Device for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask

Abstract

A device 10 for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask and an armband device 100 are utilized to conduct a night paintball game that includes multiple players or multiple teams of players, a dark playing area upon which said players or multiple teams of players participate, a paintball mask, lighting means secured to each player, a luminescent paintball, means for projecting the luminescent paintball, means for identifying the players or teams of players while participating upon the dark playing area, rules and/or procedures for controlling the game, referees for enforcing the rules and/or procedures, and a game objective.

Description

[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part Application for Application Ser. No. 09/912,790 filed Jul. 25, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the game and/or sport of paintball and more particularly, to a device that allows the paintball to be played at night without illuminating the entire field of play that the players are competing upon.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] Paintball is a fast growing game played mainly outdoors during daylight hours upon large areas of natural terrain. The object of the game is to strike an opposing player (identified as such by an armband with markings thereon) with a paintball projected from a specially designed “gun.” The paintball includes a soft outer shell that collapses upon striking a targeted player thereby releasing an internal fluid that adheres to and identifies the player as being “hit” which relegates him to observer status in a neutral zone for the remainder of the game. A terrain with trees, hills and natural “hiding” places enhances the game of paintball making it more exciting and limited only by the rules of the game and the imagination of the players. Thus, the more “wild” the terrain, the more exciting the game but the greater the possibility of player injury. A primary objective of the game of paintball is safety which necessitates that the game be played during daylight hours. The problem with playing the game of paintball during daylight hours is that the element of surprise is limited when compared to playing a game of paintball during the night time hours upon an unlit, dark field.

[0006] One method to promote night paintball and to provide a reasonable degree of safety is to mount stationary lighting that illuminates a potentially dangerous portion of the entire field of play. Another method would be to light the entire field of play. Either method would attenuate the goal of creating an element of surprise. The most economical and efficient method to provide lighting for conducting a game of night paintball, is to have each player carry the means for illuminating an “area of safety” that allows that player to participate in a game of paintball.

[0007] Therefore, equipment is required that allows a player to safely participate in a game of night paintball when played upon a dark field. The equipment must have the capability of illuminating an area proximate to the player to prevent injury, yet minimizes the likelihood of being observed by an opposing player. Further, the equipment must be secured to the person of the player such that his or her arms are free to carry and activate a paintball gun. Besides safety equipment, means for identifying in the dark the team a player belongs to and means for displaying in the dark when a player has been struck by a paintball, are also required for conducting a game of night paintball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome many of the disadvantages associated with daylight paintball equipment used for night paintball.

[0009] A principle object of the present invention is to provide a device that secures a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask. A feature of the device is a light support member that is distally positioned relative to a base member that attaches to the paintball mask. An advantage of the device is that the light support member unobtrusively joins the lighting apparatus to the paintball mask.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to maintain a preselected orientation of the lighting apparatus in relation to device. A feature of the device is a plurality of ridges disposed upon a lower arcuate portion of the light support member. An advantage of the device is that a beam of light emitted from the lighting apparatus is kept substantially stable in relation to the device.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to position the lighting apparatus. A feature of the device is a light positioning member disposed proximate to the light support member such that the light positioning member engages and angles upward the lighting apparatus when the apparatus is attached to the light support member. An advantage of the device is that the a beam of light emitted from the lighting apparatus is direct in a generally upward direction that is conducive to night paintball play.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to stabilize the lighting apparatus in relation to the paintball mask. A feature of the device is a clip integrally joined to back wall of the base member, the clip removably receiving a corresponding portion of the paintball mask therein. An advantage of the device is that movement of lower portions of the lighting apparatus relative to the paintball mask is minimized or eliminated.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to removably receive support belts that join the base member to the paintball mask. A feature of the device is a pair of oppositely angled, distally positioned apertures through an upper portion of the base member. An advantage of the device is that the support belts through the apertures maintain the horizontal and vertical positions of the lighting apparatus relative to the paintball mask.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to enable a paintball game to played in the dark. A feature of the device is the joining of a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask. An advantage of the device is that a player can safely play a game paintball in the dark.

[0015] Briefly, the invention provides a device for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask comprising means for joining the lighting apparatus to a base member of said device; means for positioning the lighting apparatus; and means for connecting said base portion to the paintball mask.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrative embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and attached drawings, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device supporting a lighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the device and lighting apparatus of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the device and lighting apparatus of FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an armband device depicting opposing first and second ends separated.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an armband device depicting opposing first and second ends secured together.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the armband device of FIG. 8 with a chemical light inserted in a transparent pocket.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a back elevation view of the armband device of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] Referring now to the figures an in particular to FIGS. 1-4, a device for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask (not shown) is denoted by numeral 10. The device 10 is fabricated from low density polyethylene or similar material that is light weight, relatively deformable, and capable of supporting a lighting apparatus 11 (not part of the device 10, see FIGS. 5-7) and functioning in any outdoor temperature or weather condition. A typical lighting apparatus 11 is manufactured by Princeton Tech, Inc., a company located in New Jersey. The device 10 can be an integrally molded unit or an assembly of discrete components. The device 10 includes a substantially “T” configured base member 12, a light support member 14, a light positioning member 16, a stabilizing clip 18 and a pair of belt receiving apertures 20.

[0029] The light support member 14 is joined to a first or front, upper mid-portion 22 of the base member 12. The light support member 14 is configured and dimensioned to perpendicularly extend from a planar front wall 23 of the base member 12, a distance that facilitates the removable securing of the lighting apparatus 11 to the device 10. The light support member 14 includes an extension portion 21 and a substantially cylindrical portion 24 integrally joined thereto. The cylindrical portion 24 has an axial dimension that allows the cylindrical portion 24 to be snugly inserted between cooperating mounting members 25 of the lighting apparatus 11. The cylindrical portion 24 includes an aperture 26 therethrough and a plurality of ridges 28 arcuately disposed upon a lower portion 30. The aperture 26 is axially centered through the cylindrical portion 24 and includes a diameter sized to snugly receive a securing bolt (not shown) that extends through the mounting members 25 of the lighting apparatus 11 and the aperture 26 thereby removably joining the lighting apparatus 11 to the support member 14; the position of the securing bolt ultimately being maintained by a securing nut (not shown) threaded upon one end of the bolt. The ridges 28 of the cylindrical portion 24 are configured and dimensioned to engage with a cooperating portion of the lighting apparatus 11 to minimize movement of the lighting apparatus 11 in relation to the device 10 when the device 10 is in operation. To reduce the weight of the device 10, the extension portion 21 of the light support member 14 includes a pair of opposing recesses 32 that form upper and lower walls 34 and 36 having relatively small lateral dimensions when compared to corresponding longitudinal dimensions. Further, the recesses 32 extend to similar depths to form a rib 38 having a relatively small lateral dimension separating the two recesses 32. The rib 38 is positioned perpendicularly to the base member 12 at a mid-portion of the extension portion 21.

[0030] The light positioning member 16 protrudes from a front, lower mid-portion of the base member 12 a perpendicular distance relatively shorter than the perpendicular distance separating the base member 12 and the aperture 26 of the cylindrical portion 24. The light positioning member 16 has a relatively square shaped configuration, when taking a side elevation view of the device 10 (see FIG. 4), and includes an outer wall 40 that is configured and dimensioned to engage a corresponding portion of the lighting apparatus 11 that promotes stability when the device 10 is operated. The outer wall 40 provides a surface that orientates the lighting apparatus 11 such that an emitted beam of light is upwardly angled. More specifically, a lower portion 42 of the outer wall 40 protrudes slightly farther from the base member 12 than does an upper portion 44 of the outer wall 40. When the lighting apparatus 11 is attached to the light support member 14 and allowed to pivot (see FIG. 6), the lighting apparatus 11 engages the lower and upper portions 42 and 44 of the outer wall 40 such that the light 46 of the lighting apparatus 11 is angled opposite to the base member 12 in a generally upward direction.

[0031] The light positioning member 16 further includes a pair of opposing recesses 48 configured and dimensioned to provide a rib 50 longitudinally aligned with the rib 38 of the light support member 14, the rib 50 being capable of supporting the lighting apparatus 11 during operation of the device 10. The recesses 48 are relatively large and form side walls 52 having a relatively small surface area thereby minimizing the quantity of material forming the light positioning member 16 to further reduce the weight of the device 10.

[0032] The stabilizing clip 18 is integrally joined to a back, bottom mid-portion 54 of the base member 12. The stabilizing clip 18 is configured and dimensioned to receive a player selected, cooperating lower portion of the paintball mask to prevent the bottom portion 54 of the device 10 from moving while the device is being used and without obstructing the vision of the player. Further, the clip 18 and lower mask portion positions the device such that the lighting apparatus 11 illuminates an area of safety in a forward direction relative to the player. The clip 18 includes a lower member 56 that is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 23 and extends upward to form an angled portion 58 that includes an end portion 57 having a planar engagement wall 59 which removably contacts a vertical mid-portion of a planar back wall 60 of the device 10. The lower member 56 and angled portion 58 are sized to removably receive the cooperating paintball mask portion, and are configured to generate sufficient “grasping” force to maintain the mask portion within the stabilizing clip 18 irrespective of the movement of the mask. To facilitate the insertion of the cooperating mask portion into the clip 18, the end portion 57 of the clip 18 includes a lifting ridge 62 that allows a finger to separate the engagement wall 59 of the angled portion 58 from the back wall 60 of the device 10 thereby providing the required space for insertion.

[0033] The belt receiving apertures 20 are horizontal disposed at opposing ends of the top portion of the “T” configured base member 12. The apertures 20 have a substantially elongated “slot” configuration and are orientated such that the longitudinal axes form an acute angle with a top wall 64 of the base member 12. Further, the aperture 20 orientation includes upper portions 66 of the apertures 20 being positioned closer to side walls 68 of the base member 12 than corresponding lower portions 70 of the apertures 20. The aperture 20 orientation may be reversed such that the upper portions 66 of the apertures 20 are positioned farther from the side walls 68 than corresponding lower portions 70. The aperture 20 orientation allows a support belt 72 to insert through the device 10, and maintains the position of the device 10 relative to the belt 72 irrespective of the magnitude of movement between the device 10 and belt 72.

[0034] In operation, a device 10 for securing a lighting apparatus 11 to a paintball mask receives a support belt 72 through opposing apertures 20, and receives a portion of the paintball mask in a stabilizing clip 18 thereby attaching the device 10 to the paintball mask. A cylindrical portion 24 of a light support member 14 is positioned between and secured to mounting members 25 of the lighting apparatus 11. A light positioning member 16 of the device 10 engages and orientates the lighting apparatus 11 such that an emitted beam of light is angled in a generally upward direction. The position of the lighting apparatus 11 is maintained by a tightened securing bolt and nut and a series of ridges 28 upon a lower portion of the cylindrical portion 24 engaging a corresponding portion of the lighting apparatus 11 thereby allowing an user of the device 10 to play night paintball in a safe manner.

[0035] Night paintball may be played indoors or outside upon a playing area of substantial size with established boundaries and features such as bunkers, pallets, barrels, or other structures that promote the play of paintball. The game of night paintball includes substantially the same game objective (all players on a first team are struck with paintballs “shot” by players of a second team before all players on the second team are struck with paintballs shot by players of the first team), field judges or referees, and equipment used to play day paintball. The equipment used in day paintball includes a safety mask (manufactured by J.T. U.S.A., Inc.) that protects a players face and ears, a paintball gun (manufactured by Pursuit Marketing, Inc. located in Schiller Park, Ill.) that propels a spherical paintball a predetermined distance with sufficient force to collapse an outer paintball shell and splatter paint therein upon striking an opposing player, and armbands or clothing for identifying different teams. The added equipment required for night paintball includes the above described lighting apparatus 11 and securing device 10 for attaching the lighting apparatus 11 to the safety mask, a luminescent paintball and a luminescent armband or similar means for player identification in the dark.

[0036] The luminescent paintball is fabricated substantially the same as a standard paintball used in a game of paintball played during daylight hours. The shell of the luminescent paintball may be translucent, transparent or dyed. The typical daylight paintball is manufactured by R.P. Scherer, Inc. To convert the standard paintball to a luminescent paintball for night paintball use, one of three methods may be utilized: 1) A glow powder is disposed within a transparent, gelatin material of the spherical shell; 2) the glow powder is adhered to an exterior portion of the spherical shell via an adhesive well known to those of ordinary skill, thereby coating the outer surface of the shell; or 3) the glow powder is mixed with the liquefied substance that is disposed inside the spherical shell.

[0037] The glow powder is a commercially sold, nontoxic, non-radioactive phosphorus based powder such as stromium with a preferred particle size of 125 to 500 mesh pass, although a particle size outside the stated range can be used, but with a resultant light intensity less than preferred. The glow powder should be capable of producing light for up to at least eight hours. Alternatively, there may be an occasion that will require the glow powder to produce light for substantially less than eight hours. The glow powder glows in the dark after being exposed to a preselected light for a predetermined period of time which corresponds to a time period that the powder is required to glow. These parameters are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] The luminescent armband is essentially a standard armband used in daylight paintball competition with the addition of a luminous powder and standard screen print ink mixture configured thereupon to form images, letters, words or symbols. The preferred powder to ink mixture is such that two parts of ink are combined with one part of powder, although this ratio may vary when armband visibility parameters change.

[0039] The powder is a non-toxic, non radioactive, stromium based powder having a particle size preferably in the range of 125 to 500 mesh, although sizes outside the stated range may be used but with less than desired results. The powder has a photo-storage capability that, upon being charged by a light, will provide the glow required to identify a player from a minimum predetermined distance.

[0040] The powder-ink mixture is applied to an armband and allowed to dry. The powder-ink mixture is then charged for a predetermined period of time by exposure to a preselected light. The exposure time and type of light correspond to the required glow time which ultimately depends upon the time to play a game of night paintball. Ultraviolet light is the light of preference and the exposure time is generally between twenty minutes and twelve hours depending on the amount of time to prepare and play a game of night paintball. Generally, the more players and/or teams participating, the longer the time to prepare and play, and the greater the exposure time required.

[0041] After the armbands are glowing, the night paintball players wrap or slide the armbands upon their arm or other body portion designated by the paintball park officials thereby establishing teams based upon colors, symbols, images, or names printed on the armband.

[0042] An alternative to using an armband, is substituting therefor a chemical light that is ultimately positioned in a transparent pocket on the outside of a standard armband. The chemical light would have a preselected color to identify a player as belonging to a particular team.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, perspective views of an armband device 100 showing opposing first and second ends 102 and 104 secured together and separated are depicted, and front and back elevation views of the armband device 100 are also shown. The armband device 100 is capable of identifying paintball players during day or night paintball games. The armband device 100 includes a wrap member 106 fabricated from a deformable material including but not limited to nylon, polyester, plastic, cotton, rubber and elastic fabrics. The wrap member 106 includes an outer or first side wall 108 having a first end portion 110 with a first securing member 112 joined thereto, and an inner or second side wall 114 having a second end portion 116 with a second securing member 118 joined thereto. The first and second securing members 112 and 118 facilitate the adjustable joining of the first and second end portions 110 and 116 of the wrap member 106 to allow the deformable wrap member 106 to be positioned around a players arm such that the paintball player may be visually identified by another paintball player thereby establishing the team of the player wearing the armband device 100.

[0044] The armband device 100 further includes a transparent pocket 120 fabricated from “clear” plastic or similar material, and joined to a mid-portion 122 of the outer side 108 of the wrap member 106 such that a cavity 124 is formed between the pocket 120 and the wrap member 106 with an upper edge portion 126 of the pocket 120 remaining unsecured relative to the wrap member 106 thereby allowing an identifying member 128 to be removably received by the pocket 120. The identifying member 128 includes chemical lights or similar luminescent products, or cards with ordinary paint or luminescent material such as glow powders or paints disposed thereupon. An alternative to the transparent pocket 120 and identifying member 128 is to print an identifying logo or symbol on the outer side 108 of the wrap member 106 near the visible mid-portion 122 of the member 106 as depicted in FIG. 12. The identifying symbol would be luminescent when utilizing the armband for night paintball.

[0045] The first and second securing members 112 and 118 include Velcro “hook” and “loop” materials that are detachably joined together to secure the relative position of the armband device 100 when the device 100 is wrapped around the arm of a paintball player. The hook 112 or loop 118 material may cover a portion or all of the respective side walls 108 and 114 of the wrap member 106 that the material is joined to so long as the quantity of covered surface facilitates the adjustable securing of the armband device 100 around the arm of the paintball player irrespective of the size of the arm. The hook and loop materials are joined to the side walls 108 and 114 of the wrap member 106 via glue, stitched thread 130 or similar material joining techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Besides the aforementioned equipment, to safely and fairly play night paintball, a set of rules and procedures specific to night paintball must be provided and enforced.

JUDGE OR REFEREE IDENTIFICATION

[0047] Judges or referees must maintain compliance with rules and procedures, game objectives and framework, organization and officiating. The judges or referees must be visible on the field of play at all times which is difficult for night paintball. To meet this requirement, judges must wear glow in the dark jerseys, a lighting apparatus 11 with a lens color unique to judges, armbands 100 having a chemical light (chemlights) unique to judges, and possibly extra chemlights placed upon areas of the body unique to judges.

PROCEDURES AND/OR RULES

[0048] 1. A lamp system comprised of a paintball mask, a lighting apparatus 11 and a device for securing the lighting apparatus 11 to the mask, will be required to be worn by night paintball participants (players, judges and observers).

[0049] 2. The lamp system will be provided by the establishment (park) conducting the night paintbal game.

[0050] 3. The lamp system must be worn by participants when located in predetermined areas requiring face protection.

[0051] 4. A player may not cover or conceal the lamp system during the paintball game.

[0052] 5. A paintball park must provide fresh batteries to participants with lamp systems emitting low levels of light.

[0053] 6. Judges must have lamp systems on at all times.

[0054] 7. Players disobeying the procedures and/or rules will be warned, should the player or players continue said conduct, the player or players will be removed from play and/or the park.

[0055] 8. Judges must carry supplemental lighting at all times.

[0056] 9. Parks shall not use fire, pyrotechnics, flares or similar means for lighting.

[0057] 10. Judges shall carry extra batteries and lamp systems during paintball games.

[0058] 11. Luminescent paintballs that are visible while in flight must be used for night paintball.

[0059] 12. Parks shall provide players with colored light emitters to identify night paintball teams.

[0060] 13. Any portion of field of play that presents safety risks during night paintball, shall be marked such that players may identify same in low light or dark conditions. Judges shall provide notice of said safety risks to players. Parks shall provide written notice of said safety risks to participants.

[0061] 14. Field of play boundaries shall be identifiable by all participants of night paintball. Judges shall provide notice of said field of play boundaries to players. Parks shall provide written notice of said field of play boundaries to participants.

[0062] 15. Park areas outside the field of play boundaries shall have sufficient lighting to maintain normal operations, monitor player activity and provide general safety.

NIGHT PAINTBALL GAME OBJECTIVES

[0063] A night paintball game always has an objective, duration and end. The end of the game is determined by reaching either a time limit or an objective being attained. Objectives include but are not limited to the following games:

CAPTURE THE FLAG

[0064] At least two or more teams against each other to capture their opponents “flag,” can be a flag or any object designated to be a flag for a specific team. An opponent must return the flag to a “starting point” to win the game.

ELIMINATION

[0065] Any number of teams and players may participate. The last team to have members remaining after eliminating all other teams wins the game.

SCENARIO

[0066] Any number of teams and players may participate. The winner is the one that achieves a multitude of objectives over a longer period of time. Each achieved objective earns team points. At the end of the scenario game, usually after 24 or 48 hours, the team with the most points wins the scenario game.

CENTER FLAG

[0067] Any number of teams may participate, however, usually there are only two teams. The objective is to retrieve one designated “flag” at the center of the playing field, and return the flag to their opponents “starting point” to win the game.

[0068] Other games are played but the games usually are variations of these four basic games. The variations include but are not limited to: different flags, objectives according to field of play, variations to duration, variations to players such as awarding players “multiple lives” during the allotted game time, and playing fields themes having specific story or plot lines that demand variation throughout the game.

[0069] The foregoing description is for purposes of illustrating only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection accorded this invention. The scope of protection is to be measured by the following claims, which should be interpreted as broadly as the inventive contribution permits.

Claims

1. A device for securing a lighting apparatus to a paintball mask comprising:

means for joining the lighting apparatus to a base member of said device;

means for positioning the lighting apparatus; and

means for connecting said base member to the paintball mask.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said joining means includes a light support member.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said light support member includes means for maintaining a preselected orientation of the lighting apparatus in relation to said device.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said maintaining means includes a plurality of ridges that engage cooperating portions of the lighting apparatus.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said ridges are disposed upon an arcuate portion of said maintaining means.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said positioning means includes a light positioning member.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said light positioning member spatially separates a corresponding portion of the lighting apparatus from said base member a relatively shorter distance than the spatial separation between a portion of the lighting apparatus attached to said joining means and a cooperating portion of said base member.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said light positioning member adjusts the lighting apparatus such that a light beam emitted from the apparatus angles upward relative to said device.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is manufactured from low density polyethylene.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes means for receiving a belt therethrough.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said belt receiving means includes opposing apertures in said base member.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said apertures include slots angled such that corresponding upper portions are farther separated than corresponding lower portions.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a clip portion.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said clip portion is disposed vertically opposite from said belt receiving means.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein said clip portion receives a lower portion of the paintball mask therein.

16. The device of claim 1 wherein said joining means and said positioning means include pairs of opposing recesses.

17. The device of claim 1 wherein said base member forms substantially a “T” configuration when taking a front elevation view of the device.

18. A paintball mask light support device comprising:

a light support portion;

a light orientation portion; and

a mask joining portion.

19. A method of connecting a light fixture to a paintball mask, said method comprising the steps of:

providing means for supporting the light fixture;

providing means for orientating the light fixture; and

providing means for joining said supporting and orientating means to the paintball mask.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said joining means includes a strap that is secured to the paintball mask.

21. A night paintball game comprising:

multiple players or multiple teams of players;

a dark playing area;

a paintball mask having lighting means secured thereto;

a luminescent paintball;

means for projecting said luminescent paintball;

means for identifying the players or teams of players in the dark;

referees for controlling the game; and

a night paintball game plan whereby an ultimate winning player or winning team of players is decided.

22. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said playing area has predetermined boundary limits.

23. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said lighting means is designed to illuminate an area of play proximate to the player carrying said lighting means.

24. The night paintball game of claim 23 wherein said lighting means illuminates a distance in front of a player substantially about seventy-five feet.

25. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said luminescent paintball is visible to a player after the paintball is projected from said projection means.

26. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said projection means includes a paintball gun.

27. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said identification means includes a luminescent indicator.

28. The night paintball game of claim 27 wherein said luminescent indicator includes a luminescent armband.

29. The night paintball game of claim 21 wherein said game plan includes the elimination of players via opposing players projecting luminescent paintballs so as to engage said players thereby causing luminescent paint to be forcibly urged from said paintball and adhere to said players, said luminescent paint providing a visible means for eliminating players from a paintball game conducted in the dark upon an unlighted playing area.

30. A method of playing paintball in the dark, said method comprising the steps of:

providing multiple players or multiple teams of players;

supplying a playing area;

attaching lighting means to a paintball mask;

providing luminescent paintballs;

projecting said luminescent paintballs;

identifying the players or teams of players in the dark;

providing referees for controlling the game; and

establishing a night paintball plan whereby an ultimate winning player or winning team of players is decided.

31. A luminescent paintball comprising:

a shell;

a liquefied substance being disposed within said shell; and

means for enabling said shell to glow in the dark.

32. The luminescent paintball of claim 31 wherein said enabling means includes means for enabling said liquefied substance to glow in the dark.

33. The luminescent paintball of claim 31 wherein said enabling means includes means for enabling an outer portion of said shell to glow in the dark.

34. The luminescent paintball of claim 31 wherein said enabling means includes means for enabling an inner portion of said shell to glow in the dark.

35. A luminescent identifier for night paintball players comprising:

a deformable member that removably attaches to a night paintball player;

an indicator secured to said deformable member identifying a night paintball player as one of a team of night paintball players; and

means for enabling said indicator to glow in the dark.

36. The luminescent identifier of claim 35 wherein said deformable member includes an armband.

37. The luminescent identifier of claim 35 wherein said indicator includes screen print ink.

38. The luminescent identifier of claim 35 wherein said enabling means includes a phosphorus based powder.

39. An armband device for identifying paintball players comprising:

a deformable wrap member having first and second side walls, said first side wall having a first securing member joined thereto, said second side wall having a second securing member joined thereto,

a transparent pocket having means for removably receiving an identifying member; and

means for adjustably joining cooperating portions of said first and second securing members to position said deformable wrap member around the players arm such that said transparent pocket and said identifying member therein are disposed to promote visual identification by another paintball player whereby said identifying member establishes the team of the player wearing said armband device.

40. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said wrap member is fabricated from rubber.

41. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said first securing member includes velcro hook members.

42. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said second securing member includes velcro loop members.

43. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said transparent pocket is fabricated from plastic and joined to a mid-portion of said wrap member.

44. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said removable receiving means includes a cavity formed between said pocket and said wrap member, and one edge portion of said pocket remaining unsecured relative to said wrap member.

45. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said identifying member is luminescent.

46. The armband device of claim 45 wherein said luminescent member is a chemical light.

47. The armband device of claim 39 wherein said adjustable joining means includes substantially all of each side wall of said wrap member having respective velcro hooks or loops joined thereto.

48. An armband device for identifying paintball players comprising:

an arm member having first and second side walls, said first side wall having a first securing member joined thereto and said second side wall having a second securing member joined thereto; and

means for identifying the respective teams to which the paintball players belong.

49. A method of identifying night paintball teams, said method comprising the steps of:

providing an armband that is removably received upon an arm portion of a night paintball player;

providing an identifying member;

securing a pouch to said armband such that said identifying member is removably received within said pouch; and

positioning said armband such that said pouch and identifying member therein are visible to other paintball players.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of providing an armband includes the step of providing adjusting means that allow said armband to adjustably engage a players arm.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of providing an identifying member includes the step of making said identifying member luminescent.

52. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of securing said pouch to said armband includes the step of allowing an upper edge portion of said pouch to remain unattached to said armband.

53. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of securing said pouch to said armband includes the step of fabricating said pouch from a transparent material.

54. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of positioning said armband includes the step of designing said armband to form a rectangular configuration capable of wrapping around a night paintball players arm.

55. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of designing said armband includes the step of removably securing opposing end portions of said armband together.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of designing said armband includes the step of joining Velcro loop material to a first end portion of said armband.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of designing said armband includes the step of joining Velcro hook material to a second end portion of said armband.