Paintball gun with power assisted trigger

Abstract

A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism is described. The paintball gun includes a body portion defining a launching chamber, a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas into the launching chamber, a valve in the pneumatic circuit for controlling the release of propellant, a rotating motor coupled to the valve, a trigger sensor responsive to movement of the trigger, an electric power source, an electric circuit connecting the power source to the motor and a switch operably connected to the trigger sensor for controllably opening and closing the electric circuit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to s paintball marking gun having a power assisted trigger. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Paintball marking guns are used in a variety of targeting and simulated battle games (e.g. capture the flag). These guns launch a ball of paint with a frangible shell that is designed to hold the ball shape until striking an object after firing. Upon striking the object, the ball is set to break open leaving a paint spot. [0003] Paint-ball guns typically employ a firing system powered by compressed gas such as air. Compressed gas is supplied from a supply tank which is mounted to or carried with the gun. The gun systems are equipped with pressure regulators which receive gas from the tank at a relatively high pressure and deliver gas at a reduced, more consistent pressure for propelling the paintball. [0004] Such paintball guns are available with either manual or power-assisted trigger mechanisms to control the release of compressed gas....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] An embodiment of the invention is a grip subassembly suitable for use with new gun body designs or retrofitting to conventional gun designs having a propellant valve or equivalent flow control mechanism. The grip subassembly includes a frame adapted for mounting to the gun body, a trigger movably secured to the frame, a trigger sensor positioned to detect a pull of the trigger, a rotating motor adapted to be coupled to the valve (or valve equivalent mechanism), a power source connection adapted to connect a power source, an electric circuit for connecting the power source connection to the motor, a switch in the electric circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.

Problems solved by technology

The mechanical striking action of the hammer is undesirable because it tends to jolt or otherwise destabilize the paintball gun when firing rapidly.

A serious drawback of solenoid based trigger systems in this regard is limited driving force.

Solenoids powered with small batteries are not capable of efficiently actuating valve pins at such high pressures.

This lower pressure operation is less efficient in that additional compressed gas is required for each paint ball launch cycle.

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