PAINTBALL MARKER

Abstract

A paintball marker in one embodiment of which a regulator can be located to multiple positions due to multiple flow paths to the valve assembly. For example, in some situations it could be desired to position the regulator on the grip of the marker. In other situations, the user might want the regulator to be located on a vertical grip of the marker. In another embodiment, the paintball marker has an anti jam feature including a capacitive sensor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices for propelling frangible projectiles, such as paintballs, and particularly, in one aspect, to a feature that reduces the risk of rupturing frangible projectiles during firing; in another aspect, the invention provides multiple positions for mounting a regulator on the device.

BACKGROUND

Devices that fire frangible projectiles are known in the art. For example, marking guns (commonly known as paintball guns or paintball markers) typically use compressed gas to propel frangible projectiles. The frangible projectiles commonly have a gelatinous or plastic shell designed to break upon impact. Typically, the shells are filled with a marking material, such as paint, and/or an immobilizing material, such as a noxious chemical.

These types of devices have a wide variety of applications. For example, a popular recreational use is in paintball games, in which opposing sides attempt to seek out and “shoot” one another with paintballs. Frangible projectiles have also been used to segregate cattle within a herd. Likewise, law enforcement personnel employ frangible projectiles with immobilizing materials for crowd control.

The fragile nature of the projectiles often creates difficulties in reliably firing the marker. Typically, the firing mechanism includes a bolt that pushes a frangible projectile into a barrel of the device when the user pulls the trigger. In some cases, however, the projectiles may become partially inserted into the breech. When this happens, the bolt tends to shear or rupture the projectile, which fouls the breech and barrel of the marker.

Electrical and mechanical systems have been proposed to solve this problem. For example, some devices employ optical sensors, typically infrared transmitters and detectors, to sense the presence of a projectile in the breech of the marker. Typically, these devices operate by detecting when the infrared beam is broken by a paintball entering the breech. These optical systems commonly use a processor to prevent accidental rupturing by preventing firing when the projectile is not wholly within the device's breech.

These types of optical systems suffer from several drawbacks. Typically, the infrared transmitter and detector are directly exposed to the breech of the marker, which is a harsh environment for which these components were not designed. Additionally, if a rupture occurs in the breech, the optics of such systems can become fouled, often rendering the system unreliable or possibly even inoperable. If this happens and the user tries to clean the sensors, this often leads to damage, which requires the sensors to be replaced. Another problem with these optical systems relates to the bounce of a paintball when it enters the breech prior to being fully seated. Since these sensors operate by detecting when the infrared beam is broken by a paintball, the sensors cannot see the bounce because the beam remains broken during the bounce cycle. This requires the processor to run an algorithm that guesses when the bounce cycle is completed and the marker can be fired without rupturing the paintball. Different loaders and hoppers complicate the bounce cycle by forcing the paintballs into the breech at different speeds, thereby requiring the user to fine tune the algorithm to match his/her needs.

Another issue facing paintball markers is the location of regulators for controlling the pressure entering the gun. One common location for regulators is the vertical fore grip at the front of the marker. This is a popular location because it allows the user to add different styles and/or aftermarket regulators to suit his/her needs. Another common location for regulators is on the bottom of the grip near the rear of the marker where the tank adapter is located. This allows the use of an internal gas line and gives the marker a more realistic look. However, this prevents the user from customizing his/her regulator due to the limited availability of aftermarket regulators available for this mounting location.

Therefore, there exists a need for a marker that overcomes these obstacles.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the invention provides a paintball marker in which a regulator can be located to multiple positions due to multiple flow paths to the valve assembly. For example, in some situations it could be desired to position the regulator on the grip of the marker. In other situations, the user might want the regulator to be located on a vertical grip of the marker. The ability to change the location of the regulator, as desired, provides flexibility and customization of the marker.

In another aspect, the invention provides a capacitive sensor for sensing when a projectile (e.g., paintball) is fully seated to reduce the risk of shearing or rupturing during firing. The capacitive sensor does not require a “line of sight” to the paintball like the infrared beam of optical sensors, but instead can be configured to sense the paintball (that provides a capacitive differential), which can be detected through an opaque object, such as a layer of paint (or other contaminants) within the breech area. Unlike optical sensors in which a transmitter/detector pair is typically placed on each side of the breech area, only a single capacitive sensor is required to detect whether the projectile is fully seated. Accordingly, the capacitive sensor offers more flexibility in the locations where it could be placed to determine whether the projectile is fully seated. For example, the capacitive sensor could be located below the breech area in some situations. Additionally, the capacitive sensor can detect the bounce cycle of the projectile, which allows more accurate timing for firing the projectile.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as nonlimiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a left side crosssectional view of paintball marker configured with a regulator in a first location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side crosssectional view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 configured with a regulator in a second location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed left side crosssectional view showing a portion of the first path;

FIG. 4 is a left side crosssectional view of the example paintball marker with a capacitive sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detailed left side crosssectional view showing the example capacitive sensor assembly installed in the breech area; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the example capacitive sensor assembly.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example paintball marker 10 that can be configured with a regulator assembly located in multiple, alternative locations. FIG. 1 shows the example paintball marker 10 with a first regulator assembly 12 located in a first location (near the grip in the example of FIG. 1). With the first regulator assembly 12 installed on the marker 10, the compressed gas flows through a first path 14 to a distribution block 19 to a valve assembly 16 disposed within a receiver 17. FIG. 2 shows the marker 10 with a second regulator assembly 14 in a second location (near the vertical grip in the example of FIG. 2). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the compressed gas flows through an inlet assembly 20 and gas line 22 to the second regulator assembly 18. With the second regulator assembly 18, inlet assembly 20, and gas line 22 installed on the marker 10, the compressed gas flows through a second path 24 to the distribution block 19 and then to the valve assembly 16. This allows, in this example, two alternative paths for compressed gas to enter a valve assembly 16 for propelling projectiles. Although the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show two alternative paths to the valve assembly 16, other embodiments are contemplated in which regulator(s) could be positioned in other locations to provide additional, alternative paths to the valve assembly 16.

The valve assembly 16 controls the release of compressed gas to propel projectiles; however, the particular design of the valve assembly 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely for purposes of illustration. One skilled in the art should appreciate that a variety of valve assemblies, both mechanicallyactuated and/or electricallyactuated valves could be used. Examples of valve assemblies that could be used includes, but is not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,770,571 and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/102,535, filed Apr. 14, 2008, 12/133,661, filed Jun. 5, 2008, and 12/016,370, filed Jan. 18, 2008, which are all incorporated herein by reference.

In the example shown, the marker 10 includes a barrel 26 through which projectiles are propelled out of the marker 10 due to venting of compressed gas by the valve assembly 16. As shown, the barrel 26 has a muzzle end 28 and a breech end 30. The breech end 30 of the barrel 26 may attach to the receiver 17, such as by screwing the breech end 22 into the receiver 17. By way of other examples, the barrel 18 may attach to the receiver 17 with an interference fit, frictional fit, or unitary formation. The barrel 18 includes a bore 32 dimensioned to receive a projectile, such as a paintball. When the marker 10 is fired, a projectile passes through the bore 32 and exits through the muzzle end 28.

In the example shown, the marker 10 includes a grip 34 that is dimensioned for a user to grasp. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first regulator assembly 12 is connected to and extends from the grip 34 to provide compressed gas with the first path 14 to the valve assembly 16. As shown, the first regulator assembly 12 includes a tank adapter 36 adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of compressed gas (not shown), such as a canister of carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In this example, the tank adapter 36 includes internal threads 38 configured to mate with external threads of a compressed gas canister. As shown in FIG. 1, the tank adapter 36 provides an inlet for the first path 14 to the valve assembly 16. In this example, the first path 14 flows through the first regulator assembly 12 to regulate the pressure entering the marker 10 and continues through an internal passage 40 formed in the grip 34. The compressed gas continues to flow through an internal channel 42 formed in the receiver 17 to supply compressed gas to the valve assembly 16. As discussed above, the compressed gas may be vented by the valve assembly 16 to propel projectiles out the barrel 26.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the marker 10 includes a first vertical grip 44 that a user may grasp with his other hand to steady the marker 10. As shown, the first vertical grip 44 includes a proximal end 46 that may connect to the receiver 17 and a distal end 48 that extends from the receiver 17. In the example shown, the proximal end 46 of the first vertical grip 44 includes a reduced diameter portion 50 dimensioned to be received by an opening in the receiver 17. As shown, the reduced diameter portion 50 connects to the receiver 17 using external threads 52 that mate with internal threads in the opening. By way of other examples, the first vertical grip 44 may attach to the receiver 24 with an interference fit, frictional fit or other connection. In this example, the proximal end 46 of the first vertical grip 44 includes a seal 54 to block escape of compressed gas through the second path 24 (see FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 2, the first regulator assembly 12 has been replaced by the inlet assembly 20. As shown, the inlet assembly 20 is connected to and extends from the grip 34. The inlet assembly 20 includes a tank adapter 56 adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of compressed gas (not shown), such as a canister of carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In this example, the tank adapter 56 includes internal threads 58 configured to mate with external threads of a compressed gas canister. As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet assembly 20 is in fluid communication with the gas line 22 extending to the second regulator assembly 18. In the example shown, the second regulator assembly 18 is integrated with a second vertical grip 60. Similar to the first vertical grip 30 shown in FIG. 1, the second vertical grip 30 includes a reduced diameter portion 62 dimensioned to be received by the opening in the receiver 17. However, the second vertical grip 60 shown in FIG. 2 is part of a second path 24 to the valve assembly 16. In this example, the second path 24 flows from the tank adapter 56 through the inlet assembly 20 to the gas line 22. The flow continues through the gas line 22 into the second regulator assembly 18. The compressed gas then flows into an internal passage 64 formed in the second vertical grip 60 to an internal channel 66 defined in the receiver 17 to the distribution block 19, which supplies compressed gas to the valve assembly 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the inlet assembly 20 includes a supply knob 68 that controls flow of compressed gas through the inlet assembly 20. In this example, the supply knob 68 includes internal threads that mate with external threads extending from the inlet assembly 20. As shown, the supply knob 68 moves an inlet valve 70 between an open/closed position as it moves on the external threads of the inlet assembly 20. In the open position, the supply knob 68 allows flow through the inlet assembly 20 due to the position of the inlet valve 70; conversely, in the closed position, the supply knob 68 prevents flow through the inlet assembly 20 due to the position of the inlet valve 70 blocking flow. When in the closed position, the inlet assembly 20 also can be configured to allow any remaining compressed gas in the marker 10 to vent to the atmosphere.

Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a user can choose between the setup shown in FIG. 1 using the first regulator assembly 12 extending from the grip 34 with the first path 14 or the setup shown in FIG. 2 using the second regulator assembly 18 on the second vertical grip 60 with the second fluid path. If the user chooses the setup shown in FIG. 1, a canister of compressed gas could be connected to the tank adapter 36. This will supply compressed gas to the first regulator assembly 12 to regulate the pressure of compressed gas entering the marker 10. The compressed gas flows through the internal passage 40 defined in the grip 34 and internal channel 42 in the distribution block 19 to supply the valve assembly 16 with compressed gas. This compressed gas supplied to the valve assembly 16 could be used to propel projectiles out of the barrel 18. If the user decides to change to the setup shown in FIG. 2, for example, the first vertical grip 44 and first regulator assembly 12 would be removed. The inlet assembly 20 and second vertical grip 60 could be connected with the gas line 22 to provide the second path 24 to supply compressed gas to the valve assembly 16. With the inlet assembly 20 connected to a canister of compressed gas, the entry of compressed gas into the second regulator assembly 18 is controlled by the position of the supply knob 68. If the supply knob 68 is in the closed position, the inlet valve 70 blocks flow to the second regulator assembly 18. However, if the supply knob 68 is in the open position, the inlet valve 70 allows flow to the second regulator assembly 18. The compressed gas continues to flow through the internal passage 64 of the second vertical grip 60 and the internal channel 66 of the receiver 17 to the valve assembly 16 to propel projectiles out the barrel.

The marker 10 has a trigger assembly with a trigger 72 for actuation of the valve assembly 16 by the user to fire the marker 10. In the example shown, the trigger 72 is surrounded by a trigger guard 74. When the marker 10 is in the cocked position, actuation of the trigger 74 causes the valve assembly to vent compressed air to propel a projectile out of the barrel. One skilled in the art should appreciate that there are numerous manners in which the trigger assembly may actuate the valve assembly 16, both electronically and mechanically. Examples of various trigger assemblies include, but are not limited to, those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,770,571 and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/102,535, filed Apr. 14, 2008, 12/133,661, filed Jun. 5, 2008, and 12/016,370, filed Jan. 18, 2008. The “cocked position” refers a position of the firing mechanism that is ready for firing, The “discharge position” refers to the position of the firing mechanism when the projectile is propelled out of the marker 10.

In the example shown, the marker 10 includes a bolt 76 that reciprocates during firing from a retracted position that allows a projectile to enter the breech area 78 to an extended position that pushes the projectile into the barrel 26 just prior to venting the valve assembly 16. When the marker 10 is in the cocked position, the bolt 76 is in the retracted position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which allows a projectile to enter the breech area 78 through a feed neck 80. In some cases, a hopper (not shown) may be connected to the feed neck 80 for supplying a plurality of projectiles to the marker 10. For example, a hopper may provide projectiles through gravity feed or force fed mechanisms to the breech area 78. When the trigger 72 is pulled, the bolt 76 extends (against the bias of a spring 82 in the example shown) to push the projectile in the breech area 78 into the barrel prior to venting the compressed air toward the projectile. In some cases, the extension of the bolt 76 may be pneumatically controlled in conjunction with the valve assembly 16. When the bolt 76 extends, the projectile should be fully seated in the breech area 78 or the bolt 76 may tend to shear and foul the breech area 78, barrel 26 and possibly other internal components. In this example, after the pressure subsides from venting the valve assembly 16, the bolt 76 retracts to the initial position (due to bias of spring 82 in this example). This allows the next projectile to enter the breech area 78 for the next shot.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the marker 10 includes an optional capacitance sensor assembly 84 that is configured to sense when the projectile enters the breech area 78. If the projectile were a paintball, for example, the capacitance sensor assembly 84 would be able to sense the movement of the liquid (which has a capacitive differential) in the paintball when entering the breech area 78. This allows a paintball to be detected without a direct “line of sight” with the breech area 78, which is a hostile environment, as required by optical sensors. In the example shown, only a single capacitance sensor assembly 84 is required to sense the paintball, which is also unlike optical sensors that require a pair (i.e., transmitter/detector). The capacitance sensor assembly 84 is in electrical communication with a controller 86 for controlling when the valve assembly 16 is actuated. The controller 86 can use the input from the capacitance sensor assembly 84 to prevent extending the bolt 76 before the paintball is fully seated in the breech area 78. As shown, the capacitance sensor assembly 84 is located below the breech area. In the example shown, an outer portion 88 of the capacitance sensor assembly 84 forms a portion of a wall in the breech area 78. As shown, the outer portion 88 has an arcuate shape (FIG. 5) so that the walls of the breech area 78 and the outer portion 88 define a substantially continuous and uninterrupted surface. In this example, the reciprocating action of the bolt 76 during firing tends to clear any debris from the outer portion 88 of the capacitance sensor assembly 84.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the example capacitance sensor assembly 84 installed proximate the breech area 78 below the feed neck 80. Accordingly, in this example, the projectiles would tend to enter the breech area 78 on the outer portion 88 of the capacitance sensor assembly 84. In the example shown, the capacitance sensor assembly 84 includes a sensor 90 that is attached to a dielectric material 92, such as plastic, which protects the sensor 90 from the harsh environment of the breech area 78. As shown, the dielectric material 92 forms the outer portion 88 as a wall in the breech area 78 as discussed above. In this example, the dielectric material 92 includes a flange 94 that is received by a shoulder 96 formed in a body 98 of the capacitance sensor assembly 84. As shown, the body 98 includes a circumferential notch 100 to allow fluid communication in the second path 24. In this embodiment, the body 98 includes seals 102 to prevent escape of compressed gas from the second path 24. If the capacitance sensor assembly 84 were located out of the second path 24, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the notch 100 would not be necessarily nor both seals 102. In this embodiment, the body 98 includes a base 104 that extends into internal openings in the receiver 17 to reduce movement of the capacitance sensor assembly 94. As shown, the body 98 has an internal passage for an electrical connection 106 to extend to the controller 86. FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the example capacitance sensor assembly 84 and controller 86.

In operation, the sensor 90 is configured to detect when a projectile enters the breech area 78, including possible bouncing of the projectile as it settles to be fully seated and ready to be fired. Based on the input from the sensor 90, the controller 86 would wait until sufficient time to actuate the valve assembly 16 to reduce the chance that a portion of the projectile will be sheared by the bolt 76. If the trigger 72 is pulled prior to the projectile being fully seated, for example, the controller would not actuate the valve assembly 16 until the sensor 90 detects that the projectile is ready to be fired.

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 present disclosure and 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. A projectile launcher comprising:

a barrel;

a body including a breech area dimensioned to receive a projectile;

a firing assembly adapted to propel the projectile out of the breech area through the barrel; and

a capacitive sensor adapted to detect entry of the projectile into the breech area.

2. The projectile launcher as recited in claim 1, wherein the capacitive sensor is configured to detect entry of the projectile by sensing a change in capacitance when the projectile enters the breech area.

3. The projectile launcher as recited in claim 1, wherein the capacitive sensor is a single capacitive sensor.

4. The projectile launcher as recited in claim 1, wherein the capacitive sensor is adapted to detect movement of the projectile within the breech area after entry of the projectile into the breech area.

5. The projectile launcher as recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes a wall that obstructs line of sight between the capacitive sensor and the breech area.

6. A paintball marker with an anti jam feature, the anti jam feature comprising a capacitive sensor that detects entry of a paintball into a breech area.

7. The paintball marker of claim 6, wherein the capacitive sensor detects entry of the paintball into the breech area by sensing a change in capacitance.

8. The paintball marker of claim 6, wherein the capacitive sensor detects bounce of the paintball within the breech area by sensing a change in capacitance.

9. The paintball marker of claim 6, wherein the anti jam feature includes a single capacitive sensor.

10. The paintball marker of claim 6, wherein the capacitive sensor is coplanar with a path of the paintball entering the breech area.

11. A method for controlling firing of a paintball marker, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting a trigger pull;

detecting entry of a paintball into a breech area using a capacitive sensor; and

in response to detection of paintball entry into the breech area by the capacitive sensor, initiating firing of the paintball using a processor.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising the step of detecting bounce of the paintball in the breech area by the capacitive sensor, wherein the processor initiates firing of the paintball responsive to detection of bounce by the capacitive sensor.

13. A paintball marker with an anti jam feature, the marker comprising:

a breech area dimensioned to receive the frangible projectile;

a valve assembly operative to selectively allow flow between a supply of compressed gas and the breech area;

an electronic firing assembly including a processor;

a capacitive sensor assembly in electronic communication with the processor and configured to sense entry of the frangible projectile into the breech; and

wherein the processor is configured to initiate actuation of the valve assembly in response to detection of paintball entry into the breech area by the capacitive sensor assembly.

14. The paintball marker as recited in claim 13, wherein the capacitive sensor assembly is configured to sense movement of the frangible projectile after entry within the breech area.

15. The paintball marker as recited in claim 13, wherein the capacitive sensor assembly forms a portion of a wall in the breech area.

16. The paintball marker as recited in claim 15, wherein the wall is in line with a path of the frangible projectile into the breech area.

17. The paintball marker as recited in claim 13, wherein the capacitive sensor is located below the breech area.

18. The paintball marker as recited in claim 13, wherein the capacitive sensor is a single capacitive sensor.

19. The paintball marker as recited in claim 13, wherein the paintball marker includes a clamshell style body and the capacitive sensor is disposed in one side of the body.

20. A paintball marker with an anti jam feature, the marker comprising:

a breech area dimensioned to receive the frangible projectile;

a valve assembly operative to selectively allow flow between a supply of compressed gas and the breech area;

an electronic trigger assembly including a processor;

means for sensing entry of the frangible projectile into the breech by detecting a capacitive differential proximate the breech area; and

wherein the processor is configured to initiate actuation of the valve assembly in response to detection of paintball entry into the breech area.

21. A paintball marker with multiple locations for a regulator, the marker comprising:

a body;

a barrel extending from the body and dimensioned to receive a frangible projectile;

a valve assembly operative to selectively vent compressed gas to propel projectiles through the barrel;

a trigger assembly;

a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly;

a first fluid path extending from a first inlet port to the valve assembly for supplying compressed gas to the valve assembly;

a second fluid path extending from a second inlet port to the valve assembly for supplying compressed gas to the valve assembly;

wherein the body includes a first location configured to receive a regulator in fluid communication with the first fluid path; and

wherein the body includes a second location configured to receive a regulator in fluid communication with the second fluid path.

22. The paintball marker as recited in claim 21, wherein the first flow path extends through a grip portion of the body.

23. The paintball marker as recited in claim 22, wherein the second flow path extends through a front grip portion of the body.

24. The paintball marker as recited in claim 23, wherein a portion of the second flow path extends between the barrel and grip portion.

25. The paintball marker as recited in claim 21, wherein the second inlet portion is dimensioned to receive a front grip, wherein the front grip blocks flow through the second flow path.

26. The paintball marker as recited in claim 21, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are in fluid communication with a distribution block.

27. A paintball marker with multiple locations for a regulator, the marker comprising:

a body;

a barrel extending from the body and dimensioned to receive a frangible projectile;

a valve assembly operative to selectively vent compressed gas to propel projectiles through the barrel;

a trigger assembly;

a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly;

a first fluid path extending from a first inlet port to the valve assembly for supplying compressed gas to the valve assembly;

a second fluid path extending from a second inlet port to the valve assembly for supplying compressed gas to the valve assembly;

wherein the body is configured to alternatively receive a first regulator configuration that supplies regulated flow through the first fluid path to the valve assembly or a second regulator configuration that supplies regulated flow through the second fluid path to the valve assembly.

28. The paintball marker as recited in claim 27, wherein the first fluid path flows through a distribution block between the first inlet port and the valve assembly.

29. The paintball marker as recited in claim 28, wherein the second fluid path flows through the distribution block between the second inlet port and the valve assembly.

30. The paintball marker as recited in claim 29, wherein the first fluid path extends at least partially through a grip portion of the body.

31. The paintball marker as recited in claim 30, wherein the second fluid path extends at least partially between the barrel and trigger assembly.