Valve arrangement
A valve arrangement for use in a device for propelling a projectile with compressed gas, such as a paint ball marker, has a body which defines a first space for receiving compressed gas, a second space for receiving compressed gas, a first valve for selectively venting gas from the first space, and a second valve, actuated in response to the venting of gas from the first space, for releasing gas from the second space to propel the projectile. The valve arrangement may be used in various types of devices, including a revolver style apparatus in which one or more of the valve arrangements are placed in chambers of a cylinder. The valve arrangement may also be used in a cartridge or shell arrangement, which may then be loaded into a device adapted to accept and fire such cartridges or shells.
The invention relates generally to paintball markers, and like devices for firing frangible projectiles. More specifically, the invention relates to a valve arrangement for use with such markers and devices.
BACKGROUNDSeveral methods have been developed for firing paintballs. Many of these methods employ a container of pressurized gas, which is coupled to the gun. Compressed gas is piped and valved from the container, and used to fire a paintball. Such guns allow the pressurized gas to be released directly from the container in discrete amounts through a triggering mechanism, thereby firing paintballs one at a time with the released gas.
SUMMARYThe invention allows a paintball to be fired using a novel valve arrangement. The valve arrangement can be filled or “pre-charged” with a compressed gas to fire the paintball. One embodiment of the valve arrangement allows it to be refilled with a compressed gas allowing it to fire another paintball.
The valve arrangement may be used with various types of markers to be used for firing paintballs. For example, one embodiment of the valve arrangement can be disposed in a cylinder of a revolver. An individual valve arrangement can be placed in each chamber of the cylinder, allowing each chamber to be capable of firing a paintball. In one embodiment, this configuration allows a bullet-firing revolver to be modified by replacing its cylinder with a paintball-firing cylinder. The paintball cylinder can be configured such that the firing mechanism of the revolver can be used with the valve arrangement to fire a paintball from each chamber of the paintball cylinder. In one embodiment, the paintball cylinder can also be removed and placed into a container, allowing each fired chamber to be refilled with compressed gas, such that the chambers are pre-charged to fire another paintball.
Another embodiment of the valve arrangement can be disposed in a casing to create a self-contained cartridge, thus allowing a paintball to be fired from a gun adapted for use with such cartridge. After firing, the casing and valve arrangement can be refilled with compressed gas, preparing it to fire another paintball.
While these valve arrangement embodiments may be used for firing paintballs, it is contemplated that the valve arrangements described herein can fire other non-lethal projectile types, such as pepper balls or spark balls, for example.
Additional features and advantages of the valve arrangement will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSThe following description references the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein are illustrative, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Sliding member 18 also includes port 20, disposed in a wall thereof, which allows first and second spaces 21, 23 within body 10 to communicate, as described in more detail below. O-ring 22 fits into groove 24 of sliding member 18 to create a seal within body 10. Spring 26 fits within bore 40 of sliding member 18. Valve plug 27 includes valve stem 28, base 29, and extension 31. Valve stem 28 extends from base 29. Extension 31 extends from base 29 in a direction opposite that of valve stem 28. Base 29 is larger in diameter than extension 31. This allows extension 31 to fit within spring 26 but prohibits base 29 and valve stem 28 from entering spring 26. Valve plug 27 is formed to fit within bore 40. Valve stem 28 extends through openings 33, 37 of seal 30 and seal cap 34, respectively. O-ring 32 is positioned between seal 30 and seal cap 34 with o-ring 32 fitting onto an extension of seal cap 34. (See also
With valve arrangement 12 positioned in body 10, end cap 36 can be attached to body 10, thereby sealing end 13 of body 10. This embodiment illustratively shows end cap 36 to be fastened to body 10 through interacting threads. (See also
When spaces 21, 23 are filled with a compressed gas, base 29 is forced against seal 30. Base 29 is forced against seal 30 not only by the pressure created in space 21, but also through the force generated by spring 26 in direction 64. This seals first space 21 from the environment external to body 10. Body 10 is also shown to include a bore 52, which illustratively accommodates paintball 42. Bore 52 and bore 41 communicate through opening 56. When spaces 21, 23 are pressurized, seal 16 is forced against sealing surface 62 of bore 41. This seals bore 52 from bore 40.
End cap 72 also includes a plurality of openings 74 that align with chambers 68. This alignment allows valve stem 28 to be accessed through its respective opening 74. Opening 74 is large enough to allow a revolver hammer to strike valve stem 28, thereby activating valve arrangement 12, as illustrated and described below with reference to
The pressure differential causes sliding member 18 to move in direction 64, as shown in
It is appreciated that body 10 and cylinder 66 are illustrative examples of the manner in which valve arrangement 12 may be used. Valve arrangement 12 can be similarly adapted to fire a paintball from a variety of markers. Different calibers of paintballs, or other projectiles, can be employed. The arrangement is intended to be refillable with compressed gas in a manner such as that described in the foregoing. However, it is possible to employ the valve arrangement described in a “single-use” manner, if the application warrants.
Although the present description references particular means, materials and embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics from the foregoing description. Various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for propelling a projectile with a compressed gas, comprising:
- a) a body;
- b) a first portion of said body defining a first space for receiving compressed gas;
- c) a second portion of said body defining a second space for receiving compressed gas;
- d) a first valve for selectively venting gas from the first space; and
- e) a second valve, actuated in response to the venting of gas from the first space, for releasing gas from the second space to propel the projectile.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of said body further defines a space for receiving and positioning the projectile relative to the second space.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first space is substantially smaller than said second space.
4. The apparatus of to claim 1, wherein said first valve comprises a valve stem extending outwardly from the body.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said valve stem comprises a sealing surface, and further comprising a spring to bias said sealing surface toward a seal element disposed in or adjacent the first space.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with a firing mechanism for selectively venting the first space.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with a charging mechanism for charging the first space with compressed gas.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second valve comprises a movable element disposed within said second space.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said second valve further comprises a sealing element which interacts with a sealing surface, and further comprising a spring which biases the sealing element toward the sealing surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said movable element further comprises a seal disposed between the first and second spaces for limiting a flow of gas between said spaces.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of said movable element is disposed adjacent said first space and said second space, and wherein said portion of said movable valve element has a port extending therethrough to fluidly connect said first and second spaces.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a dimension of said port is selected so as to provide for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for providing for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
14. A revolver-style apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, such as a paintball, comprising:
- a barrel;
- a firing mechanism; and
- a revolving cylinder;
- wherein said cylinder comprises at least one chamber, and wherein said chamber is configured to accept a charge of compressed gas, said cylinder further comprising a valve arrangement which operates to selectively release the compressed gas from the chamber in response to operation of the firing mechanism to propel the projectile through the barrel.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said cylinder comprises a plurality of chambers, each of said chambers having a valve arrangement disposed therein.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a first portion of said chamber defines a first space for receiving compressed gas, and a second portion of said chamber defines a second space for receiving compressed gas.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said first space is substantially smaller than the second space.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said valve arrangement comprises:
- a) a first valve for selectively venting gas from said first space; and
- b) a second valve, actuated in response to the venting of gas from the first space, for releasing gas from the second space to propel the projectile.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said valve arrangement further comprises a valve stem having a sealing surface, and a spring to bias said sealing surface toward a seal element disposed in or adjacent the first space.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with the firing mechanism for selectively venting the first space.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with a charging mechanism for charging the first space with compressed gas.
22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second valve comprises a movable element disposed within said second space.
23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second valve further comprises a sealing element which interacts with a sealing surface, and a spring which biases the sealing element toward the sealing surface.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said movable element further comprises a seal disposed between the first and second spaces for limiting a flow of gas between said spaces.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of said movable element is disposed adjacent said first space and said second space, and wherein said portion of said movable element has a port extending therethrough to fluidly connect said first and second spaces.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein a dimension of said port is selected so as to provide for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
27. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising means for providing for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
28. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said cylinder further comprises a bore for receiving and positioning the projectile relative to the second space.
29. A self-contained cartridge for use with an apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, such as a paintball, said cartridge comprising:
- a) a hollow casing;
- b) a sealing element disposed within the hollow casing for sub-dividing a space within the casing into first and second spaces for receiving compressed gas;
- c) a non-lethal projectile disposed adjacent said second space; and
- d) a valve arrangement for selectively releasing the compressed gas from the second space to propel the projectile.
30. The cartridge of claim 29, wherein a portion of said casing further defines a space for receiving and positioning the projectile relative to the second space.
31. The cartridge of claim 29, wherein said first space is substantially smaller than said second space.
32. The cartridge of claim 29, wherein said valve arrangement comprises:
- a) a first valve for venting gas from said first space;
- b) a second valve, actuated in response to the venting of gas from the first space, for releasing gas from the second space to propel the projectile; and
- c) a valve stem extending outwardly from the body.
33. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein said valve stem comprises a sealing surface and spring to bias said sealing surface toward a seal element disposed in or adjacent the first space.
34. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with a firing mechanism for selectively venting the first space.
35. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein an end of the valve stem is adapted for interaction with a charging mechanism for charging the first space with compressed gas.
36. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein said second valve comprises a movable element disposed within said second space.
37. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein said second valve further comprises a sealing element which interacts with a sealing surface, and a spring which biases the sealing element toward the sealing surface.
38. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein said movable element is disposed adjacent said first space and said second space, and wherein said portion of said movable element has a port extending therethrough to fluidly connect said first and second spaces.
39. The cartridge of claim 38, wherein the dimensions of said port are selected so as to provide for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
40. The cartridge of claim 29, further comprising means for providing for a regulated flow of gas between said first and second spaces.
41. The cartridge of claim 29, wherein the hollow casing further defines a space for receiving and positioning the projectile relative to the second space.
Type: Application
Filed: May 19, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 24, 2005
Inventor: Dennis Tippmann (Fort Wayne, IN)
Application Number: 10/849,391