U.S. patent application number 15/599970 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-08 for compressed gas gun having built-in, internal projectile feed mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLC. Invention is credited to Simon B. Stevens.
Application Number | 20180066913 15/599970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52105525 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180066913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens; Simon B. |
March 8, 2018 |
COMPRESSED GAS GUN HAVING BUILT-IN, INTERNAL PROJECTILE FEED
MECHANISM
Abstract
A compressed gas gun is provided, wherein the body houses a
firing assembly and an internal, built-in projectile feed
mechanism. The projectile feed mechanism is preferably formed as a
rear or butt stock of the compressed gas gun. The projectile feed
mechanism preferably feeds projectiles to the firing assembly via a
feed ramp having an S-shaped transition portion. The compressed gas
gun preferably includes a removable top feed rail assembly that can
be removed to expose the interior of the compressed gas gun body
for field stripping. Central control circuitry is preferably
provided for controlling both the firing assembly and the
projectile feed mechanism.
Inventors: |
Stevens; Simon B.; (Sewell,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLC |
Sewell |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLC
Sewell
NJ
|
Family ID: |
52105525 |
Appl. No.: |
15/599970 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14309958 |
Jun 20, 2014 |
9658027 |
|
|
15599970 |
|
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|
61837984 |
Jun 21, 2013 |
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61891781 |
Oct 16, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/51 20130101;
F41B 11/71 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/51 20060101
F41B011/51; F41B 11/71 20060101 F41B011/71 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A compressed gas gun comprising: a gun body including walls
defining a common interior area; a firing mechanism including a
bolt and a projectile feed mechanism housed entirely within the
common interior area.
22. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, wherein the firing assembly
is housed in a first portion of the gun body, and the projectile
feed mechanism is housed in a rear portion of the gun body.
23. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, wherein the projectile feed
mechanism is in a lower horizontal plane than the firing assembly
when the gun is held in a firing position.
24. The compressed gas gun of claim 22, wherein the rear portion is
a butt stock of a rifle-shaped compressed gas gun.
25. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, further comprising central
control unit, the central control unit controlling operation of
both the firing assembly and the projectile feed mechanism.
26. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, wherein the projectile feed
mechanism is configured to feed projectiles to the firing assembly
via a feed ramp positioned between the projectile feed mechanism
and the firing assembly.
27. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein the feed ramp has a
portion positioned above the firing assembly, and wherein
projectiles are fed from the feed ramp to the firing assembly from
above the firing assembly.
28. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein at least a portion
of the feed ramp is detachable and removable through an opening in
a top of the gun body.
29. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, wherein the feed ramp
includes a first curved portion allowing for transition of
projectiles from a first feeding direction to a second feeding
direction.
30. The compressed gas gun of claim 29, wherein the feed ramp
further includes a second curved portion allowing for transition of
projectiles from the second feeding direction to a third feeding
direction.
31. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein the feed ramp
comprises an S-shaped portion.
32. The compressed gas gun of claim 21, wherein the firing assembly
is releasably attached to an interior of the body.
33. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein the wall includes
at least a portion of the feed ramp, and wherein the feed ramp
portion of the wall is configured for removal.
34. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein a top portion of
the gun body can be removed to provide an opening in the top of the
gun body; and wherein at least a portion of the feed ramp and the
firing assembly can be completely removed through the opening
without the use of tools.
35. The compressed gas gun of claim 26, wherein a top portion of
the gun body comprises a top rail assembly defining an upper wall
of the body, and wherein the top rail assembly is releasably
attached to the body, and wherein removal of the top rail assembly
exposes an interior of the body.
36. A compressed gas gun comprising: a gun body including walls
defining a common interior area; a projectile feed mechanism and
projectile feed ramp housed entirely within the common interior
area.
37. The compressed gas gun of claim 36, further comprising a firing
assembly housed within the gun body.
38. The compressed gas gun of claim 36, wherein at least a portion
of the feed ramp is detachable and removable through an opening in
a top of the gun body.
39. The compressed gas gun of claim 36, wherein the firing assembly
is housed in a first portion of the gun body, and the projectile
feed mechanism is housed in a rear portion of the gun body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/309,958, filed Jun. 20, 2014, issuing as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,658,027 on May 23, 2017, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/837,984, filed Jun.
21, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/891,781,
filed Oct. 16, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to compressed gas guns, and more
particularly, to a compressed gas gun having a built-in, internal
projectile feed mechanism for feeding projectiles, such as
paintballs, into a compressed gas gun such as a paintball
marker.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A popular game/sport has developed over the years, which
uses paintball guns or "markers." Players use the paintball guns to
shoot projectiles known as paintballs. These paintballs are
generally spherical capsules having a gelatin or starch based shell
filled with paint or non-toxic dye. During play of the game, the
players on each team advance towards each other. A player is
eliminated from the game when the player is hit by a paintball
fired from an opposing player's gun. When the paintball hits a
player, a "splat" of paint is left on the player.
[0004] Some examples of paintball compressed gas guns, also called
"markers" or "guns" (referred to herein as either compressed gas
guns, markers or guns), are those offered under the brand names
EMPIRE.TM., MINI.TM. AXE.TM., TM.TM., and BT.TM., and others shown
and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,336,532; 8,176,908; 7,921,837;
6,035,843; 7,946,285; 4,936,282; and 5,497,758, the entire contents
of all of which are all incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
[0005] Players use the paintball guns to shoot projectiles known as
paintballs (projectiles and paintballs are used interchangeably
herein). These paintballs are spherical, frangible projectiles
normally having gelatin or starch-based shells filled with paint
(coloring or dye). The shells break when impacting a target,
allowing the paint within to splatter on the target. The sport of
paintball is often played like capture the flag. A player is
eliminated from the game when the player is hit by a paintball
fired from an opposing player's marker. When the paintball hits a
target such as a player, a mark or "splat" of paint is left on the
player.
[0006] Paintball loaders (otherwise known as hoppers or magazines,
and also referred to herein as "loaders") sit atop the markers and
feed projectiles into the marker. These projectile loaders (the
terms "feed mechanisms," "hopper," "magazine," and "loader" are
used interchangeably herein) store projectiles, and have an outlet
or exit tube (out feed tube or neck). The outlet tube is connected
to an inlet tube (or feed neck) of a paintball marker, which is in
communication with the breech of the paintball marker. Thus, the
loaders act to hold and feed paintball projectiles into the breech
of a paintball marker, so that the projectiles can be fired from
the marker.
[0007] Many loaders contain agitators or feed systems to feed,
move, mix, propel, or otherwise move projectiles in the loader.
This mixing is performed by feeder, impeller, projection, carrier,
drive cone, agitator, paddle, arm, fin, or any other mechanism,
such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,213,110;
6,502,567; 5,947,100; 5,791,325; 5,954,042; 6,109,252; 6,889,680;
and 6,792,933, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated
by reference as if fully set forth herein. Because it is desirable
to eliminate as many opposing players as possible, paintball
markers are capable of semi-automatic rapid fire. The paintball
loaders act to hold a quantity of projectiles, and ensure proper
feeding of the projectiles to the marker for firing.
[0008] Paintball guns generally have two basic mechanisms working
in conjunction for firing a paintball from the marker during a
firing operation. One of these mechanisms is for loading a
paintball in the breech of a paintball marker, and usually involves
a bolt that reciprocates from a loading position, allowing a
projectile into the breech, to a firing position. A valving system
is employed to release compressed gas from a source of compressed
gas to fire the projectile from the marker.
[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary compressed gas gun 130
known in the art is illustrated having a gun body 132 with a
rearward end 134 towards its grip 136 and a forward end 138 towards
its barrel 140 is shown. The gun body 132 includes a generally
cylindrical interior passage or space 133 (a portion of which may
be considered a breech area) for receiving at least some of the
firing components (e.g., the hammer and valving components) of the
gun 130. A hammer 144 (sometimes referred to in the art as a ram,
striker, or bolt) is disposed within the gun body 132 adjacent the
rearward end 134 of the gun body 132, the hammer 144 having a
forward end 146 facing the valve 160. The forward end 146 of the
hammer 144 is adapted to contact a valve pin 148.
[0010] A main hammer spring 150 is disposed within the gun body 132
and biases the hammer 144 toward the forward or firing position.
The hammer 144 is retained in a cocked or ready position by a sear
152 that pivots to engage a portion of the hammer 144. Actuation of
a trigger 154 (such as by pulling the trigger) disengages the sear
152 from the hammer 144, allowing the hammer 144 to spring forward
under the bias of the main hammer spring 150.
[0011] A bolt 156 is disposed within the gun body 132. A firing
tube 158 is partially disposed within the bolt 156, such that the
bolt 156 coaxially surrounds the firing tube 158. Forward movement
of the bolt 156 causes forward movement and loading of a projectile
142.
[0012] A valve 160 is disposed within the gun body 132 between the
hammer 144 and the bolt 156. The valve 160 includes a valve pin 148
extending rearward toward the hammer 144, the valve pin 148
including a contact end 162. A connecting rod 164 connects the
hammer 144 and the bolt 156 for synchronized movement of the hammer
144 and the bolt 156. A connecting rod 164 provides a mechanical
linkage between the hammer 144 and the bolt 156. The valve 160
assembly includes a valve housing 166 and a valve body 168 disposed
within the valve housing 166. The valve body 168 includes an inlet
port 170 for receiving gas under pressure from a gas line 196. The
valve body 168 includes an outlet port 176 for communicating gas
under pressure from within the valve body 168 when the valve 160 is
actuated or open. A valve poppet 184 is disposed within the valve
body 168. A sealing member such as a cup seal 186 is provided to
the valve poppet 184.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary paintball loader
400 operatively attached to a representative paintball gun 410
illustrated in phantom. The paintball gun includes a main body 412,
a compressed gas cylinder 414, a front handgrip 416 or foregrip, a
barrel 418, and a rear handgrip 419. The paintball gun also
includes an infeed tube 420 leading to a firing chamber in the
interior of the main body and a trigger 422. The front handgrip
projects downwardly from the barrel and provides an area for
gripping by an operator of the paintball gun. The compressed gas
cylinder is typically secured to a rear portion of the paintball
gun. The compressed gas cylinder normally contains CO2, or NO2,
although any compressible gas may be used.
[0014] The paintball loader 400 includes a container body 430,
screen, readout, or display 424, and may include a circuit board
that which includes a microprocessor 426 for controlling the
operation of the paintball loader, a motor 428, and an outfeed tube
432 that connects to the infeed tube 420 of the paintball gun.
[0015] Some of paintball guns operate using a pressure balanced
poppet valves, such as the MINI.TM., TM-7.TM., TM-15.TM., and
AXE.TM. series of paintball guns, as well as those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,780 and 6,925,997, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 3 shows a known
paintball marker (gun) having a pressure balanced poppet valve
system, as in the MINI.TM. paintball marker, and FIG. 4 shows an
exploded of such a paintball marker.
[0016] The paintball gun 900 of FIGS. 3, 4 include a trigger
assembly 901 and a firing assembly 903. The trigger assembly 901 is
used to actuate the firing of projectiles (e.g., paintballs) under
the force of compressed gas from a source of compressed gas.
[0017] The firing assembly 903 is installed within the body 905 and
is used to discharge the projectiles. The firing assembly 903
includes a housing 906 having a cylindrical channel 907, a valving
system including poppet 908, and a bolt 913.
[0018] The poppet 908 is disposed within the housing 906 with a
slimmer front part 909 and a wider rear part 910. The poppet 908
divides by the housing 906 into front air chamber 911 and a rear
air chamber 912 with different pressure areas. A small through hole
923 is provided in the poppet 908 between the front and the rear
air chambers.
[0019] The bolt 913 is placed around a bolt guide 914 toward the
forward end 915 of the housing 906. A bolt spring 916 is disposed
around the front part 917 of the bolt 913, biasing the bolt 913 to
a rearward, open or ready to fire position.
[0020] A solenoid 918 including a moveable plunger 919 are used to
control the opening or closing of an air flow channel 920, thereby
leading to a pressure difference between the front air chamber 911
and rear air chamber 912 adjacent the poppet 908. As a result, the
poppet 908 is shifted rearward, and some of the air flow is fed
into a minor air channel to shift the bolt 913 forward under the
force of compressed gas, overcoming the bias of the spring 916.
Thereafter, the paintball 142 is discharged by the force of
compressed gas entering the major air channel through the bolt.
[0021] A coupling or feed neck 924 is provided at the top portion
of the body of the paintball gun 900. This feed neck 924 may be
provided as a clamp or locking collet of some type, in order to
mechanically attach a paintball loader having an outfeed tube to
the feed neck 924.
[0022] As can be appreciated, one problem with many known paintball
loaders or hoppers is that the paintball hoppers sit on top of the
paintball marker when mounted for play. This positioning provides a
target to opposing paintball sport players. This positioning also
provides an obstruction to a player's view. It would be
advantageous to have a paintball hopper positioned so that it both
avoids providing a target for opposing players, but is also out of
a player's line of sight.
[0023] While some paintball loaders or hoppers have been mounted
below the breech area of paintball markers, these "box"-type
loaders are bulky, and are positioned in front of the trigger or
grip portions of the paintball markers, below the breech area.
These paintball loaders must feed upwards into the breech area,
against gravity. Often, a paintball marker must be customized or
reconfigured to fit such paintball loaders. Also, these paintball
loaders sit toward the front of the paintball marker. Accordingly,
it would be advantageous to have a paintball loader that is not
mounted on top of a paintball marker, where no special
reconfiguration is required to attach the paintball loader to the
paintball marker.
[0024] In addition, paintball markers and paintball loaders or
hoppers are separate items that must be mechanically joined by, for
example, an adaptor, clamp or collet of some type. This adapter
provides a stress point, and can come uncoupled during game play.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a paintball marker
and paintball hopper contained in a single, unitary body.
[0025] In addition, paintball markers and paintball hoppers have
separate, non-communicating electronics and/or control units. That
is, the paintball marker has its own control circuitry or
electronics operating independently, and the paintball loader has
its own control circuitry or electronics operating independently.
It would be advantageous to have a single set of electronics and/or
control circuitry and/or control unit that controls, monitors,
synchronizes, integrates and/or operates both the paintball marker
and the paintball hopper.
[0026] In addition, paintball markers and paintball loaders may be
difficult to "field strip," that is, disassemble for cleaning,
adjustment or any types of maintenance, particularly during
paintball sport play, and without tools. It would be advantageous
to have both a paintball marker and an integrated paintball loader
that is easy to field strip, without the use of tools.
[0027] Finally, it would be advantageous to have a compressed gas
gun, utilizing any type of firing assembly, and including an
internal, built-in projectile loader.
[0028] The entire contents of following patents are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,336,532;
8,176,908; 7,921,837; 6,035,843; 7,946,285; 4,936,282; 5,497,758;
6,213,110; 6,502,567; 5,947,100; 5,791,325; 5,954,042; 6,109,252;
6,889,680; and 6,792,933.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] A compressed gas gun is provided comprising a body housing
both the firing assembly of the gun and an internal projectile feed
("loader") mechanism. The projectile feed mechanism is preferably
housed completely internally within the body of the compressed gas
gun loader.
[0030] The projectile feed mechanism preferably includes a feed
tube having a portion having a generally "S"-shaped cross-section.
The projectile feed mechanism may be positioned at a horizontal
point lower than the firing assembly of the compressed gas gun.
[0031] Another feature of the compressed gas gun having a built-in
internal loader of the present invention is tool-less "field
stripping," or removal of certain components completely from the
interior of the body of the compressed gas gun, without the need
for tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will be better understood and its numerous
objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled
in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction
with the accompanying specification, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
compressed gas gun including a firing assembly.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary paintball loader
operatively attached to a compressed gas gun.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the internals
of another exemplary compressed gas gun and firing assembly.
[0036] FIG. 4 a left side, top, front perspective view of an
exemplary a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a front view of an exemplary a compressed gas
gun according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an exemplary a compressed gas
gun according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows a left side view of an exemplary a compressed
gas gun according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a right side view of an exemplary a compressed
gas gun according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows a top view of an exemplary a compressed gas gun
according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of an exemplary a compressed gas
gun according to the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows a top view of an exemplary a compressed gas
gun according to the present invention with the top rail assembly
removed.
[0044] FIG. 12 shows a right side view of an exemplary a compressed
gas gun according to the present invention with the right portion
of the body shell removed to expose the internals of the compressed
gas gun.
[0045] FIG. 13 shows a right side cross sectional view of an
exemplary a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 14 shows a left side view of an exemplary a compressed
gas gun according to the present invention with the left portion of
the body shell removed to expose the internals of the compressed
gas gun.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows a left side cross sectional view of an
exemplary a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 16 shows a left side view of an exemplary top rail
assembly, upper wall, firing assembly, feed tube, and projectile
feed mechanism of a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional left side view of an
exemplary top rail assembly, upper wall, firing assembly, feed
tube, and projectile feed mechanism of a compressed gas gun
according to the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 18 shows a closer view of an exemplary a
cross-sectional left side view of an exemplary portion of a top
rail assembly, upper wall, firing assembly, and portion of the feed
tube of a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 19 shows a closer view of a cross-sectional left side
view of an exemplary portion of a top rail assembly, feed tube and
projectile feed mechanism of a compressed gas gun according to the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 20 shows a top view of an exemplary rear portion of an
embodiment of a compressed gas gun according to the present
invention, with reservoir extenders.
[0053] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of an exemplary compressed
gas gun according to the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary firing assembly for a compressed
gas gun according to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 23 an exploded view of an exemplary firing assembly for
a compressed gas gun according to the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary feed tube or feed ramp of
compressed gas gun according to the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary top rail assembly of compressed
gas gun according to the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 26 shows removable pins used to hold components of a
compressed gas gun according to the present invention in the
interior of the compressed gas gun.
[0059] FIG. 27 shows an exploded view of an exemplary projectile
feed mechanism of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 28 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention with the top rail assembly
attached.
[0061] FIG. 29 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention with the top rail assembly
removed exposing the interior of the compressed gas gun body for
field stripping.
[0062] FIG. 30 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention, viewed from the right side and
top, with the feed ramp partially removed from the interior of the
compressed gas gun body.
[0063] FIG. 31 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention on its side, with the top rail
assembly and breech covers removed, and with the feed ramp
partially removed.
[0064] FIG. 32 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention on its side, with the top rail
assembly and breech covers removed, and with the feed ramp
completely removed, and exposing the firing assembly in the
interior of the compressed gas gun.
[0065] FIG. 33 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention from the side and top, with the
top rail assembly removed, and the firing assembly partially
removed from the interior of the compressed gas gun.
[0066] FIG. 34 shows a portion of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention on its side, with the top rail
assembly, breech covers, firing assembly, and pins completely
removed from the body of the compressed gas gun.
[0067] FIG. 35 shows the underside of an exemplary firing assembly
of an exemplary compressed gas gun according to the present
invention, showing the control circuitry.
[0068] FIG. 36 shows the inside of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention, showing the interior space
where the firing assembly may be removably attached.
[0069] FIG. 37 shows a schematic of control circuitry and various
sensors and electronics for an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 38 shows a diagrammatic representation of the operation
of exemplary control circuitry of an exemplary compressed gas gun
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0071] A compressed gas gun 700 is provided, the exterior of which
is shown in FIGS. 4-10, having an internal, built-in projectile
feed mechanism, and preferably includes a gun body 701 having a
front portion 704, rear portion 705, top (or "upper") portion 706,
bottom (or "lower") portion 707, left side portion 708 and right
side portion 709. The gun body 701 includes an exterior 702 and an
interior 703.
[0072] A barrel portion 710, including a barrel 711, is provided
adjacent the front portion 704. Various rails 720, such as
"picatinny"-type rails are provided for attaching items (such as
flashlights, sights, tools, etc.) to the gun body 701.
[0073] The gun body 701 includes a grip portion 713. A trigger
guard 714 is provided, including a trigger 715 for firing the gun.
The gun body 701 includes an opening 724 where a user's hand can
fit, located between the grip portion 713 and the rear or
projectile feed mechanism portion 721 of the gun body. The trigger
715 may actuate an electric switch 778 to initiate a firing
operation. A firing assembly portion 712 is provided above the grip
portion 713.
[0074] The rear portion 705 of the gun body 701 contains the
built-in projectile feed mechanism portion 721 and includes an
internal projectile feed mechanism 747, described in greater detail
herein. Whereas known compressed gas guns and paintball loaders are
separate and distinct, and must be connected such as by a feed
adapter or other mechanism for use, the gun body of the present
invention comprises a unitary housing with the projectile feed
mechanism built into the gun body. This eliminates the need for a
separate paintball loader, hopper or magazine. The projectile feed
mechanism portion 721 effectively comprises a rear or "butt" stock
of the compressed gas gun. Included at a top of the paintball
loader portion is an opening that is selectively closed/opened by a
lid 722. The lid 722 may be hingedly attached to the gun body by a
hinge 763. In addition, a "quick feed" or "speed feed" type of lid
may be employed, including flexible fingers 723 that allow a
paintball loader pod to load paintballs into the opening, without
opening the lid. An exemplary quick-feed lid-type system is shown
and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,157, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
herein. The quick-feed lid-type system allows a user to dump or
load a container of paintballs into the reservoir of a paintball
hopper, by forcing apart the flexible fingers 723, and thus, there
is no need to open the lid to load paintballs. The flexible fingers
723 act as a one-way check valve system.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the compressed gas gun body
701 may further include a battery door 727 that may slide or
hingedly open for access to a power source 753 such as batteries,
and including a battery holder 768. The power source is connected
to a switch to power the electronics of the compressed gas gun
ON/OFF. A regulator 745 of regulating and/or otherwise adjusting
the gas pressure from an attached compressed gas tank may be
provided adjacent the grip portion 713. A coupling 769 for
attaching a compressed gas tank to the compressed gas gun is
provided adjacent the grip portion 713. The coupling 769 is
generally threaded and configured to accept the threaded portion of
a compressed gas tank, as is well known in the art. The coupling
may be in the form of a "bottom line" 719 portion as is known in
the art.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the compressed gas gun body may
further include one or more breech covers 805, 806 covering side
breech openings 929 allowing access to the interior 930 of the
firing assembly portion 712 of the gun body, such as for service.
The breech covers 805, 806 are preferably located on opposite sides
of the compressed gas gun body 701, adjacent a breech area 770. A
mode selector switch 725 may be provided for selecting between
various firing modes (single short, burst, automatic,
semi-automatic) in communication with control circuitry of the
compressed gas gun. The selector switch that 725 is user-actuable
and may include one or more firing modes--Semi, Burst, Ramping,
Full Auto and Select Fire. The firing mode selection electronics
may also be in communication with and controlled by the control
circuitry.
[0077] An exemplary firing assembly 728 (or "firing mechanism")
that may be used is a pressure balanced poppet valve system similar
to those in the MINI.TM. AXE.TM., or TM.TM. compressed gas guns,
and examples of which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 16, 17,
18, 21, 21, 22, and 23. It is appreciated, however, that any firing
assembly for firing projectiles such as paintballs under the force
of compressed gas may be used in a built-in, interior paintball
loader arrangement of the present invention. In order for the
firing assembly to be fully removable when field-stripping the
compressed gas gun, as discussed in greater detail herein, the
firing assembly should be a removable unit containing all, some or
most of the components needed to chamber and fire a projectile,
such as, for example, the bolt, valving system, and
electronics.
[0078] The exemplary compressed gas gun firing assembly 728
illustrated, and shown in greater detail in FIGS. 13, 15, 16, 17,
18, 21, 22 and 23, includes a housing portion 729 generally
defining a breech area 770, with a generally cylindrical interior
portion. A bolt 730 having a channel (or bolt passage) for
communicating gas therethrough is provided in the forward portion
of the housing movable from a first or rearward or ready-to-fire or
loading position to a second or forward or firing position. The
bolt 730 is biased by a bolt spring 731 to a rearward position. The
bolt coaxially surrounds a bolt guide 736, which is stationary in
the housing. A channel runs through the bolt guide 736, providing
fluid communication from a rear portion of the housing to the bolt
and a forward portion of the housing.
[0079] A velocity adjuster 744 may be provided to the rear of the
valve housing 771, which can be adjustment to control the volume of
the valve housing 771, and this controls the velocity of projectile
firing based on compressed gas volume.
[0080] A transfer tube or compressed gas tube 739 is provided,
positioned within the body, providing a compressed gas channel 740
for communicating compressed gas from a compressed gas tank, as
regulated by the regulator 745, to the valve housing 771 of the
firing assembly 728.
[0081] Compressed gas from the compressed gas tube 739 flows into a
poppet or valve housing 771 of the housing. The valve housing 771
may comprise a compressed gas area or chamber 738 for receiving
compressed gas from a source of compressed gas such as a gas tank.
A poppet 732 is positioned in the valve housing 771 of the housing
and moveable from a rearward to a forward position. The poppet 732,
in the forward position, is positioned adjacent a rear opening in
the bolt guide, closing a flow path or channel F. The poppet 732
includes a gas channel 772 through the body of the poppet 732,
permitting compressed gas in the valve housing 771 to flow through
the poppet valve body to the rear of the poppet valve. Due to
differences in forward and rearward facing surface areas of the
poppet 732, compressed gas in the valve housing acts to move the
poppet to the forward (or closed) position when the gun is not
being fired. Thus, a pressure controlled poppet valve is provided.
A poppet spring 733 may also be provided to the rear of the poppet
732, biasing the poppet to the forward or closed position.
[0082] The control unit 716 (or "control circuitry" or "control
electronics") of the compressed gas gun may include a circuit board
717 including control circuitry for controlling operations of the
compressed gas gun, and including a controller such as a
microprocessor 718. Upon pulling, depressing, or otherwise
actuating the trigger, the control unit 716 sends a signal to a
solenoid valve 741, positioned adjacent the compressed gas tube 739
and in the example gun shown, below the housing 771. The solenoid
valve 741 includes a plunger or stopper 742 that regulates a flow
of compressed gas through a channel 743 providing communication
between a rearward portion of the valve housing 771 behind the
poppet, and a rearward facing portion of the bolt. The stopper 742
is configured to move from a closed position, where the channel 743
is blocked, to an open position allowing for fluid
communication.
[0083] In the open position, compressed gas from the valve housing
771 is communicated to the bolt 730 through a gas channel. This has
several effects. The compressed gas acting on the bolt 730 will
move the bolt forward (toward a firing position) against the force
of the bolt spring 731 toward a firing position, which will act to
chamber a paintball that has entered the breech area through the
breech opening 761. The imbalance of gas pressure on the poppet
732, since gas is being vented from the space to the rear of the
poppet, will cause the poppet to move to the rearward or open
position. This will open a flow path or channel F allowing the
compressed gas to flow through the bolt guide and bolt to fire a
paintball (projectile) from the gun. When the bolt is in the firing
position, the poppet is configured to move to the rearward
position, at least for the time needed to provide a firing charge
of compressed gas, and compressed gas flows from the valve area 771
through the flow path F opened by the poppet 732, and through the
opening in the bolt to fire a projectile through and out the
barrel. This system will reset when the solenoid valve plunger
again closes the gas channel, and the pressure differential will
force the poppet to the forward or closed position, as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18, for example.
[0084] As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
19, 21, and 27, with an exploded view shown in FIG. 27, the
compressed gas gun according to the present invention further
includes a built-in projectile feed mechanism 747 comprising a
feeder portion 804, housed in the projectile feed mechanism portion
721 of the gun body 701, which may be the rear or butt stock 933 of
the gun body 701. The entire projectile feeding mechanism 747, and
a feed ramp 227 (also referred to as feed tube 764), is housed
essentially completely internally within the body 701 of the
compressed gas gun. Not only does this provide a single unit of a
compressed gas gun and paintball loader in one integral body, but
the positioning of the projectile feeding mechanism as in the
present invention in the rear portion 705 of the compressed gas gun
body 701 allows the paintball loader to act as a butt stock 933 of
a generally rifle-shaped compressed gas gun. Since the projectile
feeding mechanism is effectively in-line with the rest of the
compressed gas gun and/or compressed gas gun body 701, rather than
sitting atop of or below the compressed gas gun body, it reduces
the target for paintballs to hit during paintball sport game play.
The projectile feeding mechanism portion is preferably positioned
horizontally lower (along a lower horizontal plane) than the firing
assembly, as in butt stocks of rifles. Moreover, the projectile
feeding mechanism cannot "fall off" the gun body, as it is internal
and fully contained.
[0085] A portion of the interior space or projectile reservoir 762
is provided in the body 701 at the upper part of the projectile
feed mechanism portion for receiving and storing projectile
(paintballs), as in a conventional paintball loader. The reservoir
762 is sized to hold upwards of 50 or more paintballs, and
preferably holds over 200 paintballs. In addition, as shown in FIG.
20, body extender portions 800 may be provided, which increase the
capacity of the reservoir such as up to 250, 300, or more
paintballs. This can be provided as "bubble" extender portions 800
that increase the capacity of the reservoir, and could either be on
the right or left side of the compressed gas gun body, taking into
account whether the user is right or left handed. The extenders
portions 800 have openings in communication with the reservoir 762
provided in the body 701, or replace removable sidewalls adjacent
the reservoir 762.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the projectile feed mechanism 747
is provided at a lower portion of the interior space 703 of the gun
body 701. As shown in FIGS. 17, 19 and 27, the projectile feed
mechanism 747 preferably includes a feeder 748 rotatable about a
central axis `A` within a catch cup 756, with a drive shaft 751
powered by a motor 752 having a power source such as a battery. The
catch cup 756 includes annular walls for containing paintballs
driven by the feeder 748.
[0087] The feeder 748 preferably includes at least one or a
plurality of arms, fins, or extensions 820 forming at least one
space or pockets, gaps or spaces 749 for receiving projectiles
placed in the interior space, which may fall by gravity into the
spaces 749. The feeder 748 has a generally outwardly and downwardly
sloping feed surface along its circumference for guiding and/or
receiving paintballs into the spaces 749. The feeder 748 may have
an overall conical or frusto-conical shape. The feeder and feeding
mechanism may be designed as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,252, the entire
contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 27, a
belt drive system may be utilized for rotating the feeder, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,909, the entire contents of which
are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The
drive shaft 774 may project downward to engage a drive member 776
that is part of the drive mechanism such as a gear or series of
gears driven by a motor 752. The drive member 776 may be a gear
having a plurality of spaced apart gear teeth. The gear teeth are
adapted to engage with mating teeth on a second gear 775 having a
drive belt 777 connected to the drive shaft and/or motor 752. While
the drive member in the illustrated embodiment is a gear, other
types of conventional drive members can be used to produce
controlled rotation, such as a pulley mechanism or stepper
motor.
[0089] It will be appreciated that the above embodiment of the
drive mechanism is an illustrative embodiment only, and that other
drive suitable drive mechanisms may be used. For example, the drive
shaft can be coupled directly to the motor.
[0090] Rotation of the feeder 748 drives projectiles 142 toward the
exit opening 755, which may generally be an opening in a wall of
the catch cup 756. In the preferred embodiment, the exit opening
755 is at a forward end of the feed mechanism. A catch arm or tube
extension 746 and/or deflector 754 may be provided for guiding
paintballs from the feeder and into the exit opening, and
preventing projectile jams or mis-feeds, as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,213,110, 6,502,567, and 6,792,933, the entire contents of
all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set
for the herein.
[0091] An electrical or electronic system for operating and/or
controlling the projectile feed mechanism and motor 752 is
provided. FIG. 27 also shows, schematically, the electronics and/or
control circuitry that may be provided to control operation of the
projectile feed mechanism. A feed sensor 784 or breech sensor 814
may be in communication with paintball feed mechanism control
circuitry 773 (such as electronics or electrical circuitry). Such
paintball feed mechanism control circuitry 773 may also be in
communication with control unit 716 (alternately described as part
of central control unit 1000), described in greater detail herein.
The communication may be wired or wireless. In this embodiment,
separate paintball control circuitry 773 may be provided in
communication with the feed mechanism. The projectile loader
control circuitry 773 may include a microprocessor in communication
with one or more sensors. Also, sensors 784 and/or 782 may be
directly in communication with control unit 716 (alternately
described as part of control unit 1000), so that a single control
unit controls both the feed assembly 728 and the projectile feed
mechanism 747.
[0092] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the central compressed gas
gun control unit 716 may also control operation of the projectile
feed mechanism 747 as well. In addition, a single circuit board 717
or control circuitry can also be used to control both the firing
assembly 728 and the projectile feed mechanism 747, and can be
powered by a single power source (e.g., battery or batteries), thus
eliminating the need for additional circuitry, controllers or
batteries.
[0093] The control circuitry 773 and/or the compressed gas gun
control unit 716, or central control unit 1000, may have some or
all of the following features. A contact, sound, pressure or shock
sensor, or detector 780 may be provided configured to detect a
signal based on a compressed gas gun firing event, or sound, or
other pressure waves in a medium, and operate the motor in response
thereto, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,100 and 5,791,325, the
entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth the herein. In this arrangement,
the detector 780 will detect or sense a firing event (e.g., sound,
pressure waves in a medium, shock waves, a trigger pull, bolt
movement, hammer movement, an electronic signal indicative of a
compressed gas gun being fired, projectile movement), and send a
signal indicative of such a firing event to control units, control
circuitry and/or electronics of the compressed gas gun and/or the
projectile feed mechanism. The control units, control circuitry
and/or electronics will process and determine the proper action
and/or adjustment in response to such a signal, such as operating
and/or otherwise controlling the motor (starting, stopping,
speeding up, reversing, or slowing down) of the projectile feed
mechanism, updating information regarding the firing parameters
(e.g., rate of fire, valve dwell time, velocity, gas expended, shot
count, ramping) of the compressed gas gun, regulating the firing
parameters of the compressed gas gun, or similar adjustments or
actions, or any combination thereof.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 27, one or more break-beam, optical, or
infra-red sensors 782 may be provided to detect paintballs or the
movement of paintballs at a selected position in the feed
mechanism, such as in the feed tube, and control the motor of the
feed mechanism in response to such detection, as in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,816,232; 6,213,110; 6,502,567; or 6,792,933, the entire contents
of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully
set forth herein. In this arrangement, the sensor 782 will detect
or sense a projectile or projectile movement, and send a signal
indicative of such projectile or projectile movement to control
units, control circuitry and/or electronics of the compressed gas
gun and/or the projectile feed mechanism. The control units,
control circuitry and/or electronics will process and determine the
proper action and/or adjustment in response to such a signal, such
as operating and/or otherwise controlling the motor (starting,
stopping, speeding up, reversing, or slowing down) of the
projectile feed mechanism, updating information regarding the
firing parameters (e.g., rate of fire, valve dwell time, velocity,
gas expended, shot count, ramping) of the compressed gas gun,
regulating the firing parameters of the compressed gas gun, or
similar adjustments or actions, or any combination thereof.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 23, one or more breech sensors 814 may be
provided for sensing projectiles within the breech area 770. In
this arrangement, the sensor 783 will detect or sense a projectile
or projectile movement, and send a signal indicative of such
projectile or projectile movement to control units, control
circuitry and/or electronics of the compressed gas gun and/or the
projectile feed mechanism. The control units, control circuitry
and/or electronics will process and determine the proper action
and/or adjustment in response to such a signal, such as operating
and/or otherwise controlling the motor (starting, stopping,
speeding up, reversing, or slowing down) of the projectile feed
mechanism, updating information regarding the firing parameters
(e.g., rate of fire, valve dwell time, velocity, gas expended, shot
count, ramping) of the compressed gas gun, regulating the firing
parameters of the compressed gas gun, or similar adjustments or
actions, or any combination thereof.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 27, a feeder sensor 784 may be provided for
detecting movement of the feeder such that the motor may be
operated or controlled in response thereto, as in U.S. Pat. No.
6,889,680, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth herein. In this arrangement, the
sensor 784 will detect or sense the movement, speed, and/or lack of
movement or speed of the feeder, and send a signal indicative of
such to control units, control circuitry and/or electronics of the
compressed gas gun and/or the projectile feed mechanism. The
control units, control circuitry and/or electronics will process
and determine the proper action and/or adjustment in response to
such a signal, such as operating and/or otherwise controlling the
motor (starting, stopping, speeding up, reversing, or slowing down)
of the projectile feed mechanism, updating information regarding
the firing parameters (e.g., rate of fire, valve dwell time,
velocity, gas expended, shot count, ramping) of the compressed gas
gun, regulating the firing parameters of the compressed gas gun, or
similar adjustments or actions, or any combination thereof.
[0097] A sensor or sensors in communication with one or more
transmitters 786 and receivers 788, which may be wired or wireless,
may be provided for detecting a firing event and operating the
motor in response thereto, as in U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,631, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if
fully set forth herein. In this arrangement, the sensor will detect
a firing event and a signal will be transmitted via a transmitter
to a receiver in communication with the control circuitry
indicative of such signal and firing event. The control units,
control circuitry and/or electronics will process and determine the
proper action and/or adjustment in response to such a signal, such
as operating and/or otherwise controlling the motor (starting,
stopping, speeding up, reversing, or slowing down) of the
projectile feed mechanism, updating information regarding the
firing parameters (e.g., rate of fire, valve dwell time, velocity,
gas expended, shot count, ramping) of the compressed gas gun,
regulating the firing parameters of the compressed gas gun, or
similar adjustments or actions, or any combination thereof.
[0098] The sensors or detectors described herein may be
electrically wired, or operate in a wireless fashion with
transmitters and receivers. Any combination of sensors or detectors
may be used to control, regulate and/or adjust the operation of the
compressed gas gun of the prevent invention. Other means for
operating the motor of the feed mechanism may also be provided
without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0099] In order to deliver paintballs from the projectile feed
mechanism 747 to the breech area 770 of the compressed gas gun 700,
a feed tube 764 (also referred to herein as a "feed ramp" 227)
having several identifiable portions is provided, although it is
noted that the feed tube 764 may be one piece or several pieces. As
shown in FIGS. 12-17, 19, 21 and 27, a first portion 757 of the
feed tube is in communication with the exit opening 755 of the
catch cup. The first portion 757 is curved, and preferably curves
forwardly and upwardly as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. The first
portion 757 is in communication with a second portion 758. The
second portion 758 is also curved, curving upwardly and away from
the first portion to form a generally "S"-shaped transition portion
765 (which also can be described as having a "wave" shape) of the
feed tube 764. The "S"-shaped transition portion 765 is preferable,
as the paintballs in a paintball stack forced by the feeder 748
through the feed tube 764 preferably undergo a smooth transition
from the paintball feeder and initially upward and toward the
breech, through the feed tube 764. This "5"-shaped transition
portion 765 of the feed tube assists in preventing paintballs from
rupturing or jamming in the feed tube.
[0100] A third portion 759, which is generally horizontal, of the
feed tube extends from the second portion 758 forward along the
compressed gas gun body interior 703, as shown in FIGS. 12-18. As
shown, the third portion 759 of the feed tube 764 extends along an
upper wall 766 of the interior 703 of the compressed gas gun body.
The third portion 759 may be generally horizontal or flat along the
majority of its length, or may have a curve in it.
[0101] As shown in FIGS. 16-18, in a preferred embodiment, the feed
tube 764 comprises, in part, an upper wall 766 formed by an inner
surface 767 of the top portion 706 of the compressed gas gun body
701, which may be formed as a removable top rail assembly 249. The
inner surface 767 of the upper wall 766 completes the tubular shape
of the feed tube 764 along its upper portion. In a preferred
embodiment, the upper wall 766 is removable as a top rail assembly
249, exposing an open portion 760 of the gun body interior 703
including a portion of the feed tube 764 for cleaning, maintenance
or otherwise gaining access to the interior of the compressed gas
gun. Portions of the feeder portion 804 may also be accessible when
the upper wall 766 is removed.
[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the upper wall 766 is formed as
part of a top rail assembly 249, having at an upper surface various
rails such as "picatinny" rails, and at a lower surface the upper
wall 766 of the feed tube 764 including the inner surface 767. This
is shown, for example, in FIGS. 17-19, 24 and 25. This top rail
assembly 249 forms a top wall at the upper portion 706 of the
compressed gas gun body 701, and can be removed as described herein
to provide easy access to the interior 703 of the gun body 701.
[0103] The top rail assembly 249 of the compressed gas gun body
701, including the upper wall 766, may be attached and removable by
a tongue-in-groove arrangement, by a button release assembly 252,
by a pin or pins 781 inserted through holes 125 in the top rail
assembly 249 and/or body 701 and/or upper wall 766, it may rotate
about a hinge attached at one end to the compressed gas gun body,
or may be attached in another manner such as snapping in place, or
a combination of any of the foregoing. The top rail assembly 249 of
the compressed gas gun body 701, including the upper wall 766, may
be attached by magnets to the compressed gas gun body, or by a
friction fit.
[0104] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/835,231, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully
set forth herein, disclosed a possible arrangement for providing
access to the internals of a compressed gas gun, and a similar
design may be used in connection with the upper wall 766 of the
present design. In such an arrangement, the top rail assembly 249
may be pivotally and/or hingedly attached to the upper portion 706
of the compressed gas gun body 701, and operated as a "flip-up-lid"
to expose the interior 703 of the compressed gas gun body 701 for
maintenance and adjustments, as described.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the front end 934 of the third
portion 759 of the feed tube 764 curves downwardly at its forward
end toward the breech opening 761 of the breech area 770, where a
paintball is delivered to the firing assembly 728 for firing by the
firing assembly 728 under the force of compressed gas, through the
barrel 711. Thus, the feed tube 764 delivers projectiles to the
breech area 770 from above the breech area 770. As shown, the
arrangement of the present invention permits a complete built-in,
internal projectile feed mechanism and loader, housed within the
body of a compressed gas gun, yet still allows for projectile
loading from above the breech area. This above-breech loading is
preferable, as the paintballs do not have to work against the force
of gravity when loading into the breech.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the projectile feed mechanism 747
is preferably positioned lower (horizontally when the gun is held
in a firing position) than the firing assembly 728. This
arrangement corresponds to the overall shape of the compressed gas
gun, whereby the butt stock is generally ergonomically positioned
lower than the breech. In addition, unlike known paintball loaders
mounted on top of or beneath a compressed gas gun, the internal
paintball loader of the present invention cannot fall off or
otherwise be disconnected during use, and cannot get in the way of
or otherwise obstruct a paintball sport player. The compressed gas
gun may have the projectile feed mechanism 747 positioned in the
stock in a "bullpup" type of design, as is known in the art of
firearms. The design of the gun of the present invention allows a
player in the sport of paintball, for example, to reduce their
silhouette and never take a "hit" on an exposed projectile
loader.
[0107] In operation, when an operator of the compressed gas gun
wishes to shoot paintballs, the trigger is squeezed, and the firing
assembly operates to chamber and fire a paintball. Paintballs
stored in the interior area pass through the feed tube, forced by
the feeder, for use by the compressed gas gun when demanded by the
operator.
[0108] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
projectile feed mechanism 747 may include a microprocessor 718 to
enhance the performance of the projectile feed mechanism 747 as
well as providing useful information to an operator. The
microprocessor 718 may control the motor 752 to rotate it in a
first direction for feeding, and in a second or reverse direction
to clear a jam.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 4-15, a compressed gas gun according to
the present invention preferably includes a body 701 or "shell"
having a left side portion 708, and a right side portion 709. The
two sides 708, 709 are connected (such as by screws or bolts, etc.)
to form the complete body 701 that will house the various
components, and in particular, will house both the firing assembly
728 and the feeder portion 804.
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 4-21, a compressed gas gun 700 according
to the present invention preferably comprises one or more of the
following components: a removable top rail assembly 249 that forms
the upper wall of the body; a "feed ramp" 227 or "feed tube" 764
that acts as a ramp or raceway for conveying projectiles 142 from
the feeder portion 804 or the projectile feed mechanism 747 to the
firing assembly 728; a left side breech cover 805; a right side
breech cover 806; a battery holder 768 including batteries 807; a
lid 722 for covering the opening 818 in the body 701 adjacent the
projectile feed mechanism portion 721; a compressed gas regulator
809 for controlling the operation pressure of compressed gas
supplied to the compressed gas gun from a compressed gas supply
(e.g., air or gas tank); a barrel 711; a compressed gas adaptor 810
for attachment to a source of compressed gas such as an air or gas
tank; removable pins 781 (removable without the need for tools) for
attaching the top rail assembly 249 or upper wall 766 to the body
701; and a grip 713 for grasping or holding the compressed gas
gun.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, 21-23, an illustrative firing
assembly 728 of the compressed gas gun according to the present
invention is shown. The firing assembly 728 preferably comprises
one or more of the following components: a bolt assembly 730 for
chambering and firing a projectile (e.g., a paintball); a solenoid
valve assembly 741 that may be initiated by a trigger 715 pull, for
regulating the flow of compressed gas to the bolt 730 in order to
perform a firing operation; detents 811 for assisting in holding
and/or positioning a projectile in place in the breech for firing;
a manifold 812 including gas passages for the flow of compressed
gas; control unit 716 including a circuit board 717 and preferably
including a microprocessor 718, for controlling both the firing
operation of the firing assembly 728, and the loading operation of
the projectile loader of the compressed gas gun; sensor harnesses
813 including breech sensors 814, for detecting whether a
projectile is properly loaded into the breech; an air or gas
transfer tube 739 for communicating compressed gas from a source of
compressed to the valving system 771 of the firing assembly 728;
and a return or bolt spring 731 for returning the bolt to a
rearward or ready position.
[0112] FIGS. 17 and 27 show the components of a projectile feed
mechanism (or paintball loader) according to the invention. A
projectile feed mechanism according to the present invention
preferably comprises one or more of the following components: a
catch cup 756, for holding a feeder 748 and receiving or "catching"
projectiles for feeding; a "catch arm" or tube extension 746 for
catching and/or guiding projectiles into the exit opening 755; an
anti-jam 302 such as a deflector 754, for assisting in preventing
projectile jams at the exit opening 755 of the catch cup 756; a
drive shaft 751 in communication with drive gears 775, 776 and a
motor 752 and a feeder 748, configured for rotation by the motor
752; a feeder 748 (or carrier) for feeding projectiles that is
attached to the drive shaft and rotated with the drive shaft by the
drive gears and motor; a motor 752, in communication with drive
mechanism 775, 776; feed sensor 784 for detecting a position and/or
operation of the feeder 748 and providing detection signals to the
control circuitry; a projectile sensor 782 for detecting
projectiles or the movement or projectiles; a reverse ramp 821, so
that when the feeder 748 moves in reverse, projectiles will move up
the ramp to prevent jamming; and an exit opening 755 leading to an
upwardly turned first portion 757 of an exit ramp or exit tube.
[0113] FIGS. 17-19, 2, 24 and 32, show a feed ramp 227 (also
described herein with reference to feed tube 764), including a feed
ramp back 229, a feed ramp extension 231, and a feed ramp top 233.
The feed ramp 227 is in communication with and releasably joins the
upwardly turned exit ramp 309 (also described as first portion 757)
adjacent the exit opening 755 of the projectile feed mechanism 747.
In addition, feed ramp back 229 is releasably attached, such as by
flanges and grooves shown in FIG. 24 and such as by a snap fit, to
feed ramp extension 231. Projectiles are forced from the projectile
feed mechanism 747, along the feed ramp 227, and into the breech
area 770 of the firing assembly 728, for firing. As shown in FIG.
24, feed ramp top 233 may be attached to feed ramp back 229 by a
spring pin, such that feed ramp top can operate as a flip top that
is spring-biased.
[0114] FIGS. 21, 25, 31, 32 and 34 show the top rail assembly 249
of the body of the compressed gas gun. The top rail assembly 249 is
releasably attached to the body 701 by spring-biased detent or
button release assembly 252 which extends through holes 253 in the
body 701 of the upper portion of the compressed has gun 700.
Pressing the button releases of the button release assembly 252
toward each other against the bias of the spring allows movement of
the top rail assembly 249 relative to the upper portion of the
body. This provides a "quick release" function for removing the top
rail assembly 249.
[0115] A tool-less "field strip" of the compressed gas gun
according to the invention will now be described, with reference to
FIGS. 28-36. The top rail assembly 249 that is preferably
completely removable, although a partially removable version is
also contemplated. The top rail assembly 249 may slide into place
along the top of the top portion 706 of the body 701 of the gun
700, such as by a tongue and groove or flange and groove
arrangement. When the top rail assembly 249 is positioned for
closing the top portion 706 of the gun body 701, the buttons 252
will be biased by the spring into the holes 253 in the upper
portion of the body provided for receiving the buttons. The top
rail assembly 249 may be slidable from a first locked (e.g., the
buttons are snapped or locked into the holes in the body) position,
to a second unlocked position for removal. FIGS. 12-15 and 28 show
the top rail assembly 249 in the locked position, with the buttons
252 extending through the holes 253 in the body 701.
[0116] By depressing the buttons 252, which are accessible when the
top rail assembly 249 is in a locked position, the top rail
assembly 249 is free to slide to an unlocked position. The top rail
assembly 249 can then be completely removed, as shown in FIG. 29,
to expose the internals or interior 703 of the gun body 701. The
inner surface 767 of the top rail assembly 249, that is, the
portion facing the inside of the body of the compressed gas gun,
may comprise the top of a feed ramp 227 (or as also described, feed
tube 764) for transferring projectiles from the projectile feed
mechanism of the compressed gas gun to the elements of the firing
assembly 728 (e.g., the breech or bolt). The inner surface 767 is
preferably at least partially curved or semi-circular in
cross-section forming the upper half of a tube, with the feed ramp
extension 231 forming the other part of the tube.
[0117] Once the top rail assembly 249 is removed, as shown in FIGS.
30-32, the portion of the feed ramp that runs across the top of the
gun body can be removed. One or more pins 781 may preferably be
used to hold the feed ramp 227 in place. The pins 781 preferably
extend through openings 125 in the body and openings in the feed
ramp 125, as shown in FIGS. 30-32. The pins 781, shown in detail in
FIG. 26, are formed so as to be removable by a person without the
need for tools, and have spring biased attachment means for locking
in place. The pins 781 may be friction fit with a flange or spring
clip to lock in place. The feed ramp 227 may be held in place such
as by a snap fit, or a tongue-in-groove fit. The feed ramp
extension 231 and feed ramp back 229 may snap together with a
flange and grooves as shown in FIGS. 17, 19, 21, 2 and 32, to
releasable engage the upwardly turning exit ramp (or "exit tube")
309 (also described as the first portion 757 of the feed tube 764)
of the projectile feed mechanism 747.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 30-32, once the pins 781 are removed, the
feed ramp 227 can be disengaged and lifted out of the body 701
without the use of tools. FIGS. 31-32 show the feed ramp 227
completely removed from the body 701. In addition, FIGS. 30-32 show
the left side breech cover 805 and right side breech cover 806,
which are removably attachable to sides of the body adjacent the
breech, and which hold the detents 811 in place. Removal of the
left side breech cover 805 and right side breech cover 806 provides
additional access to the inner portions and interior 703 of the
body, adjacent the breech area 770.
[0119] Removal of the feed ramp 227 through the opening in the top
of the gun exposes the firing assembly 728 of the compressed gas
gun, as shown in FIG. 32. As shown in FIGS. 35-36, the firing
assembly 728 may be held in place by hand or finger-removable
attachment portions 504 that may include attachment slots 501, and
attachment portions 504 in the interior 703 of the gun body that
may include attachment pins 502, or snap fit into place. Once
disengaged from any fittings, the firing assembly 728 can be lifted
out of the body 701 as a single unit, as shown in FIGS. 33-34.
Removal of the firing assembly 728 of allows for service,
maintenance, adjustment, cleaning, etc. FIGS. 33 and 34 show the
firing assembly 728 in the process of being removed from the body,
and completely removed. The attachment portions 503, 504, which may
attach by a friction fit and lock into place, and may be electrical
junctions, that may further provide electrical connections for the
control circuitry of the firing assembly and the power source
(e.g., battery or batteries) of the gun.
[0120] The foregoing disassembly described can be accomplished
according to the present invention, all without the use of tools.
Re-assembly simply requires a reversal of the described
disassembly.
[0121] A unique feature of a compressed gas gun according to the
invention is the use of one control circuit for controlling
operation of the both the firing assembly (solenoid, or compressed
gas gun electronics), as well as the operation of the paintball
loader (motor, or projectile feed mechanism electronics). The
control circuitry of the compressed gas gun may be configured to
control, operate, adjust, regulate and/or coordinate the compressed
gas gun electronics and the loader electronics such that a more
efficient, comprehensive compressed gas gun, which according to the
invention includes an integral projectile feed mechanism, is
provided. The control circuitry preferably includes a
microprocessor and software for operation of the gun and
monitoring, regulating, sensing, controlling, or otherwise
accessing gun operations or parameters.
[0122] FIG. 37 shows a schematic representation of the central
control unit 1000 (or "central control circuitry" or "central
control electronics", and which may include or comprise control
unit 716), which may comprise a circuit board, electronics
necessary for controlling operation of the compressed gas gun and
projectile firing mechanism, and which may include a microprocessor
and software for controlling and/or otherwise operating the
compressed gas gun and projectile firing mechanism. As shown in
FIG. 37, the central control unit 1000 is preferably in
communication with a breech sensor or plurality of breech sensors
1002 (which may be sensors 814); a projectile feed mechanism sensor
or plurality of projectile feed mechanism sensors 1003 (which may
be sensors 782 and/or 784); a trigger switch 1004 actuated by
pulling a trigger; the projectile feed mechanism motor and/or other
projectile feed mechanism components and/or electronics 1005; the
solenoid and/or firing assembly components and/or electronics 1006;
and a user interface 1007. Preferably, the user interface 1007
includes user-actuable switches, buttons, pads, or a joystick,
whereby a user can input selections to the software of the control
circuitry, and may include a display screen 1008. The mode selector
electronics 1009, which may include a mode selector switch 1010,
and also in communication with and controlled by the central
control unit 1000.
[0123] The central control unit 1000, which preferably includes a
microprocessor and software, is preferably in communication with
one or more sensors 1002 in the breech of the compressed gas gun,
and one or more sensors 1003 in the projectile feed mechanism. The
control unit 1000 is further in communication with a trigger switch
1004. The control unit 1000 can receive and process signals
received from the trigger switch 1004, breech sensor 1002 and/or
the projectile feed mechanism sensors 1003. Because the projectile
feed mechanism 747 and firing assembly 728 are controlled by the
same central control unit 1000, the control circuitry can operate
the functions of the compressed gas gun in a coordinated manner not
previously available, taking into account multiple signals and
feedback as provided by the various sensors 1002, 1003.
[0124] Examples of operation of the control unit 1000 are
described.
[0125] Upon actuation of the trigger, a firing signal may be sent
by the trigger switch 1004 to the control unit 1000. The control
unit 1000 is configured to process the firing signal and operate or
otherwise control the firing assembly 728 and the projectile feed
mechanism 747.
[0126] The control unit 1000 can transmit a firing assembly signal
to a solenoid valve 731 that is part of the firing assembly 728.
The solenoid valve 731 acts to operate the bolt 730 to chamber and
fire a projectile.
[0127] Either simultaneously with operation of the firing assembly,
or as otherwise timed for optimal feed rates, the control unit 1000
can also be configured to transmit a feed mechanism signal to the
electronics and/or motor of the projectile feed mechanism. The feed
mechanism signal will cause the projectile feeder of the feed
mechanism signal to rotate to feed projectiles along the feed ramp
227, and into the breech of the firing assembly 728 for firing.
[0128] FIG. 38 shows a flow chart diagramming a potential,
illustrative operation of the central control unit 1000. When the
trigger is actuated, operating the trigger switch 1004, a firing
signal is sent to the control circuitry (2000). The control
circuitry communicates with the breech sensor to determine whether
the breech sensor detects that a projectile is properly loaded into
the breech and ready for firing (2001). If a projectile is not
detected in the breech by the breech sensor, or if a projectile is
not fully in position in the breech whereby it could be "chopped,"
a "no projectile" signal may be transmitted to the control
circuitry (2002). No paintballs in the breech, or a paintball
improperly positioned in the breech, may be indicative of a
paintball jam, that is, a misfed paintball. Because the control
circuitry also controls the paintball loader, the "no projectile"
signal may be received by the control circuitry, and a "jam clear"
signal may be sent to the paintball loader (2003). This may cause
the motor of the paintball loader to either operate in reverse, or
in a reverse and forward manner, in an attempt to clear the jammed
paintball (2004). Normal operations may resume once projectiles are
detected, for example in the proper position, by the breech sensor
(2005).
[0129] If a projectile is correctly positioned in the breech, the
control circuitry may send a simultaneous, or otherwise timed,
signal to the solenoid to operate and for the motor of the
projectile feed mechanism motor to operate, thereby firing the gun
and also simultaneously feeding projectiles (2006).
[0130] Thus, a central control circuit, housed in the same body as
the firing assembly and the projectile feed mechanism, can gather
operational parameters of the gun, which comprises both the firing
assembly and the projectile feed mechanism, send operational
signals to the firing assembly and the projectile loader, and
coordinate and control operation of the firing assembly and the
projectile feed mechanism to provide for an efficient, coordinated
and improved operation. Thus, a single electronics platform is
provided for both the firing assembly and the projectile feed
mechanism.
[0131] The control unit 1000 may be configured to provide for
controlled feeding of projectiles, where the speed of the feed rate
of the projectile feed mechanism is regulated based upon how
quickly or slowly projectiles are being fired. Thus, the speed of
the motor of the projectile feed mechanism can be sped up or slowed
down to coordinate with the rate of fire. In addition, by use of a
single unit of control circuitry for both the firing assembly and
the projectile feed mechanism, a single battery or battery pack can
be used to power the compressed gas gun according to the present
invention. For example, a single power source (battery pack) may
power the control circuitry, the solenoid of the firing assembly,
and the motor of the projectile feed mechanism.
[0132] An additional feature of the control circuitry may be the
ability to clear the feed ramp when the gun is powered "off," such
as by an ON/OFF power switch in communication with the power source
(batteries). When a power switch of the user interface of the gun
is set to "off," the control circuitry sends a "power off" signal
to the motor of the projectile loader. The motor operates the
feeder in reverse, to clear the projectiles in the feed ramp and
adjacent the breech. In typical compressed gas gun where the loader
or hopper is a separate unit attached to the top of the gun body, a
user will remove the loader to make sure there is no balls in the
breech or feedneck. With the projectile loader integrated into the
gun, reversing the motor of the loader assists in removing
projectiles from a feeding or firing position.
[0133] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of
the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing
description. While the apparatus shown and described has been
characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that
various changes and modifications could be made therein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
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