US20050115553A1 - Paintball marker and kit of parts therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A paintball marker is provided including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber having a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator is adapted to apply an opening force to move the bolt towards the open position and a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The closing force is different from the opening force.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to paintball markers and more particularly to chambering of paintballs in paintball markers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Many people today enjoy playing paintball games with sophisticated paintball markers. A typical paintball marker has a chamber from which paintballs are fired. A paintball tube communicates with the chamber, and holds paintballs for feeding into the chamber. A bolt slides within the chamber and controls the entry of paintballs from the paintball tube into the chamber. The bolt is typically moved between an open position whereby a paintball is permitted to enter the chamber and a closed position whereby the entry of paintballs into the chamber is prevented. A pneumatic actuator is typically used to move the bolt.
• If a paintball does not feed correctly in the chamber, the bolt can squash and rupture the paintball, releasing paint onto the interior mechanisms of the marker. As a result, the released paint can disrupt the proper functioning of the marker. Consequently, after a paintball is squashed inside a marker, it is usually required for the marker to be disassembled and cleaned to remove any paint on the interior mechanisms.
• There is, therefore, a continuing need for paintball markers that have a reduced tendency to squash and rupture paintballs contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber having a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator is adapted to apply an opening force to move the bolt towards the open position and a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The opening force is different from the closing force.
• In a second aspect the present invention is directed to an actuator for a paintball marker. The paintball marker includes a body that defines a chamber. The chamber has a paintball inlet. The paintball marker further includes a bolt that is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The paintball marker further includes a pneumatic cylinder that is operatively connected to the bolt. The actuator comprises a control valve. The control valve is positionable in a first control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a first pressure to the pneumatic cylinder for driving the bolt towards the open position. The control valve is also positionable in a second control valve position wherein the control valve is adapted to transmit gas at a second pressure to the pneumatic cylinder to drive the bolt towards the closed position. The second pressure is different from the first pressure.
• In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the paintball marker includes a first regulator, and the actuator includes a second regulator. The first regulator is fluidly connectable to a pressurized gas source and is adapted to provide gas at the first pressure. The second regulator is fluidly connectable to the pressurized gas source and is adapted to provide gas at the second pressure.
• In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the flow of paintballs through a paintball inlet into a chamber that is defined in a body of a paintball marker. The paintball marker includes a bolt that is slideable within the chamber. The method comprises:
• applying an opening force to the bolt to move the bolt to an open position to permit the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber; and
• applying a closing force to the bolt to move the bolt to a closed position to prevent the entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber, wherein the closing force is different from the opening force.
• In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt, a pneumatic cylinder and a control valve. The body defines a chamber that has a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing that has a first cylinder port and a second cylinder port. The pneumatic cylinder further includes a piston that is slideable within the cylinder housing between the first and second cylinder ports. The piston is operatively connected to the bolt. The control valve is for controlling gas flow to the first and second cylinder ports. The control valve is adapted to send gas to the first cylinder port to move the piston in a first direction to move the bolt towards the open position with an opening force. The control valve is adapted to send gas to the second cylinder port to move the piston in a second direction to move the bolt towards the closed position with a closing force. The closing force is sufficiently low as to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.
• In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paintball marker including a body, a bolt and an actuator. The body defines a chamber that has a paintball inlet. The bolt is slideable within the chamber between an open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber and a closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet into the chamber. The actuator is operatively connected to the bolt and is adapted to apply a closing force to move the bolt towards the closed position. The closing force is sufficiently low as to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1ais a partially sectional side view of a paintball marker in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in a bolt-closed position;
• FIG. 1bis a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1a, in a bolt-open position;
• FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1a, illustrating a mis-feed of a paintball;
• FIGS. 3aand3bare magnified sectional side views illustrating the operation of a control valve for the paintball marker shown inFIG. 1a;
• FIG. 4ais a partially sectional side view of a paintball marker in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in a bolt-closed position;
• FIG. 4bis a partially sectional side view of the paintball marker shown inFIG. 4a, in a bolt-open position;
• FIGS. 5aand5bare magnified sectional side views of a control valve for use with the paintball marker shown inFIG. 4a;
• FIG. 6 is a kit of parts in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for retrofit to a paintball marker of the prior art;
• FIG. 7 is a paintball marker of the prior art;
• FIG. 8 is a paintball marker derived from retrofitting the kit of parts ofFIG. 6 to the paintball marker ofFIG. 7; and
• FIG. 9 is a magnified sectional side view of a combined cylinder/control valve unit that may be incorporated into the paintball markers shown inFIGS. 1aand8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Reference is made toFIG. 1a, which shows apaintball marker10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
• Thepaintball marker10 is used to firepaintballs12 during, for example, a paintball game. For simplicity and greater clarity of the Figures, several of the components of thepaintball marker10 that are involved in the firing ofpaintballs12 have not been shown in the Figures.
• Thepaintball marker10 includes abody14, abolt16, and anactuator18. Thebody14 defines achamber20 for holding apaintball12 to be fired. Thechamber20 has apaintball inlet22 through which paintballs12 are fed one at a time for firing. Apaintball tube24 may extend outwards from thebody14 for holding a plurality ofpaintballs12 to be fed into thechamber20. Thechamber20 may extend generally linearly and may have afront end26, which is open. Thechamber20 has a diameter that is sufficiently large that it does not hamper the movement of thepaintball12 therein.
• Abarrel28 may be mounted in thefront end26 in fluid communication with thechamber20. Thebarrel28 may have a diameter that is the same or optionally slightly smaller than the diameter of thepaintballs12. It will be appreciated that the barrel diameter is also smaller than the chamber diameter.
• Thebarrel28 has an inlet which is shown at29. Theinlet29 includes atransition portion29a(shown more clearly inFIG. 1b), which smoothly transitions from the diameter of thechamber20 to the diameter of thebarrel28.
• Thechamber20 has arear end30 in which there is anopening32. Thebolt16 is slideable within thechamber20 and connects to theactuator18 through theopening32. Thebolt16 is moveable by means of theactuator18, between a closed position, as shown inFIG. 1aand an open position, as shown inFIG. 1b. When thebolt16 is in the closed position, apaintball12 in thechamber20 is held in position between the forward end of thebolt16, which is shown at35, and theinlet29 of thebarrel28. Because of the snug fit of thepaintball12 in thebarrel28, the paintball is prevented from rolling out of thebarrel28 prior to firing of thepaintball marker10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1a, thepaintball12 is positioned only partially in thebarrel28 when thebolt16 is in the closed position. It is alternatively possible, however, to have an embodiment (not shown), wherein thebolt16 pushes thepaintball12 further into thebarrel28 prior to firing of themarker10.
• In addition to retaining thepaintball12 in place in thechamber20, thebolt16 also blocks thepaintball inlet22, and preventsother paintballs12 from entering thechamber20, when in the closed position shown inFIG. 1a. Anoutlet35ais provided in theforward end35 of thebolt16, for pressurized air. When thepaintball marker10 is fired, pressurized air exits through theoutlet35ato fire thepaintball12 through thebarrel28 and out of themarker10.
• Reference is made toFIG. 1b, which shows thepaintball marker10 in the bolt-open position. When thebolt16 is in the open position, thebolt16 does not block thepaintball inlet22, and thus permits the entry of apaintball12 into thechamber20. As shown inFIG. 1b, when in the open position, thebolt16 may extend outwards from thechamber20 through theopening32.
• When in the open position, thefront end35 of thebolt16 may be positioned generally aligned with the rearmost edge of thepaintball inlet22. Adetent34 extends into thechamber20 proximate the forwardmost edge of thepaintball inlet22. When thebolt16 is open, thedetent34 and thebolt16 cooperate to retain onepaintball12 in the chamber in a position to blockother paintballs12 from entering thechamber20.
• Thedetent34 is resilient so as to permit thebolt16 to push apaintball12 therepast during closure of thebolt16. Thedetent34 may be resilient by any suitable means, such as by being spring loaded.
• Thedetent34 is shaped so as not to rupture thepaintball12 as it moves therepast. For example thedetent34 may be spherical.
• Theactuator18 is used to move thebolt16 between the open and closed positions. Theactuator18 may be any suitable type of actuator. For example, theactuator18 may utilize gas pressure from a suitable gas source such as a pressurized air tank (not shown), to drive thebolt16 between the open and closed positions. The pressurized air tank (not shown) may contain an actuation gas, such as air, at several thousand psi, at least initially. A primary regulator (not shown) may be connected to the air tank to reduce the air pressure of the actuation air down to a pressure suitable for use in firing thepaintball marker10, eg. 150-350 psi. The primary regulator (not shown) may be a single stage regulator, or alternatively may be a dual stage regulator, essentially consisting of two regulators in series to reduce the air pressure in stages down to the firing pressure. Themarker10 includes anair conduit36 for transporting air from the primary regulator (not shown) through aninlet36a, to the firing mechanism (not shown) and to theactuator18.
• Theactuator18 includes apneumatic cylinder37, acontrol valve38, afirst actuator regulator40, and asecond actuator regulator42. Thepneumatic cylinder37 includes ahousing44 and apiston46. Movement of thepiston46 within thehousing44 is controlled by the entry and discharge of air in thehousing44 through afirst port48 and asecond port50. Arod52 extends from thepiston46 out from thepneumatic cylinder37 and through thebody14 of thepaintball marker10. Therod52 connects thepiston46 to aback plate53, to which thebolt16 is also connected. By virtue of the connection of thepiston46 to thebolt16 by means of therod52 and theback plate53, movement of thepiston46 in thehousing44 causes movement of thebolt16 in thechamber20.
• The first andsecond actuator regulators40 and42 are mounted in fluid communication with theair conduit36 to receive air from the primary regulator (not shown). More specifically, thepaintball marker10 may include a manifold54 that has aninternal air conduit55 therein that is in fluid communication with theair conduit36.
• The manifold54 has afirst port55afor connection to thefirst actuator regulator40 and asecond port55bfor connection to thesecond actuator regulator42. The manifold54 may optionally also include athird port55c, which may be used as desired, or which may be plugged when not in use.
• The manifold54 may be a separate component that mounts to thebody16 of thepaintball marker10, or alternatively, the manifold54 may be integral with thebody16. The manifold54 may include mounting means for the first andsecond actuator regulators40 and42, for thecontrol valve38 and for thepneumatic cylinder37, as shown inFIG. 1a. It is alternatively possible, however, for some or all of these components to mount to thebody16 instead of mounting onto the manifold54.
• Pressurized air travels from the air tank (not shown) through the primary regulator (not shown), where it is reduced to the firing pressure. From there the air travels through theair conduit36 in thebody16, and from theair conduit36, through theinternal air conduit55 in themanifold54. From theair conduit55, the air is distributed to the first andsecond actuator regulators40 and42.
• It is alternatively possible, however, for the primary regulator (not shown) to be connected directly into the manifold54 using theoptional port55c, instead of being connected to theair conduit inlet36aon thebody16. In that case, it will be appreciated that theinlet36aon thebody16 would require plugging.
• Theactuator regulators40 and42 reduce the pressure of the air received from the primary regulator (not shown), down to two different outlet pressures. Thefirst regulator40 may reduce the pressure of the air to between 50-100 psi, and thesecond regulator42 may reduce the pressure of the air to between 10-50 psi. The air pressures provided by theregulators40 and42 may be selected based on the specific characteristics of the components of thepaintball marker10. For example, if there is significant resistance in the movement of thebolt16 in thechamber20, theregulators40 and42 may be selected to provide air at higher pressures. Conversely, if for example, thebolt16 moves with little resistance in thechamber20 then accordingly, lower pressures may be selected for the first andsecond regulators40 and42.
• Thecontrol valve38 controls the movement of thepiston46 by controlling the flow of air from theregulators40 and42 to the first andsecond ports48 and50. Thecontrol valve38 includes afirst inlet port56, asecond inlet port58, afirst outlet port60 and asecond outlet port62. Thefirst inlet port56 is connected to the outlet of theregulator40 by means of afirst conduit64. Thefirst outlet port60 is connected to thefirst port48 of thepneumatic cylinder37 by means of asecond conduit68. Thesecond inlet port58 is connected to the outlet of theregulator42 by means of athird conduit66. Thesecond outlet port62 is connected to thesecond port50 of thepneumatic cylinder37 by means of afourth conduit70. Theconduits64,66,68 and70 may be flexible conduits, such as, for example, flexible plastic tubing. Alternatively, they may be rigid or semi-rigid conduits, such as, for example, stainless steel tubing.
• When it is desired to move thebolt16 from the closed position shown inFIG. 1ato the open position shown inFIG. 1b, thecontrol valve38 directs air from thefirst actuator regulator40 to thefirst port48 on thepneumatic cylinder37. The increase in pressure in thehousing44 in front of thepiston46 drives thepiston46 rearwardly. Because thebolt16 is connected to thepiston46 by means of theback plate53 and therod52, thebolt16 is also moved rearwardly as a result of the movement of thepiston46.
• When it is desired to move thebolt16 from the open position shown inFIG. 1bto the closed position shown in1a, thecontrol valve38 directs air from theregulator42 to thesecond port50 on thepneumatic cylinder37. The increase in air pressure in thehousing44 behind thepiston46 drives thepiston46, and in turn, thebolt16 forward to the closed position.
• Reference is made toFIG. 2. When thebolt16 is in the open position to permit the entry of apaintball12 into thechamber20, it is possible for a variety of reasons for thepaintball12 not to have fully entered thechamber20 when the bolt moves towards the closed position. In such an instance, thebolt16 can jam against the mis-fed paintball, pinning thepaintball12 in thepaintball inlet22. Because of the relatively low air pressure and corresponding relatively low force used to drive thepiston46 and thebolt16 forward, thebolt16 has a reduced likelihood of rupturing the mis-fedpaintball12 upon jamming there against.
• Reference is made toFIGS. 3aand3bwhich show thecontrol valve38 in more detail, and which illustrate its operation. Thecontrol valve38 includes ahousing72 and anactuator74. Theinlet ports56 and58 and theoutlet ports60 and62 may be positioned in a linear arrangement on thehousing72, and may be in the order shown in the Figures, whereby the first andsecond inlet ports56 and58 are positioned inside the first andsecond outlet ports60 and62. Thehousing72 defines aninternal passage76 with which all of theports56,58,60 and62 communicate. Thehousing72 has afirst end78. Theinternal passage76 has afirst vent80 in thefirst end78. Thehousing72 has asecond end82 in which there is positioned asecond vent84 for theinternal passage76.
• Theactuator74 is moveable within theinternal passage76 to direct the flow of air into and out of thecontrol valve38. Theactuator74 includes afirst seal86, asecond seal88, and athird seal90. When thecontrol valve38 is in a first control valve position, as shown inFIG. 3a, thefirst seal86 is positioned between thefirst inlet port56 and thefirst outlet port60, thereby preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, thefirst outlet port60 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent80. Because thefirst outlet port60 is also in fluid communication with the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing44 in front of thepiston46, this portion of thehousing44 is at substantially atmospheric pressure.
• In the first control valve position shown inFIG. 3a, the second andthird seals88 and90 are positioned to form a chamber with which thesecond inlet port58 and thesecond outlet port62 communicate. Thus, in this position, air from the outlet of thesecond regulator42 is transmitted to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing44 behind thepiston46. This, in turn, causes thepiston46 to move to its forwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 1a. This, in turn, causes thebolt16 to move to the closed position, as shown inFIG. 1a.
• Reference is made toFIG. 3b, which shows thecontrol valve38 in a second control valve position. In the second control valve position, theactuator74 is moved so that thethird seal90 is positioned between thesecond inlet port58 and thesecond outlet port62, thus preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, in the position shown inFIG. 3b, thesecond outlet port62 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent84, which in turn causes the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing44 behind thepiston46 to be at substantially atmospheric pressure.
• Furthermore, the first andsecond seals86 and88 cooperate to define a chamber around thefirst inlet port56 and thefirst outlet port60, permitting them to be in fluid communication with each other. Thus, in the position shown inFIG. 3bair from the outlet of thefirst regulator40 is transmitted to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing44 in front of thepiston46, which drives thepiston46 to its rearwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 1b.
• Referring toFIG. 1a, when it is desired to fire thepaintball marker10, atrigger92 that is positioned on thebody14, is pulled. Pulling of thetrigger92 causes pressurized air to be released through theoutlet35ain thebolt16, to fire the chamberedpaintball12 from thebarrel28. The linkage between thetrigger92 and the firing mechanism is not shown, and any suitable type of linkage may be used. The linkage may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic or any combination thereof.
• The firing mechanism itself is largely not shown, except for theoutlet35ain thebolt16. The firing mechanism itself is not limited to any particular configuration for the purposes of this invention.
• Thetrigger92 is operatively connected to theactuator18, and more specifically to the control valve actuator74 (FIGS. 3aand3b). The connection may be by any suitable means, such as, for example, a mechanical linkage (not shown), a pneumatic connection (not shown), an electrical connection (not shown), an electronic connection (not shown), or any combination thereof. Pulling of thetrigger92 causes firing of the chamberedpaintball12 as described above, and then causes movement of theactuator74 between the first control valve position (seeFIG. 3a) and the second control valve position (seeFIG. 3b). Theactuator74 may extend out of the housing72 (seeFIGS. 3aand3b) for operatively connecting to thetrigger92.
• Thepaintball marker10 shown in the embodiment inFIGS. 1aand1bis a “closed bolt” configuration, because thebolt16 remains in the closed position (shown inFIG. 1a) when thetrigger92 is at rest. It is alternatively possible, however, for a paintball marker within the scope of this invention to have an open-bolt configuration, whereby the bolt remains in the open position when the trigger is at rest. In that case, when the trigger is pulled, the bolt closes with a closing force that is sufficiently low so as to inhibit rupturing of the paintball. Once in the closed position, the paintball that has been chambered is held between the bolt and the barrel. At this point, pressurized air is released to fire the paintball from the barrel.
• Reference is made toFIG. 4a, which shows apaintball marker94 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Thepaintball marker94 may be similar to thepaintball marker10, except that thepaintball marker94 incorporates anactuator96 instead of the actuator18 (seeFIG. 1a).
• In similar fashion to the actuator18 (FIG. 1a), theactuator96 may utilize air pressure from a pressurized air tank (not shown), to drive abolt97 between open and closed positions (FIGS. 4band4arespectively). A primary regulator (not shown) may be connected to the air tank to reduce the air pressure from the air tank down to a pressure suitable for use in firing thepaintball marker94. The primary regulator (not shown) may be a single stage regulator, or alternatively may be a dual stage regulator, essentially consisting of two regulators in series to reduce the air pressure in two stages down to the firing pressure. Themarker94 includes anair conduit98 for transporting air from the primary regulator (not shown) through aninlet98a, to the firing mechanism (not shown) and to theactuator96.
• Theactuator96 includes apneumatic cylinder99, acontrol valve100 and anactuator regulator101. Thepneumatic cylinder99 includes ahousing102 and apiston104. Thehousing102 may be similar to the pneumatic cylinder housing44 (seeFIG. 1a), and may have afirst port106 proximate its front end and asecond port108 proximate its rear end. Thepiston104 is moveable within thehousing102 between a forwardmost position as shown inFIG. 4a, and a rearwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 4b.
• Thepiston104 has afront face110 and arear face112. Arod114 may be connected at a first end to therear face112 of thepiston104, and at a second end to aback plate116. Theback plate116 may, in turn, be connected to thebolt97. Therod114 may be a two stage rod, and may have afront portion120 and arear portion121. Thefront portion120 is connected to therear face112 of thepiston104, and extends out of the rearwardmost end of thepneumatic cylinder housing102. Thus, the pressure bearing surface area of therear face112 is smaller than the pressure bearing surface area of thefront face110, because of the surface area occupied on therear face112 by thefront portion120 of therod114. For example, if thefront portion120 of therod114 is generally cylindrical, the pressure bearing surface area on therear face112 will be an annulus having a surface area that is equal to the overall surface area of therear face112 minus the cross-sectional area of thefront portion120. It will be noted that, thefront portion120 of therod114 extends out of thehousing102, throughout the range of motion of thepiston104. This provides a constant pressure bearing surface area on therear face112 of thepiston104, that is smaller than that of thefront face110. The pressure bearing surface areas on the rear and the front faces112 and110 are discussed further below.
• Therear portion121 has been described as being smaller in diameter than thefront portion120. It is alternatively possible for a rod to be provided wherein the rear portion is the same diameter as the front portion (ie. whereby the entire rod is of a constant diameter, and is suited to occupy a selected portion of the surface area on therear face112 of the piston104). However, it is not necessary for the entire rod to be of a constant diameter.
• Theactuator regulator101 is mounted in fluid communication with theair conduit98 to receive air from the primary regulator (not shown). More specifically, thepaintball marker94 may include a manifold122 that has aninternal air conduit123 therein that is in fluid communication with theair conduit98.
• The manifold122 has afirst port123afor connection to theactuator regulator101. The manifold122 may optionally also include asecond port123b, which may be used as desired, or which may be plugged when not in use. It is alternatively possible for the primary regulator (not shown) to be connected directly into the manifold122 using theoptional port123b, instead of being connected to theair conduit inlet98a. In that case, it will be appreciated that theinlet98awould require plugging.
• Thecontrol valve100 controls the movement of thepiston104 by controlling the flow of air from theregulator101 to the first andsecond ports106 and108 on thepneumatic cylinder99. Thecontrol valve100 has asingle inlet port124, afirst outlet port126 and asecond outlet port128. Theinlet port124 is connected to theregulator101 by means of afirst conduit130. Thefirst outlet port126 is connected to thefirst port106 on thepneumatic cylinder99 by means of asecond conduit132. Thesecond outlet port128 is connected to thesecond port108 on thepneumatic cylinder99 by means of athird conduit134.
• Reference is made toFIGS. 5aand5bwhich show thecontrol valve100 in more detail, and which illustrate its operation. Thecontrol valve100 includes ahousing136 and anactuator138. Thehousing136 defines aninternal passage140 therethrough. Theinlet port124 and the first andsecond outlet ports126 and128 each communicate with theinternal passage140 and are arranged in a linear orientation on thehousing136, with theinlet port124 positioned between the twooutlet ports126 and128. Thehousing136 has afirst end142 in which is positioned afirst vent144. Thehousing136 has asecond end146 in which is positioned asecond vent148. Theactuator138 includes afirst seal150 and asecond seal152. In a first control valve position, which is shown inFIG. 5a, thefirst seal150 is positioned between theinlet port124 and thefirst outlet port126, so that fluid communication between these two ports is prevented. Furthermore, thefirst outlet port126 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent144, which causes the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing102 in front of thepiston104 to be at substantially atmospheric pressure (seeFIG. 4a). The first andsecond seals150 and152 cooperate to define a chamber around theinlet port124 and thesecond outlet port128. In doing so, thecontrol valve100 transmits air from theregulator101 to the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing102 behind thepiston104, which drives thepiston104 to its forwardmost position, as shown inFIG. 4a.
• Reference is made toFIG. 5b, which shows thecontrol valve100 in a second control valve position. In this position, thesecond seal152 is positioned between theinlet port124 and thesecond outlet port128, preventing them from communicating with each other. Furthermore, thesecond outlet port128 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent148, and consequently the portion of thepneumatic cylinder housing102 behind thepiston104 is at substantially atmospheric pressure (seeFIG. 4b). Furthermore, the first andsecond seals150 and152 cooperate to define a chamber around theinlet port124 and thefirst outlet port126, so that air is transmitted from theactuator regulator101 to the portion of the pneumatic cylinder housing in front of the piston104 (seeFIG. 4b).
• The movement of theactuator138 between the first and second control valve positions may be initiated by moving atrigger154 which may be connected to theactuator138 by any suitable means (not shown). The connection means may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, or any combination thereof.
• It will be noted that in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4aand4b, the same air pressure is used to actuate thepiston104 in both directions, i.e. towards its forwardmost position and towards its rearwardmost position. However, because the pressure bearing surface area of therear face112 of thepiston104 is smaller than that of thefront face110, the force with which thepiston104 is driven towards its forwardmost position is smaller than the force with which thepiston104 is driven towards its rearwardmost position. The pressure bearing surface area on therear face112 may be selected so that the force with which thebolt97 is moved towards the closed position is low enough to inhibit the rupturing of apaintball12 in the event of a paintball mis-feed.
• Reference is made toFIGS. 6 and 7. A kit ofparts156 is shown inFIG. 6, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The kit ofparts156 can be retrofitted to apaintball marker158 of the prior art, as shown inFIG. 7, to provide thepaintball marker158 with a reduced tendency for rupturing paintballs during bolt closure. The kit ofparts156 includes acontrol valve160, aregulator162, aconduit163 and amanifold164.
• Thecontrol valve160 may be similar to thecontrol valve38 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1a. Thecontrol valve160 includes afirst inlet port166, asecond inlet port168, afirst outlet port170 and asecond outlet port171.
• Theregulator162 may be similar to theregulator42 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1a. Theregulator162 may be configured to produce an outlet pressure of approximately 10-50 psi.
• The manifold164 may be similar to the manifold54 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1a. The manifold164 has anair conduit165 therein, and has afirst port165aand asecond port165bin communication with theair conduit165. The manifold164 may also have athird port165cin communication with theair conduit165.
• Referring toFIG. 7, thepaintball marker158 of the prior art includes abody172 that defines achamber174 for holding apaintball12 to be fired. Abolt176 is slideable within thechamber174, between a closed position, as shown inFIG. 7, and an open position (not shown).
• Apneumatic cylinder178 is operatively connected thebolt176 for moving thebolt176 between the open and closed positions. Thepneumatic cylinder178 includes ahousing180 and apiston182. Thehousing180 has afirst port184 and asecond port186.
• Acontrol valve188 is used to control the movement of thepiston182 in thepneumatic cylinder178. Thecontrol valve188 may be similar to thecontrol valve100 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4a, and includes aninlet port190, afirst outlet port192 and asecond outlet port194. Theinlet port190 is connected to the outlet of apressure regulator196 by means of afirst conduit198. Thefirst outlet port192 is connected to thefirst port184 on thepneumatic cylinder178 by means of asecond conduit200. Thesecond outlet port194 is connected to thesecond port186 on thepneumatic cylinder178 by means of athird conduit202.
• Thecontrol valve188 is used to direct air from theregulator196 to either of the twoports184 and186 on thepneumatic cylinder178. Thus, the same air pressure is used to drive thepiston182 in both directions, i.e., towards its forwardmost position, and towards its rearwardmost position. The pressure bearing surface area of thepiston182 is substantially the same on both its front face and its rear face, and as a result, the force exerted on thepiston182 by the air is substantially the same in both directions.
• Thepaintball marker158 may be connectable to a pressurized air tank (not shown) and a primary regulator (not shown) through anair conduit204 which has aninlet204a, and in turn, through a manifold206, which has anair conduit208 that is in communication with theair conduit204. The manifold206 has afirst port208a, which communicates pressurized air from the primary regulator (not shown) to theactuator regulator196. The manifold206 may have asecond port208b, which is typically plugged. The manifold206 may be removable from thebody172 of themarker158.
• In order to prepare thepaintball marker158 for retrofit with the kit ofparts156, thecontrol valve188 is removed from thepaintball marker158. The manifold196 may be removed from thepaintball marker158. Theconduits198,200, and202 are not required to be removed from theregulator196 and thepneumatic cylinder178, respectively.
• The manifold164 may be mounted to thebody172 so that themanifold air conduit165 is in fluid communication with theair conduit204. The control valve160 (FIG. 6) may be attached to the manifold164, or alternatively to thebody172. Theregulators196 and162 and thepneumatic cylinder178 may be mounted to themanifold164. Alternatively, some or all of these components may be mounted to thebody172. However, theregulators196 and162 are to be mounted in any case so that they are each in fluid communication with theair conduit165, eg. through theports165aand165b.
• Reference is made toFIG. 8, which shows apaintball marker210, which is thepaintball marker158 ofFIG. 7 retrofitted with the kit ofparts156 ofFIG. 6. Theconduit198 leading from theregulator196 may be connected to thefirst inlet port166. Theconduit200 leading from thefirst port184 on thepneumatic cylinder178 may be connected to thefirst outlet port170. Theconduit202 leading from thesecond port186 on thepneumatic cylinder178 may be connected to thesecond outlet port171. The outlet of theregulator162 may be connected to thesecond inlet port168 on thecontrol valve160 by means of theconduit163. Once the above steps are completed, thepaintball marker158 of the prior art (FIG. 7) has been converted into thepaintball marker210. Thecontrol valve160 controls the actuation of thepneumatic cylinder178, instead of the control valve188 (FIG. 7). Similarly to thecontrol valve38 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1a, thecontrol valve160 directs air from theregulator162 to drive thepiston182 towards its forwardmost position, and directs air from theregulator196 to drive thepiston182 towards its rearwardmost position. Because theregulator162 provides air at a lower pressure than theregulator196, the force with which thebolt176 closes is less than the force with which thebolt176 opens. The pressure of the air provided by theregulator162 may be selected to inhibit rupturing ofpaintballs12 in the event that thebolt176 jams against apaintball12 during bolt closure.
• Optionally, the kit ofparts156 ofFIG. 6 may be provided with enough conduit to replace theconduits198,200 and202. Theconduits198,200 and202 may require replacement if they are damaged during disconnection from thecontrol valve188 and from theregulator196. The conduit provided with the kit ofparts156 may be cut into separate lengths configured to replace theconduits198,200 and202, as well as a length for theconduit163. Alternatively, the conduit provided with the kit ofparts156 may be a single length of conduit that the user can cut as desired to provide theconduit163 and to replace whichever of theconduits198,200 and202 require replacement, if any. As another option, the kit ofparts156 ofFIG. 6 may lack any conduits, with the expectation that any conduits that are required may be supplied by the user who acquires the kit ofparts156 for retrofit it to themarker158.
• In the case where the existing manifold206 (FIG. 7) on thepaintball marker158 of the prior art, includes thesecond port208b(FIG. 7), the manifold164 (FIG. 6) is not required to be included in the kit of parts156 (FIG. 6). This is because the second regulator162 (FIG. 6) may be connected into theport208b(FIG. 6) on the existing manifold206 (FIG. 6). In this case, it is not important whether the existing manifold206 (FIG. 6) is a separate piece that is removable from the paintball marker158 (FIG. 7) or is integral with the body172 (FIG. 7) of the marker158 (FIG. 6).
• Furthermore, the second regulator162 (FIG. 8) has been described as being connected to asecond port165b(FIG. 8) or208b(FIG. 7) that is provided on the manifold164 (FIG. 8) or206 (FIG. 7), so that the second regulator162 (FIG. 8) is in fluid communication with the pressurized air from the primary regulator (not shown). It is not important how the second regulator162 (FIG. 8) is made to be in communication with the pressurized air. It may be by any means. For example, in cases (not shown) where the second manifold, t does not include a second port, it is possible that the user may be instructed to machine a second port into the manifold for receiving the second regulator162 (FIG. 8). Thus, in this instance, the new manifold164 (FIG. 6) may be omitted from the kit of parts156 (FIG. 6).
• Referring toFIG. 6, theregulator162 has been described as being included as part of the kit ofparts156. It is alternatively possible for the kit ofparts156 to not have a regulator for providing air at a second pressure. Instead, the user may be instructed to provide an equivalent to theregulator162, and to connect it to themarker158 to provide air at the second pressure, eg. 10-50 psi.
• Reference is made toFIG. 9, which shows a combinedunit212, having therein apneumatic cylinder214 and acontrol valve216. The combined cylinder/valve unit212 may be used to replace thepneumatic cylinder37 and thecontrol valve38 in the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 1a. Furthermore, it is possible that the combined cylinder/valve unit212 may be included as part of the kit ofparts156 shown inFIG. 6, instead of thecontrol valve160. Referring toFIG. 7, thepneumatic cylinder178 and thecontrol valve188 would, in this case, be removed from thepaintball marker158 and replaced by the combinedunit212. The connection means between the trigger and thecontrol valve216 may, in this case, require some reconfiguring due to the new positioning of thecontrol valve216, relative to the position of theoriginal control valve188.
• The combinedunit212 has abody218. Thebody218 has afirst portion220 that serves as a cylinder housing, and asecond portion222 that serves as a control valve housing. Afirst port224 and asecond port226 permit fluid communication between thecylinder housing220 and thecontrol valve housing222. The first andsecond ports224 and226 serve as first and second outlet ports from thecontrol valve216, and also serve as first and second inlet ports for thecylinder214.
• Apiston228 is positioned in thecylinder housing220. Thepiston228 is moveable in thecylinder housing220 between the first andsecond ports224 and226, based on the entry and discharge of pressurized air through the first andsecond ports224 and226. Arod230 extends from the piston and may be connected directly or indirectly to a back plate on a paintball marker of the present invention.
• Thecontrol valve housing222 has afirst end232 in which there is afirst vent234, and asecond end236 in which there is asecond vent238. The first andsecond vents234 and238 permit pressurized air in thecylinder214 to discharge as required during movement of thepiston228.
• Thecontrol valve housing222 has afirst inlet port240 and asecond inlet port242. Theinlet ports240 and242 are positioned generally centrally, and may be circumferentially opposed to the first andsecond outlet ports224 and226, to facilitate connection to other components, such as conduits for pressurized air.
• Anactuator244, which may be similar to theactuator74, is positioned in thecontrol valve housing222. Theactuator244 is moveable within thecontrol valve housing222 to permit fluid communication between either the first inlet andoutlet ports240 and224, or between the second inlet andoutlet ports242 and226. If the first inlet andoutlet ports240 and224 are permitted to communicate, eg. in the control valve position shown inFIG. 9, thesecond outlet port226 is in fluid communication with thesecond vent238. If the second inlet andoutlet ports242 and226 are permitted to communicate (not shown), thefirst outlet port224 is in fluid communication with thefirst vent234. In this way, when the portion of thecylinder housing220 behind thepiston228 is being charged with pressurized air, the portion of thecylinder housing220 in front of thepiston228 is venting pressurized air, and vice versa.
• It has been described that the combined cylinder/control valve unit212 could be provided with the paintball marker10 (FIG. 1a) and the kit of parts156 (FIG. 6). It is alternatively possible to have a similar combined cylinder/control valve unit (not shown) that would be an analogous combination of thepneumatic cylinder99 and the control valve100 (FIG. 4a). In that instance, the cylinder would include first and second ports which would communicate with the control valve, however, the control valve would include a single inlet port, since the unit would not require inlet air at two different pressures to operate.
• In all of the embodiments described above, particular examples of control valve have been provided. It will be noted that any suitable type of control valve may be used instead of those described above.
• In all of the embodiments described above, the opening force with which the bolt is moved towards its open position is greater than the closing force with which the bolt is moved towards its closed position. This is because there is no risk of pinning and rupturing a paintball as the bolt moves towards its open position. It is alternatively possible, however, for the bolt to move towards its open position with the same degree of force as it uses to move towards its closed position. It is, however, quicker for the bolt to move to the open position using a greater force than that which is used to move the bolt to its closed position.
• In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1aand8, themarkers10 and210 have two regulators, one of which provides a higher pressure for opening the bolt, and one of which provides a lower pressure for closing the bolt. It is alternatively possible for themarkers10 and210 to have a single regulator (not shown) that has two outputs, one output at a higher pressure and one output at a lower pressure, to replace the two separate regulators included in themarkers10 and210.
• In each of the embodiments described above, the outputs of the control valves have been shown to be connected to the ports on the pneumatic cylinder in a certain way. It is alternatively possible for the connections between the ports on the control valve and the ports on the pneumatic cylinder to be reversed, so that the control valve actuator would move forward to effect forward movement of the piston, and the control valve actuator would move rearward to effect rearward movement of the piston. Such a configuration may be used, depending on the mechanism connecting the trigger to the control valve.
• Reference has been made throughout this description to an air tank and to using air to operate the actuators in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that any suitable gas may be used instead of air, to operate the actuators of the embodiments described herein.
• While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

Claims (6)

1. A paintball marker comprising:

a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;

a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;

a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel, wherein the firing mechanism is pneumatically controllable by means of gas at a first pressure;

a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;

a first actuator regulator, wherein the first actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at the first pressure, and wherein the first actuator regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for pneumatic control of the firing mechanism; and

a second actuator regulator, wherein the second actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure, and wherein the second actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position.

2. A paintball marker as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the second pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.

3. A paintball marker comprising:

a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;

a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;

a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel, wherein the firing mechanism is pneumatically controllable by means of gas at a first pressure;

a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;

a first actuator regulator, wherein the first actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at the first pressure, and wherein the first actuator regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for pneumatic control of the firing mechanism; and

a second actuator regulator, wherein the second actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure, and wherein the second actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position, and wherein the second pressure is selected to be sufficiently low to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position.

4. A paintball marker as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the second pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.

5. A paintball marker comprising:

a body, the body defining a breech, the breech having a paintball inlet, the body defining a barrel for holding a paintball;

a bolt, wherein the bolt is slideable within the breech between a bolt open position wherein the bolt permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and a bolt closed position wherein the bolt prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet and wherein the bolt urges the paintball to the barrel;

a firing mechanism for controlling the flow of gas at a firing pressure to the barrel,

a trigger, wherein the trigger is operatively connected to the firing mechanism;

a firing pressure regulator, wherein the firing pressure regulator is connected to the firing mechanism for providing gas at the firing pressure;

an actuator regulator, wherein the actuator regulator is configurable to provide gas at a selected pressure, and wherein the actuator regulator is operatively connected to the bolt for movement of the bolt towards the bolt closed position, and wherein the selected pressure is selected to be sufficiently low to inhibit rupturing of a paintball if, during use, the paintball is confined by the bolt during movement of the bolt towards the closed position, and wherein the actuator regulator is unconnected to the firing mechanism.

6. A paintball marker as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the selected pressure is between approximately 10 and 50 psi.

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