Patents by Inventor Chris T. Goddard
Chris T. Goddard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10502521Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Publication number: 20190120589Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20190113304Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Applicant: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Patent number: 10024624Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Patent number: 9970733Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20170268847Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20170248387Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Applicant: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Publication number: 20160334185Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Patent number: 9464862Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Patent number: 9212864Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20140345587Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Publication number: 20140230801Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Patent number: 8746225Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David M. Banks
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Patent number: 8561600Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Patent number: 8387607Abstract: An paintball loader for supplying paintballs to a paintball marker is provided. The loader includes a container for storing a plurality of paintballs. An outfeed tube on the container is connected to an inlet tube on the marker. The loader further includes a drive shaft, and a feeder rotatably disposed in the container for feeding paintballs into the outfeed tube. The loader further includes a mechanical drive handle accessible externally of the loader and connected to the drive shaft to manually wind the drive spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Albert G. Schilling, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20120272940Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: KEE Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David Michael Banks
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Publication number: 20120125303Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Kee Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Publication number: 20120042862Abstract: An paintball loader for supplying paintballs to a paintball marker is provided. The loader includes a container for storing a plurality of paintballs. An outfeed tube on the container is connected to an inlet tube on the marker. The loader further includes a drive shaft, and a feeder rotatably disposed in the container for feeding paintballs into the outfeed tube. The loader further includes a mechanical drive handle accessible externally of the loader and connected to the drive shaft to manually wind the drive spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: KEE ACTION SPORTS I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Albert G. Schilling, Chris T. Goddard
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Patent number: 8061342Abstract: A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for force feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotating about an axis and rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor and sensor may also be provided. The agitator may include a central dome-shaped area.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard
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Patent number: RE45986Abstract: A spring-loaded feed mechanism for a paintball loader. The feed mechanism includes an inner spool and an outer spool. A torsion spring is positioned between the inner and outer spools. The outer spool includes a pressure wall, from which the torsion spring is located on one end of the spring. A retaining wall is attached to the inner spool and is located at the opposite end of the torsion spring. When an operator of a paintball gun using the spring-loaded feed mechanism discontinues firing paintballs, the feed mechanism is stopped. Simultaneously, during the deceleration of the feed mechanism, the torsion spring is compressed, which allows the mechanical energy of the rotating feed mechanism to be stored within the compressed spring. When the operator desires to fire the paintball gun, the feed mechanism is accelerated to the requisite rotational speed. The compressed spring is release, thereby allowing the spring to assist in accelerating the feed mechanism to the necessary rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: GI SPORTZ DIRECT LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard