Trigger Or Releasing Mechanism Patents (Class 124/31)
  • Publication number: 20110271941
    Abstract: A device for projecting a soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer, the device comprising a holder designed for containing the soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer; and a firing mechanism operatively arranged to accelerate the holder from a firing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Hobbeezone, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith G. Meggs
  • TOY
    Publication number: 20110259310
    Abstract: A toy having a housing and a projectile launcher capable of moving between a first stowed position within the housing and a second deployed position extending from the housing. The toy further including a trigger mechanism for launching at least one projectile from the projectile launcher; and a selector mechanism for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the trigger mechanism will launch only a single projectile from the projectile launcher when the selector mechanism is in the first position and the trigger mechanism is actuated and wherein the trigger mechanism will launch at least two projectiles from the projectile launcher when the selector mechanism is in the second position and the trigger mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Brandon Sopinsky, Michael L. Strauss
  • Patent number: 8036704
    Abstract: A device for wirelessly and remotely actuating a trigger of a weapon. The device includes a transmitting portion and a receiving portion. The transmitting portion selectively generates a signal wirelessly and remotely that is received by the receiving portion, and when activated thereby, the receiving portion selectively engages and actuates the trigger of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Theodore J. Werner
  • Publication number: 20110214654
    Abstract: A transmission method and a transmission mechanism for a toy gun are provided. The method comprises the steps of: moving a firing action backward by means of a gear assembly; moving the firing action forward by disengaging the gear assembly from the firing action and utilizing a spring to drive the firing action to move forward; controlling the movement of the gear assembly by means of a movement control assembly such that the gear assembly cannot mesh with the firing action; re-meshing the gear assembly with the firing action wherein after the firing action moves forward to a locating position, the gear assembly can mesh with the firing action again by the operation of the firing action and the movement control assembly; and repeating the step of moving the firing action backward to the step of re-meshing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Yi-Jung LEE, Li-Te CHENG
  • Publication number: 20110174283
    Abstract: A firing actuator mechanism used in a toy gun is disclosed to include a trigger mechanism, a link having a push portion and a stop portion at the rear side thereof, a retaining mechanism formed of a holder block and a sliding block, a hammer and a locking block. The sliding block has an engagement portion at the front side, and a first side rod and a second side rod at one lateral side. When the link is moved backwards during a single fire mode, the push portion forces the first side rod to move the sliding block backwards. When the link is moved backwards and the rear end portion is forced downwards during a continuous fire mode, the stop portion is stopped against the second side rod of the sliding block. The hammer has a durable press portion lockable by the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Che Hu
  • Patent number: 7950380
    Abstract: A paint ball gun trigger for easy of replacement and orientation change is disclosed, which includes a lower trigger body, an upper trigger body, and an orientation-setting unit. The lower trigger body includes at the top a lower-and-upper body connecting piece, which further includes a screw hole and a positioning hole communicating with said screw hole. The upper trigger body includes at the bottom a lower-and-upper body connecting chamber, and at the lateral side a stabilizing hole communicating with the lower-and-upper body connecting chamber. The orientation-setting unit includes a setting piece, a blocking piece, an elastic element, and an adjusting screw, each of which is assembled in order by screwing into the screw hole of the lower trigger body for orientation change of the lower trigger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sunworld Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin Cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 7918219
    Abstract: A simulated gun launches a retrievable projectile in the form of a cylinder containing a compressible spring. The spring is compressed by inserting the barrel of the gun into the bore of the cylinder. A tab on the end of the cylinder rides in a helical groove on the surface of the barrel to cause the projectile to rotate about the axis of the barrel as the projectile is launched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Paul, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Belokin
  • Patent number: 7861699
    Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Garza and Gowan Sports Equipment
    Inventors: Carl W. Gowan, Guillermo A. Garza
  • Patent number: 7836872
    Abstract: A pneumatic toy gun with a hammer assembly disposed inside a barrel is provided. The hammer assembly includes a first hammer and a second hammer, wherein the first hammer is disposed in front of the second hammer and the second hammer includes a notch. A first elastic element pushes the rear end of the first hammer and a second elastic element pushes the rear end of the second hammer. A first tackling block is disposed below the hammer assembly and rotatable around the pivot. The rear end of the first tackling block is stuck into the notch of the second hammer. A second tackling block is disposed adjacent to the first tackling block and includes a trough allowing the pivot to be disposed in. The rear end of the second tackling block is stuck into the notch of the second hammer. A third elastic element pushes the underneath of the rear half portion of the first tackling block. A fourth elastic element pushes the underneath of the rear half portion of the second tackling block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Shu-Mei Tseng
  • Publication number: 20100282227
    Abstract: A multi-shot ring airfoil launcher comprises a launcher configured to receive a magazine which supports at least two ring airfoils. The launcher includes a barrel. A chuck is mounted in the barrel and is configured to propel a ring airfoil from a breech to the muzzle of the barrel, launching a ring airfoil with forward velocity and spin. The magazine is configured to deliver successive ring airfoils to the breech or rear end of the chuck for launching. The launcher includes a cocking mechanism for loading ring airfoils on to the chuck and cocking the chuck, and a firing mechanism for firing the launcher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Chester Vanek
  • Publication number: 20100206281
    Abstract: A trigger assembly for a paintball gun preferably includes a trigger having a bearing assembly arranged snugly within a bearing receptacle of the trigger to provide a trigger pivot. The bearing assembly can include a pin receptacle on each side of the bearing assembly to receive a pair of trigger pins in a mating relationship. The trigger assembly can be mounted in a paintball gun by arranging the trigger and bearing assembly in a trigger groove of a grip frame of the paintball gun and aligning the pin receptacles with pin holes formed through the wall of the grip frame on opposite sides of the trigger groove. The pins can then be inserted through the pin holes into firm contact with sidewalls of the pin receptacle(s). Each of the pins can be independently adjusted to arrange the trigger in a desired lateral location within the trigger groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SMART PARTS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Kanitz, Edward S. Telford
  • Patent number: 7762247
    Abstract: A firing assembly for a paintball gun has a dynamic piston assembly that moves forward relative to a stationary guide assembly as the gun is being fired. The piston assembly contains a compressed gas storage compartment located entirely within the piston assembly. As the gun fires, air from the gas storage compartment blows into a breech to propel the paintball forward from the breech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Edward M. Evans
  • Patent number: 7753042
    Abstract: The tubular bolt of a paintball gun communicates with a cylinder through bores when in a forward, firing position, allowing compressed gas from the cylinder to expel a paintball. In accordance with the invention a bore whereby the cylinder communicates with a source of compressed gas is occluded by the bolt when the bolt is in the firing position. By this arrangement only gas stored in the cylinder is used to fire a paintball and the source of compressed gas is not in communication with the cylinder except when the trigger is released and the bolt is in its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Blackmarket Sportz Limited
    Inventors: Martin Carnall, Paul Garry
  • Publication number: 20100170492
    Abstract: A pneumatic gun sized and designed to appear like and operate in a manner similar to a conventional handgun. The gun may include a removable magazine storing projectiles and propellant. The entire magazine may be small enough to fit into a handle of the gun (e.g., with a pistol grip). The magazine may be integrated with propellant and projectile portions locked together or separable. Standard carbon dioxide cartridges fit within the magazine. Projectiles may be staggered to increase the maximum magazine load. A user may selectively release just the projectile portion of the magazine, in order to leave the propellant undisturbed until fully expended. The magazine may be completely removed from the gun without substantial loss of propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Tiberius, Dennis E. Tiberius, Kyle L. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100126486
    Abstract: A compact paintball marker having a compact trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger, a sear, a sear activator and a connecting cable. The sear is position distally relative to the trigger. This enables the sear to be positioned apart from the trigger. The trigger assembly also includes a sear activator, a sear activator spring and a sear biasing spring. The components of the trigger assembly can be compactly organized to enable the marker to have a smaller form factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Kingman International Corporation
    Inventors: Fabrice N.V. Halmone, Chang Kun Chang
  • Publication number: 20090308370
    Abstract: A paint ball gun includes a body, a valve unit and a striking unit. The valve unit is disposed in the body. The striking unit is disposed in the body, and includes a striker and a collar. The striker is made of metal and formed with a striking tip at an end for hitting the valve unit. The collar is made of plastics and provided on the striking tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Lian
  • Patent number: 7617816
    Abstract: The present invention provides a trigger assembly for a paintball marker utilizing compressed gas. The trigger assembly includes an air assist trigger mechanism further providing exhaust gas to a ram assembly for recocking the paintball marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Orr, Antonio Nava, Lee Ourn
  • Publication number: 20090266348
    Abstract: A paint ball gun trigger for easy of replacement and orientation change is disclosed, which includes a lower trigger body, an upper trigger body, and an orientation-setting unit. The lower trigger body includes at the top a lower-and-upper body connecting piece, which further includes a screw hole and a positioning hole communicating with said screw hole. The upper trigger body includes at the bottom a lower-and-upper body connecting chamber, and at the lateral side a stabilizing hole communicating with said lower-and-upper body connecting chamber. The orientation-setting unit includes a setting piece, a blocking piece, an elastic element, and an adjusting screw, each of which is assembled in order by screwing into said screw hole of said lower trigger body for orientation change of said lower trigger body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Hsin Cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 7588023
    Abstract: An action structure is composed of a handle part, an action part, a tenon part, and a trajectory adjusting device. An extended handle extension seat drives a corresponding action piece through an operation of the handle, and an action piece inner tenon is located at a lower rim of the action. The action piece is fixed at a rear side through this latching effect, and at a same time, the trajectory adjusting device which is enclosed by the action piece is exposed for an adjustment of the trajectory. In addition, an action release tenon is assembled with the action piece inner tenon through an extended tenon extension rod, such that the action piece can be restored to an original position by pressing the action release tenon, thereby enabling a recoil movement of the action to achieve an effect of simulating a real gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Vega Force International Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Kung, Wei-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 7587851
    Abstract: A gasket designed to fit into the bottom of the lower receiver of an M16 and AR style rifle. The gasket assists in preventing debris and blown primers from inhibiting the firing motion of the trigger of the rifle. The gasket surrounds a portion of the trigger within the lower receiver without impeding the movement of the trigger. The gasket lies flat in the bottom of the lower receiver and is retained in place by the installed trigger and trigger spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: DPMS Firearms, LLC
    Inventor: Randy E. Luth
  • Publication number: 20090194086
    Abstract: A trigger assembly for a crossbow or other weapon system. The trigger assembly includes a trigger arm coupled between a trigger and a sear. The trigger arm is not parallel to the line of fire, thereby allowing for increased mechanical advantage and a smoother, safer trigger pull. The trigger assembly incorporates various safety measures, including a dry fire mechanism which prevents the unintentional damaging and potentially dangerous release of the bowstring before an arrow is positioned on the rail of the crossbow. The trigger assembly allows for various adjustments to vary the trigger length and pull, while maintaining smoothness and preventing the unintentional or inadvertent release of the bowstring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: James J. Kempf
  • Publication number: 20090078243
    Abstract: A trigger assembly is disclosed for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target. The trigger assembly includes a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. A trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer is provided to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: HUNTER'S MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bednar, Michael J. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20090064978
    Abstract: A crossbow includes a trigger mechanism having a trigger housing for receiving a bowstring of a crossbow and a bowstring catch mounted with respect to the housing and adapted to releasably engage a crossbow bowstring brought within the trigger housing. The crossbow further includes a trigger adapted to releasably engage the bowstring catch, the trigger being further adapted to be selectively actuated by a user so as to cause the trigger to release the bowstring catch, thereby causing the bowstring catch to release a crossbow bowstring. Optionally, the crossbow may include a ball disposed between the bowstring catch and the trigger, the ball being adapted to bear and react to forces arising between the bowstring catch and the trigger during at least one of the trigger so engaging the bowstring catch and the trigger so releasing the bowstring catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Charles S. Matasic, Baron E. Abel, Sujan V. Patel, Curvin L. Wolfgang, JR.
  • Patent number: 7487768
    Abstract: The invention discloses two related improvements over existing trigger mechanisms utilized in pneumatic launching devices—such as pellet or paintball guns. The first improvement is a method for allowing a single trigger frame configuration to be utilized by a multiplicity of launching devices despite differences in attachment points and/or mechanical linkages inherent in the same. The second improvement relates to incorporating a trigger return mechanism within the trigger frame which utilizes magnets, pneumatics or mechanical means to actively return the trigger to its initiating or ‘rest’ position after it has been operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Forest Hatcher
  • Publication number: 20080156309
    Abstract: An action structure is composed of a handle part, an action part, a tenon part, and a trajectory adjusting device. An extended handle extension seat drives a corresponding action piece through an operation of the handle, and an action piece inner tenon is located at a lower rim of the action. The action piece is fixed at a rear side through this latching effect, and at a same time, the trajectory adjusting device which is enclosed by the action piece is exposed for an adjustment of the trajectory. In addition, an action release tenon is assembled with the action piece inner tenon through an extended tenon extension rod, such that the action piece can be restored to an original position by pressing the action release tenon, thereby enabling a recoil movement of the action to achieve an effect of simulating a real gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Shih-Che Kung, Wei-Hung Chung
  • Publication number: 20080105243
    Abstract: A method of firing a paintball marker and dual trigger mechanism for a paintball marker are disclosed. The dual switch includes a first and a second trigger position sensors configured and arranged to detect the position of said trigger. A circuit is operatively connected to the first and second trigger position sensors and the projectile firing mechanism of the paintball marker. The circuit is configured to initiate a firing operation with said projectile firing mechanism when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed. The method includes the steps of detecting the position of the trigger with the first trigger position sensor and the second trigger position sensor and initiating a firing operation when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: PLANET ECLIPSE, LTD.
    Inventor: Steven J. Monks
  • Patent number: 7325539
    Abstract: A mechanical release or trigger device including a body. A trigger forming a shaft is movably mounted with respect to the body. At least one caliper is mounted with respect to the body and operatively connected to the trigger. The caliper is movable between a closed position and an open position, in response to a movement of the trigger. A sleeve is rotatably mounted with respect to the trigger and movable along an axis of the shaft. At least one stop element can be mounted with respect to the shaft at a first end portion of the sleeve or a second end portion of the sleeve, to limit axial movement of the sleeve. In one embodiment wherein the sleeve is asymmetric, and operatively connected to activate another mechanism such as a safety or firing system, a bias element can be operatively connected to the sleeve to bias the sleeve towards a first rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Miroslav A. Simo, Frank A. Harwath
  • Patent number: 7305980
    Abstract: A gear box structure for a toy gun includes a box, a trigger assembly, an elastic member, a push plate, and a stop piece. The push plate is provided with a stop end which is interfered with a stop strip installed on the stop piece, so as to create a resistant force between the push plate and the stop piece. When pulling the trigger, the trigger assembly will drive the elastic member to slide the stop end of push plate over the stop strip of stop piece, thereby forming a tightness and looseness feeling as if pulling a trigger of real gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Guay Guay Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yin-Hsi Liao
  • Patent number: 7302943
    Abstract: A pneumatic gun firing ram for firing one or more paintballs. The paintball gun includes a body defining a bore, with the bore being in communication with a valve for selectively releasing compressed gas to fire a paintball. A piston is located within the bore, and a rod is mounted within the piston for sliding movement. A hammer is mounted on an end of the rod opposite the piston, the hammer being movable between a first position and a second position relative the piston. A clamp substantially surrounds the rod at a region adjacent the hammer, and a pneumatic valve is adapted to move the pneumatic ram from a first position in the bore at a distance from the poppet valve to a second position in the bore proximate the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: NPF Limited
    Inventor: John Ronald Rice
  • Patent number: 7293385
    Abstract: A module housing is adapted to be inserted into an operating position in the trigger group receiving area of a firearm. The module housing includes at least one pin receiver defined by two openings formed in the module housing, one on each lateral side of the housing. A module pin is received in the pin receiver and at least one trigger group component is mounted or supported for rotation on the module pin. The pin receiver is located on the module housing so as to align with a pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position. By locating the pin receiver in the module housing so as to align with a corresponding pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position, the trigger group module and the trigger group components housed in the module housing may be readily supported by the OEM pin receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7231911
    Abstract: A mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic and/or electronic method for assisting the user operation of a trigger and/or actively and rapidly returning the trigger mechanism to its firing position at the completion of a firing sequence in a paintball gun. The trigger assistance mechanism reduces the amount of force required by the user to move the trigger to begin the firing sequence. After the firing sequence has been completed, the trigger assistance mechanism provides assistance to the trigger to move it to its pre-firing resting position. Alternatively, the trigger assistance mechanism replaces the mechanical linkage between the trigger and the cocking/firing mechanism of the paintball gun such that a pneumatic actuating ram is used to initiate the cocking/firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Forest A. Hatcher
  • Patent number: 7086191
    Abstract: A trigger assembly comprises a trigger frame having a body with a cavity therein, a handle connected to the body, a trigger guard on the body defining a space with which a portion of the cavity is in communication, a connection member on the body, a slot member on the body, and abutment surfaces within the cavity. It also comprises a trigger pivotably mounted and movable within the trigger frame and comprising a body portion, a pivot connection means on the body portion connectable to the connection member of the body, a lever extending from the body portion for contact by a user, an engagement portion for engaging a firing mechanism to initiate discharge, and a rod connection means associated with the body portion for connecting the trigger to a rod to initiate re-arming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: WGP, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey George Orr
  • Patent number: 7077117
    Abstract: A detachable driving assembly for a toy gun has a first casing containing a piston device and a second casing containing a gear set. The first casing and the second casing are detachably combined by a pin and a levering lock. The piston device has a piston body with a spring and a toothed rack formed under the piston body. The gear set mainly comprises a miter gear, a reduction gear and a half-toothed gear sequentially rotated by a motor to drive the piston device. The half-toothed gear has a periphery, multiple teeth partially formed on the periphery, and an idle area formed on a remainder of the periphery. Thereby, when the teeth engage with the toothed rack to run with the half-toothed gear, the piston device is driven to a compressed condition. When the half-toothed gear enters the idle area, the piston device is released to punch a projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Chen-Tang Chu
  • Patent number: 7076906
    Abstract: 20 A grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilizes an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and recock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventors: Steven John Monks, Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 7073284
    Abstract: The method of firing a paintball marker uses a grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilises an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and re-cock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventors: Steven John Monks, Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 7051467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun trigger for use with a bolt-action gun. The trigger of the present invention has a finger element with an extension and a catch. The catch has a front strap and a rear strap. One or more openings are between the front and rear straps. One or more braces can be across the one or more openings. The trigger also has a head. A socket is formed in the top of the head, and a ball is received within the socket. The height of the ball relative the bottom of the socket can be adjusted. There is practically no friction between the trigger and a sear. The trigger of the present invention may be made by remanufacturing existing conventional triggers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: John F. Huber
  • Patent number: 6990971
    Abstract: The present invention is a pneumatic trigger mechanism intended for use with gas powered projectile guns such as gas powered paintball markers. The present pneumatic trigger mechanism utilizes a specialized pneumatic force amplifier which substantially improves trigger performance and firing cycle time. The pneumatic amplification feature of the present trigger actuator is double acting, in that it provides an increased force advantage for both the firing phase and trigger return phase of the firing cycle. Performance wise, the valving and the pneumatically amplified actuator of the present trigger actuator requires as little about 2 oz. of trigger pull force and as little as 0.01 inch of travel to activate a firing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Colin Bryant Moritz
  • Patent number: 6973748
    Abstract: A paintball gun trigger system includes a trigger, an emitter arranged to emit light and collector arranged to receive an amount of the light that varies with the position of the trigger and produce a signal that varies with the position of the trigger. A controller is arranged to determine from the signal when the trigger has been pulled and released. In one embodiment, the light beam from the emitter is pulsed on and off and the signal from the collector is sampled at regular intervals. Variations in the pulsed collector signal are used to detect when the trigger has moved to a pulled position and a released position, and when the collector is swamped with light from another source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: NPF Limited
    Inventor: John Ronald Rice
  • Patent number: 6957644
    Abstract: A mechanical release or trigger device including a body. A trigger forming a shaft is movably mounted with respect to the body. At least one caliper is mounted with respect to the body and operatively connected to the trigger. The caliper is movable between a closed position and an open position, in response to a movement of the trigger. A sleeve is rotatably mounted with respect to the trigger and movable along an axis of the shaft. At least one stop element can be mounted with respect to the shaft at a first end portion of the sleeve or a second end portion of the sleeve, to limit axial movement of the sleeve. In one embodiment wherein the sleeve is asymmetric, and operatively connected to activate another mechanism such as a safety or firing system, a bias element can be operatively connected to the sleeve to bias the sleeve towards a first rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Miroslav A. Simo, Frank A. Harwath
  • Patent number: 6874492
    Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun provides recoil simulating the recoil of a gun firing gunpowder propelled projectiles. The valve assembly provides both consistent shot to shot pressure, and rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the compressed gas powered gun may include a mechanism for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The air gun provides consistent gas pressure behind the projectile from shot to shot. A magazine and magazine indexing system for loading projectiles into the firing chamber in a manner contributing to the accuracy of the air gun is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: New-Matics Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Schavone
  • Publication number: 20040250806
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dart device having multi-purpose function, wherein a front rotated dart plate is rotatively connected to a dart support plate and additionally has a rear housing member functioning as a pencil case or a savings box. For this, a dart device having multi-purpose function comprises a dart support plate guiding the rotation of the front rotated dart plate in case that the dart is installed to a wall of a desk and used, the front rotated dart plate rotatively connected to the front of the dart support plate and having various designs for dart game, and a support member inserted in a plurality of support holding units formed on a rear surface of the dart support plate for supporting the dart support plate so that the dart device is installed to a desk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Yong Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 6820606
    Abstract: The trigger assembly includes a frame attached to a launcher body, a sear pivotally mounted on the frame and having a first sear end with a hammer holding surface, and a second sear end with a trigger contact surface. A trigger is pivotally mounted on the frame and has a trigger sear arm, a sear adjustment screw received in a threaded bore in the trigger sear arm and in engagement with the trigger contact surface on the sear. A valve operating linkage is connected to an actuator control valve and to the trigger. A sear lug on the bolt engages the hammer holding surface on the first sear end to hold the hammer in the cocked position. The sear lug is adjustable relative to the hammer. The valve operating linkage is also adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan H. Duffey
  • Patent number: 6802305
    Abstract: A mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic and/or electronic method for assisting the user operation of a trigger and/or actively and rapidly returning the trigger mechanism to its firing position at the completion of a firing sequence in a paintball gun. The trigger assistance mechanism reduces the amount of force required by the user to move the trigger to begin the firing sequence. After the firing sequence has been completed, the trigger assistance mechanism provides assistance to the trigger to move it to its pre-firing resting position. Alternatively, the trigger assistance mechanism replaces the mechanical linkage between the trigger and the cocking/firing mechanism of the paintball gun such that a pneumatic actuating ram is used to initiate the cocking/firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Forest A. Hatcher
  • Patent number: 6733356
    Abstract: A flying-object launching toy gun comprises a body 20 with a launch barrel 30, a running block 50 for holding the flying-object 12 in a separable condition, the running block 50 movable along the launch barrel 30 between a rear pre-shooting position and a front post-shooting position, a loading knob 70 for bringing the running block 50 into the pre-shooting position, the loading knob 70 displaceable along the launch barrel 30, a coil spring 76 for causing the running block 50 to rapidly move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position, and a spin generator 38, 56 for applying rotational force to the flying-object 12 as the running block 50 is caused to move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position. The toy gun helps enable the flying-object to fly longer distance and prolonged time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Se-Yup Lee
  • Patent number: 6705036
    Abstract: A trigger assembly comprises a trigger frame having a body with a cavity therein, a handle connected to the body, a trigger guard on the body defining a space with which a portion of the cavity is in communication, a connection member on the body, a slot member on the body, and abutment surfaces within the cavity. It also comprises a trigger pivotably mounted and movable within the trigger frame and comprising a body portion, a pivot connection means on the body portion connectable to the connection member of the body, a lever extending from the body portion for contact by a user, an engagement portion for engaging a firing mechanism to initiate discharge, and a rod connection means associated with the body portion for connecting the trigger to a rod to initiate re-arming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey George Orr
  • Patent number: 6651642
    Abstract: The invention discloses an adjustable trigger shoe for the trigger of an archery bowstring release mechanism. The adjustable trigger shoe can be secured to the release mechanism trigger in a nearly infinite range of positions to provide exactly the right feel to the archer. In alternative disclosed embodiments, the trigger shoe also has a gripping surface, formed of ridges or knurling, and sharp or rounded trigger edges, to provide additional sensitivity to the archer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Ivan Powers
  • Patent number: 6618906
    Abstract: A device 10 for securing a lighting apparatus 11 to a paintball mask to promote night paintball includes a base member 12, a light support member 14 extending forward from an upper portion of the base member 12, a light positioning member 16 extending forward from a lower portion of the base member 12, the light support and light positioning members 14 and 16 cooperating to secure and position the lighting apparatus 11 with the base member 12 to focus light in a predetermined direction, a stabilizing clip 18 extending rearward from a lower portion of the base member 12, and a pair of apertures 20 disposed through opposing upper portions of the base member 12, the apertures 20 ultimately receiving therethough a support belt 72 that cooperates with the stabilizing clip 18 to maintain the position of the device 10 relative to the paintball mask during play of a night paintball game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Skeleton Crew Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Ciesiun
  • Patent number: 6618975
    Abstract: A paintball gun conveniently assembled in the present invention has a through hole formed in a back of a grip and communicated with a chamber of the grip; a set bolt having an engagement groove and being extended into the through hole, protruded into the chamber and pressed against a magnetic-attraction plate; a setscrew hole formed in one sidewall of the grip and communicated with the through hole for being screwed with a setscrew, whereby the set bolt designed with different length can be extended into the through hole to push the magnetic-attraction plate, and then screwed with the setscrew tightly so that a push rod of the magnetic-attraction plate can push a locking member to adjust the displacement height of the locking member for different types of the gun bodies, thus a single grip is suited for being conveniently and quickly assembled with a gun body of different style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Pao-Tung Shih
  • Patent number: 6568380
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medal game machine that makes it possible, for a medal to move forward with good directionality, thus increasing the playability of an aiming game. The configuration is such that a medal (14) fired from a shooting device (16) is used to shoot at a target. The shooting device (16) comprises a shooting section (24) that loads the medal (14) in a vertical orientation and a push-out means (30) that pushes out and fires the medal (14) loaded into the shooting section (24) A pressing roller (40) that presses against the upper portion of the medal (14) that is loaded into the shooting section (24) is provided in the shooting section (24) so that, when the medal (14) is being pushed out by the push-out means (30), it is shot out escaping from the pressing roller (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Namco Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Niwa, Shinichi Odake
  • Patent number: 6564788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized toy gun including a bullet feeding device, a power set, and a trigger operation set. The power set includes a motor, a first drive gear, a second drive gear, and a force output gear. The trigger operation set includes a trigger, a connecting arm push plate, a trigger arm, a lift member, a connecting arm, a switch arm, a locking member, and a microswitch. Thus, forward movement of the piston cylinder may be accelerated by the restoring force of the piston spring and by a power provided by the force output gear and the rack, thereby increasing the pressure in the cylinder, so that the BB bullet may be ejected outward quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Shih-Che Hu