Abstract: A volume restrictor can be provided for a pneumatic paintball gun to reduce the volume of compressed gas available within a compressed gas storage area for a firing operation of the paintball gun. In one embodiment, the volume restrictor includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end. A forward sealing member can be arranged on the forward end to seal around a bolt of the paintball gun. A rearward sealing member can be arranged on the rearward end of the body to seal against a rearward endwall of the compressed gas storage area. By placing the volume restrictor within the compressed gas storage area of the paintball gun, the volume of compressed gas available for a firing operation is reduced, thereby requiring an increased operating pressure to achieve the same paintball velocity. The increased chamber pressure can result in a shorter recharge time and less velocity drop off in successive shots.

Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an electro-pneumatic flow distribution mechanism such as a solenoid valve having a port connected to a pneumatic mechanism. For instance, the solenoid valve may include an input port receiving compressed gas from a compressed gas supply and an output port connected to the pneumatic mechanism. The solenoid valve can be enabled to direct compressed gas to and/or from the pneumatic mechanism to operate a bolt. The bolt may be coupled to the pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a pneumatic paintball gun includes a barrel body and a barrel insert. The barrel body has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel bore extending longitudinally through the barrel body from the breech end to the muzzle end. The barrel insert has a breech end, a distal end, and an insert bore, and is configured to be removably housed within a breech portion of the bore of the barrel body. The breech end of the barrel body is configured to attach to a breech end of the paintball gun. The barrel insert collaborates with the barrel body to provide a firing bore for the barrel assembly which guides a paintball fired from the breech end of the gun through the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel body. The barrel insert can be constructed having a thin, flexible wall so as to permit lateral deformation of the barrel insert.

Abstract: A paintball gun kit preferably includes a plurality of non-fully assembled paintball gun components packaged for retail sale to a consumer. Instructions are preferably provided to instruct the consumer how to assemble the paintball gun components into an operational paintball gun. The paintball gun components can be packaged together or separately. The paintball gun kit can include, for example, a body, a grip, and a pneumatic assembly. Various numbers and arrangements of components are contemplated. Various styles, materials, and colors of paintball gun components can also be provided consistent with the principles of the present invention.

Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an electro-pneumatic flow distribution mechanism such as a solenoid valve having a port connected to a pneumatic mechanism. For instance, the solenoid valve may include an input port receiving compressed gas from a compressed gas supply and an output port connected to the pneumatic mechanism. The solenoid valve can be enabled to direct compressed gas to and/or from the pneumatic mechanism to operate a bolt. The bolt may be coupled to the pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A pneumatic paintball gun preferably includes a bolt having an interior chamber. The interior chamber of the bolt is preferably arranged to communicate with a compressed gas storage area to effectively increase the volume of compressed gas stored in the compressed gas storage area without increasing the size of the paintball gun.

Abstract: A pneumatic assembly preferably includes a sealing member disposed between a compressed gas storage area and a compressed gas releasing area. A piston rod is preferably arranged in communication with the sealing member and disposed longitudinally in the pneumatic assembly extending between the compressed gas storage and compressed gas releasing areas. One or more vent channels are preferably formed in the piston rod, with one or more ribs arranged longitudinally through or between the vent channels. The ribs are preferably configured to maintain the sealing member within a sealing member retaining groove while compressed gas is being released from the compressed gas storage area to the compressed gas releasing area. A grip mounted circuit board arrangement can also be provided wherein a circuit board is configured to securely mount within one or more slots arranged in a grip frame of a paintball gun. The circuit board may include a solenoid valve and a trigger-actuated switch arranged on the circuit board.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for preventing accidental disconnection of a valve fitting from a compressed gas cylinder (tank) is provided. A valve safety device preferably includes a valve stem having a first threaded section. The first threaded section is preferably configured to engage threads in an internal section of a compressed gas storage device during insertion and reside within an internal portion of the compressed gas storage device following insertion. A non-threaded section is preferably arranged proximal to the first threaded section. One or more vents are preferably provided on the non-threaded section to provide for a safe release of compressed gas from the compressed gas storage device before the first threaded section can be removed from the compressed gas storage device.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a pneumatic paintball gun includes a barrel body and a barrel insert. The barrel body has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel bore extending longitudinally through the barrel body from the breech end to the muzzle end. The barrel insert has a breech end, a distal end, and an insert bore, and is configured to be removably housed within a breech portion of the bore of the barrel body. The breech end of the barrel body is configured to attach to a breech end of the paintball gun. The barrel insert collaborates with the barrel body to provide a firing bore for the barrel assembly which guides a paintball fired from the breech end of the gun through the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel body. The barrel insert can be constructed having a thin, flexible wall so as to permit lateral deformation of the barrel insert.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a pneumatic paintball gun includes a barrel body and a barrel insert. The barrel body has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel bore extending longitudinally through the barrel body from the breech end to the muzzle end. The barrel insert has a breech end, a distal end, and an insert bore, and is configured to be removably housed within a breech portion of the bore of the barrel body. The breech end of the barrel body is configured to attach to a breech end of the paintball gun. The barrel insert collaborates with the barrel body to provide a firing bore for the barrel assembly which guides a paintball fired from the breech end of the gun through the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel body. The barrel insert can be constructed having a thin, flexible wall so as to permit lateral deformation of the barrel insert.

Abstract: A paintball gun according to this invention comprises a pressure regulator, an electronic solenoid valve, a firing valve assembly, a pneumatic ram assembly, and a firing chamber. The pressure regulator is configured to provide low pressure gas to a solenoid valve to control loading and firing operations of the paintball gun. The pressure regulator is further configured to supply low pressure gas to the firing chamber via operation of the firing valve assembly during a firing operation. The firing valve assembly can be configured with an opening, a valve chamber, and an exit port in fluid communication with the firing chamber, each having a size sufficient to allow an appropriate volume of gas flow to be supplied to the firing chamber with no significant drop-off in pressure. The firing valve assembly can also be provided with an o-ring seated around the valve cap to provide sensitivity to the firing valve, allowing it to open and close quickly in order to ensure near instantaneous shutoff with minimal load.

Abstract: An on/off valve for a paintball gun comprises a valve body. The valve body includes a gas inlet to receive a gas from a compressed gas source and a gas outlet to transmit the gas to the paintball gun The valve body also contains a plug cavity for receivingly engaging a plug. The plug includes a flow aperture for transmitting the gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. An actuator controls the plug position and, hence, a supply of gas through the flow aperture. An o-ring is seated within an exit port of the gas inlet in contact with the valve body and the plug. In operation, the gas has a pressure that exerts a force on the o-ring to maintain it in a sealing engagement with the plug. Movement of the actuator between an “oi” position and an “off” position opens and closes the on/off valve. In an open position, the flow aperture is positioned in communication with the inlet aperture and permits a flow of gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture.