US20050115553A1 - Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor - Google Patents
Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050115553A1 US20050115553A1 US11/017,736 US1773604A US2005115553A1 US 20050115553 A1 US20050115553 A1 US 20050115553A1 US 1773604 A US1773604 A US 1773604A US 2005115553 A1 US2005115553 A1 US 2005115553A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bolt
- paintball
- pressure
- regulator
- actuator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/50—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines
- F41B11/52—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines the projectiles being loosely held in a magazine above the gun housing, e.g. in a hopper
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/50—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines
- F41B11/57—Electronic or electric systems for feeding or loading
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
- F41B11/62—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
- F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F41B11/721—Valves; Arrangement of valves for controlling gas pressure for both firing the projectile and for loading or feeding
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
- F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F41B11/724—Valves; Arrangement of valves for gas pressure reduction
Definitions
- the bolt can squash and rupture the paintball, releasing paint onto the interior mechanisms of the marker. As a result, the released paint can disrupt the proper functioning of the marker. Consequently, after a paintball is squashed inside a marker, it is usually required for the marker to be disassembled and cleaned to remove any paint on the interior mechanisms.
- the present invention is directed to an actuator for a paintball marker.
- the paintball marker includes a body that defines a chamber.
- the chamber has a paintball inlet.
- the paintball marker further includes a bolt that is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber.
- the paintball marker further includes a pneumatic cylinder that is operatively connected to the bolt.
- the actuator comprises a control valve.
- the control valve is positionable in a first control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a first pressure to the pneumatic cylinder for driving the bolt towards the open position.
- the control valve is also positionable in a second control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a second pressure to the pneumatic cylinder to drive the bolt towards the closed position.
- the second pressure is different from the first pressure.
- FIG. 1 a is a partially sectional side view of a paintball marker in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in a bolt-closed position;
- FIG. 1 b is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 a , in a bolt-open position;
- FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 a , illustrating a mis-feed of a paintball;
- the paintball marker 10 includes a body 14 , a bolt 16 , and an actuator 18 .
- the body 14 defines a chamber 20 for holding a paintball 12 to be fired.
- the chamber 20 has a paintball inlet 22 through which paintballs 12 are fed one at a time for firing.
- a paintball tube 24 may extend outwards from the body 14 for holding a plurality of paintballs 12 to be fed into the chamber 20 .
- the chamber 20 may extend generally linearly and may have a front end 26 , which is open.
- the chamber 20 has a diameter that is sufficiently large that it does not hamper the movement of the paintball 12 therein.
- a barrel 28 may be mounted in the front end 26 in fluid communication with the chamber 20 .
- the barrel 28 may have a diameter that is the same or optionally slightly smaller than the diameter of the paintballs 12 . It will be appreciated that the barrel diameter is also smaller than the chamber diameter.
- the chamber 20 has a rear end 30 in which there is an opening 32 .
- the bolt 16 is slideable within the chamber 20 and connects to the actuator 18 through the opening 32 .
- the bolt 16 is moveable by means of the actuator 18 , between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1 a and an open position, as shown in FIG. 1 b .
- a paintball 12 in the chamber 20 is held in position between the forward end of the bolt 16 , which is shown at 35 , and the inlet 29 of the barrel 28 . Because of the snug fit of the paintball 12 in the barrel 28 , the paintball is prevented from rolling out of the barrel 28 prior to firing of the paintball marker 10 .
- FIG. 1 the embodiment shown in FIG.
- the bolt 16 In addition to retaining the paintball 12 in place in the chamber 20 , the bolt 16 also blocks the paintball inlet 22 , and prevents other paintballs 12 from entering the chamber 20 , when in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 a .
- An outlet 35 a is provided in the forward end 35 of the bolt 16 , for pressurized air. When the paintball marker 10 is fired, pressurized air exits through the outlet 35 a to fire the paintball 12 through the barrel 28 and out of the marker 10 .
- the actuator 18 includes a pneumatic cylinder 37 , a control valve 38 , a first actuator regulator 40 , and a second actuator regulator 42 .
- the pneumatic cylinder 37 includes a housing 44 and a piston 46 . Movement of the piston 46 within the housing 44 is controlled by the entry and discharge of air in the housing 44 through a first port 48 and a second port 50 .
- a rod 52 extends from the piston 46 out from the pneumatic cylinder 37 and through the body 14 of the paintball marker 10 .
- the rod 52 connects the piston 46 to a back plate 53 , to which the bolt 16 is also connected.
- Pressurized air travels from the air tank (not shown) through the primary regulator (not shown), where it is reduced to the firing pressure. From there the air travels through the air conduit 36 in the body 16 , and from the air conduit 36 , through the internal air conduit 55 in the manifold 54 . From the air conduit 55 , the air is distributed to the first and second actuator regulators 40 and 42 .
- first and second seals 86 and 88 cooperate to define a chamber around the first inlet port 56 and the first outlet port 60 , permitting them to be in fluid communication with each other.
- air from the outlet of the first regulator 40 is transmitted to the portion of the pneumatic cylinder housing 44 in front of the piston 46 , which drives the piston 46 to its rearwardmost position, as shown in FIG. 1 b.
- the actuator 96 includes a pneumatic cylinder 99 , a control valve 100 and an actuator regulator 101 .
- the pneumatic cylinder 99 includes a housing 102 and a piston 104 .
- the housing 102 may be similar to the pneumatic cylinder housing 44 (see FIG. 1 a ), and may have a first port 106 proximate its front end and a second port 108 proximate its rear end.
- the piston 104 is moveable within the housing 102 between a forwardmost position as shown in FIG. 4 a , and a rearwardmost position, as shown in FIG. 4 b.
- the control valve 100 controls the movement of the piston 104 by controlling the flow of air from the regulator 101 to the first and second ports 106 and 108 on the pneumatic cylinder 99 .
- the control valve 100 has a single inlet port 124 , a first outlet port 126 and a second outlet port 128 .
- the inlet port 124 is connected to the regulator 101 by means of a first conduit 130 .
- the first outlet port 126 is connected to the first port 106 on the pneumatic cylinder 99 by means of a second conduit 132 .
- the second outlet port 128 is connected to the second port 108 on the pneumatic cylinder 99 by means of a third conduit 134 .
- the regulator 162 may be similar to the regulator 42 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a .
- the regulator 162 may be configured to produce an outlet pressure of approximately 10-50 psi.
- the manifold 164 ( FIG. 6 ) is not required to be included in the kit of parts 156 ( FIG. 6 ). This is because the second regulator 162 ( FIG. 6 ) may be connected into the port 208 b ( FIG. 6 ) on the existing manifold 206 ( FIG. 6 ). In this case, it is not important whether the existing manifold 206 ( FIG. 6 ) is a separate piece that is removable from the paintball marker 158 ( FIG. 7 ) or is integral with the body 172 ( FIG. 7 ) of the marker 158 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the outputs of the control valves have been shown to be connected to the ports on the pneumatic cylinder in a certain way. It is alternatively possible for the connections between the ports on the control valve and the ports on the pneumatic cylinder to be reversed, so that the control valve actuator would move forward to effect forward movement of the piston, and the control valve actuator would move rearward to effect rearward movement of the piston. Such a configuration may be used, depending on the mechanism connecting the trigger to the control valve.
Abstract
A paintball marker is provided including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber having a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator is adapted to apply an opening force to move the bolt towards the open position and a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The closing force is different from the opening force.
Description
- The present invention relates to paintball markers and more particularly to chambering of paintballs in paintball markers.
- Many people today enjoy playing paintball games with sophisticated paintball markers. A typical paintball marker has a chamber from which paintballs are fired. A paintball tube communicates with the chamber, and holds paintballs for feeding into the chamber. A bolt slides within the chamber and controls the entry of paintballs from the paintball tube into the chamber. The bolt is typically moved between an open position whereby a paintball is permitted to enter the chamber and a closed position whereby the entry of paintballs into the chamber is prevented. A pneumatic actuator is typically used to move the bolt.
- If a paintball does not feed correctly in the chamber, the bolt can squash and rupture the paintball, releasing paint onto the interior mechanisms of the marker. As a result, the released paint can disrupt the proper functioning of the marker. Consequently, after a paintball is squashed inside a marker, it is usually required for the marker to be disassembled and cleaned to remove any paint on the interior mechanisms.
- There is, therefore, a continuing need for paintball markers that have a reduced tendency to squash and rupture paintballs contained therein.
- In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber having a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator is adapted to apply an opening force to move the bolt towards the open position and a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The opening force is different from the closing force.
- In a second aspect the present invention is directed to an actuator for a paintball marker. The paintball marker includes a body that defines a chamber. The chamber has a paintball inlet. The paintball marker further includes a bolt that is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The paintball marker further includes a pneumatic cylinder that is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator comprises a control valve. The control valve is positionable in a first control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a first pressure to the pneumatic cylinder for driving the bolt towards the open position. The control valve is also positionable in a second control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a second pressure to the pneumatic cylinder to drive the bolt towards the closed position. The second pressure is different from the first pressure.
- In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the paintball marker includes a first regulator, and the actuator includes a second regulator. The first regulator is fluidly connectable to a pressurized gas source and is adapted to provide gas at the first pressure. The second regulator is fluidly connectable to the pressurized gas source and is adapted to provide gas at the second pressure.
- In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the flow of paintballs through a paintball inlet into a chamber that is defined in a body of a paintball marker. The paintball marker includes a bolt that is slideable within the chamber. The method comprises:
- applying an opening force to the bolt to move the bolt to an open position to permit the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber; and
- applying a closing force to the bolt to move the bolt to a closed position to prevent the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, wherein the closing force is different from the opening force.
- In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt, a pneumatic cylinder and a control valve. The body defines a chamber that has a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing that has a first cylinder port and a second cylinder port. The pneumatic cylinder further includes a piston that is slideable within the cylinder housing between the first and second cylinder ports. The piston is operatively connected to the bolt. The control valve is for controlling gas flow to the first and second cylinder ports. The control valve is adapted to send gas to the first cylinder port to move the piston in a first direction to move the bolt towards the open position with an opening force. The control valve is adapted to send gas to the second cylinder port to move the piston in a second direction to move the bolt towards the closed position with a closing force. The closing force is sufficiently low as to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.
- In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber that has a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt and is adapted to apply a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The closing force is sufficiently low as to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.
- The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 a is a partially sectional side view of a paintball marker in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in a bolt-closed position; -
FIG. 1 b is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1 a, in a bolt-open position; -
FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1 a, illustrating a mis-feed of a paintball; -
FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are magnified sectional side views illustrating the operation of a control valve for the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1 a; -
FIG. 4 a is a partially sectional side view of a paintball marker in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in a bolt-closed position; -
FIG. 4 b is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 4 a, in a bolt-open position; -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are magnified sectional side views of a control valve for use with the paintball marker shown inFIG. 4 a; -
FIG. 6 is a kit of parts in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for retrofit to a paintball marker of the prior art; -
FIG. 7 is a paintball marker of the prior art; -
FIG. 8 is a paintball marker derived from retrofitting the kit of parts ofFIG. 6 to the paintball marker ofFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 9 is a magnified sectional side view of a combined cylinder/control valve unit that may be incorporated into the paintball markers shown inFIGS. 1 a and 8. - Reference is made to
FIG. 1 a, which shows apaintball marker 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. - The
paintball marker 10 is used to firepaintballs 12 during, for example, a paintball game. For simplicity and greater clarity of the Figures, several of the components of thepaintball marker 10 that are involved in the firing ofpaintballs 12 have not been shown in the Figures. - The
paintball marker 10 includes abody 14, abolt 16, and anactuator 18. Thebody 14 defines achamber 20 for holding apaintball 12 to be fired. Thechamber 20 has apaintball inlet 22 through which paintballs 12 are fed one at a time for firing. Apaintball tube 24 may extend outwards from thebody 14 for holding a plurality ofpaintballs 12 to be fed into thechamber 20. Thechamber 20 may extend generally linearly and may have afront end 26, which is open. Thechamber 20 has a diameter that is sufficiently large that it does not hamper the movement of thepaintball 12 therein. - A
barrel 28 may be mounted in thefront end 26 in fluid communication with thechamber 20. Thebarrel 28 may have a diameter that is the same or optionally slightly smaller than the diameter of thepaintballs 12. It will be appreciated that the barrel diameter is also smaller than the chamber diameter. - The
barrel 28 has an inlet which is shown at 29. Theinlet 29 includes atransition portion 29 a (shown more clearly inFIG. 1 b), which smoothly transitions from the diameter of thechamber 20 to the diameter of thebarrel 28. - The
chamber 20 has arear end 30 in which there is anopening 32. Thebolt 16 is slideable within thechamber 20 and connects to theactuator 18 through theopening 32. Thebolt 16 is moveable by means of theactuator 18, between a closed position, as shown inFIG. 1 a and an open position, as shown inFIG. 1 b. When thebolt 16 is in the closed position, apaintball 12 in thechamber 20 is held in position between the forward end of thebolt 16, which is shown at 35, and theinlet 29 of thebarrel 28. Because of the snug fit of thepaintball 12 in thebarrel 28, the paintball is prevented from rolling out of thebarrel 28 prior to firing of thepaintball marker 10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a, thepaintball 12 is positioned only partially in thebarrel 28 when thebolt 16 is in the closed position. It is alternatively possible, however, to have an embodiment (not shown), wherein thebolt 16 pushes thepaintball 12 further into thebarrel 28 prior to firing of themarker 10. - In addition to retaining the
paintball 12 in place in thechamber 20, thebolt 16 also blocks thepaintball inlet 22, and preventsother paintballs 12 from entering thechamber 20, when in the closed position shown inFIG. 1 a. Anoutlet 35 a is provided in theforward end 35 of thebolt 16, for pressurized air. When thepaintball marker 10 is fired, pressurized air exits through theoutlet 35 a to fire thepaintball 12 through thebarrel 28 and out of themarker 10. - Reference is made to
FIG. 1 b, which shows thepaintball marker 10 in the bolt-open position. When thebolt 16 is in the open position, thebolt 16 does not block thepaintball inlet 22, and thus permits the entry of apaintball 12 into thechamber 20. As shown inFIG. 1 b, when in the open position, thebolt 16 may extend outwards from thechamber 20 through theopening 32. - When in the open position, the
front end 35 of thebolt 16 may be positioned generally aligned with the rearmost edge of thepaintball inlet 22. Adetent 34 extends into thechamber 20 proximate the forwardmost edge of thepaintball inlet 22. When thebolt 16 is open, thedetent 34 and thebolt 16 cooperate to retain onepaintball 12 in the chamber in a position to blockother paintballs 12 from entering thechamber 20. - The
detent 34 is resilient so as to permit thebolt 16 to push apaintball 12 therepast during closure of thebolt 16. Thedetent 34 may be resilient by any suitable means, such as by being spring loaded. - The
detent 34 is shaped so as not to rupture thepaintball 12 as it moves therepast. For example thedetent 34 may be spherical. - The
actuator 18 is used to move thebolt 16 between the open and closed positions. Theactuator 18 may be any suitable type of actuator. For example, theactuator 18 may utilize gas pressure from a suitable gas source such as a pressurized air tank (not shown), to drive thebolt 16 between the open and closed positions. The pressurized air tank (not shown) may contain an actuation gas, such as air, at several thousand psi, at least initially. A primary regulator (not shown) may be connected to the air tank to reduce the air pressure of the actuation air down to a pressure suitable for use in firing thepaintball marker 10, eg. 150-350 psi. The primary regulator (not shown) may be a single stage regulator, or alternatively may be a dual stage regulator, essentially consisting of two regulators in series to reduce the air pressure in stages down to the firing pressure. Themarker 10 includes anair conduit 36 for transporting air from the primary regulator (not shown) through aninlet 36 a, to the firing mechanism (not shown) and to theactuator 18. - The
actuator 18 includes apneumatic cylinder 37, acontrol valve 38, afirst actuator regulator 40, and asecond actuator regulator 42. Thepneumatic cylinder 37 includes ahousing 44 and apiston 46. Movement of thepiston 46 within thehousing 44 is controlled by the entry and discharge of air in thehousing 44 through afirst port 48 and asecond port 50. Arod 52 extends from thepiston 46 out from thepneumatic cylinder 37 and through thebody 14 of thepaintball marker 10. Therod 52 connects thepiston 46 to aback plate 53, to which thebolt 16 is also connected. By virtue of the connection of thepiston 46 to thebolt 16 by means of therod 52 and theback plate 53, movement of thepiston 46 in thehousing 44 causes movement of thebolt 16 in thechamber 20. - The first and
second actuator regulators air conduit 36 to receive air from the primary regulator (not shown). More specifically, thepaintball marker 10 may include a manifold 54 that has aninternal air conduit 55 therein that is in fluid communication with theair conduit 36. - The manifold 54 has a
first port 55 a for connection to thefirst actuator regulator 40 and asecond port 55 b for connection to thesecond actuator regulator 42. The manifold 54 may optionally also include athird port 55 c, which may be used as desired, or which may be plugged when not in use. - The manifold 54 may be a separate component that mounts to the
body 16 of thepaintball marker 10, or alternatively, the manifold 54 may be integral with thebody 16. The manifold 54 may include mounting means for the first andsecond actuator regulators control valve 38 and for thepneumatic cylinder 37, as shown inFIG. 1 a. It is alternatively possible, however, for some or all of these components to mount to thebody 16 instead of mounting onto the manifold 54. - Pressurized air travels from the air tank (not shown) through the primary regulator (not shown), where it is reduced to the firing pressure. From there the air travels through the
air conduit 36 in thebody 16, and from theair conduit 36, through theinternal air conduit 55 in themanifold 54. From theair conduit 55, the air is distributed to the first andsecond actuator regulators - It is alternatively possible, however, for the primary regulator (not shown) to be connected directly into the manifold 54 using the
optional port 55 c, instead of being connected to theair conduit inlet 36 a on thebody 16. In that case, it will be appreciated that theinlet 36 a on thebody 16 would require plugging. - The
actuator regulators first regulator 40 may reduce the pressure of the air to between 50-100 psi, and thesecond regulator 42 may reduce the pressure of the air to between 10-50 psi. The air pressures provided by theregulators paintball marker 10. For example, if there is significant resistance in the movement of thebolt 16 in thechamber 20, theregulators bolt 16 moves with little resistance in thechamber 20 then accordingly, lower pressures may be selected for the first andsecond regulators - The
control valve 38 controls the movement of thepiston 46 by controlling the flow of air from theregulators second ports control valve 38 includes afirst inlet port 56, asecond inlet port 58, afirst outlet port 60 and asecond outlet port 62. Thefirst inlet port 56 is connected to the outlet of theregulator 40 by means of afirst conduit 64. Thefirst outlet port 60 is connected to thefirst port 48 of thepneumatic cylinder 37 by means of asecond conduit 68. Thesecond inlet port 58 is connected to the outlet of theregulator 42 by means of athird conduit 66. Thesecond outlet port 62 is connected to thesecond port 50 of thepneumatic cylinder 37 by means of afourth conduit 70. Theconduits - When it is desired to move the
bolt 16 from the closed position shown inFIG. 1 a to the open position shown inFIG. 1 b, thecontrol valve 38 directs air from thefirst actuator regulator 40 to thefirst port 48 on thepneumatic cylinder 37. The increase in pressure in thehousing 44 in front of thepiston 46 drives thepiston 46 rearwardly. Because thebolt 16 is connected to thepiston 46 by means of theback plate 53 and therod 52, thebolt 16 is also moved rearwardly as a result of the movement of thepiston 46. - When it is desired to move the
bolt 16 from the open position shown inFIG. 1 b to the closed position shown in 1 a, thecontrol valve 38 directs air from theregulator 42 to thesecond port 50 on thepneumatic cylinder 37. The increase in air pressure in thehousing 44 behind thepiston 46 drives thepiston 46, and in turn, thebolt 16 forward to the closed position. - Reference is made to
FIG. 2 . When thebolt 16 is in the open position to permit the entry of apaintball 12 into thechamber 20, it is possible for a variety of reasons for thepaintball 12 not to have fully entered thechamber 20 when the bolt moves towards the closed position. In such an instance, thebolt 16 can jam against the mis-fed paintball, pinning thepaintball 12 in thepaintball inlet 22. Because of the relatively low air pressure and corresponding relatively low force used to drive thepiston 46 and thebolt 16 forward, thebolt 16 has a reduced likelihood of rupturing the mis-fedpaintball 12 upon jamming there against. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 3 a and 3 b which show thecontrol valve 38 in more detail, and which illustrate its operation. Thecontrol valve 38 includes ahousing 72 and anactuator 74. Theinlet ports outlet ports housing 72, and may be in the order shown in the Figures, whereby the first andsecond inlet ports second outlet ports housing 72 defines aninternal passage 76 with which all of theports housing 72 has afirst end 78. Theinternal passage 76 has afirst vent 80 in thefirst end 78. Thehousing 72 has asecond end 82 in which there is positioned asecond vent 84 for theinternal passage 76. - The
actuator 74 is moveable within theinternal passage 76 to direct the flow of air into and out of thecontrol valve 38. Theactuator 74 includes afirst seal 86, asecond seal 88, and athird seal 90. When thecontrol valve 38 is in a first control valve position, as shown inFIG. 3 a, thefirst seal 86 is positioned between thefirst inlet port 56 and thefirst outlet port 60, thereby preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, thefirst outlet port 60 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent 80. Because thefirst outlet port 60 is also in fluid communication with the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 44 in front of thepiston 46, this portion of thehousing 44 is at substantially atmospheric pressure. - In the first control valve position shown in
FIG. 3 a, the second andthird seals second inlet port 58 and thesecond outlet port 62 communicate. Thus, in this position, air from the outlet of thesecond regulator 42 is transmitted to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 44 behind thepiston 46. This, in turn, causes thepiston 46 to move to its forwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 1 a. This, in turn, causes thebolt 16 to move to the closed position, as shown inFIG. 1 a. - Reference is made to
FIG. 3 b, which shows thecontrol valve 38 in a second control valve position. In the second control valve position, theactuator 74 is moved so that thethird seal 90 is positioned between thesecond inlet port 58 and thesecond outlet port 62, thus preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, in the position shown inFIG. 3 b, thesecond outlet port 62 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent 84, which in turn causes the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 44 behind thepiston 46 to be at substantially atmospheric pressure. - Furthermore, the first and
second seals first inlet port 56 and thefirst outlet port 60, permitting them to be in fluid communication with each other. Thus, in the position shown inFIG. 3 b air from the outlet of thefirst regulator 40 is transmitted to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 44 in front of thepiston 46, which drives thepiston 46 to its rearwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 1 b. - Referring to
FIG. 1 a, when it is desired to fire thepaintball marker 10, atrigger 92 that is positioned on thebody 14, is pulled. Pulling of thetrigger 92 causes pressurized air to be released through theoutlet 35 a in thebolt 16, to fire the chamberedpaintball 12 from thebarrel 28. The linkage between thetrigger 92 and the firing mechanism is not shown, and any suitable type of linkage may be used. The linkage may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic or any combination thereof. - The firing mechanism itself is largely not shown, except for the
outlet 35 a in thebolt 16. The firing mechanism itself is not limited to any particular configuration for the purposes of this invention. - The
trigger 92 is operatively connected to theactuator 18, and more specifically to the control valve actuator 74 (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b). The connection may be by any suitable means, such as, for example, a mechanical linkage (not shown), a pneumatic connection (not shown), an electrical connection (not shown), an electronic connection (not shown), or any combination thereof. Pulling of thetrigger 92 causes firing of the chamberedpaintball 12 as described above, and then causes movement of theactuator 74 between the first control valve position (seeFIG. 3 a) and the second control valve position (seeFIG. 3 b). Theactuator 74 may extend out of the housing 72 (seeFIGS. 3 a and 3 b) for operatively connecting to thetrigger 92. - The
paintball marker 10 shown in the embodiment inFIGS. 1 a and 1 b is a “closed bolt” configuration, because thebolt 16 remains in the closed position (shown inFIG. 1 a) when thetrigger 92 is at rest. It is alternatively possible, however, for a paintball marker within the scope of this invention to have an open-bolt configuration, whereby the bolt remains in the open position when the trigger is at rest. In that case, when the trigger is pulled, the bolt closes with a closing force that is sufficiently low so as to inhibit rupturing of the paintball. Once in the closed position, the paintball that has been chambered is held between the bolt and the barrel. At this point, pressurized air is released to fire the paintball from the barrel. - Reference is made to
FIG. 4 a, which shows apaintball marker 94 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Thepaintball marker 94 may be similar to thepaintball marker 10, except that thepaintball marker 94 incorporates anactuator 96 instead of the actuator 18 (seeFIG. 1 a). - In similar fashion to the actuator 18 (
FIG. 1 a), theactuator 96 may utilize air pressure from a pressurized air tank (not shown), to drive abolt 97 between open and closed positions (FIGS. 4 b and 4 a respectively). A primary regulator (not shown) may be connected to the air tank to reduce the air pressure from the air tank down to a pressure suitable for use in firing thepaintball marker 94. The primary regulator (not shown) may be a single stage regulator, or alternatively may be a dual stage regulator, essentially consisting of two regulators in series to reduce the air pressure in two stages down to the firing pressure. Themarker 94 includes anair conduit 98 for transporting air from the primary regulator (not shown) through aninlet 98 a, to the firing mechanism (not shown) and to theactuator 96. - The
actuator 96 includes apneumatic cylinder 99, acontrol valve 100 and anactuator regulator 101. Thepneumatic cylinder 99 includes ahousing 102 and apiston 104. Thehousing 102 may be similar to the pneumatic cylinder housing 44 (seeFIG. 1 a), and may have afirst port 106 proximate its front end and asecond port 108 proximate its rear end. Thepiston 104 is moveable within thehousing 102 between a forwardmost position as shown inFIG. 4 a, and a rearwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 4 b. - The
piston 104 has afront face 110 and arear face 112. Arod 114 may be connected at a first end to therear face 112 of thepiston 104, and at a second end to aback plate 116. Theback plate 116 may, in turn, be connected to thebolt 97. Therod 114 may be a two stage rod, and may have afront portion 120 and arear portion 121. Thefront portion 120 is connected to therear face 112 of thepiston 104, and extends out of the rearwardmost end of thepneumatic cylinder housing 102. Thus, the pressure bearing surface area of therear face 112 is smaller than the pressure bearing surface area of thefront face 110, because of the surface area occupied on therear face 112 by thefront portion 120 of therod 114. For example, if thefront portion 120 of therod 114 is generally cylindrical, the pressure bearing surface area on therear face 112 will be an annulus having a surface area that is equal to the overall surface area of therear face 112 minus the cross-sectional area of thefront portion 120. It will be noted that, thefront portion 120 of therod 114 extends out of thehousing 102, throughout the range of motion of thepiston 104. This provides a constant pressure bearing surface area on therear face 112 of thepiston 104, that is smaller than that of thefront face 110. The pressure bearing surface areas on the rear and the front faces 112 and 110 are discussed further below. - The
rear portion 121 has been described as being smaller in diameter than thefront portion 120. It is alternatively possible for a rod to be provided wherein the rear portion is the same diameter as the front portion (ie. whereby the entire rod is of a constant diameter, and is suited to occupy a selected portion of the surface area on therear face 112 of the piston 104). However, it is not necessary for the entire rod to be of a constant diameter. - The
actuator regulator 101 is mounted in fluid communication with theair conduit 98 to receive air from the primary regulator (not shown). More specifically, thepaintball marker 94 may include a manifold 122 that has aninternal air conduit 123 therein that is in fluid communication with theair conduit 98. - The manifold 122 has a
first port 123 a for connection to theactuator regulator 101. The manifold 122 may optionally also include asecond port 123 b, which may be used as desired, or which may be plugged when not in use. It is alternatively possible for the primary regulator (not shown) to be connected directly into the manifold 122 using theoptional port 123 b, instead of being connected to theair conduit inlet 98 a. In that case, it will be appreciated that theinlet 98 a would require plugging. - The
control valve 100 controls the movement of thepiston 104 by controlling the flow of air from theregulator 101 to the first andsecond ports pneumatic cylinder 99. Thecontrol valve 100 has asingle inlet port 124, afirst outlet port 126 and asecond outlet port 128. Theinlet port 124 is connected to theregulator 101 by means of afirst conduit 130. Thefirst outlet port 126 is connected to thefirst port 106 on thepneumatic cylinder 99 by means of asecond conduit 132. Thesecond outlet port 128 is connected to thesecond port 108 on thepneumatic cylinder 99 by means of athird conduit 134. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b which show thecontrol valve 100 in more detail, and which illustrate its operation. Thecontrol valve 100 includes ahousing 136 and anactuator 138. Thehousing 136 defines aninternal passage 140 therethrough. Theinlet port 124 and the first andsecond outlet ports internal passage 140 and are arranged in a linear orientation on thehousing 136, with theinlet port 124 positioned between the twooutlet ports housing 136 has afirst end 142 in which is positioned afirst vent 144. Thehousing 136 has asecond end 146 in which is positioned asecond vent 148. Theactuator 138 includes afirst seal 150 and asecond seal 152. In a first control valve position, which is shown inFIG. 5 a, thefirst seal 150 is positioned between theinlet port 124 and thefirst outlet port 126, so that fluid communication between these two ports is prevented. Furthermore, thefirst outlet port 126 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent 144, which causes the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 102 in front of thepiston 104 to be at substantially atmospheric pressure (seeFIG. 4 a). The first andsecond seals inlet port 124 and thesecond outlet port 128. In doing so, thecontrol valve 100 transmits air from theregulator 101 to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 102 behind thepiston 104, which drives thepiston 104 to its forwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 4 a. - Reference is made to
FIG. 5 b, which shows thecontrol valve 100 in a second control valve position. In this position, thesecond seal 152 is positioned between theinlet port 124 and thesecond outlet port 128, preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, thesecond outlet port 128 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent 148, and consequently the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing 102 behind thepiston 104 is at substantially atmospheric pressure (seeFIG. 4 b). Furthermore, the first andsecond seals inlet port 124 and thefirst outlet port 126, so that air is transmitted from theactuator regulator 101 to the portion of the pneumatic cylinder housing in front of the piston 104 (seeFIG. 4 b). - The movement of the
actuator 138 between the first and second control valve positions may be initiated by moving atrigger 154 which may be connected to theactuator 138 by any suitable means (not shown). The connection means may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, or any combination thereof. - It will be noted that in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the same air pressure is used to actuate thepiston 104 in both directions, i.e. towards its forwardmost position and towards its rearwardmost position. However, because the pressure bearing surface area of therear face 112 of thepiston 104 is smaller than that of thefront face 110, the force with which thepiston 104 is driven towards its forwardmost position is smaller than the force with which thepiston 104 is driven towards its rearwardmost position. The pressure bearing surface area on therear face 112 may be selected so that the force with which thebolt 97 is moved towards the closed position is low enough to inhibit the rupturing of apaintball 12 in the event of a paintball mis-feed. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 6 and 7 . A kit ofparts 156 is shown inFIG. 6 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The kit ofparts 156 can be retrofitted to apaintball marker 158 of the prior art, as shown inFIG. 7 , to provide thepaintball marker 158 with a reduced tendency for rupturing paintballs during bolt closure. The kit ofparts 156 includes acontrol valve 160, aregulator 162, aconduit 163 and amanifold 164. - The
control valve 160 may be similar to thecontrol valve 38 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a. Thecontrol valve 160 includes afirst inlet port 166, asecond inlet port 168, afirst outlet port 170 and asecond outlet port 171. - The
regulator 162 may be similar to theregulator 42 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a. Theregulator 162 may be configured to produce an outlet pressure of approximately 10-50 psi. - The manifold 164 may be similar to the manifold 54 in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 a. The manifold 164 has anair conduit 165 therein, and has afirst port 165 a and asecond port 165 b in communication with theair conduit 165. The manifold 164 may also have athird port 165 c in communication with theair conduit 165. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thepaintball marker 158 of the prior art includes abody 172 that defines achamber 174 for holding apaintball 12 to be fired. Abolt 176 is slideable within thechamber 174, between a closed position, as shown inFIG. 7 , and an open position (not shown). - A
pneumatic cylinder 178 is operatively connected thebolt 176 for moving thebolt 176 between the open and closed positions. Thepneumatic cylinder 178 includes ahousing 180 and apiston 182. Thehousing 180 has afirst port 184 and asecond port 186. - A
control valve 188 is used to control the movement of thepiston 182 in thepneumatic cylinder 178. Thecontrol valve 188 may be similar to thecontrol valve 100 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 a, and includes aninlet port 190, afirst outlet port 192 and asecond outlet port 194. Theinlet port 190 is connected to the outlet of apressure regulator 196 by means of afirst conduit 198. Thefirst outlet port 192 is connected to thefirst port 184 on thepneumatic cylinder 178 by means of asecond conduit 200. Thesecond outlet port 194 is connected to thesecond port 186 on thepneumatic cylinder 178 by means of athird conduit 202. - The
control valve 188 is used to direct air from theregulator 196 to either of the twoports pneumatic cylinder 178. Thus, the same air pressure is used to drive thepiston 182 in both directions, i.e., towards its forwardmost position, and towards its rearwardmost position. The pressure bearing surface area of thepiston 182 is substantially the same on both its front face and its rear face, and as a result, the force exerted on thepiston 182 by the air is substantially the same in both directions. - The
paintball marker 158 may be connectable to a pressurized air tank (not shown) and a primary regulator (not shown) through anair conduit 204 which has aninlet 204 a, and in turn, through a manifold 206, which has anair conduit 208 that is in communication with theair conduit 204. The manifold 206 has afirst port 208 a, which communicates pressurized air from the primary regulator (not shown) to theactuator regulator 196. The manifold 206 may have asecond port 208 b, which is typically plugged. The manifold 206 may be removable from thebody 172 of themarker 158. - In order to prepare the
paintball marker 158 for retrofit with the kit ofparts 156, thecontrol valve 188 is removed from thepaintball marker 158. The manifold 196 may be removed from thepaintball marker 158. Theconduits regulator 196 and thepneumatic cylinder 178, respectively. - The manifold 164 may be mounted to the
body 172 so that themanifold air conduit 165 is in fluid communication with theair conduit 204. The control valve 160 (FIG. 6 ) may be attached to the manifold 164, or alternatively to thebody 172. Theregulators pneumatic cylinder 178 may be mounted to themanifold 164. Alternatively, some or all of these components may be mounted to thebody 172. However, theregulators air conduit 165, eg. through theports - Reference is made to
FIG. 8 , which shows apaintball marker 210, which is thepaintball marker 158 ofFIG. 7 retrofitted with the kit ofparts 156 ofFIG. 6 . Theconduit 198 leading from theregulator 196 may be connected to thefirst inlet port 166. Theconduit 200 leading from thefirst port 184 on thepneumatic cylinder 178 may be connected to thefirst outlet port 170. Theconduit 202 leading from thesecond port 186 on thepneumatic cylinder 178 may be connected to thesecond outlet port 171. The outlet of theregulator 162 may be connected to thesecond inlet port 168 on thecontrol valve 160 by means of theconduit 163. Once the above steps are completed, thepaintball marker 158 of the prior art (FIG. 7 ) has been converted into thepaintball marker 210. Thecontrol valve 160 controls the actuation of thepneumatic cylinder 178, instead of the control valve 188 (FIG. 7 ). Similarly to thecontrol valve 38 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a, thecontrol valve 160 directs air from theregulator 162 to drive thepiston 182 towards its forwardmost position, and directs air from theregulator 196 to drive thepiston 182 towards its rearwardmost position. Because theregulator 162 provides air at a lower pressure than theregulator 196, the force with which thebolt 176 closes is less than the force with which thebolt 176 opens. The pressure of the air provided by theregulator 162 may be selected to inhibit rupturing ofpaintballs 12 in the event that thebolt 176 jams against apaintball 12 during bolt closure. - Optionally, the kit of
parts 156 ofFIG. 6 may be provided with enough conduit to replace theconduits conduits control valve 188 and from theregulator 196. The conduit provided with the kit ofparts 156 may be cut into separate lengths configured to replace theconduits conduit 163. Alternatively, the conduit provided with the kit ofparts 156 may be a single length of conduit that the user can cut as desired to provide theconduit 163 and to replace whichever of theconduits parts 156 ofFIG. 6 may lack any conduits, with the expectation that any conduits that are required may be supplied by the user who acquires the kit ofparts 156 for retrofit it to themarker 158. - In the case where the existing manifold 206 (
FIG. 7 ) on thepaintball marker 158 of the prior art, includes thesecond port 208 b (FIG. 7 ), the manifold 164 (FIG. 6 ) is not required to be included in the kit of parts 156 (FIG. 6 ). This is because the second regulator 162 (FIG. 6 ) may be connected into theport 208 b (FIG. 6 ) on the existing manifold 206 (FIG. 6 ). In this case, it is not important whether the existing manifold 206 (FIG. 6 ) is a separate piece that is removable from the paintball marker 158 (FIG. 7 ) or is integral with the body 172 (FIG. 7 ) of the marker 158 (FIG. 6 ). - Furthermore, the second regulator 162 (
FIG. 8 ) has been described as being connected to asecond port 165 b (FIG. 8 ) or 208 b (FIG. 7 ) that is provided on the manifold 164 (FIG. 8 ) or 206 (FIG. 7 ), so that the second regulator 162 (FIG. 8 ) is in fluid communication with the pressurized air from the primary regulator (not shown). It is not important how the second regulator 162 (FIG. 8 ) is made to be in communication with the pressurized air. It may be by any means. For example, in cases (not shown) where the second manifold, t does not include a second port, it is possible that the user may be instructed to machine a second port into the manifold for receiving the second regulator 162 (FIG. 8 ). Thus, in this instance, the new manifold 164 (FIG. 6 ) may be omitted from the kit of parts 156 (FIG. 6 ). - Referring to
FIG. 6 , theregulator 162 has been described as being included as part of the kit ofparts 156. It is alternatively possible for the kit ofparts 156 to not have a regulator for providing air at a second pressure. Instead, the user may be instructed to provide an equivalent to theregulator 162, and to connect it to themarker 158 to provide air at the second pressure, eg. 10-50 psi. - Reference is made to
FIG. 9 , which shows a combinedunit 212, having therein apneumatic cylinder 214 and acontrol valve 216. The combined cylinder/valve unit 212 may be used to replace thepneumatic cylinder 37 and thecontrol valve 38 in the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 1 a. Furthermore, it is possible that the combined cylinder/valve unit 212 may be included as part of the kit ofparts 156 shown inFIG. 6 , instead of thecontrol valve 160. Referring toFIG. 7 , thepneumatic cylinder 178 and thecontrol valve 188 would, in this case, be removed from thepaintball marker 158 and replaced by the combinedunit 212. The connection means between the trigger and thecontrol valve 216 may, in this case, require some reconfiguring due to the new positioning of thecontrol valve 216, relative to the position of theoriginal control valve 188. - The combined
unit 212 has abody 218. Thebody 218 has afirst portion 220 that serves as a cylinder housing, and asecond portion 222 that serves as a control valve housing. Afirst port 224 and asecond port 226 permit fluid communication between thecylinder housing 220 and thecontrol valve housing 222. The first andsecond ports control valve 216, and also serve as first and second inlet ports for thecylinder 214. - A
piston 228 is positioned in thecylinder housing 220. Thepiston 228 is moveable in thecylinder housing 220 between the first andsecond ports second ports rod 230 extends from the piston and may be connected directly or indirectly to a back plate on a paintball marker of the present invention. - The
control valve housing 222 has afirst end 232 in which there is afirst vent 234, and asecond end 236 in which there is asecond vent 238. The first andsecond vents cylinder 214 to discharge as required during movement of thepiston 228. - The
control valve housing 222 has afirst inlet port 240 and asecond inlet port 242. Theinlet ports second outlet ports - An
actuator 244, which may be similar to theactuator 74, is positioned in thecontrol valve housing 222. Theactuator 244 is moveable within thecontrol valve housing 222 to permit fluid communication between either the first inlet andoutlet ports outlet ports outlet ports FIG. 9 , thesecond outlet port 226 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent 238. If the second inlet andoutlet ports first outlet port 224 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent 234. In this way, when the portion of thecylinder housing 220 behind thepiston 228 is being charged with pressurized air, the portion of thecylinder housing 220 in front of thepiston 228 is venting pressurized air, and vice versa. - It has been described that the combined cylinder/
control valve unit 212 could be provided with the paintball marker 10 (FIG. 1 a) and the kit of parts 156 (FIG. 6 ). It is alternatively possible to have a similar combined cylinder/control valve unit (not shown) that would be an analogous combination of thepneumatic cylinder 99 and the control valve 100 (FIG. 4 a). In that instance, the cylinder would include first and second ports which would communicate with the control valve, however, the control valve would include a single inlet port, since the unit would not require inlet air at two different pressures to operate. - In all of the embodiments described above, particular examples of control valve have been provided. It will be noted that any suitable type of control valve may be used instead of those described above.
- In all of the embodiments described above, the opening force with which the bolt is moved towards its open position is greater than the closing force with which the bolt is moved towards its closed position. This is because there is no risk of pinning and rupturing a paintball as the bolt moves towards its open position. It is alternatively possible, however, for the bolt to move towards its open position with the same degree of force as it uses to move towards its closed position. It is, however, quicker for the bolt to move to the open position using a greater force than that which is used to move the bolt to its closed position.
- In the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 a and 8, themarkers markers markers - In each of the embodiments described above, the outputs of the control valves have been shown to be connected to the ports on the pneumatic cylinder in a certain way. It is alternatively possible for the connections between the ports on the control valve and the ports on the pneumatic cylinder to be reversed, so that the control valve actuator would move forward to effect forward movement of the piston, and the control valve actuator would move rearward to effect rearward movement of the piston. Such a configuration may be used, depending on the mechanism connecting the trigger to the control valve.
- Reference has been made throughout this description to an air tank and to using air to operate the actuators in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that any suitable gas may be used instead of air, to operate the actuators of the embodiments described herein.
- While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims.
Claims (6)
1. A paintball marker comprising:
a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;
a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;
a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel, wherein the firing mechanism is pneumatically controllable by means of gas at a first pressure;
a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;
a first actuator regulator, wherein the first actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at the first pressure, and wherein the first actuator regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for pneumatic control of the firing mechanism; and
a second actuator regulator, wherein the second actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure, and wherein the second actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position.
2. A paintball marker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.
3. A paintball marker comprising:
a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;
a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;
a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel, wherein the firing mechanism is pneumatically controllable by means of gas at a first pressure;
a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;
a first actuator regulator, wherein the first actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at the first pressure, and wherein the first actuator regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for pneumatic control of the firing mechanism; and
a second actuator regulator, wherein the second actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure, and wherein the second actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position, and wherein the second pressure is selected to be sufficiently low to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.
4. A paintball marker as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the second pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.
5. A paintball marker comprising:
a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;
a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;
a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel,
a trigger, wherein the trigger is operatively connected to the firing mechanism;
a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;
an actuator regulator, wherein the actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a selected pressure, and wherein the actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position, and wherein the selected pressure is selected to be sufficiently low to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position, and wherein the actuator regulator is unconnected to the firing mechanism.
6. A paintball marker as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the selected pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/017,736 US20050115553A1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2004-12-22 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US10/361,766 US6857423B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2003-02-11 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
US11/017,736 US20050115553A1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2004-12-22 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US10/361,766 Continuation US6857423B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2003-02-11 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US10/811,871 Expired - Fee Related US7210473B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2004-03-30 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
US11/017,736 Abandoned US20050115553A1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2004-12-22 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
US11/697,997 Abandoned US20070181115A1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2007-04-09 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US10/811,871 Expired - Fee Related US7210473B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2004-03-30 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US11/697,997 Abandoned US20070181115A1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2007-04-09 | Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor |
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US20050066952A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-31 | Bao Shyan Lai | Air gun |
US8074632B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2011-12-13 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US7921837B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2011-04-12 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Gas governor, snatch grip, and link pin for paintball gun |
US20090064981A1 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2009-03-12 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Gas governor, snatch grip, and link pin for paintball gun |
US20090133682A1 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2009-05-28 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US8113189B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2012-02-14 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Compressed gas gun having gas governor |
US20100108049A1 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2010-05-06 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US7395819B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2008-07-08 | Kee Action Sports | Gas governor, snatch grip, and link pin for paintball gun |
US10024626B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2018-07-17 | Gi Sportz Direct Llc | Compressed gas gun |
US20100083944A1 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2010-04-08 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US8176908B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2012-05-15 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US8505525B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2013-08-13 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Compressed gas gun having gas governor |
US8534272B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2013-09-17 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US8555868B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2013-10-15 | Kee Action Sports I Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US8573191B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2013-11-05 | Kee Action Sports I, Llc | Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun |
US9746279B2 (en) | 2004-07-16 | 2017-08-29 | Gi Sportz Direct Llc | Compressed gas gun having removable firing mechanism |
US20080099005A1 (en) * | 2006-10-27 | 2008-05-01 | Dye Precision, Inc. | Paintball marker |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070181115A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
US20040154600A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 |
US6857423B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 |
EP1447637A1 (en) | 2004-08-18 |
CA2457255A1 (en) | 2004-08-11 |
US20040216728A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
US7210473B2 (en) | 2007-05-01 |
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