Combination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash light
An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprises a body with an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the body.
This invention relates to a flash light with a projectile launching mechanism and particularly to a mechanism capable of launching non-lethal projectiles. The invention also relates to a valve arrangement for use with compressed gas guns.
BACKGROUNDLaw enforcement personnel and security guards often carry immobilizing devices, such as pepper spray, tear gas or firearms. Individuals also employ these types of devices to protect against an attacker or aggressive animal. In dark conditions, it is desirable to carry a portable light, such as a flash light, to illuminate the surroundings. Since the simultaneous use of a flash light and immobilizing device requires both hands, this can become unmanageable when the user needs a free hand for another task.
Lighting devices that mount to lethal firearms are well known. These devices allow the use of a firearm and lighting device with a single hand. However, such devices are bulky when mounted to the firearm. Moreover, the lighting device must be separately carried when not mounted.
In many cases, law enforcement and other individuals use non-lethal guns, such as for crowd control. For example, marking guns (commonly known as paintball markers) typically use compressed gas to propel frangible projectiles. Typically, these projectiles are filled with a marking material and/or an immobilizing material, similar to pepper spray.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,512 to Ho et al. describes a paintball marker with a lighting device that mounts to the hopper of the marker. As with other mounting assemblies for lighting devices, the marker described in Ho et al. is bulky. For example, law enforcement personnel would be unable to holster the marker with the lighting device attached. Moreover, the mounting assembly would not be appropriate for non-lethal guns that do not have a hopper.
Therefore, there exists a need for a lighting device that is integral to an immobilizing device.
SUMMARYAn apparatus for firing non-lethal projectiles in accordance with one aspect of the invention comprises a grip portion defining a grip axis along a longitudinal axis of the grip portion. A front portion is provided that defines a bore therethrough. The bore defines a barrel axis along a longitudinal axis of the bore, such that the grip axis and the barrel axis are substantially parallel. The apparatus also includes a firing mechanism operable to cause a projectile to be propelled through the bore.
In some exemplary embodiments, the grip axis is aligned with the barrel axis. The grip portion may be constructed such that the grip portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the front portion. Typically, the grip portion is generally cylindrical in shape. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the grip portion may have an oblong cross section.
In some exemplary embodiments, the firing mechanism may include a trigger. For example, the trigger may have a longitudinal axis that is approximately parallel to the barrel axis. In other embodiments, the trigger may be movable with respect to the front portion along an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the barrel axis. Typically, the trigger is a push button.
The apparatus may be constructed with a safety that is movable between a safe position and a fire position. In the safe position, the safety covers access to the trigger. In the fire position, the safety allows access to the trigger.
Depending on the exigencies of a particular application, the apparatus may include a light source adapted to illuminate an area extending away from the front portion. For example, the light source may be constructed from at least one light emitting diode. In other examples, the apparatus may have a light switch operable to cause the light source to illuminate, such that the light switch is disposed on the grip portion where a user can actuate the light switch using a hand that is grasping the grip portion. In some cases, the light switch may be a slide switch. In such embodiments, the light switch may be movable along an axis that is approximately parallel to the barrel axis. Typically, the light switch is proximate to a trigger such that a user can actuate the light switch and the trigger using a hand that is grasping the grip. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include an aiming mechanism, such as a laser pointer, integrally formed in the front portion.
According to another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprising a body with a grip portion and a front portion, in which the body defines an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the front portion.
In some exemplary embodiments, the front portion includes a transverse front face through which the projectile exits and light is projected. The apparatus may be constructed with a light switch integrally formed on the body. In some such embodiments, the light switch may be proximate to the grip portion such that a user can actuate the light switch using a hand that is grasping the grip portion.
In other examples, the apparatus may include an aiming mechanism disposed in the cavity. For example, the aiming mechanism may project a laser beam through the front face. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the body is generally cylindrical in shape.
According to a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a frangible projectile. The apparatus includes a body shaped to resemble a flash light. A light source is disposed in a cavity in the body, such that the light source is adapted to project light out of the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a frangible projectile to be propelled out of the body.
In some examples, a light switch and a trigger may be provided. In such embodiments, the light switch may be movable with respect to the body with a thumb while holding the body. The trigger may be also movable with respect to the body with an index finger while holding the body.
A still further aspect of the present invention is achieved by a flash light with a generally cylindrical body. The flash light includes a light source disposed in the body, such that the light source is operable to project light out of the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a non-lethal projectile to be propelled out of the body.
In some exemplary embodiments, the flash light may include a valve arrangement disposed in the body. For example, the valve arrangement may selectively open and close fluid communication between a source of compressed gas and the firing mechanism. In some cases, the flash light may include a canister of compressed gas disposed in the body that is in fluid communication with the firing mechanism. The flash light may be constructed with a magazine disposed in the body.
In other examples, the flash light may include a safety associated with the firing mechanism, such that the safety moves along an axis that is approximately parallel with a longitudinal axis of the body. The body may include a bulge to which the safety is slidably coupled. In some cases, the safety may have an arcuate shape.
According to another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, the apparatus having a barrel, firing mechanism and inlet valve. The firing mechanism may include a piston disposed in a chamber, such that the piston is movable between a first position that prevents fluid communication and a second position that allows fluid communication. The inlet valve is movable between an open position that provides fluid communication between the chamber and a source of compressed gas and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the source of compressed gas. The inlet valve moves to the closed position responsive to movement of the piston from the first position to the second position.
In some exemplary embodiments, the piston is configured to move from the first position to the second position when a pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure. For example, a spring may urge the piston toward the first position when the chamber reaches the predetermined pressure. Depending on the application, the inlet valve may be a Schrader valve.
Another aspect of the present invention is achieved by a valve arrangement that includes a body, a first valve and a second valve. The body defines a passageway between an inlet port and an outlet port. The first valve may move between a first position that allows fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port and a second position that prevents fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port. When the pressure within the passageway exceeds a predetermined pressure, the first valve moves to the first position. Likewise, the first valve moves to the second position when the pressure within the passageway is less than the predetermined pressure.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of propelling a non-lethal projectile. An inlet valve in fluid communication between a supply of compressed gas and a chamber is provided. The inlet valve is opened responsive to actuation of a trigger. The flow of the compressed gas is prevented from exiting the chamber until a pressure within the chamber reaches a predetermined pressure. When the pressure within the chamber reaches the predetermined pressure, the compressed gas is allowed to escape the chamber to propel a projectile.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSThe present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The components in the Figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DISCLOSURE OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTThe present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a flash light with a projectile-launching mechanism. By the term “flash light,” it is meant a portable device with a light source that may be selectively turned on/off to project a beam of light from the device. The light source continuously radiates light when turned on by the user, instead of a brief flash of light, such as that emitted from a photographic lamp.
In the example shown in
The body 102 may include a grip portion 108 that is disposed between the front portion 104 and the rear portion 106. In the example shown, the grip portion 108 has a generally cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the grip portion 108 may have an oblong cross-section. This example also shows the grip portion 108 with a smaller diameter than the front portion 104 and the rear portion 108. In such a configuration, the body 102 may include a front sloped portion 110 to smoothly transition between the front portion 104 and the grip portion 108. Likewise, the body 102 may include a rear sloped portion 112 to smoothly transition between the rear portion 106 and the grip portion 108.
It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the particular shape of the body 102 shown in
In the example shown, the grip portion 108 includes optional surface ornamentation 114. The surface ornamentation 114, in addition to having an aesthetic aspect, tends to provide texture to facilitate grasping the grip portion 108. Instead of the knob pattern shown, the grip portion 108 may have a knurled surface, ridges, dimples or other surface ornamentation.
The front portion 104 may include a transverse front face 116. As shown, the front face 116 is recessed with a peripheral lip 118. The front face 116 defines openings for a light source 120 and a barrel 122 through which projectiles are propelled. Preferably, the projectiles are propelled out the barrel 122 in the same direction in which the light source 120 projects light. In some embodiments, the light source 120 may be optional. The front face 116 may also define a hole for an optional aiming mechanism 124. For example, the aiming mechanism 124 may be a laser. In such configurations, the laser would typically project a laser beam on the surface in which the projectile would impact after firing.
In the example shown, the front face 116 also defines a hole for an end cap 126. The end cap 126 may be opened to allow access to a pressurized canister 702 (see
In the example shown, the top of the body 102 includes a switch actuator 128. The switch actuator 128 may be used as a light switch to turn on/off the light source 120 and/or the aiming mechanism 124. As shown, the switch actuator 128 is a slide switch, but the switch actuator 128 could be a push button or other type of switch. By way of another example, the light source 120 and/or aiming mechanism 124 may be turned on/off by a switch that is actuated by twisting the front portion 104 or rear portion 106.
In the example shown, a bulge 130 is formed on the bottom portion of the body 102. A trigger 304 is disposed in the bulge 130 but is covered by a safety 132 in
The flash light 100 may include a magazine 210 to hold a plurality of projectiles (see
Referring to
Also visible in
The movement of the safety 132 is illustrated in
Also visible in
In the example shown, the end cap includes an internal bore 716 that receives a tip 718 of the rod 704. The opposing end of the rod includes an engaging portion 720 that contacts an end 722 of the canister 702.
The ram 706 is slidably disposed in the channel 700. The ram 706 includes a hole dimensioned to receive the rod 704. As described below, the ram 706 may ride on the rod 704 between a first position shown in
The canister 702 may hold a volume of compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In the example shown, the canister 702 has a sloped neck 726 that terminates in a mouth 728. Typically, the mouth 728 is initially covered with a seal, such as a foil, to prevent escape of compressed gas from the canister 702. As shown, the mouth 728 abuts a seal 730 to prevent escape of gas into the channel 700. Instead of the arrangement shown in
A reserve chamber 732 is adjacent to the mouth 728 of the canister 702. A wall 734 is disposed between the reserve chamber 732 and the channel 700. The wall 734 includes grooves for a seal 736 to prevent escape of gas from the reserve chamber 732 to the channel 700. The wall 734 is slidably disposed to allow movement of the mouth 728 towards a piercing pin 738. The piercing pin includes a tip 740 that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the seal initially covering the mouth 728 of the canister 702, thereby releasing compressed gas into the reserve chamber 732. A spring 742 urges the wall 734 toward the canister, thereby retaining the canister 702 between the wall 734 and the engaging portion 720 of the rod 704. As discussed below, the ram is urged by a spring 744 toward the canister 702. When released by a sear 818 (see
An inlet valve 746 is positioned between the reserve chamber 732 and a first chamber 748. In the example shown, the inlet valve 746 is a Schrader valve; however, other suitable valves may be used to selectively open/close fluid communication between the reserve chamber 732 and the first chamber 748. A valve engaging pin 750 has an end capable of engaging the inlet valve 746. When the valve engaging pin 750 engages the valve 746, this causes the inlet valve 746 to open (see
The first chamber 748 is in fluid communication with a second chamber 756 through a passage 758. A stem 760 of a piston 762 is disposed within the second chamber 756. The piston 762 includes a leading end 764 and a tip 766. The tip 766 includes a groove for a seal 768 to provide sealing contact between the second chamber 756 and a third chamber 770. A spring 772 is disposed between the leading end 764 of the piston 762 and a stop 774. As described below, if the pressure within the second chamber 756 rises to a predetermined level, the pressure differential between the second chamber 756 and a fourth chamber 775 will overcome the force of the spring 772 to move the piston 762. This movement causes the tip 766 to move out of sealing engagement between the second chamber 756 and the third chamber 770. Movement of the piston 762 is limited by the engagement of leading edge 764 with the stop 774. The piston 762 may include grooves for seals 777 to prevent fluid communication between the second chamber 756 and the fourth chamber 775.
The tip 766 of the piston 762 is disposed within a bore formed in a funnel 776. A bolt 778 includes an outer portion 780 that surrounds the funnel 776 and an inner portion 782 disposed within the funnel 776. The outer portion 780 of the bolt 778 includes a flange 784 that engages a spring 786 to urge the bolt 778 into the position shown in
Referring now to
The second leg 806 also includes a second pivot 820 coupled to an elongated link 822. The link 822 includes an opposing end with a ledge 824 that engages the lever 754. Movement of the link 822 to the position of
A cam 828 is pivotably disposed on a pivot pin 830. The cam 828 has a piston engaging end 832 adjacent to the leading end 764 of the piston 762. When the piston 762 moves out of sealing engagement between the second chamber 756 and a third chamber 770, the leading end 764 rotates cam 828 about the pivot pin 830, as described with respect to
Movement of the link 822 in the direction of arrow 900 causes movement of the lever 754. The movement of the lever can be best seen in
When the pressure is sufficient within the second chamber 756 to move the piston 762 out of sealing engagement between the second chamber 756 and the third chamber 770, the gas flows into the third chamber 770, as shown in
After the projectile 506 is propelled through the barrel 122, the pressure within the second chamber 756 drops such that the pressure differential between the second chamber 756 and the fourth chamber 775 equalizes. This allows the spring 772 to urge the tip 766 of the piston 762 back into sealing engagement between the second chamber 756 and the third chamber 770.
Referring now to
It should be appreciated that the valve arrangement and trigger mechanism are suitable for use in any compressed gas gun, regardless of the particular shape or configuration of the body. Accordingly, the valve arrangement and trigger mechanism could be employed in a device other than a flash light or a flash light-like device. For example, the valve arrangement may be suitable for any paintball gun.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for firing non-lethal projectiles, said apparatus comprising:
- a grip portion defining a grip axis extending longitudinally through said grip portion;
- a front portion having a barrel extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein said grip axis and said barrel are substantially parallel; and
- a firing mechanism operable to cause a projectile to be propelled through said barrel.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grip axis is aligned with said barrel.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said grip portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than said front portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grip portion is generally cylindrical in shape.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said firing mechanism includes a trigger with a longitudinal axis that is approximately parallel to said barrel.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said firing mechanism includes a trigger and wherein said trigger is movable with respect to said front portion along an axis that is approximately perpendicular to said barrel.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said trigger is a push button.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a safety movable between a safe position and a fire position, wherein said safety covers access to said trigger in said safe position, and wherein said safety allows access to said trigger in said fire position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source adapted to illuminate an area outside said front portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a light switch operable to cause said light source to illuminate, wherein said light switch is disposed on said grip portion such that a user can actuate said light switch using a hand that is grasping said grip portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said light switch is a slide switch.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said light switch is movable along an axis that is approximately parallel to said barrel.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said firing mechanism includes a trigger and wherein said light switch is proximate to said trigger such that a user can actuate said light switch and said trigger using a hand that is grasping said grip.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of at least one light emitting diode, at least one incandescent lamp, at least one high intensity lamp, at least one xenon lamp, at least one halogen lamp and at least one krypton lamp.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an aiming mechanism integrally formed in said front portion, wherein said aiming mechanism is adapted to direct a focused light source along an axis that is substantially parallel to said barrel.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said aiming mechanism is a laser pointer.
17. An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, said apparatus comprising:
- a body including a grip portion and a front portion, wherein said body defines an internal cavity;
- a light source disposed in said cavity, wherein said light source is adapted to illuminate an area outside said body;
- a firing mechanism operable to cause a projectile to be propelled out of said body;
- a source of compressed gas; and
- a valve arrangement configured to selectively provide fluid communication between said firing mechanism and said source of compressed gas.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said front portion includes a transverse front face through which the projectile exits said front portion and wherein said light source projects light through said front face.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a light switch integrally formed on said body, wherein said light switch is operable to turn on said light source.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said light switch is proximate to said grip portion such that a user can actuate said light switch using a hand that is grasping said grip portion.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said light switch is a slide switch.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said light switch is movable with respect to said front portion along an axis that is approximately parallel to said barrel axis.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said firing mechanism includes a trigger and wherein said light switch is proximate to said trigger such that a user can actuate said light switch and said trigger using a hand that is grasping said grip.
24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said light source includes at least one light emitting diode.
25. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an aiming mechanism disposed in said cavity.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said aiming mechanism projects a laser beam through said front face.
27. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said body is generally cylindrical in shape.
28. An apparatus for firing a frangible projectile, said apparatus comprising:
- a body shaped to resemble a flash light, said body defining an internal cavity;
- a light source disposed in said cavity, wherein said light source is adapted to project light out of said body; and
- a firing mechanism operable to cause a frangible projectile to be propelled out of said body.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a light switch operative to turn on said light source and a trigger associated with said firing mechanism, wherein said light switch is movable with respect to said body with a thumb while holding said body.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said trigger is movable with respect to said body with an index finger while holding said body.
31. A flash light comprising:
- a generally cylindrical body;
- a light source disposed in said body, wherein said light source is operable to project light out of said body; and
- a firing mechanism operable to cause a non-lethal projectile to be propelled out of said body.
32. The flash light of claim 31, further comprising a valve arrangement disposed in said body.
33. The flash light of claim 32, wherein said valve arrangement selectively opens and closes fluid communication between a source of compressed gas and said firing mechanism.
34. The flash light of claim 31, further comprising a canister of compressed gas disposed in said body, wherein said canister is in fluid communication with said firing mechanism.
35. The flash light of claim 31, further comprising a magazine disposed in said body, wherein said magazine is configured to receive a plurality of projectiles.
36. The flash light of claim 31, further comprising a safety associated with said firing mechanism, wherein said safety is movable between a safe position and a fire position along an axis that is approximately parallel with a longitudinal axis of said body.
37. The flash light of claim 36, further comprising a bulge protruding from said body, wherein said safety is slidably coupled to said bulge.
38. The flash light of claim 37, wherein at least a portion of said safety has an arcuate shape.
39. The flash light of claim 36, further comprising a trigger operatively associated with said firing mechanism, wherein said safety covers access to said trigger in said safe position.
40. The flash light of claim 39, further comprising a light switch operative to turn on said light source, wherein said light switch is disposed on an opposing side of said body than said trigger.
41. An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, said apparatus comprising:
- a barrel;
- a firing mechanism including a piston disposed in a chamber, wherein said piston is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein said piston prevents fluid communication between said chamber and said barrel in said first position and said piston allows fluid communication between said chamber and said barrel in said second position;
- an inlet valve movable between an open position that provides fluid communication between said chamber and a source of compressed gas and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between said chamber and the source of compressed gas; and
- wherein said inlet valve moves to said closed position responsive to movement of said piston from said first position to said second position.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said piston is configured to move from said first position to said second position when a pressure within said chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a spring urging said piston toward said first position.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said spring has a spring force selected to maintain said piston in said first position until a pressure within said chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.
45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said inlet valve is a Schrader valve.
46. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a cam operatively connected between said piston and said inlet valve, wherein said piston engages said cam when said piston moves from said first position to said second position.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a lever operatively connected between said cam and said inlet valve, wherein said lever moves in a first direction responsive to movement of said cam, and wherein said inlet valve moves to said closed position responsive to said lever moving in said first direction.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein movement of said lever in a second direction causes said inlet valve to move to said open position.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising a trigger operatively connected to a link, wherein said link moves said lever in said second direction responsive to actuation of said trigger.
50. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a pin operatively connected between said lever and said inlet valve, wherein said pin moves in a third direction responsive to movement of said lever in said first direction, and wherein said inlet valve moves to said closed position responsive to said pin moving in said third direction.
51. A valve arrangement comprising:
- a body defining a passageway between an inlet port and an outlet port;
- a first valve movable between a first position that allows fluid communication between said inlet port and said outlet port and a second position that prevents fluid communication between said inlet port and said outlet port, wherein said first valve moves to said first position when a pressure within said passageway exceeds a predetermined pressure, and wherein said first valve moves to said second position when the pressure within said passageway is less than a predetermined pressure;
- a second valve in fluid communication between said inlet port and a source of compressed gas, wherein said second valve is movable between a third position that allows fluid communication between said source of compressed gas and said inlet port and a fourth position that prevents fluid communication between said source of compressed gas and said inlet port; and
- wherein said second valve moves to said fourth position responsive to said first valve moving to said first position.
52. The valve arrangement of claim 51, wherein said first valve is a piston.
53. The valve arrangement of claim 52, wherein said piston is disposed in said passageway.
54. The valve arrangement of claim 52, wherein said second valve is a Schrader valve.
55. The valve arrangement of claim 51, further comprising a linkage mechanism operatively connected to said first valve.
56. The valve arrangement of claim 55, wherein said linkage mechanism disengages said second valve when said first valve moves from said second position to said first position.
57. A method of propelling a non-lethal projectile, said method comprising:
- providing an inlet valve in fluid communication between a supply of compressed gas and a chamber;
- opening said inlet valve responsive to actuation of a trigger;
- preventing flow of the compressed gas from exiting said chamber until a pressure within said chamber reaches a predetermined pressure; and
- when the pressure within said chamber reaches the predetermined pressure, allowing the compressed gas to escape the chamber to propel a projectile.
58. The method of claim 57, further comprising the step of closing said inlet valve responsive to pressure within said chamber falling below the predetermined pressure after propelling the projectile.
59. An apparatus for firing a frangible projectile, said apparatus comprising:
- a body shaped to resemble a flash light, said body defining a bore;
- a light source disposed in said body for projecting light out of said body;
- a firing mechanism operable to cause a projectile to be propelled through said bore;
- where said firing mechanism includes a piston disposed in a chamber, wherein said piston is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein said piston prevents fluid communication between said chamber and said bore in said first position and said piston allows fluid communication between said chamber and said bore in said second position;
- an inlet valve movable between an open position that provides fluid communication between said chamber and a source of compressed gas and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between said chamber and the source of compressed gas; and
- wherein said inlet valve moves to said closed position responsive to movement of said piston from said first position to said second position.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 7, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 9, 2007
Inventors: Dennis Tippmann (Fort Wayne, IN), Bryce Carrico (Fort Wayne, IN)
Application Number: 11/348,915
International Classification: F41B 11/00 (20060101); F41G 1/34 (20060101);