Mechanical guns and projectors – Fluid pressure – With control for discharge of fluid pressure
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-01
2003-11-11
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Mechanical guns and projectors
Fluid pressure
With control for discharge of fluid pressure
C124S073000, C124S075000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644295
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to paintball guns (or “markers”). More specifically, this invention relates to pneumatic paintball guns.
Many pneumatic paintball guns, particularly those fired under electrical control, include large gun bodies. For instance, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,881,707; 5,967,133; and 6,035,843, the preferred embodiments include several chambers formed in different areas of the gun body. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,878,736 and 6,003,504 similarly disclose electronically-operated paintball guns having several chambers formed in various areas of the bodies thereof.
Unfortunately, with many separately formed chambers, typical paintball guns can be bulky and heavy. In the sport of paintball, it is generally desirable to have a gun that is as light and maneuverable as possible. Players need increased mobility to move from bunker to bunker quickly to avoid being hit. Furthermore, in the sport of paintball, the marker is treated as an extension of the body such that a hit to the marker counts as a hit to the player. It is also desirable, therefore, to have a paintball gun with as small a profile as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide an in-line pneumatic assembly capable of providing the primary operating components of a paintball gun in a single chamber of the paintball gun.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a paintball gun that is smaller and lighter than conventional markers.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a paintball gun that has a smaller profile than conventional paintball guns.
Still another aspect of this invention is to enable a paintball gun having reduced size and weight that fires from a closed-bolt position.
According to one aspect of this invention, an in-line pneumatic assembly includes a gas storage area, a valve, and a bolt. The gas storage area receives compressed gas from a regulated gas supply through a port in the valve. The valve includes two surfaces of different cross-sectional areas. A first surface, having a smaller cross-sectional area, receives a substantially constant supply of compressed gas. A second surface, having a larger cross-sectional area, selectively receives compressed gas to actuate the valve. The bolt is configured to slide back and forth between a forward and a rearward position. The bolt is preferably arranged in a forward (closed) position before the valve is actuated to fire the gun. When the valve is actuated, compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area is directed through the bolt and a paintball is launched from the gun.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a paintball gun includes a body having a breech. An in-line assembly includes a compressed gas storage area, a valve, and a bolt. The valve is preferably configured to close using a force differential between opposing surfaces of the valve and open when pressures on both valve surfaces are equal. The bolt is preferably configured to move to a closed position in the breech before the valve is actuated. The paintball gun also preferably includes a control valve configured to control actuation of the valve in response to a trigger pull.
Other benefits are achieved by having an electro-pneumatic gun. The control valve, for instance, can be an electro-pneumatic valve operated based on electronic signals from a circuit board. The circuit board can be configured to initiate a firing sequence based on a trigger pull. Still further benefits are achieved by having a closed-bolt gun that seats the paintball within the breech before releasing the compressed gas to launch the paintball.
Various other embodiments and configurations are also possible without departing from the principles of the invention disclosed with reference to the foregoing aspects and embodiments. This invention is not limited to any particular embodiment.
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Matrix-Main Body Assembly & Parts Listing at http://www.directpaintball.com/pics/diablomatrix/matrixparts.gif. 3 pages.
Techno Paintball—information reviews articles forum auction and chat at http://www.technopaintball.com/matrixreview.htm 2pages.
Jordan Charles T.
Marger & Johnson & McCollom, P.C.
Smart Parts, Inc.
Zerr John W.
LandOfFree
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