VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR AN AIR GUN AND A BLEED APPARATUS FOR THE AIR GUN

Abstract

A valve assembly for an air gun includes a valve housing defining a first bore. The valve assembly includes a plug disposed in the first bore. The plug is movable relative to the valve housing to an open position which allows fluid communication through the first bore and a closed position which prevents fluid communication through the first bore. A slide block includes an engagement surface. The slide block is movable relative to the valve housing to a safety position in which the engagement surface is spaced a first predetermined distance from the plug, a firing position in which the engagement surface is spaced a second predetermined distance from the plug, and a bleed position in which the engagement surface engages the plug to move the plug to the open position. A bleed apparatus includes a gas-spring assembly and the valve assembly discussed above coupled to the gas-spring assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to an air gun, and specifically toward a valve assembly and a bleed apparatus for the air gun.

BACKGROUND

An air gun is a rifle, pistol, etc., which utilizes a compressed gas to fire a projectile. Air guns may be powered by, for example, a coil-spring assembly or a gas-spring assembly. For a gas-spring arrangement, a piston is moved toward a trigger to compress a gas or air behind the piston. When the trigger is released, the piston is driven forward by the compressed gas thereby compressing the air in front of the piston to discharge the projectile out of a barrel.

For some uses, it may be desirable to be able to control or adjust an amount of pressure of the compressed gas which may, for example, change a velocity of the projectile discharged out of the barrel.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a valve assembly for an air gun. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a first bore. The valve assembly further includes a plug disposed in the first bore. The plug is movable relative to the valve housing to an open position which allows fluid communication through the first bore and a closed position which prevents fluid communication through the first bore. The valve assembly also includes a slide block, and the slide block includes an engagement surface. The slide block is movable relative to the valve housing to a safety position in which the engagement surface is spaced a first predetermined distance from the plug, a firing position in which the engagement surface is spaced a second predetermined distance from the plug, and a bleed position in which the engagement surface engages the plug to move the plug to the open position.

The present disclosure also provides a bleed apparatus for an air gun including a gas-spring assembly and the valve assembly discussed above coupled to the gas-spring assembly. The gas-spring assembly includes a cylinder defining a chamber configured to contain a compressed gas. The first bore of the valve assembly is coupled to the chamber. The open position of the plug allows fluid communication through the first bore and the chamber and the closed position of the plug prevents fluid communication through the first bore and the chamber. The slide block is movable to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position as discussed above.

The detailed description and the drawings or FIGS. are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the claim scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claims have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an air gun ready for firing with a bleed apparatus and a valve assembly having a slide block in a safety position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the air gun not ready for firing with the slide block in a bleed position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a trigger assembly, with the slide block in the safety position and the valve assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly of FIG. 3, with the slide block in a firing position and the valve assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly of FIG. 3, with the slide block in the bleed position and the valve assembly in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a valve assembly of another configuration, with the slide block in the firing position and the valve assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 6, with the slide block in the bleed position and the valve assembly in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a valve assembly of yet another configuration, with the slide block in the bleed position in solid lines and the valve assembly in the open position in solid lines, and with the slide block in the safety position and the firing position in phantom lines and the valve assembly in the closed position in phantom lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, up, downward, down, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively for the FIGS. to aid the reader's understanding, and do not represent limitations (for example, to the position, orientation, or use, etc.) on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the FIGS., wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an air gun 10 and a bleed apparatus 12 for the air gun 10 are generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The air gun 10 may include a stock 14, a trigger assembly 16, a gas-spring assembly 18, and a barrel 20. The bleed apparatus 12 may also include the trigger assembly 16 and the gas-spring assembly 18. The air gun 10 utilizes a burst of pressurized gas or compressed gas to fire a projectile out of the barrel 20.

The stock 14 may include any suitable size and/or shape, and may be configured as a rifle or a pistol. The stock 14 may include and be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a wood material, a plastic material, a composite material, or some other material capable of supporting the components of the air gun 10 during use, while permitting easy manufacture of the stock 14.

Generally, the stock 14 may support a compression tube 21 that defines a pressure chamber 22 that houses the gas-spring assembly 18. The gas-spring assembly 18 may optionally include a cylinder 24 defining a chamber 26 configured to contain the compressed gas, such as compressed air or any other suitable gas. Therefore, the cylinder 24 may also be referred to as a compression cylinder.

The pressure chamber 22 is in fluid communication with the barrel 20. The barrel 20 is pivotably attached to the stock 14 between a ready-firing position and a cocking position. A lever 28 interconnects the barrel 20 and the gas-spring assembly 18. Movement of the barrel 20 from the ready-firing position into the cocking position moves the lever 28, which in turn moves the gas-spring assembly 18 from an uncompressed position (see FIG. 2) into a compressed position (see FIG. 1). Once the barrel 20 is moved back into the ready-firing position, the air gun 10 is ready to fire.

The gas-spring assembly 18 may also include a piston 30 that is moveable along a longitudinal axis 32 relative to the stock 14. Generally, the piston 30 is disposed inside the compression tube 21. In certain configurations, the longitudinal axis 32 may be concentric with the piston 30, and in other configurations, the longitudinal axis 32 is offset or off-center from the piston 30. The piston 30 may be movable axially or slideably disposed along the longitudinal axis 32. The piston 30 is moveable between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.

In certain configurations, the cylinder 24 may be disposed inside the piston 30. The cylinder 24 may be fixed to the piston 30 such that the piston 30 and the cylinder 24 move axially concurrently along the longitudinal axis 32 between the uncompressed position and the compressed position, or alternatively, the cylinder 24 may be coupled to the piston 30 such that the piston 30 is movable independently of the cylinder 24 between the uncompressed position and the compressed position (and optionally the cylinder 24 may also be movable). When using the cylinder 24, the cylinder 24 of the gas-spring assembly 18 may be filled with the compressed gas.

It is to be appreciated that the cylinder 24 may optionally be configured as a retrofit part that is easily installed into existing air guns. For example, the cylinder 24 may be installed as a drop-in unit into various pistons 30 of existing air guns.

In other configurations, the cylinder 24 may be eliminated, and the piston 30 may define the chamber 26 that is configured to contain the compressed gas.

The gas-spring assembly 18 is configured to compress the pressurized/compressed gas within the piston 30 (or the cylinder 24 if using the cylinder 24) in response to movement of the piston 30 from the uncompressed position into the compressed position. Compression of the gas loads the gas-spring assembly 18 in preparation for firing the projectile.

The trigger assembly 16 may be housed within and/or supported by the stock 14 and/or the compression tube 21. Movement of the barrel 20 from the ready-firing position into the cocking position also moves the trigger assembly 16 from an uncocked position (see FIG. 2) into a cocked position (see FIG. 1). The cocked position is generally associated with a ready to fire position, and the uncocked position is generally associated with a post firing, i.e., not-ready to fire position. These positions apply to all of the configurations discussed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the trigger assembly 16 may include any trigger components utilized to fire a weapon. Generally, the trigger assembly 16 may include a trigger housing 34, a trigger 36 movably coupled to the trigger housing 34, and a sear 38 which is operated via the trigger 36 through a mechanical connection. A pin 40 may be fixed to the trigger housing 34 and/or the stock 14 to secure the trigger housing 34 to the stock 14. In other words, the trigger housing 34 is stationary part. In certain configurations, a plurality of pins 40 may be fixed to the trigger housing 34 and/or the stock 14. It is to be appreciated that the trigger assembly 16 may be configured in other suitable manners.

The air gun 10 is ready for firing, when the barrel 20 is in the ready-firing position, the gas is compressed in the gas-spring assembly 18 (in the compressed position), and the trigger assembly 16 is in the cocked position. When firing the air gun 10, the trigger 36 is pulled and actuation of the trigger assembly 16 releases the gas-spring assembly 18, which allows the gas-spring assembly 18 to decompress. Decompression of the gas-spring assembly 18 compresses the air contained within the pressure chamber 22, which fires the projectile out of the barrel 20.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air gun 10 and the bleed apparatus 12 also include a valve assembly 42 coupled to the gas-spring assembly 18. The valve assembly 42 is configured to control or adjust an amount of pressure of the compressed gas in the cylinder 24 which may, for example, change a velocity of the projectile discharged out of the barrel 20. Therefore, the bleed apparatus 12 allows the air gun 10 to operate at different velocity outputs which may reflect different projectile weights and/or idiosyncrasy of different air guns in different altitudes, etc. The cylinder 24 of the gas-spring assembly 18 may be filled with the compressed gas, or the compressed gas may be bled, via the valve assembly 42.

When using the cylinder 24, the cylinder 24 of the gas-spring assembly 18 may be filled with the compressed gas, or the compressed gas may be bled, via the valve assembly 42. When the cylinder 24 is eliminated, the piston 30 of the gas-spring assembly 18 may be filled with the compressed gas, or the compressed gas may be bled, via the valve assembly 42.

Various features of the valve assembly 42 are discussed below. It is to be appreciated that other valve assemblies 42, not explicitly discussed herein, may be used. As non-limiting examples, the valve assembly 42 may include a plunger design (see FIGS. 3-5), a ball design (see FIGS. 6 and 7), a Schrader valve design (see FIG. 8), etc., and these valve assembly 42 configurations each cooperate with the features of the air gun 10 discussed in the paragraphs above.

Continuing with FIGS. 1-8, the valve assembly 42 includes a valve housing 44 defining a first bore 46. Generally, the valve housing 44 is supported via the stock 14. Furthermore, the valve housing 44 is fixed relative to the stock 14. In other words, the valve housing 44 is a stationary part. The valve housing 44 may be coupled to the trigger housing 34. It is to be appreciated that the valve housing 44 may be one-single part or a plurality of parts secured to each other.

Generally, the first bore 46 of the valve housing 44 is coupled to the chamber 26. The first bore 46 is in selective fluid communication with the chamber 26. Therefore, the first bore 46 may be in fluid communication to fill or bleed the chamber 26. The first bore 46 may be disposed axially along the longitudinal axis 32. When being disposed axially along the longitudinal axis 32 is discussed herein, this may include being off-center relative to the longitudinal axis 32, offset axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32, or concentric with the longitudinal axis 32.

The valve housing 44 may also define a second bore 48 in fluid communication with the first bore 46. Generally, the second bore 48 is open to the atmosphere and terminates at the first bore 46. The second bore 48 is open to outside of the air gun 10 which provides a location to fill and bleed the chamber 26. The second bore 48 may be disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis 32. In certain configurations, the second bore 48 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32.

To fill the chamber 26, a fluid dispensing nozzle may be secured to the valve housing 44 at the second bore 48 to deliver the gas to the chamber 26. The fluid dispensing nozzle may be secured to the valve housing 44 via any suitable methods to transfer the compressed gas into the chamber 26. For example, the fluid dispensing nozzle may be secured to the valve housing 44 via threads inside the second bore 48 or any other suitable methods such as a quick release coupler, etc.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-8, the valve assembly 42 also includes a plug 50 disposed in the first bore 46. The plug 50 is movable relative to the valve housing 44 to an open position which allows fluid communication through the first bore 46 and a closed position which prevents fluid communication through the first bore 46. More specifically, the open position allows fluid communication through the first bore 46 and the chamber 26, and the closed position prevents fluid communication through the first bore 46 and the chamber 26. Specifically, movement of the plug 50 to the open position allows the chamber 26 to be filled or bled through the second bore 48 as desired. Movement of the plug 50 to the closed position prevents the chamber 26 from being filled or bled through the second bore 48. In certain configurations, the plug 50 is movable axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32 to the open and closed positions. Additional details of the valve assembly 42 will be discussed further below.

Turning back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air gun 10 and the bleed apparatus 12 may further include a rod 52 attached to the valve assembly 42. More specifically, the rod 52 may be attached to the valve housing 44. The rod 52 may be a separate piece from the valve housing 44 or may be one-piece or integrally formed to the valve housing 44. When the rod 52 and the valve housing 44 are separate pieces, the rod 52 may be secured to the valve housing 44 via threads.

The rod 52 defines a hole 54 axially along the longitudinal axis 32. The hole 54 and the chamber 26 are in fluid communication with each other. The hole 54 and the first bore 46 are in fluid communication with each other when the plug 50 is in the open position to move the compressed gas into or out of the chamber 26. In certain configurations, part of the plug 50 may be disposed in the hole 54 of the rod 52. All of the configurations discussed herein may have the rod 52 and the hole 54 in fluid communication with the chamber 26 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A closure structure 56 may be fixed to the cylinder 24 (if using the cylinder 24) or the piston 30 (if the cylinder 24 is eliminated). Therefore, movement of the cylinder 24 and/or the piston 30 causes the closure structure 56 to move accordingly. The closure structure 56 is configured to close one end of the chamber 26 and withstand the pressure inside the chamber 26 to contain the pressurized gas therein. The closure structure 56 may surround the rod 52 to provide a sealed enclosure between the chamber 26 and the hole 54 of the rod 52. It is to be appreciated that the closure structure 56 may be a bushing, and/or one or more seals 58 may be disposed between rod 52 and the chamber 26 to prevent fluid leaks out of the chamber 26. All of the configurations discussed herein may have the closure structure 56.

The air gun 10 may also include a slide block 60 (shown in FIGS. 1-8) that cooperates with the trigger assembly 16 and the valve assembly 42, and is movable to perform multiple functions. Specifically, the slide block 60 is movable between three different positions, which are each discussed below.

Generally, the slide block 60 is coupled to the trigger housing 34, and a portion of the slide block 60 is visible outside of the air gun 10 in order to move the slide block 60 to the different positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the slide block 60 may be positioned to prevent the trigger 36 from being moved, and thus, prevent the air gun 10 from being fired. As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the slide block 60 may be positioned to allow the trigger 36 to be moved, and thus, allow the air gun 10 to be fired. As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the slide block 60 may be positioned to bleed the compressed gas from the cylinder 24. The slide block 60 may be formed as one-single piece or a plurality of pieces coupled together.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, the slide block 60 includes an engagement surface 62, and may include an arm 64 (see FIGS. 1-5 and 8) spaced from the engagement surface 62. The arm 64 is not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but may be configured the same as the other figures. The arm 64 will be discussed further below.

The slide block 60 is movable relative to the valve housing 44 to a safety position (see FIG. 3, phantom lines identifying the slide block 60 in FIG. 6, and phantom lines identifying the slide block 60 in FIG. 8 farthest from the valve housing 44) in which the engagement surface 62 is spaced a first predetermined distance from the plug 50, a firing position (see FIG. 4, solid lines identifying the slide block 60 in FIG. 6, and phantom lines identifying the slide block 60 in FIG. 8 between the solid lines and the phantom lines) in which the engagement surface 62 is spaced a second predetermined distance from the plug 50, and a bleed position (see FIGS. 2, 5, and 7, and in FIG. 8 the solid lines) in which the engagement surface 62 engages the plug 50 to move the plug 50 to the open position. Generally, the first predetermined distance is greater than the second predetermined distance (compare FIGS. 3 and 4 or compare the phantom and solid lines of FIG. 6 or compare the phantom lines of FIG. 8). FIG. 1 illustrates the air gun 10 ready for firing, with the gas-spring assembly 18 in the compressed position, the trigger assembly 16 in the cocked position, and the slide block 60 in the safety position. FIG. 2 illustrates the air gun 10 not ready for firing in which the chamber 26 may be bled, with the gas-spring assembly 18 in the uncompressed position, and the trigger assembly 16 is in the uncocked position, and the slide block 60 is disposed in the bleed position. It is to be appreciated that the air gun 10 may be bled when the air gun 10 is ready for firing or when the air gun 10 is not ready for firing.

When the slide block 60 is in the safety position, the trigger 36 cannot be moved or pulled to fire the air gun 10. Therefore, the trigger assembly 16 may include a stop 66 coupled to the slide block 60 which abuts the trigger 36 to prevent operation of the trigger 36 when the slide block 60 is in the safety position. When the slide block 60 is in the firing position, the trigger 36 can be moved or pulled to fire the air gun 10. Therefore, the stop 66 moves away from the trigger 36 so the trigger 36 may be operated when the slide block 60 is in the firing position. When the slide block 60 is in the bleed position, the stop 66 is spaced from the trigger 36. The slide block 60 is not in the bleed position when the chamber 26 is being filled via the fluid dispensing nozzle. This discussed of the slide block 60 relative to the trigger 36 applies to all of the FIGS. and discussion herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the slide block 60 is movable axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32 to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position. As such, the slide block 60 may slide relative to the trigger housing 34 along the longitudinal axis 32. Generally, the arm 64 is configured to move the slide block 60 to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position. In certain configurations, the arm 64 is configured to slide the slide block 60 axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32 to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position. The arm 64 is visible outside of the air gun 10 such that a user may position the arm 64/the slide block 60 in the desired position. It is to be appreciated that the arm 64 may include indicia or markings to provide a visual indicator of which position (safety, firing, or bleed positions) the slide block 60 is in.

The valve housing 44 includes a first end 68 and a second end 70 spaced from each other relative to the longitudinal axis 32. The first bore 46 is disposed between the first and second ends 68, 70 axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32. Generally, the first bore 46 is open at the first end 68 and the second end 70.

In certain configurations, parts of the plug 50 are disposed outside of the valve housing 44 relative to the first and second ends 68, 70 of the valve housing 44. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the plug 50 may include a first flange 72 and a second flange 74 spaced from each other and each disposed outside of the valve housing 44 relative to the first and second ends 68, 70 respectively. The first flange 72 engages the first end 68 of the valve housing 44 when the plug 50 is in the closed position. When the plug 50 is in the closed position, fluid communication is prevented through the first bore 46. Therefore, when the first flange 72 engages (either directly or indirectly) the first end 68 of the valve housing 44, fluid communication is prevented between the first bore 46 and the chamber 26. The first flange 72 is spaced from the first end 68 of the valve housing 44 when the plug 50 is in the open position. When the plug 50 is in the open position, fluid communication is allowed through the first bore 46 and the second bore 48. More specifically, when the plug 50 is in the open position, fluid communication occurs between the first bore 46 and the chamber 26.

The second flange 74 of the plug 50 faces the engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60. Additionally, the first and second flanges 72, 74 are coupled to each other such that movement of one flange causes movement of the other flange. More specifically, the first and second flanges 72, 74 are operably coupled to each other such that movement of the second flange 74 causes movement of the first flange 72 when the engagement surface 62 engages the second flange 74 in response to the slide block 60 being in the bleed position. The engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60 engages the second flange 74 when the slide block 60 is in the bleed position which causes the second flange 74 to move toward the second end 70 of the valve housing 44 and the first flange 72 to move away from the first end 68 of the valve housing 44. The plug 50 may include a connector 76 disposed between the first and second flanges 72, 74 to movably connect the flanges 72, 74. The connector 76 may be integral with the first and second flanges 72, 74 or separate pieces from the first and/or second flanges 72, 74. Therefore, the plug 50 may be formed of one-single piece such as FIGS. 3-5 or a plurality of separate pieces that cooperate with each other (see FIG. 8). It is to be appreciated that the plug 50 of FIGS. 3-5 may optionally be formed of a plurality of separate pieces that cooperate with each other.

The slide block 60 may include a front end 78 and a rear end 80 spaced from each other relative to the longitudinal axis 32. Generally, the front end 78 faces the second end 70 of the valve housing 44, and the rear end 80 faces away from the valve housing 44. In certain configurations, the arm 64 protrudes from the rear end 80 of the slide block 60, and the engagement surface 62 is disposed along the front end 78 of the slide block 60. For any of the configurations discussed herein, the arm 64 may protrude from the rear end 80 of the slide block 60, and the engagement surface 62 may be disposed along the front end 78 of the slide block 60.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-5, and 8, the slide block 60 may define a slot 82 that is disposed, or extends, axially relative to the longitudinal axis 32. The slot 82 may be open to the front end 78 of the slide block 60, and the slot 82 may be closed between the front and rear ends 78, 80. The pin 40 is disposed in the slot 82 to retain the slide block 60 relative to the trigger housing 34. The pin 40 is disposed through the slot 82 transverse to the longitudinal axis 32 such that the pin 40 prevents transverse movement of the slide block 60 relative to the longitudinal axis 32. Therefore, the pin 40 may prevent movement of the slide block 60 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32. The slot 82 may be disposed concentric with the longitudinal axis 32, and in other configurations, the slot 82 may be disposed offset or off-center from the longitudinal axis 32.

More specifically, the slide block 60 may include a first wall 84, a second wall 86, and an end wall 88 cooperating with each other to present a boundary of the slot 82. The slot 82 is open at one end of the slide block 60, and the slot 82 is closed at the end wall 88. The end wall 88 is spaced from the front end 78 and the rear end 80 of the slide block 60. The slot 82 and the pin 40 discussion as illustrated in the figures also applies to the slide block 60 of FIGS. 6 and 7.

As mentioned above, the slide block 60 is movable but the pin(s) 40 is fixed relative to the stock 14. As such, the slot 82 is designed long enough to allow the slide block 60 to move between the three positions without interference from the pin(s) 40. The slide block 60 is movable relative to the pin 40 such that the end wall 88 of the slot 82 is disposed at a first position (see FIG. 3) relative to the pin 40 when the slide block 60 is in the safety position, a second position (see FIG. 4) relative to the pin 40 when the slide block 60 is in the firing position, and a third position (see FIG. 5) relative to the pin 40 when the slide block 60 is in the bleed position. The first position of the end wall 88 is farther from the pin 40 than is the second and third positions of the end wall 88. The third position of the end wall 88 is closest to the pin 40 than is the first and second positions of the end wall 88. The first, second, and third positions of the slot 82 relative to the pin(s) 40 also applies to FIGS. 6-8.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, in certain configurations, the engagement surface 62 is disposed adjacent to the slot 82. Therefore, the engagement surface 62 may abut and move the second flange 74 axially to bleed the chamber 26. The valve assembly 42 may include a biasing member 90 disposed between the valve housing 44 and one of the first and second flanges 72, 74. The biasing member 90 continuously biases the plug 50 to the closed position. Therefore, when a force to move the slide block 60 to the bleed position is removed, the biasing member 90 may move the slide bock 60 out of the bleed position, as well as move the plug 50 back to the closed position.

In certain configurations, the biasing member 90 is disposed between the second end 70 of the housing and the second flange 74. Furthermore, the biasing member 90 may surround part of the connector 76. The biasing member 90 may abut the second flange 74 and the valve housing 44 to continuously bias the plug 50 to the closed position. In certain configurations, the biasing member 90 abuts the second end 70 of the valve housing 44. The second flange 74 may act as a retainer to couple the biasing member 90 to the plug 50. It is to be appreciated that the biasing member 90 may be in any suitable location to continuously bias the plug 50 to the closed position, and additionally, more than one biasing member 90 may optionally be used. Furthermore, the biasing member 90 may be any suitable biasing member such as any suitable spring, coil spring, leaf spring, Belleville washer, etc.

Continuing with FIGS. 3-5 and 8, the trigger housing 34 may define an opening 92 between the engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60 and part of the valve housing 44. The second flange 74 and/or the biasing member 90 may be disposed through the opening 92 (see FIGS. 3-5) such that the slide block 60 may engage the second flange 74. The opening 92 may be disposed axially along the longitudinal axis 32.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, the valve assembly 42 may also include a seal 58 disposed in the first bore 46. The seal 58 may be configured to minimize fluid leaks. The seal 58 surrounds part of the plug 50 to fluidly close the second end 70 of the valve housing 44. Therefore, when the chamber 26 is being filled or bled, the compressed air does not exit the valve assembly 42 at the second end 70 of the valve housing 44 via the first bore 46. It is to be appreciated that the valve assembly 42 may include more than one seal 58, and for example, a seal 58 may be disposed between the first flange 72 and the first end 68 of the valve housing 44, and another seal 58 may be disposed in the second bore 48.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in certain configurations, the plug 50 and/or the first bore 46 may have other configurations. For example, in this configuration, the plug 50 is further defined as a spherical-ball. The valve housing 44 may include a first retaining wall 94 and a second retaining wall 96 spaced from each other inside the first bore 46 to define a pocket 98. The plug 50 is disposed in the pocket 98 and engages the second retaining wall 96 when the plug 50 is in the closed position. The first and second retaining walls 94, 96 prevent the plug 50 from exiting the pocket 98. Furthermore, in this configuration, the slide block 60 may be movable inside part of the first bore 46.

For this configuration, when the plug 50 is in the closed position, fluid communication is prevented through the first bore 46. Therefore, when the plug 50 engages (either directly or indirectly) the second retaining wall 96 of the valve housing 44, fluid communication is prevented between the first bore 46 and the chamber 26. The plug 50 is spaced from the second retaining wall 96 of the valve housing 44 when the plug 50 is in the open position. When the plug 50 is in the open position, fluid communication is allowed through the first bore 46 and the second bore 48. More specifically, when the plug 50 is in the open position, fluid communication occurs through the chamber 26 and out of the first bore 46.

In this configuration, the plug 50 (spherical-ball) is continuously biased to the closed position via fluid pressure. In other words, the compressed air exerts a force against the plug 50 which continuously biases the plug 50 against the second retaining wall 96. When a force to move the slide block 60 to the bleed position is removed, the plug 50 may move the slide bock 60 out of the bleed position by the plug 50 being pushed via the fluid pressure. Therefore, the plug 50 (spherical-ball) automatically moves into the closed position when the force to move the slide block 60 into the bleed position is removed. The plug 50 (spherical-ball) of this configuration allows for precise pressure reduction when bleeding the chamber 26 by moving and releasing the arm 64, and the plug 50 automatically moving via the fluid pressure.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60 may be disposed adjacent to the slot 82 (the slot 82 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 8 which is suitable for FIGS. 6 and 7). The engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60 engages (either directly or indirectly) the plug 50, which moves the plug 50 away from the second retaining wall 96 to open the first bore 46 and allow the chamber 26 to be bled. Optionally, the slide block 60 may include a finger 100 having the engagement surface 62 of the slide block 60, and the finger 100 may move axially through the first bore 46. The entrance of the first bore 46 along the first retaining wall 94 is offset from the location of the first bore 46 in the second retaining wall 96 to prevent the plug 50 from blocking the entrance of the first bore 46 to allow fluid communication therethrough when the plug 50 is in the open position (see FIG. 7).

To fill the chamber 26 for this configuration, the compressed air from the fluid dispensing nozzle applies a greater force to the plug 50 than the force being applied via the gas inside the chamber 26, which moves the plug 50 to the open position to fill the chamber 26. The valve assembly 42 may include a seal 58 disposed in the pocket 98. The seal 58 may be configured to minimize fluid leaks. The plug 50 may be surrounded via the seal 58 when the plug 50 is in the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the valve assembly 42 may include more than one seal 58, and for example, a seal 58 may be disposed between around the slide block 60 due to the location of the second bore 48 relative to the first bore 46 to prevent compressed gas from exiting the second end 70 of the valve housing 44, and another seal 58 may be disposed in the second bore 48. It is to be appreciated that the above discussion of the slide block 60 also applies to FIGS. 6 and 7, and the slide block 60 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may include one or more seals 58 and the finger 100, as compared to FIGS. 3-5. The seals 58 discussed throughout this description may be any suitable configuration, and one non-limiting example may include an o-ring.

With regard to the Schrader valve configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the plug 50 may be formed of a plurality of pieces 102, 104, and the biasing member 90 may be in a different location as compared to FIGS. 3-5. In FIG. 8, the plug 50 is in the open position in solid lines, and the plug 50 is in the closed position in phantom lines. In this configuration, the plug 50 may include a first portion 102 and a second portion 104 that cooperate with each other. In certain configurations, the first and second portions 102, 104 abut each other. Therefore, movement of the first portion 102 causes movement of the second portion 104. The first portion 102 of the plug 50 may include the first flange 72, and the second portion 104 of the plug 50 may include the second flange 74.

Optionally, the second portion 104 of the plug 50 may be fixed to the slide block 60. In other words, the second portion 104 of the plug 50 may be one-piece or integral with the slide block 60. It is to be appreciated that one or more pieces of the plug 50, for this configuration or for other configurations, may be one-piece or integral with the slide block 60.

Furthermore, in the configuration of FIG. 8, the valve housing 44 may include a plurality of pieces 106, 108. As such, the valve housing 44 may include a first body 106 and a second body 108 secured to each other, and the first bore 46 may be defined through the first and second bodies 106, 108. The bodies 106, 108 may be threaded together or secured to each other by any suitable method. The second body 108 may be secured to the first body 106 inside part of the first bore 46 of the first body 106. The biasing member 90 may bias against the second body 108 and part of the plug 50 to continuously bias the plug 50 to the closed position. Furthermore, the plug 50 may include a retainer 110 to couple the biasing member 90 to the plug 50. The retainer 110 may be part of the first portion 102 of the plug 50, and the retainer may abut the second portion 104 of the plug 50.

The plug 50 may be surrounded via one or more seals 58. The seal 58 may be configured to minimize fluid leaks. It is to be appreciated that the valve assembly 42 may include more than one seal 58, and for example, a seal 58 may be disposed around the second portion 104 of the plug 50 to prevent compressed gas from exiting the second end 70 of the valve housing 44.

While the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for an air gun; the valve assembly comprising:

a valve housing defining a first bore;

a plug disposed in the first bore and movable relative to the valve housing to an open position which allows fluid communication through the first bore and a closed position which prevents fluid communication through the first bore; and

a slide block including an engagement surface, and the slide block is movable relative to the valve housing to a safety position in which the engagement surface is spaced a first predetermined distance from the plug, a firing position in which the engagement surface is spaced a second predetermined distance from the plug, and a bleed position in which the engagement surface engages the plug to move the plug to the open position.

2. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first predetermined distance is greater than the second predetermined distance.

3. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

the valve housing includes a first end and a second end spaced from each other relative to a longitudinal axis;

the first bore is disposed between the first and second ends axially relative to the longitudinal axis; and

the slide block is movable axially relative to the longitudinal axis to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position.

4. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein:

the plug includes a first flange and a second flange spaced from each other and each disposed outside of the valve housing relative to the first and second ends respectively;

the first flange engages the first end of the valve housing when the plug is in the closed position, and the first flange is spaced from the first end of the valve housing when the plug is in the open position; and

the engagement surface engages the second flange when the slide block is in the bleed position which causes the second flange to move toward the second end of the valve housing and the first flange to move away from the first end of the valve housing.

5. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the slide block includes an arm spaced from the engagement surface, and the arm is configured to slide the slide block axially relative to the longitudinal axis to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position.

6. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

the slide block includes a front end and a rear end spaced from each other relative to the longitudinal axis;

the front end faces the second end of the valve housing, and the rear end faces away from the valve housing; and

the arm protrudes from the rear end of the slide block, and the engagement surface is disposed along the front end of the slide block.

7. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein:

the slide block defines a slot that extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis;

the slot is open to the front end of the slide block, and the slot is closed between the front and rear ends; and

the engagement surface is disposed adjacent to the slot.

8. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

the valve housing includes a first end and a second end spaced from each other relative to a longitudinal axis;

the first bore is disposed between the first and second ends axially relative to the longitudinal axis; and

the valve housing defines a second bore in fluid communication with the first bore, and wherein the second bore is disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis.

9. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein:

the plug includes a first flange that engages the first end of the valve housing when the plug is in the closed position to prevent fluid communication through the first bore, and the first flange is spaced from the first end of the valve housing when the plug is in the open position to allow fluid communication through the first bore and the second bore;

the plug includes a second flange that faces the engagement surface; and

the first and second flanges are operably coupled to each other such that movement of the second flange causes movement of the first flange when the engagement surface engages the second flange in response to the slide block being in the bleed position.

10. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 9 further including a biasing member disposed between the valve housing and one of the first and second flanges, and the biasing member continuously biases the plug to the closed position.

11. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the biasing member is disposed between the second end of the housing and the second flange.

12. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 8 further including a seal disposed in the first bore, and the seal surrounds part of the plug to fluidly close the second end of the valve housing.

13. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 1:

wherein the valve housing includes a first retaining wall and a second retaining wall spaced from each other inside the first bore to define a pocket;

wherein the plug is disposed in the pocket and engages the second retaining wall when the plug is in the closed position;

wherein the plug is continuously biased to the closed position via fluid pressure; and

further including a seal disposed in the pocket, and the plug is surrounded via the seal when the plug is in the closed position.

14. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the plug is further defined as a spherical-ball.

15. The valve assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the slide block includes an arm spaced from the engagement surface, and the arm is configured to move the slide block to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position.

16. A bleed apparatus for an air gun comprising:

a gas-spring assembly including a cylinder defining a chamber configured to contain a compressed gas; and

a valve assembly coupled to the gas-spring assembly, and the valve assembly includes: a valve housing defining a first bore coupled to the chamber; a plug disposed in the first bore and movable relative to the valve housing to an open position which allows fluid communication through the first bore and the chamber and a closed position which prevents fluid communication through the first bore and the chamber; and a slide block including an engagement surface, and the slide block is movable relative to the valve housing to a safety position in which the engagement surface is spaced a first predetermined distance from the plug, a firing position in which the engagement surface is spaced a second predetermined distance from the plug, and a bleed position in which the engagement surface engages the plug to move the plug to the open position.

17. The bleed apparatus as set forth in claim 16:

wherein the slide block defines a slot disposed axially relative to a longitudinal axis, and the plug is movable axially relative to the longitudinal axis to the open and closed positions; and

further including a trigger housing and a pin fixed to the trigger housing and disposed through the slot transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the pin prevents transverse movement of the slide block relative to the longitudinal axis.

18. The bleed apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein:

the slide block includes a first wall, a second wall, and an end wall cooperating with each other to present a boundary of the slot;

the slot is open at one end of the slide block, and the slot is closed at the end wall; and

the slide block is movable relative to the pin such that the end wall of the slot is disposed at a first position relative to the pin when the slide block is in the safety position, a second position relative to the pin when the slide block is in the firing position, and a third position relative to the pin when the slide block is in the bleed position;

wherein the first position of the end wall is farther from the pin than is the second and third positions of the end wall; and

wherein the third position of the end wall is closest to the pin than is the first and second positions of the end wall.

19. The bleed apparatus as set forth in claim 16:

further including a rod attached to the valve assembly, and the rod defines a hole axially along a longitudinal axis;

wherein the hole and the chamber are in fluid communication with each other; and

wherein the hole and the first bore are in fluid communication with each other when the plug is in the open position to move the compressed gas into or out of the chamber.

20. The bleed apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein the first predetermined distance is greater than the second predetermined distance, and the slide block is movable axially relative to the longitudinal axis to the safety position, the firing position, and the bleed position.