusher portion 264. It
should be understood that spool firing valve 260, in particular
spool valve portion 262 and ball pusher portion 264 thereof, are
sized to be received within firing valve guide assembly 160 of
receiver 106 similar to the manner in which bolt action firing
valve 220 is received in firing valve guide assembly 160.
[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 6a, spool valve portion 262 comprises
spool valve chassis 266 which defines valve securing pin notches
268. Spool valve chassis 266 further defines external o-ring
grooves 270. With reference to FIG. 6b, spool valve chassis 266 is
illustrated as also defining backside vent 272 and pneumatic inlet
274.
[0084] Returning to FIG. 6a, ball pusher portion 264 is depicted as
including pusher chassis 276 which defines raised edge 278 and ball
pusher surface 279. Ball pusher portion 264 also includes spring
retainer 280 and pusher return spring 282. As illustrated, pusher
return spring 282 is disposed between raised edge 278 of pusher
chassis 276 and spring retainer 280 such that when raised edge 278
is moved closer to spring retainer 280, pusher return spring 282 is
compressed.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 6b, spool firing valve 260 is further
depicted as including spool valve bulkhead 280 disposed within
spool valve chassis 266. As illustrated, spool valve bulkhead 280
defines spring connection component 281 which couples to a first
end of valve spring 284, also disposed within spool valve chassis
266. At a second end, valve spring 284 contacts valve spool 286
which is coupled to power tube 288 also disposed within pusher
chassis 276.
[0086] Similar to bolt action valve 220, spool firing valve 260 is
positioned into firing valve guide assembly 160 of receiver 106 and
secured therein by way of valve securing pins 165 being inserted
through valve securing pin openings 166 of receiver 106. When
inserted through valve securing openings 166, valve securing pins
165 are at least partially disposed within valve securing pin
notches 268 wherein valve securing pins 165 maintain the
orientation and positioning of spool valve chassis 262 within
receiver 106.
[0087] In operation, when paintball marker 100 employs spool firing
valve 260 the introduction of compressed air or gas is controlled,
in part, by trigger assembly 150 (FIG. 4a). Similar to embodiments
of paintball marker 100 having bolt action firing valve 220 as
disclosed herein, compressed air or gas enters paintball marker 100
through intake valve 172. With reference to FIG. 6e, compressed air
or gas enters through intake valve 172 and passes into first
portion 174' then second portion 174'' of regulator 174. Gas
travels from second portion 174'' of regulator 174 into selector
component 175'. As depicted in FIG. 6h, gas passes into spool
firing valve 260 through Port 1 of selector component 175' in a
ready-to-fire state. In the post-fired state, as shown in FIG. 6j,
the firing pin translates into a relaxed position such that firing
pin and 0 Ring 1 no longer block the flow of gas, allowing gas to
flow past 0 Ring 1 and through Ports 1 and 2. The compressed air or
gas is then introduced internal to valve spool 286 at pneumatic
inlet 274.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 6c, paintball marker 100 comprising spool
firing valve 260 is depicted in a ready-to-fire state. According to
an embodiment of paintball marker 100 depicted in FIG. 6a, hammer
sear 192 is orientated such that retaining edge 193 contacts raised
edge 278 of pusher chassis 276 thereby preventing pusher chassis
276 (and ball pusher surface 279) from moving in direction D4. As
illustrated in FIG. 4a, applying a force in direction D1 to trigger
152 causes trigger 152 to slide in direction D1, thereby causing
lever arm 154 to slide in direction D1 also. Sliding lever arm 154
in direction D1 causes sear latch 156 to slide in direction D1,
thereby causing hammer sear 192 to slightly rotate in a clockwise
position. Rotation of hammer sear 192 in a clock-wise position
thereby causes retaining edge 193 to lower such that it no longer
contacts raised edge 278 of pusher chassis 276. Additionally,
sliding lever arm 154 in direction D1 causes a portion of lever arm
154 (or an attachment thereto) to block flow of compressed air or
gas through pneumatic inlet 274.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6c and 6g, release of raised edge 278
allows compressed air or gas to propel pusher chassis 276 along
power tube 288 in direction D4 thereby causing ball pusher 290 to
be propelled in direction D4. As pusher chassis 276 travels along
power tube 288 in direction D4, pusher return spring 282 is
compressed between raised edge 278 and spring retainer 280. When
the force propelling pusher chassis 276 along power tube 288 (in
direction D4) has dissipated such that it is reduced below the
force required to further propel pusher chassis 276 along power
tube 288, compressed pusher return spring 282 (shown in FIG. 6b)
exerts a force on raised edge 278 in direction D5, thereby
returning pusher chassis 276 to a ready-to-fire state and relieving
the compression of pusher return spring 282.
[0090] Returning pusher chassis 276 to the ready-to-fire state
causes raised edge 278 to travel in direction D5, wherein raised
edge 278 passes over retaining edge 193 of hammer sear 192 causing
hammer sear 192 to again rotate in a clockwise direction.
[0091] Rotation of hammer sear 192 in a clockwise direction lowers
retaining edge 193, thereby allowing raised edge 278 to pass over
retaining edge 193. Once raised edge 278 passes over retaining edge
193, hammer sear 192 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction such
that retaining edge 193 again contacts raised edge 278 of pusher
chassis 276, thereby preventing pusher chassis 276 (and ball pusher
290) from moving in direction D4. Upon return of pusher chassis 276
to the ready-to-fire state, magazine 112 loads a paintball into
firing valve guide assembly 160 adjacent to ball pusher 290.
[0092] Use of spool firing valve 260 in embodiments of paintball
marker 100 disclosed herein, allows for a constant flow of
compressed air or gas through pneumatic inlet 274 (only interrupted
by pressing or sliding trigger 152 in direction D1, FIG. 4a).
Further, spool firing valve 260 provides the advantage of
automatically returning spool firing valve 260 to a ready to fire
state upon each shot cycle. As such, the user of paintball marker
100 utilizing spool firing valve 260 is able to increase their rate
of firing paintballs.
[0093] According to yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, firing valve 110 may include a pump action firing valve
110'' shown in FIG. 6d. According to an exemplary embodiment of
pump action firing valve 110'', as depicted herein, activation and
firing of pump action firing valve 110'' is performed similar to
the bolt action firing valve 110' described herein. However, unlike
bolt action firing valve 110' described herein, pump action firing
valve 110'' utilizes drive rod 300, which is coupled to a hand grip
(not shown), similar to one used on a pump action shot-gun. Instead
of translating cycling hub 224, as in bolt action firing valve
110', pump action firing valve 110'' utilizes a users driving force
from sliding hand grip (not shown) and thereby drive rod 300 in
direction D3, thereby placing firing valve 110'' in a ready-to-fire
state.
[0094] According to the present disclosure, paintball marker 100
may alternate between bolt action firing valve 220, spool firing
valve 260, and pump action firing valve. By way of example,
paintball marker 100 may be configured to utilize bolt action
firing valve 220 as described above. However, for any of a myriad
of reasons, a user may wish to utilize paintball marker 100 with
spool firing valve 260. Paintball marker 100 allows for bolt action
firing valve 220 to be removed and replaced with spool firing valve
260.
[0095] According to an embodiment of paintball marker 100, bolt
action firing valve 220 is placed in a post-fired state, for
example after firing paintball marker 100 or by removing the
compressed gas pressure. Once in a post-fired state, compressed air
or gas supply may be disconnected (if not previously done so) from
intake valve 172 and barrel 108 may be detached from receiver 106.
By way of example, barrel 108 may be unscrewed from barrel
receiving end 168 of receiver 106. Once the compressed air or gas
has been disconnected from intake valve 172 and barrel 108 has been
removed from receiver 106, receiver 106 may be removed from
receiver receiving portion 150 of frame 104 by removing receiver
securing pins 161 (allowing a user to remove receiver 106). For
example, a user may simply lift (i.e., apply an upward force)
receiver 106 out of receiver receiving portion 150 of frame 104. It
should be understood that a user may also need to detach magazine
112 from receiver 106 prior to removing receiver 106 from frame
104.
[0096] Once receiver 106 is removed from frame 104, valve securing
pins 165 inserted into valve securing pin openings 166 of receiver
106 may be removed allowing the user to retract bolt action firing
valve 220 from firing valve guide 160. For example, the user may
retract bolt action firing valve 220 from firing chamber 164 by
pulling on bolt handle 225.
[0097] After bolt action firing valve 220 has been removed from
firing valve guide 160, the user may then insert spool firing.
valve 260 through valve receiving opening 162 of firing valve guide
160. In an embodiment of paintball marker 100 depicted in FIG. 6a,
spool firing valve 260 is required to be inserted in a specific
orientation such that valve securing pin notches 268 are aligned
with valve securing pin openings 166 of receiver 106.
[0098] Once spool firing valve 260 is inserted into firing valve
guide 160 of receiver 106 (in the proper orientation), valve
securing pins 165 may be inserted through valve securing pin
openings 166 of receiver 106 thereby passing through valve securing
pin notches 268 of spool firing valve 260. Thereafter, receiver 106
may be inserted into receiver receiving portion 150 of frame 104,
allowing for receiver securing pins 161 to be inserted through
receiver securing pin openings 167. Once inserted, receiver
securing pins 161 secure receiver 106 to frame 104. Finally, barrel
108, magazine 112, and compressed air or gas source may be coupled
to receiver 106 in the appropriate manners described above.
[0099] Although described herein as allowing for interchange from
bolt action firing valve 220 to spool firing valve 260, it should
be understood that paintball marker 100 also allows for
interchanging from spool firing valve 260 back to bolt action
firing valve 220. Additionally, interchange involving pump action
firing valve 110'' is performed in the manner described according
to bolt action firing valve 220 described herein.
[0100] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
components of paintball maker 100 can be used other paintball
marker configurations. For example, receiver 106 can be removed
from chassis 104 and used in the chassis of another paintball
marker configuration.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 8, receiver 106 is positioned in chassis
304 of paintball marker 300. As discussed above, receiver 106 can
be removed from chassis 104 of paintball maker 100 by first
unscrewing barrel 108, removing securing pins 161 from chassis 104,
and removing magazine 112 from receiver 106; and then pulling
receiver 106 upward out of chassis 104.
[0102] After removal from chassis 104 of paintball marker 100,
receiver 106 may be positioned in a receiver receiving portion 350
of chassis 304 of paintball maker 300. Next, magazine 112 is
inserted into receiver 106 through a magazine receiving portion 344
of chassis 304, a barrel 308 of paintball marker 300 is screwed
into receiver 106 through a barrel receiving portion 346 of chassis
304, and securing pins 161 are positioned in pin receiving
apertures of chassis 304.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, receiver 106 is positioned in chassis
404 of paintball marker 400. After removal from chassis 104 of
paintball marker 100 or chassis 304 of paintball marker 300,
receiver 106 may be positioned in a receiver receiving portion 450
of chassis 404 of paintball maker 400. Next, magazine 112 is
inserted into receiver 106 through a magazine receiving portion 444
of chassis 404, a barrel 408 of paintball marker 400 is screwed
into receiver 106 through a barrel receiving portion 446 of chassis
404, and securing pins 161 are positioned in pin receiving
apertures of chassis 404. Unlike chassis 104 and chassis 304 which
receive receiver 106 through an opening in the top of the
respective chassis 104, 304, receiver 106 is received through the
rear or back of chassis 404. A rear rubber cap 442 is removable
from chassis 404 that covers a rear opening in chassis 404. During
insertion, receiver 106 is slid through the back opening into
chassis 404. Once inserted, rubber cap 442 is placed back over the
opening. As shown in FIG. 9, trigger 152 is covered by chassis 304.
A second front trigger 452 is provided in front of magazine 112 on
the opposite side of trigger 152.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 10, a rod 454 is provided between front
trigger 452 and rear trigger 152 that actuates rear trigger 152
when front trigger 452 is pulled. Rod 454 contacts a corner 456 of
trigger 152.
[0105] Referring next to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one embodiment the
paintball marker includes a closed bolt powertrain assembly 502. As
shown in FIG. 11, the assembly 502 is illustrated in a first
configuration, such as at the beginning of a cycle, when the marker
is not being fired, or when the user's finger is not depressing the
trigger.
[0106] In the first configuration, the bolt 504 is in a first,
closed configuration, in which the bolt 504 is extended in
direction D5, covering the breach area 521 where a paintball or
projectile (not shown) enters the breach area 521 from a magazine
(not shown). Chamber 506 is initially filled with compressed air or
gas from air inlet 523 fluidly connected to an external compressed
air or gas source (not shown). Bolt 504 has a small diameter 507
and a large diameter 508. Chamber 510, defined between large
diameter 508 and powertube 512 is fluidly sealed by O-rings 514,
516 except for a fluid connection with chamber 506 through one or
more passageways 518. The pressure of the compressed air or gas in
chamber 510 creates an unbalanced force on bolt 504 along powertube
512 in the direction D5 away from the main body of the powertrain
assembly 502. Bolt 504 may rest on a rubber bumper 520 in the first
configuration.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 12, when a trigger (not shown) is pulled or
otherwise activated, the fire control valve (not shown) directs
pressure from a compressed air or gas source to air inlet 522. The
compressed gas or air entering air inlet 522 drives back poppet 524
in direction D6, compressing valve return spring 526. The seal 528
existing between powertube 512 and poppet 524, particularly between
powertube 512 and O-ring 530 on poppet 524, is broken and the
compressed gas or air of chamber 506, which is fluidly connected
with the external compressed air or gas source, is released into
the breach area 521 behind the paintball or projectile, driving the
paintball or projectile out the barrel (not shown) and out of the
paintball marker. As shown in FIG. 12, when a trigger (not shown)
is pulled or otherwise activated, the fire control valve (not
shown) directs pressure from a compressed air or gas source to air
inlet 522. The compressed gas or air entering air inlet 522 drives
back poppet 524 in direction D6, compressing valve return spring
526. The seal 528 existing between powertube 512 and poppet 524,
particularly between powertube 512 and O-ring 530 on poppet 524, is
broken and the compressed gas or air of chamber 506 is released
into the breach area 521 behind the paintball or projectile,
driving the paintball or projectile out the barrel (not shown) and
out of the paintball marker.
[0108] With the release of pressure from chamber 506, the bolt
spring return 532, which couples bolt 504 to return spring pocket
534, drives the bolt 504 to the second configuration shown in FIG.
12. In the second configuration, the bolt 504 is in an open
configuration, in which the bolt 504 is extended in direction D6
where the breach area 521 is not covered. This allows a new
paintball or projectile (not shown) to enter the chamber from a
magazine (not shown) attached to the paintball marker.
[0109] The trigger (not shown) is then released. The fire control
valve (not shown) releases pressure from the compressed air or gas
source to air inlet 522, allowing pressure inside air inlet 522 to
discharge. Valve return spring 526 moves in direction D5 back
towards equilibrium to reseat the poppet 524 and seal off the valve
chamber 506 by sealing the valve chamber seal 528 with O-ring 530
of poppet 524. Air pressure through air inlet 523 flows into the
valve chamber 506.
[0110] As the pressure builds, the passageways 518 fluidly
connecting valve chamber 506 with chamber 510 provide pressure in
chamber 510 to move bolt along powertube 512 in direction D5 back
towards the first configuration seen in FIG. 11. The cycle
completes when the bolt 504 has moved back into position and rests
against rubber bumper 520.
[0111] While this disclosure has been described as having an
exemplary design, the present disclosure may be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the
art to which this disclosure pertains.
* * * * *