Improved Loading Mechanism Insecticidal Gun

Abstract

An insecticidal gun includes a compressed gas source fluidly connected to a chamber connected to a barrel. A compressed gas release mechanism is connected to the compressed gas source. A projectile storage magazine stores pellet projectiles and is adjacent to the chamber. A projectile loading mechanism moves projectiles from the magazine into the chamber. A firing mechanism is mechanically connected to the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, and the projectile loading mechanism. When the gun is cocked, the projectile loading mechanism loads a quantity of pellet projectiles into the chamber. When the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated, the projectiles are ejected from the chamber into the barrel and discharged from the barrel. The gun optionally includes a laser aiming mechanism. A battery-operated laser aiming system is movably attached to the barrel or pneumatically attached to an integral trigger-operated switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to weaponry and insect control, and more particularly to a long-range insect killing device that does not use toxic chemicals. Background Art

[0002] Numerous methods and devices have been developed for dealing with pests. Since flying insects are often very conspicuous, sometimes noisy and usually have the ability to bite or sting, many people are particularly interested in dealing with flying insects. Traditional means of killing flying insects include devices such as fly swatters and their equivalents or chemical sprays. The former requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity to be effective and the latter leaves potentially harmful chemical residues in the area of use. The present invention addresses these problems and also provides entertainment for those tasked with pest removal in the form of a gun designed to shoot flying insects. Other devices developed for removing insects in a related manner include the following inventions.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 1,611,533 to Kirsten relates to an insect shooting device in which a spring-loaded pistol-like device is used to dispense projectiles or material beads to exterminate various household insects such as flies. The device takes the form of a gun or pistol having a piston that is operated by a linkage mechanism and released by a trigger under spring actuation. The movement of the piston in the forward direction ultimately results in the release of a projectile holding nozzle from the tapered end of the barrel. The projectile holding nozzle contains a liquid that can exterminate an insect such as a fly when the liquid is dispersed on it.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,653,433 to Comparetti relates to a flea exterminator that takes the form of a pistol and releases a powder material when activated by a trigger mechanism to control insects such as fleas that are typically found on furry animals. The flea exterminator takes the form of a pistol having a pistol grip that has a trigger operated by a user's finger. When the trigger is operated, a powder sample is released from a powder chamber through a barrel portion through an opening and dispensed onto the animal.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 3,791,303 to Sweeny et al. relates to deterrent ammunition that takes the form of a liquid-filled hollow sphere. The projectile assembly is launched from an oversized tubular barrel extension at the end of a shotgun. The projectile assembly contains deterrent ammunition that can control flies or other insects once it ruptures.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application No. 2006 / 0283433, published to Gerardo, relates to a launching device using pressurized air. The device includes a gun-like device, an air chamber having a trigger with a valve located inside a connector that connects the air chamber to a barrel. The air chamber can be filled with compressed air and after loading the gun with an object to be launched from the barrel, the operator then opens the valve to let the air pressure out of the chamber, thereby releasing air from the chamber when the trigger is operated and the projectile is released from the barrel.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 7,207,497, granted to Clark, relates to a dry sheet sprayer and a method for spraying dry sheets using a pressurized gas source. The sheet spraying device includes a spraying module and a gun module, where the spraying module includes a housing having a gas flow conduit and a sheet conduit. When the trigger is operated, a dry sheet supply is placed in the housing and connected to the gun. Gas flows from a control valve through a nozzle, which disperses the sheets through the conduit.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8,251,051, granted to Maggiore, relates to an insecticidal gun that includes a compressed gas source fluidly connected to a chamber connected to a barrel. A compressed gas release mechanism is connected to the compressed gas source. A projectile storage magazine stores pellet projectiles and is located near the chamber. A projectile loading mechanism moves projectiles from the magazine to the chamber. A firing mechanism is mechanically connected to the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, and the projectile loading mechanism. A stock houses and supports the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, the barrel, the chamber, the projectile storage magazine, the firing mechanism, and the projectile loading mechanism. When the trigger of the gun is pulled, the projectile loading mechanism loads a predetermined number of pellet projectiles into the chamber. When the compressed gas release mechanism is activated, the projectiles are ejected from the chamber into the barrel and discharged from the gun.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a flying insect killing device. A further object is to provide such a device that uses non-toxic means to kill insects. Another object of the present invention is to provide an insecticidal device incorporating positive safety features. Another object is to provide such a device that is fun to use and has low operating costs. Another object is to provide an efficient insecticidal device in a compact form. Another object is to provide an insecticidal device that can fire rapidly and repeatedly while still maintaining the necessary safety features. Another object is to provide an insecticidal device incorporating a mechanically driven positive feed device for loading pellet projectiles into the chamber of the gun. Finally, the object of the present invention is to provide a durable, inexpensive, and user-friendly insecticidal device.

[0010] Although some of the objects of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the identified requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention solves all the deficiencies of the prior art insecticidal gun inventions and meets all of the above objectives.

[0012] (1) An insecticidal gun providing the desired features may be composed of the following components. A source of compressed gas is provided. A chamber is provided. The chamber is fluidly connected to the source of compressed gas. A barrel is provided. The barrel is located at the distal end of the chamber. A compressed gas release mechanism is provided. The release mechanism is connected to the source of compressed gas. A pellet storage magazine is provided. The magazine stores pellet projectiles and is adjacent to the chamber.

[0013] A pellet loading mechanism is provided. The loading mechanism moves pellet projectiles from the magazine to the chamber using a bidirectional cam-operated pivotally mounted follower rod. A firing mechanism having a main rod is provided. The firing mechanism is mechanically connected to the source of compressed gas, the compressed gas release mechanism, and the pellet loading mechanism. A stock is provided. The stock houses and supports the source of compressed gas, the compressed gas release mechanism, the barrel, the chamber, the pellet storage magazine, the firing mechanism, and the pellet loading mechanism. When the gun is cocked using the firing mechanism, the pellet loading mechanism collects a predetermined amount of pellet projectiles and positions the projectiles in the chamber. When the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated, the projectile is ejected from the chamber into the barrel and discharged from the gun.

[0014] (2) In one variant of the present invention, the source of compressed gas is selected from the group including pre-filled CO 2 cylinders, refillable compressed gas cylinders, pneumatic pumping gas reservoirs, spring-activated compressed gas systems, and external compressed gas lines.

[0015] (3) In another variant, the spring-activated compressed gas system further includes a cylinder. The cylinder has a front end and a rear end and is fluidly connected to the chamber at the front end. A piston is provided. The piston is sealingly fitted in the cylinder and is located therein. A first compression spring is provided. The first compression spring urges the piston towards the front end of the cylinder. A spring compression mechanism is provided. The compression mechanism urges the piston towards the rear end of the cylinder and compresses the first compression spring. A latch mechanism is provided. The latch mechanism releasably holds the piston adjacent to the rear end of the cylinder and holds the first compression spring in a compressed state. The user operates the firing mechanism, the spring compression mechanism is operated, the piston is urged towards the rear end of the cylinder, the spring is compressed, and the spring and piston are held by the latch mechanism until released. The release of the latch mechanism allows the piston to rapidly move towards the front end of the cylinder, thereby providing a burst of compressed gas in the cylinder and to the connected chamber.

[0016] (4) In yet another variant, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes a trigger. The trigger is rotatably mounted to the stock and is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring. The trigger return spring is constrained by a first channel in the stock. The trigger has an upper projection. The upper projection engages an internal safety pivot. The safety pivot prevents release of the latch mechanism until the operation of the cocking mechanism is complete. The trigger has a lift ramp located behind the upper projection. When the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction, the lift ramp pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a second compression spring that urges downward.

[0017] The release bracket is pivotally mounted to the stock and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm located within a notch in the stock. The release bracket has a downward facing rib. The rib releasably engages an upward facing control notch in the main rod. The main rod is attached to the piston and has an upwardly inclined ramp at the rear end portion located behind the control notch. The ramp guides the rib into the control notch. During the operation of the cocking mechanism, the main rod moves rearwardly within a second channel in the stock. When the rib engages the control notch, the release bracket holds the main rod in a first cocked position. When the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction to lift the release bracket and raise the rib out of the control notch, the release bracket releases the main rod to a second firing position, thereby allowing the main rod and the piston to move forward when urged by a first compression spring, thereby pressurizing the cylinder.

[0018] (5) In yet another variant, the projectile storage magazine includes a cylindrical chamber. The cylindrical chamber has a first side projectile loading slot and a second side projectile loading slot. The loading slots extend from the upper edge of the cylindrical chamber to the base of the cylindrical chamber. The cylindrical chamber has a circular opening at the lower end portion. The lower end portion is sealably fitted to the upper end portion of a vertically oriented circular opening passing through the chamber. A rectangular projectile feed tray is provided. The feed tray surrounds the cylindrical chamber and provides additional space for particulate projectiles outside the cylindrical chamber.

[0019] A hinged attached seal cover is provided. The seal cover has a first semi-circular ridge and a second semi-circular ridge on the lower side of the cover. The ridges are designed to surround the upper edge of the cylindrical chamber adjacent to the first and second side projectile loading slots. The seal cover has a peripheral channel on the lower side. The peripheral channel is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to seal the rectangular projectile feed tray when the seal cover is moved to the closed position. A cover latch mechanism is provided. The cover latch mechanism is opposite the hinge for the seal cover.

[0020] (6) In another variant, the lower end portion of the cylindrical chamber is sealably fitted to the upper end portion of a vertically oriented circular opening passing through the chamber using a sealing washer.

[0021] (7) In yet another variant, the projectile loading mechanism includes a metering rod. The metering rod is sized and shaped to sealingly fit through a vertically oriented circular opening through the chamber and has an orthogonal activation rod extending from the lower end of the metering rod and a through-hole located above the activation rod. The through-hole is orthogonal to the rod and the metering rod and is sized and positioned to align with the chamber when the rod is positioned against a stop surface. The activation rod is pushed upward against the lower end of the vertically oriented circular opening in the chamber by the front end of a pivotally mounted secondary rod.

[0022] The rear end of the secondary rod is pushed downward by an orthogonal mounting cylindrical pin adjacent to the rear end. The pin is pushed downward as it travels in its path in the cam plate, which is fixed to the main rod and moves rearward as the main rod moves rearward during the operation of the firing mechanism. When above the chamber in the cylindrical chamber during the operation of the firing mechanism, the through-hole is filled with particulate projectiles. The activation rod is pushed downward by the pivotally mounted secondary rod against the stop surface during the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism.

[0023] (8) In yet another variant, the projectile loading mechanism further includes an intermediate chamber tube. The tube extends downward from the lower end of the cylindrical chamber. A trajectory guide is provided. The guide is located below the cylindrical chamber; has a hollow orifice sized to slidably fit around the tube; and has a vertical slot extending downward a first predetermined distance from the lower end and terminating in a stop surface. The trajectory guide is located around the tube and provides a support platform for attaching a projectile storage magazine. The metering rod is cylindrical and sized to slidably fit within the tube. The metering rod has an orthogonal activation rod extending from its lower end and a through-hole located above the activation rod. The through-hole is orthogonal to the activation rod and the metering rod and is sized and positioned to align with the chamber when the rod is positioned against the stop surface. The secondary rod is pivotally mounted to a cover of the compressed gas source. The front end of the secondary rod includes a metering groove.

[0024] The metering groove surrounds the activation rod. During the operation of the firing mechanism, the rear end of the secondary rod is pushed downward by the cylindrical pin and the cam plate to move the metering rod upward into the projectile storage magazine. As the metering rod moves in the projectile storage magazine surrounded by particulate projectiles, the particulate projectiles fill the through-hole of the metering rod. During the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism, the rear end of the secondary rod is pushed upward by the cylindrical pin and the cam plate, and the metering groove causes the activation rod to move downward, thereby aligning the through-hole with the chamber, allowing the compressed gas source to drive the particulate projectiles out of the chamber and through the barrel.

[0025] (9) In another variant of the present invention, the spring compression mechanism further includes a main rack. The rack is slidably located in a rack channel in the buttstock, has gear teeth on the upper surface, and has a mounting fixture adjacent to the front end for attaching the sliding handle. A drive gear is provided. The drive gear is rotatably mounted to the cocking slide. The cocking slide is slidably movable within the main rack. A secondary rack is provided. The secondary rack is attached below the piston and is located above the drive gear. The main rack engages the drive gear and the drive gear engages the secondary rack. The backward movement of the sliding handle moves the main rack backward, rotates the drive gear, and moves the cocking slide backward, thereby abutting against the cocking wing on the main rod and moving the piston backward, thereby compressing the first compression spring.

[0026] (10) In yet another variant, a spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block is provided. The locking block is pivotally mounted to the underside of the cover of the compressed gas source and has a pivot ramp on the first side edge, a retaining notch in front of the pivot ramp, and a stepped inclined cam located orthogonally above the pivot ramp. The pivot ramp slidably engages the rear surface of the vertical locking tab. The locking tab is fixed to the side rail of the cocking mechanism. The retaining notch moves to prevent the backward movement of the locking tab when the notch moves past the tab during the forward movement of the cocking mechanism, thereby preventing a second actuation of the cocking mechanism. A cam activation rod is provided. The activation rod is fixed to the secondary rod, adjacent to the front end, and is located at the rear of the metering groove. The cam activation rod bears on the stepped inclined cam during the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism and causes the locking block to pivot inward, thereby disengaging the retaining notch from the rear surface of the locking tab, thereby allowing the cocking mechanism to be actuated.

[0027] (11) In yet another variant, a control pin is provided. The control pin is attached to the first end of the internal safety pivot. The control pin moves in a slot in the cocking slide. The control pin holds the first end of the internal safety pivot in the raised position during the backward movement of the cocking slide, thereby causing the second end of the pivot to engage the upper projection at the upper end of the trigger, thereby preventing the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism. The control pin moves the first end of the internal safety pivot downward to the lowered position when the forward movement of the cocking slide is completed. The downward movement allows the release of the upper projection of the trigger and allows the activation of the gas release mechanism.

[0028] (12) In another variant, the support buttstock further includes a sight glass. The sight glass is positioned adjacent to the magazine and allows observation of the level of pellet ammunition contained in the magazine.

[0029] (13) In yet another variant, an automatic cocked state indicator is provided. The cocked state indicator moves to a raised visible position after the gun is cocked and moves to a lowered hidden position after the gun is fired.

[0030] (14) In yet another variant, an external manual safety mechanism is provided. The manual safety mechanism can be moved by the user from a safe position to a firing position while maintaining the grip on the gun.

[0031] (15) In another variant of the present invention, the gun uses a pre-filled CO 2 cylinder as a source of compressed gas, and the gun further includes a cylindrical cylinder chamber. The cylinder chamber is sized and shaped to surround the CO 2 cylinder, has a sealable opening at a first end for introducing the cylinder, and a concave base at a second end. The base is sized and shaped to fit sealably around the discharge end of the cylinder. A hollow piercing needle is located within the base. A sealing cap is provided. The cap is removably attached to the cylinder chamber by mating threads. Tightening of the cap urges the cylinder against the piercing needle.

[0032] A pressure vessel is provided. The pressure vessel is fluidly connected to a metering device. The metering device allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas to enter the chamber when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated.

[0033] (16) In yet another variant, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes a trigger. The trigger is rotatably mounted to the stock and is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring. The trigger return spring is constrained by a first channel in the stock. The trigger has an upper projection. The upper projection engages an internal safety pivot. The safety pivot prevents release of the latch mechanism unless the operation of the cocking mechanism is complete.

[0034] The trigger has a lifting ramp located rearward of the upper projection. When the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction, the lifting ramp pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a second compression spring that urges downward. The release bracket is pivotally mounted to the stock and has an upwardly pointing travel limiting arm located within a notch in the stock. The release bracket has a downward facing rib. The rib releasably engages an upward facing control notch in the loading rod. The loading rod is urged forward by a loading coil spring. The loading rod has an upwardly inclined ramp at a rear end located behind the control notch. The ramp guides the rib into the control notch. During the operation of the cocking mechanism, the loading rod moves rearward in a loading rod channel in the stock. The release bracket holds the loading rod in a first cocked position when the rib engages the control notch; and releases the loading rod to a second firing position when the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction to lift the release bracket and raise the rib out of the control notch, thereby allowing the loading rod to move forward under the push of the loading coil spring, thereby actuating the projectile loading mechanism and the metering device.

[0035] (17) In yet another variant, the gun uses a pneumatic air reservoir as a source of compressed gas. The gun further includes a gas cylinder. The cylinder has an inlet valve and an outlet valve. A piston is provided. The piston is sealingly fitted within the cylinder. A pumping mechanism is provided. The pumping mechanism is mechanically coupled to the piston. The pumping mechanism moves the piston within the cylinder from an extended position to a compressed position. The inlet valve is in an open position when the piston moves from the compressed position to the extended position and is in a closed position when the piston moves from the extended position to the compressed position. The outlet valve is in a closed position when the piston moves from the compressed position to the extended position and is in an open position when the piston moves from the extended position to the compressed position. The air reservoir is fluidly connected to the outlet valve, the chamber, and the metering device. The metering device allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas to enter the chamber when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated. The repeated movement of the piston within the cylinder from the extended position to the compressed position by the pumping mechanism will increase the pressure within the air reservoir, thereby allowing the pellet projectile to be ejected from the chamber with increased force when the pressure is released through the compressed gas release mechanism.

[0036] (18) In another variant, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes a trigger. The trigger is rotatably mounted to the stock and is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring. The trigger return spring is constrained by a first channel in the stock. The trigger has an upper projection. The upper projection engages an internal safety pivot. The safety pivot prevents the release of the latch mechanism unless the operation of the cocking mechanism is completed.

[0037] The trigger has a lifting ramp located behind the upper projection. When the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction, the lifting ramp pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a downward-biased second compression spring. The release bracket is pivotally mounted to the stock and has an upwardly-directed travel-limiting arm located within a notch in the stock. The release bracket has a downward-facing rib. The rib releasably engages an upward-facing control notch in the loading rod. The loading rod is urged forward by a loading coil spring. The loading rod has an upwardly-inclined ramp at its rear end portion located behind the control notch. The ramp guides the rib into the control notch. During the operation of the cocking mechanism, the loading rod moves rearward within a loading rod channel in the stock. The release bracket holds the loading rod in a first cocked position when the rib engages the control notch; and releases the loading rod to a second firing position when the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction thereby lifting the release bracket and raising the rib from the control notch, thereby allowing the loading rod to move forward under the urging of the loading coil spring, thereby actuating the pellet loading mechanism and the metering device.

[0038] (19) In yet another variant, the gun uses a refillable compressed gas cylinder as the compressed gas source. The cylinder has a shut-off valve and an attachment fitting adjacent to the first end. A matching attachment fitting is provided. The matching fitting is mounted to the stock and is fluidly connected to the metering device. The metering device is fluidly connected to the chamber and allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas to enter the chamber when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated. When the refillable compressed gas cylinder is attached to the matching attachment fitting, the shut-off valve opens and the compressed gas is released by the metering device when the compressed gas release structure is actuated.

[0039] (20) In yet another variant, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes a trigger. The trigger is rotatably mounted to the stock and is urged in the counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring. The trigger return spring is constrained by a first channel in the stock. The trigger has an upper projection. The upper projection engages an internal safety pivot. The safety pivot prevents release of the latch mechanism unless the operation of the firing mechanism is completed.

[0040] The trigger has a lift ramp located behind the upper projection. When the trigger pivots in the clockwise direction, the lift ramp pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a downwardly urging second compression spring. The release bracket is rotatably mounted to the stock and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm located within a notch in the stock. The release bracket has a downward facing rib. The rib releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch in the loading rod. The loading rod is urged forward by a loading coil spring. The loading rod has an upwardly inclined ramp at the rear end located behind the control notch. The ramp guides the rib into the control notch. During the operation of the firing mechanism, the loading rod moves rearward in a loading rod channel in the stock. The release bracket holds the loading rod in a first cocked position when the rib engages the control notch; and releases the loading rod to a second firing position when the trigger pivots in the clockwise direction to lift the release bracket and raise the rib out of the control notch, thereby allowing the loading rod to move forward under the urging of the loading coil spring, thereby actuating the projectile loading mechanism and the metering device.

[0041] (21) In another variant of the present invention, the gun uses an external compressed gas line as the compressed gas source. The compressed gas line is connected to the compressed gas source and has a shut-off valve and an attachment fitting adjacent to the first end. A matching attachment fitting is provided. The matching fitting is mounted to the support stock and is fluidly connected to the metering device. The metering device is fluidly connected to the chamber and allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas to enter the chamber when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated. When the external compressed gas line is connected to the matching attachment fitting, the shut-off valve opens and the compressed gas is released by the metering device when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated.

[0042] (22) In yet another variant, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes a trigger. The trigger is rotatably mounted to the stock and is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring. The trigger return spring is constrained by a first channel in the stock. The trigger has an upper protrusion. The upper protrusion engages an internal safety pivot. The safety pivot prevents the release of the latch mechanism unless the operation of the cocking mechanism is completed.

[0043] The trigger has a lifting ramp located behind the upper protrusion. When the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction, the lifting ramp pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a second compression spring that urges it downward. The release bracket is pivotally mounted to the stock and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm located within a notch in the stock. The release bracket has a downward facing rib. The rib releasably engages an upward facing control notch in the loading rod. The loading rod is urged forward by a loading coil spring. The loading rod has an upwardly inclined ramp at its rear end portion located behind the control notch. The ramp guides the rib into the control notch. During the operation of the cocking mechanism, the loading rod moves rearward in a loading rod channel in the stock. The release bracket holds the loading rod in a first cocked position when the rib engages the control notch; and releases the loading rod to a second firing position when the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction thereby lifting the release bracket and raising the rib out of the control notch, thereby allowing the loading rod to move forward under the push of the loading coil spring, thereby activating the projectile loading mechanism and the metering device.

[0044] (23) In yet another variant, the pistol grip and the forearm of the stock have a flat lower surface. The flat surface allows the insecticidal gun to balance in an upright position for adding particulate projectiles to the projectile storage magazine.

[0045] (24) In another variant, a laser aiming device is provided. The laser aiming device includes a battery-powered laser. The laser is capable of generating a laser aiming point. A housing is provided. The housing is adapted to accommodate the laser, the battery power source, and a control circuit for the laser. An attachment mechanism is provided. The attachment mechanism is adapted to attach the laser aiming device adjacent to the distal end of the barrel.

[0046] (25) In yet another variant, the attachment mechanism is integrally formed with the distal end of the barrel.

[0047] (26) In yet another variant, the attachment mechanism is adapted to removably attach the laser aiming device to the distal end of the barrel.

[0048] (27) In another variant of the present invention, the laser aiming device further includes elevation adjustment and windage adjustment for adjusting the aiming point of the laser aiming point.

[0049] (28) In yet another variant, a power switch is provided. The switch controls the power to the laser.

[0050] (29) In yet another variant, the power switch is mounted on the housing.

[0051] (30) In the final variant, the power switch is integral with the trigger, wherein an initial rearward movement of the trigger completes the circuit within the power switch, thereby providing a laser aiming point before the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated.

[0052] Knowledge and understanding of other objects and purposes of the present invention can be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustration including a magazine and a sight of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment showing the projectile loading mechanism in the firing position;

[0055] Figure 2A is Figure 1 an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment showing the pivotally mounted secondary lever with the metering groove and the cam in the firing position;

[0056] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the secondary lever and the cam seen from the first side, showing the cylindrical pin moving in the groove on the cam and the metering groove;

[0057] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the secondary lever and the cam seen from the second side, showing the groove on the cam;

[0058] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment showing the projectile loading mechanism in the loading position;

[0059] Figure 3A is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment showing the pivotally mounted secondary lever with the metering groove and the cam in the loading position;

[0060] Figure 3B is a detailed perspective view of the spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block and the vertical locking tab, wherein the retaining notch is in the locked position;

[0061] Figure 3C is a detailed perspective view of the spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block and the vertical locking tab, wherein the retaining notch is in the unlocked position;

[0062] Figure 3D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block and the vertical locking tab seen from below, wherein the retaining notch is in the locked position;

[0063] Figure 3E An enlarged cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block and the vertical locking tab as seen from below, with the retaining notch in the unlocked position;

[0064] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 A partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing details of the trigger and latch mechanism after the gun has fired;

[0065] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 A partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing details of the trigger and latch mechanism with the gun ready to fire;

[0066] Figure 6 Is Figure 1 A partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing details of the trigger and latch mechanism and showing the movement of the mechanism during gun firing;

[0067] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing the projectile loading mechanism in the firing position, with the slave rod and metering groove in the lowered position;

[0068] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing the projectile loading mechanism in the loading position, with the slave rod and metering groove in the raised position;

[0069] Figure 9 Is a detailed orthogonal cross-sectional view of the projectile storage magazine and the projectile loading mechanism in the firing position;

[0070] Figure 10 Is a detailed orthogonal cross-sectional view of the projectile storage magazine and the projectile loading mechanism in the projectile loading position;

[0071] Figure 11 Is Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing the spring-actuated compressed gas chamber when the gun is in the firing position;

[0072] Figure 12 Is Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing the spring-actuated compressed gas chamber when the gun is in the cocked position;

[0073] Figure 13 Is Figure 1 An illustration of the manual safety component of the embodiment in the firing position, showing the unlocking of the movement of the trigger before firing;

[0074] Figure 13A Is Figure 1Partial perspective view of the manual safety component of the embodiment in the firing position, showing the unlocking of the movement of the trigger before firing;

[0075] Figure 14A is Figure 1 Partial perspective view of the manual safety component of the embodiment in the safe position, showing the locking of the movement of the trigger;

[0076] is Figure 1 Illustration of the manual safety component of the embodiment in the safe position, showing the locking of the movement of the trigger;

[0077] Figure 15 is Figure 1 Side view of the embodiment, showing the flat lower surfaces of the pistol grip and the forearm and the external safety device;

[0078] Figure 16 is the one equipped with a laser aiming device Figure 1 Side view of the embodiment;

[0079] Figure 17 Exploded perspective view of the laser aiming device in a detachable form, including details of assembly and aiming control;

[0080] Figure 18 Detailed view of the trigger-operated on / off switch;

[0081] Figure 19 is the CO of the bug gun 2 Side cross-sectional view of the CO-powered embodiment of the bug gun, showing the metering device and the latch mechanism in the cocked position;

[0082] Figure 20 is the CO of the bug gun 2 Side cross-sectional view of the CO-powered embodiment of the bug gun, showing the metering device and the latch mechanism in the firing position;

[0083] Figure 21 Side cross-sectional view of the pneumatic pump-powered embodiment of the bug gun, showing the pumping mechanism and the valve connected to the metering device;

[0084] Figure 22 Side cross-sectional view of the refillable cylinder-powered embodiment of the bug gun, showing the attachment of the cylinder and the connection to the metering device; and

[0085] Figure 23 Side cross-sectional view of the external compressed gas line-powered embodiment of the bug gun, showing the attachment of the gas line and the connection to the metering device. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0086] (1) Figures 1 - 23 Shows a bug gun 10 that provides desired features and can be composed of the following components. AsFigure 2 , 3 , as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 19 - 23, a compressed gas source 14 is provided. A chamber 18 is provided. The chamber 18 is fluidly connected to the compressed gas source 14. A barrel 22 is provided. The barrel 22 is located at the distal end 26 of the chamber 18. A compressed gas release mechanism 30 is provided. The release mechanism 30 is connected to the compressed gas source 14. A projectile storage magazine 34 is provided. The magazine 34 stores particulate projectiles 38 and is adjacent to the chamber 18.

[0087] A projectile loading mechanism 42 is provided. The loading mechanism 42 moves the particulate projectiles 38 from the magazine 34 into the chamber 18 using a bi - directional cam - operated pivotally mounted follower rod 46. A cocking mechanism 50 having a main rod 54 is provided. The cocking mechanism 50 is mechanically connected to the compressed gas source 14, the compressed gas release mechanism 30, and the projectile loading mechanism 42. A stock 58 is provided. The stock 58 houses and supports the compressed gas source 14, the compressed gas release mechanism 30, the barrel 22, the chamber 18, the projectile storage magazine 34, the cocking mechanism 50, and the projectile loading mechanism 42. When the gun 10 is cocked using the cocking mechanism 50, the projectile loading mechanism 42 collects a predetermined amount of particulate projectiles 38 and positions the projectiles 38 in the chamber 18. When the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is actuated, the projectile 38 is ejected from the chamber 18 into the barrel 22 and discharged from the gun 10.

[0088] (2) In one variant of the present invention, as Figures 19 - 23 shown, the compressed gas source 14 is selected from the group including a pre - filled CO 2 tank 62, a refillable compressed gas cylinder 66, a pneumatic pumping gas reservoir 70, a spring - actuated compressed gas system 74, and an external compressed gas line 78.

[0089] (3) In another variant, as Figures 4 - 6 shown in FIGS. 11 - 12, the spring - actuated compressed gas system 74 further includes a cylinder 82. The cylinder 82 has a front end 86 and a rear end 90 and is fluidly connected to the chamber 18 at the front end 86. A piston 94 is provided. The piston 90 is sealingly fitted within the cylinder 82 and is located therein. A first compression spring 98 is provided. The first compression spring 98 urges the piston 90 towards the front end 86 of the cylinder 82. A spring compression mechanism 102 is provided. The compression mechanism 102 urges the piston 94 towards the rear end 90 of the cylinder 82 and compresses the first compression spring 98. A latching mechanism 106 is provided.

[0090] The latching mechanism 106 releasably holds the piston 94 adjacent to the rear end portion 90 of the cylinder 82 and holds the first compression spring 98 in a compressed state 110. The user 114 operates the cocking mechanism 50, the spring compression mechanism 102 is operated, the piston 94 is pushed toward the rear end portion 90 of the cylinder 82, the spring 98 is compressed and the spring 98 and the piston 94 are held by the latching mechanism 106 until released. The release of the latching mechanism 106 allows the piston 94 to rapidly move toward the front end portion 86 of the cylinder 82, thereby providing a burst of compressed gas 118 in the cylinder 82 and to the connected chamber 18.

[0091] (4) In yet another variant, as shown in the drawings, the compressed gas release mechanism 30 further includes a trigger 122. The trigger 122 is rotatably mounted to the stock 58 and is urged in the counterclockwise direction 126 by a trigger return spring 130. The trigger return spring 130 is constrained by a first channel 132 in the stock 58. The trigger 130 has an upper projection 134. The upper projection 134 engages an internal safety pivot 138. The safety pivot 138 prevents the release of the latching mechanism 106 until the operation of the cocking mechanism 50 is complete. The trigger 122 has a lifting ramp 142 located behind the upper projection 134. When the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 154, the lifting ramp 142 pushes the release bracket 146 of the latching mechanism 106 upward against a downwardly urging second compression spring 150.

[0092] The release bracket 146 is pivotally mounted to the stock 58 and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm 158 located within a notch 162 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 has a downwardly facing rib 166. The rib 166 releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch 170 in the main rod 54. The main rod 54 is attached to the piston 94 and has an upwardly inclined ramp 174 at a rear end portion 178 located behind the control notch 170. The ramp 174 guides the rib 166 into the control notch 170. During the operation of the cocking mechanism 50, the main rod 54 moves rearwardly in a second channel 182 in the stock 58. When the rib 166 engages the control notch 170, the release bracket 146 holds the main rod 54 in a first cocked position 186. When the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 154 to lift the release bracket 146 and raise the rib 166 out of the control notch 170, the release bracket 146 releases the main rod 54 to a second firing position 190, thereby allowing the main rod 54 and the piston 94 to move forward when urged by the first compression spring 98, thereby pressurizing the cylinder 82.

[0093] (5) In yet another variant, as Figures 7 - 10As shown, the projectile storage magazine 34 includes a cylindrical chamber 198. The cylindrical chamber 198 has a first side projectile loading slot 202 and a second side projectile loading slot 206. The loading slots 202, 206 extend from the upper edge 210 of the cylindrical chamber 198 to the base 214 of the cylindrical chamber 198. The cylindrical chamber 198 has a circular opening 218 at the lower end 222. The lower end 222 is sealably fitted to the upper end 226 of a vertically oriented circular opening 230 through the chamber 18. A rectangular projectile feed tray 234 is provided. The feed tray 234 surrounds the cylindrical chamber 198 and provides additional space for particulate projectiles 38 outside the cylindrical chamber 198.

[0094] A hingedly attached seal cover 238 is provided. The seal cover 238 has a first semi-circular ridge 242 and a second semi-circular ridge 246 on the lower side 250 of the cover 238. The ridges 242, 246 are designed to surround the upper edges 254, 258 of the cylindrical chamber 198 adjacent to the first side projectile loading slot 202 and the second side projectile loading slot 206. The seal cover 238 has a peripheral channel 262 on the lower side 250. The peripheral channel 262 is sized, shaped and positioned to seal the rectangular projectile feed tray 234 when the seal cover 238 is moved to the closed position 266. A cover latch mechanism 270 is provided. The cover latch mechanism 270 is opposite to the hinge 274 for the seal cover 238.

[0095] (6) In another variant, the lower end 222 of the cylindrical chamber 198 is sealably fitted to the upper end 226 of a vertically oriented circular opening 230 through the chamber 18 using a sealing gasket 278.

[0096] (7) In yet another variant, the projectile loading mechanism 42 includes a metering rod 282. The metering rod 282 is sized and shaped to sealably fit through a vertically oriented circular opening 230 through the chamber 18 and has an orthogonal activation rod 286 extending from the lower end 290 of the metering rod 282 and a through-hole 294 located above the activation rod 286. The through-hole 294 is orthogonal to the rod 286 and the metering rod 282, and is sized and positioned to align with the chamber 18 when the rod 286 is positioned against a stop surface 298. The activation rod 286 is pushed upward against the lower end 302 of the vertically oriented circular opening 230 in the chamber 18 by the front end 306 of a pivotally mounted secondary rod 46.

[0097] As Figure 2 、 2A, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3, and 3, the rear end 310 of the secondary rod 46 is pushed downward by the orthogonal mounting cylindrical pin 314 adjacent to the rear end 310. The pin 314 is pushed downward as it travels in its path diameter 318 in the cam plate 322, and the cam plate 322 is fixed to the main rod 54 and moves backward as the main rod 54 moves backward during the operation of the cocking mechanism 50. When located above the chamber 18 in the cylindrical chamber 198 during the operation of the cocking mechanism 50, the through hole 294 is filled with pellet projectiles 38. During the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism 30, the activation rod 286 is pushed downward by the pivotally mounted secondary rod 46 against the stop surface 298.

[0098] (8) In yet another variant, as Figure 2 , 2 a, 3, 3a, 9, and 10 show, the projectile loading mechanism 42 further includes an intermediate chamber tube 326. The tube 326 extends downward from the lower end 222 of the cylindrical chamber 198. A trajectory guide 330 is provided. The guide 330 is located below the cylindrical chamber 198; has a hollow orifice 334 sized to slidably fit around the tube 326; and has a vertical groove 338 that extends downward a first predetermined distance 342 from the lower end 222 and terminates at a stop surface 346. The trajectory guide 330 is located around the tube 326 and provides a support platform 350 for attaching the projectile storage magazine 34. The metering rod 282 is cylindrical and sized to slidably fit within the tube 326. The metering rod 282 has an orthogonal activation rod 286 extending from its lower end 290 and a through hole 294 located above the activation rod 286. The through hole 294 is orthogonal to the activation rod 286 and the metering rod 282 and is sized and positioned to align with the chamber 18 when the rod 286 is positioned against the stop surface 298. The secondary rod 46 is pivotally mounted to the cover 354 of the compressed gas source 14. The front end 306 of the secondary rod 47 includes a metering groove 358.

[0099] The metering groove 358 surrounds the activation rod 286. During the operation of the cocking mechanism 50, the rear end 310 of the secondary rod 46 is pushed downward by the cylindrical pin 314 and the cam plate 322 to move the metering rod 282 upward into the projectile storage magazine 34. As the metering rod 282 moves within the projectile storage magazine 34 surrounded by the pellet projectiles 38, the pellet projectiles 38 fill the through hole 294 of the metering rod 282. During the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism 30, the rear end 310 of the secondary rod 46 is pushed upward by the cylindrical pin 314 and the cam plate 322, and the metering groove 358 causes the activation rod 286 to move downward, thereby aligning the through hole 294 with the chamber 18, allowing the compressed gas source 14 to drive the pellet projectiles 38 out of the chamber 18 and through the barrel 22.

[0100] (9) In another variant of the present invention, asFigure 11 and 12 As shown in 12 , the spring compression mechanism 102 further includes a main rack 362. The rack 362 is slidably located in a rack channel 366 in the buttstock 58, has gear teeth 370 on an upper surface 374 and has a mounting fixture 378 adjacent to a front end portion 382 for attaching a slide handle 386. A drive gear 390 is provided. The drive gear 390 is rotatably mounted to a cocking slide 394. The cocking slide 394 is slidably movable within the main rack 362. A secondary rack 398 is provided. The secondary rack 398 is attached below the piston 94 and is located above the drive gear 390. The main rack 362 engages the drive gear 390 and the drive gear 390 engages the secondary rack 398. A rearward movement of the slide handle 386 moves the main rack 362 rearward, rotates the drive gear 390, and moves the cocking slide 394 rearward, thereby abutting a cocking wing 402 on the main rod 54 and moving the piston 94 rearward, thereby compressing a first compression spring 98.

[0101] (10) In yet another variant, as shown in Figure 3B and 3C , 3D and 3E, a spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block 406 is provided. The locking block 406 is pivotally mounted to a lower side 410 of a cover portion 354 of the compressed gas source 14 and has a pivot ramp 414 on a first side edge 418, a retaining notch 422 in front of the pivot ramp 414, and a stepped inclined cam 426 orthogonally above the pivot ramp 414. The pivot ramp 414 slidably engages a rear surface 430 of a vertical locking tab 434. The locking tab 434 is fixed to a side rail 438 of the cocking mechanism 50. The retaining notch 422 is moved to prevent a rearward movement of the locking tab 434 when the notch 422 moves past the tab 434 during a forward movement of the cocking mechanism 50, thereby preventing a second actuation of the cocking mechanism 50. A cam activation rod 438 is provided. The activation rod 438 is fixed to the slave rod 4, adjacent to a front end portion 306 and is located at a rear of the metering groove 358. The cam activation rod 438 is supported on the stepped inclined cam 426 during activation of the compressed gas release mechanism 30 and causes the locking block 406 to pivot inwardly, thereby disengaging the retaining notch 422 from the rear surface 430 of the locking tab 434, thereby allowing the cocking mechanism 50 to be actuated.

[0102] (11) In yet another variant, as shown in Figure 11 and 12 , a control pin 442 is provided. The control pin 442 is attached to a first end portion 446 of an internal safety pivot 454. The control pin moves in a slot 450 in the cocking slide 394. As shown in Figure 12As shown, during the backward movement of the cocking slide 394, the control pin 442 holds the first end 446 of the internal safety pivot 454 in the raised position 462, causing the second end 466 of the pivot 454 to engage the upper protrusion 470 at the upper end 474 of the trigger 122, thereby preventing the activation of the compressed gas release mechanism 30. As Figure 11 shown, when the forward movement of the cocking slide 394 is completed, the control pin 442 moves the first end 446 of the internal safety pivot 454 downward to the lowered position 478. The downward movement allows the upper protrusion 470 of the trigger 122 to be released and allows the activation of the gas release mechanism 30.

[0103] (12) In another variant, as Figure 1 and 15 shown, the support stock 58 further includes a sight glass 482. The sight glass 482 is positioned adjacent to the magazine 34 and allows observation of the level 486 of the pellet projectiles 38 contained in the magazine 34.

[0104] (13) In yet another variant, as Figures 4 - 6 shown, an automatic cocked state indicator 490 is provided. The cocked state indicator 490 moves to the raised visible position 494 after the firearm 10 is cocked and moves to the lowered hidden position 498 after the firearm 10 is fired.

[0105] (14) In yet another variant, as Figure 13 、 13A 、14 and 14A shown, an external manual safety mechanism 502 is provided. The manual safety mechanism 502 can be moved by the user 114 from the safety position 506 to the firing position 510 while maintaining the grip on the firearm 10.

[0106] (15) In another variant of the present invention, as Figure 19 and 20 shown, the firearm 10 uses a pre-filled CO 2 cylinder 62 as the compressed gas source 14. The firearm 10 further includes a cylindrical cylinder chamber 518. The cylinder chamber 518 is sized and shaped to surround the CO 2 cylinder 62, has a sealable opening 522 for introducing the cylinder 62 at the first end 526, and a concave base 530 at the second end 534. The base 530 is sized and shaped to fit sealably around the discharge end 538 of the cylinder 62. A hollow piercing needle 542 is located within the base 530. A seal cap 546 is provided. The cap 546 is removably attached to the cylinder chamber 518 by mating threads 550. Tightening of the cap 546 pushes the cylinder 62 against the piercing needle 542.

[0107] A pressure vessel 554 is provided. The pressure vessel 554 is fluidly connected to a metering device 560. The metering device 560 allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas 564 to enter the chamber 18 when the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is actuated.

[0108] (16) In yet another variant, as Figures 4 - 6 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the compressed gas release mechanism 30 further includes a trigger 122. The trigger 122 is rotatably mounted to the stock 58 and is urged in the counterclockwise direction 126 by a trigger return spring 130. The trigger return spring 130 is constrained by a first channel 134 in the stock 58. The trigger 130 has an upper projection 134. The upper projection 134 engages an internal safety pivot 138. The safety pivot 138 prevents the release of the latch mechanism 106 unless the operation of the firing mechanism 50 is completed.

[0109] The trigger has a lifting ramp 142 located behind the upper projection 134. When the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 154, the lifting ramp 142 pushes the release bracket 146 of the latch mechanism 106 upward against a second compression spring 150 that urges it downward.

[0110] The release bracket 146 is pivotally mounted to the stock 58 and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm 158 located within a notch 162 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 has a downwardly facing rib 166. The rib 166 releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch 568 in the loading rod 572. The loading rod 572 is urged forward by a loading coil spring 576. The loading rod 572 has an upwardly inclined ramp 580 at its rear end 584 located behind the control notch 568. The ramp 580 guides the rib 166 into the control notch 568. During the operation of the firing mechanism 50, the loading rod 572 moves rearward in a loading rod channel (not shown) in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 holds the loading rod 572 in a first cocked position 592 when the rib 166 engages the control notch 568; and releases the loading rod 572 to a second firing position 596 when the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 194 to lift the release bracket 146 and raise the rib 166 out of the control notch 568, thereby allowing the loading rod 572 to move forward under the urging of the loading coil spring 576, thereby actuating the projectile loading mechanism 42 and the metering device 560.

[0111] (17) In yet another variant, as Figure 21As shown, the gun 10 uses a pneumatic pumping air reservoir 600 as the compressed gas source 14. The gun 10 also includes a gas cylinder 604. The cylinder 604 has an intake valve 610 and an outlet valve 614. A piston 618 is provided. The piston 618 is sealingly fitted within the cylinder 604. A pumping mechanism 622 is provided. The pumping mechanism 622 is mechanically coupled to the piston 618. The pumping mechanism 622 moves the piston 618 within the cylinder 604 from an extended position 626 to a compressed position 630. The intake valve 610 is in an open position (not shown) when the piston 618 moves from the compressed position 630 to the extended position 626 and is in a closed position (not shown) when the piston 618 moves from the extended position 626 to the compressed position 630. The outlet valve 614 is in a closed position 642 when the piston 618 moves from the compressed position 630 to the extended position 626 and is in an open position 646 when the piston 618 moves from the extended position 626 to the compressed position 630. The air reservoir 600 is fluidly connected to the outlet valve 614, the chamber 18, and the metering device 650. The metering device 650 allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas 654 to enter the chamber 18 when the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is actuated. The repeated movement of the piston 618 within the cylinder 604 from the extended position 626 to the compressed position 630 by the pumping mechanism 622 will increase the pressure within the air reservoir 600, thereby allowing the particulate projectile 38 to be ejected from the chamber 18 with increased force when the pressure is released through the compressed gas release mechanism 30.

[0112] (18) In another variant, as Figures 4 - 6 shown in FIGS. 19 - 21, the compressed gas release mechanism 30 further includes a trigger 122. The trigger 122 is rotatably mounted to the stock 58 and is urged in the counterclockwise direction 126 by a trigger return spring 130. The trigger return spring 130 is constrained by a first channel 134 in the stock 58. The trigger 130 has an upper projection 134. The upper projection 134 engages an internal safety pivot 138. The safety pivot 138 prevents the release of the latch mechanism 106 unless the operation of the ready mechanism 50 is completed.

[0113] The trigger has a lifting ramp 142 located behind the upper projection 134. When the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 154, the lifting ramp 142 pushes the release bracket 146 of the latch mechanism 106 upward against the second compression spring 150 that pushes downward. The release bracket 146 is pivotally mounted to the stock 58 on the fitting and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm 158 located within a notch 162 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 has a rib 166 facing downward. The rib 166 releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch 568 in the loading rod 572. The loading rod 572 is pushed forward by a loading coil spring 576. The loading rod 572 has an upwardly inclined ramp 580 at its rear end 584 located behind the control notch 568. The ramp 580 guides the rib 166 into the control notch 568. During the operation of the firing mechanism 50, the loading rod 572 moves rearward in a loading rod passage 588 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 holds the loading rod 572 in a first cocked position 592 when the rib 166 engages the control notch 568; and releases the loading rod 572 to a second firing position 596 when the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 194 to lift the release bracket 146 and raise the rib 166 out of the control notch 568, thereby allowing the loading rod 572 to move forward under the push of the loading coil spring 576, thus activating the projectile loading mechanism 42 and the metering device 560.

[0114] (19) In yet another variant, as Figure 22 shown, the gun 10 uses a refillable compressed gas cylinder 66 as the compressed gas source 14. The cylinder 66 has a shut-off valve 662 and an attachment fitting 666 adjacent to the first end 670. A matching attachment fitting 674 is provided. The matching fitting 674 is mounted to the stock 58 and is fluidly connected to the metering device 650. The metering device 650 is fluidly connected to the chamber 18 and the metering device 650 allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas 654 to enter the chamber 18 when the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is activated. When a refillable compressed gas cylinder 658 that has been charged is attached to the matching attachment fitting 674, the shut-off valve 662 opens and the compressed gas 654 is released by the metering device 650 when the compressed gas release structure 30 is activated.

[0115] (20) In yet another variant, as Figures 4 - 6 shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the compressed gas release mechanism 30 further includes a trigger 122. The trigger 122 is rotatably mounted to the stock 58 and is pushed in the counterclockwise direction 126 by a trigger return spring 130. The trigger return spring 130 is constrained by a first channel 134 in the stock 58. The trigger 130 has an upper projection 134. The upper projection 134 engages an internal safety pivot 138. The safety pivot 138 prevents the release of the latch mechanism 106 unless the operation of the firing mechanism 50 is completed.

[0116] The trigger has a lifting ramp 142 located behind the upper protrusion 134. When the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 154, the lifting ramp 142 pushes the release bracket 146 of the latch mechanism 106 upward against the second compression spring 150 that urges downward.

[0117] The release bracket 146 is pivotally mounted to the buttstock 58 and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm 158 located within a notch 162 in the buttstock 58. The release bracket 146 has a downward facing rib 166. The rib 166 releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch 568 in the loading rod 572. The loading rod 572 is urged forward by a loading coil spring 576. The loading rod 572 has an upwardly inclined ramp 580 at its rear end portion 584 located behind the control notch 568. The ramp 580 guides the rib 166 into the control notch 568. During operation of the firing mechanism 50, the loading rod 572 moves rearwardly within a loading rod passage 588 in the buttstock 58. The release bracket 146 holds the loading rod 572 in a first cocked position 592 when the rib 166 engages the control notch 568; and releases the loading rod 572 to a second firing position 596 when the trigger 122 pivots in the clockwise direction 194 thereby lifting the release bracket 146 and raising the rib 166 out of the control notch 568, thereby allowing the loading rod 572 to move forward under the urging of the loading coil spring 576, thereby activating the projectile loading mechanism 42 and the metering device 560.

[0118] (21) In another variant of the present invention, as Figure 23 shown, the gun 10 uses an external compressed gas line 78 as the compressed gas source 14. The compressed gas line 678 is connected to the compressed gas source 14 and has a shut-off valve 662 and an attachment fitting 666 adjacent to the first end 670. A matching attachment fitting 674 is provided. The matching fitting 674 is mounted to the support buttstock 58 and is fluidly connected to the metering device 650. The metering device 650 is fluidly connected to the chamber 18 and the metering device 650 allows a predetermined charge of compressed gas 654 to enter the chamber 18 when the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is activated. When the external compressed gas line 78 is connected to the matching attachment fitting 674, the shut-off valve 662 opens and the compressed gas 654 is released by the metering device 650 when the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is activated.

[0119] (22) In yet another variant, as Figures 4 - 6As shown in FIGS. 19 - 23, the compressed gas release mechanism 30 further includes a trigger 122. The trigger 122 is rotatably mounted to the stock 58 and is urged in a counterclockwise direction 126 by a trigger return spring 130. The trigger return spring 130 is constrained by a first channel 134 in the stock 58. The trigger 130 has an upper projection 134. The upper projection 134 engages an internal safety pivot 138. The safety pivot 138 prevents release of the latch mechanism 106 unless the operation of the firing mechanism 50 is complete.

[0120] The trigger has a lift ramp 142 located behind the upper projection 134. When the trigger 122 pivots in a clockwise direction 154, the lift ramp 142 pushes the release bracket 146 of the latch mechanism 106 upward against a second compression spring 150 that urges it downward.

[0121] The release bracket 146 is pivotally mounted to the stock 58 and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm 158 located within a notch 162 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 has a downward facing rib 166. The rib 166 releasably engages an upward facing control notch 568 in the loading rod 572. The loading rod 572 is urged forward by a loading coil spring 576. The loading rod 572 has an upwardly inclined ramp 580 at a rear end 584 located behind the control notch 568. The ramp 580 guides the rib 166 into the control notch 568. During operation of the firing mechanism 50, the loading rod 572 moves rearward in a loading rod channel 588 in the stock 58. The release bracket 146 holds the loading rod 572 in a first cocked position 592 when the rib 166 engages the control notch 568; and releases the loading rod 572 to a second firing position 596 when the trigger 122 pivots in a clockwise direction 194 to lift the release bracket 146 and raise the rib 166 out of the control notch 568, thereby allowing the loading rod 572 to move forward under the urging of the loading coil spring 576 to activate the projectile loading mechanism 42 and the metering device 650.

[0122] (23) In yet another variant, as Figure 15 shown, the pistol grip 682 and the forearm 686 of the stock 58 have flat lower surfaces 690, 694. The flat surfaces 690, 694 allow the insecticidal gun 10 to balance in an upright position for adding particulate projectiles 38 to the projectile storage magazine 34.

[0123] (24) In another variant, as Figures 16 - 18As shown, a laser aiming device 698 is provided. The laser aiming device 698 includes a battery-powered laser 702. The laser 702 is capable of generating a laser aiming point 706. A housing 710 is provided. The housing 710 is adapted to accommodate the laser 702, a battery power source 714, and a control circuit 718 for the laser 702. An attachment mechanism 722 is provided. The attachment mechanism 722 is adapted to attach the laser aiming device 698 adjacent to the distal end 726 of the barrel 22.

[0124] (25) In yet another variant, the attachment mechanism 722 is integrally formed with the distal end 726 of the barrel 22.

[0125] (26) In yet another variant, the attachment mechanism 722 is adapted to removably attach the laser aiming device 698 to the distal end 726 of the barrel 22.

[0126] (27) In another variant of the present invention, the laser aiming device 698 further includes a pitch adjustment 730 and a windage adjustment 734 for adjusting the aiming point 738 of the laser aiming point 706.

[0127] (28) In yet another variant, a power switch 742 is provided. The switch 742 controls the power to the laser 702.

[0128] (29) In yet another variant, the power switch 742 is mounted on the housing 710.

[0129] (30) In a final variant, the power switch 742 is integral with the trigger 122, wherein an initial rearward movement of the trigger 122 completes a circuit 746 within the power switch 742, thereby providing the laser aiming point 706 before the compressed gas release mechanism 30 is activated.

[0130] The insecticidal gun 10 has been described with reference to specific embodiments.

[0131] Other modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An improved loading mechanism insecticidal gun, comprising: a compressed gas source; a chamber fluidly connected to the compressed gas source; a barrel disposed at a distal end of the chamber; a compressed gas release mechanism connected to the compressed gas source; a projectile storage magazine that stores pellet projectiles and is disposed adjacent to the chamber; the magazine comprising: a cylindrical chamber having a first side projectile loading groove and a second side projectile loading groove, the first side projectile loading groove and the second side projectile loading groove extending from an upper edge of the cylindrical chamber to a base of the cylindrical chamber, the cylindrical chamber having a circular opening at a lower end; the lower end being sealably fitted to an upper end of a vertically oriented circular opening passing through the chamber; a rectangular projectile feed tray surrounding the cylindrical chamber and providing additional space for pellet projectiles outside the cylindrical chamber; a hingedly attached seal cover having a first semi-circular ridge and a second semi-circular ridge on its lower side, the first semi-circular ridge and the second semi-circular ridge being designed to surround the upper edge of the cylindrical chamber adjacent to the first side projectile loading groove and the second side projectile loading groove; the seal cover having a peripheral channel on the lower side, the peripheral channel being sized, shaped and arranged to seal the rectangular projectile feed tray when the seal cover is moved to a closed position; and a cover latch mechanism disposed opposite to the hinge for the seal cover; a projectile loading mechanism that moves the pellet projectiles from the magazine into the chamber using a bidirectionally cam-operated pivotally mounted follower rod; a cocking mechanism having a main rod and mechanically connecting the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism and the projectile loading mechanism; the projectile loading mechanism comprising: a metering rod sized and shaped to sealably fit through the vertically oriented circular opening passing through the chamber and having an orthogonal activation rod extending from a lower end of the metering rod and a through hole disposed above the activation rod, the through hole being orthogonal to the activation rod and the metering rod and sized and arranged to align with the chamber when the activation rod is positioned against a stop surface; pushing the activation rod upward against a lower end of the vertically oriented circular opening in the chamber by a front end of the pivotally mounted follower rod; a rear end of the follower rod being arranged to be pushed downward by an orthogonally mounted cylindrical pin adjacent to the rear end, the pin being pushed downward as it travels in its track in a cam plate, the cam plate being fixed to the main rod and moving backward as the main rod moves backward during operation of the cocking mechanism; when the through hole is disposed above the chamber in the cylindrical chamber during operation of the cocking mechanism, the through hole is filled with the pellet projectiles; and during activation of the compressed gas release mechanism, the activation rod is pushed downward by the pivotally mounted follower rod against the stop surface; A buttstock that houses and supports the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, the barrel, the chamber, the pellet storage magazine, the cocking mechanism, and the pellet loading mechanism; wherein, when the gun is cocked using the cocking mechanism, the pellet loading mechanism collects a predetermined amount of the particulate pellets and positions the pellets in the chamber; and when the compressed gas release mechanism is actuated, the pellets are ejected from the chamber into the barrel and discharged from the gun.

2. The insecticidal gun according to claim 1, wherein, the compressed gas source is selected from the group consisting of: Pre-filled CO 2 Tanks, refillable compressed gas cylinders, pneumatic pumping gas reservoirs, spring-activated compressed gas systems, and external compressed gas pipelines.

3. The insecticidal gun according to claim 2, wherein, the spring-actuated compressed gas system further includes: a cylinder having a front end portion and a rear end portion and fluidly connected to the chamber at the front end portion; a piston that is sealingly fitted in and disposed within the cylinder; a first compression spring that pushes the piston toward the front end portion; a spring compression mechanism that pushes the piston toward the rear end portion and compresses the first compression spring; a latch mechanism that releasably holds the piston adjacent to the rear end portion and holds the first compression spring in a compressed state; and wherein the user operates the cocking mechanism, the spring compression mechanism is operated, the piston is pushed toward the rear end portion of the cylinder, the first compression spring is compressed and the first compression spring and the piston are held by the latch mechanism until released, thereby allowing the piston to rapidly move toward the front end portion of the cylinder, thereby providing a burst of compressed gas in the cylinder and to the connected chamber.

4. The insecticidal gun according to claim 3, wherein, the compressed gas release mechanism further includes: a trigger rotatably mounted to the buttstock and urged in a counterclockwise direction by a trigger return spring constrained by a first passage in the buttstock; the trigger has an upper projection that engages an internal safety pivot that prevents release of the latch mechanism until operation of the cocking mechanism is complete; the trigger has a lift ramp disposed behind the upper projection that, when the trigger is pivoted in a clockwise direction, pushes the release bracket of the latch mechanism upward against a downwardly urging second compression spring; the release bracket is pivotally mounted to the buttstock and has an upwardly directed travel limiting arm disposed within a notch in the buttstock; and has a downwardly facing rib that releasably engages an upwardly facing control notch in the main rod; the main rod is attached to the piston and has an upwardly inclined ramp at a rear end portion disposed behind the control notch that guides the rib into the control notch, and during operation of the cocking mechanism, the main rod moves rearwardly in a second passage in the buttstock; and The release bracket holds the main rod in a first cocked position when the rib engages the control notch; and releases the main rod to a second firing position when the trigger pivots in a clockwise direction to lift the release bracket and raise the rib from the control notch, thereby allowing the main rod and the piston to move forward when pushed by the first compression spring to pressurize the cylinder.

5. The insecticidal gun according to claim 1, wherein, the projectile loading mechanism further includes: an intermediate chamber tube extending downward from the lower end of the cylindrical chamber; a trajectory guide located below the cylindrical chamber; having a hollow orifice sized to slidably fit around the intermediate chamber tube and having a vertical groove extending downward from the lower end a first predetermined distance and terminating in a stop surface; the trajectory guide is arranged to surround the intermediate chamber tube and provide a support platform for attaching the projectile storage magazine; the metering rod is cylindrical and sized to slidably fit within the intermediate chamber tube; and has the orthogonal activation rod extending from the lower end of the cylindrical chamber and the through hole disposed above the activation rod, the through hole being orthogonal to the activation rod and the metering rod and sized and arranged to align with the chamber when the activation rod is positioned against the stop surface; the secondary rod is pivotally mounted to the cover of the compressed gas source, the front end portion including a metering groove surrounding the activation rod, during operation of the cocking mechanism, the rear end portion is pushed downward by the cylindrical pin and the cam plate to move the metering rod upward into the projectile storage magazine; when the metering rod moves in the projectile storage magazine surrounded by the pellet projectiles, the pellet projectiles fill the through hole of the metering rod; and during activation of the compressed gas release mechanism, the rear end portion of the secondary rod is pushed upward by the cylindrical pin and the cam plate, and the metering groove moves the activation rod downward, thereby aligning the through hole with the chamber, thereby allowing the compressed gas source to drive the pellet projectiles out of the chamber and through the barrel.

6. The insecticidal gun according to claim 3, wherein, the spring compression mechanism further includes: a main rack slidably disposed in a rack channel in the buttstock, having gear teeth provided on the upper surface and having a mounting fixture adjacent to the front end for attaching a sliding handle; a drive gear rotatably mounted to a cocking slide that slidably moves within the main rack; a secondary rack attached below the piston and disposed above the drive gear; the main rack engages the drive gear and the drive gear engages the secondary rack; and The backward movement of the sliding handle causes the main rack to move backward, rotates the drive gear, and moves the cocking slide backward, thereby abutting against the cocking wing on the main rod and moving the piston backward, thereby compressing the first compression spring.

7. The insecticidal gun according to claim 6, further comprising: a spring-loaded cocking mechanism locking block pivotally mounted to the lower side of the cover of the compressed gas source and having a pivot ramp provided on a first side edge, a retaining notch provided in front of the pivot ramp, and a stepped inclined cam provided orthogonally above the pivot ramp; the pivot ramp slidably engages the rear surface of a vertical locking tab fixed to the side rail of the cocking mechanism, and the retaining notch moves to prevent the backward movement of the locking tab when the retaining notch moves past the locking tab during the forward movement of the cocking mechanism, thereby preventing a second actuation of the cocking mechanism; a cam-actuating rod fixed to the secondary rod, adjacent to the front end and located at the rear of the metering groove; and the cam-actuating rod is supported on the stepped inclined cam during the actuation of the compressed gas release mechanism and causes the locking block to pivot inwardly, thereby disengaging the retaining notch from the rear surface of the locking tab, thereby allowing the cocking mechanism to be actuated.

8. The insecticidal gun according to claim 6, wherein: a control pin is attached to a first end of an internal safety pivot, the control pin moves in a slot in the cocking slide, and holds the first end of the internal safety pivot in a raised position during the backward movement of the cocking slide, thereby causing the second end of the internal safety pivot to engage an upper protrusion at the upper end of a trigger of the compressed gas release mechanism, thereby preventing the actuation of the compressed gas release mechanism; and the control pin moves the first end of the internal safety pivot downward to a lowered position when the forward movement of the cocking slide is completed; the downward movement allows the release of the upper protrusion of the trigger and allows the actuation of the gas release mechanism.

9. The insecticidal gun according to claim 1, wherein, the buttstock further includes a sight glass positioned adjacent to the magazine and allowing observation of the level of the pellet projectiles contained in the magazine.

10. The insecticidal gun according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic cocked state indicator that moves to a raised visible position after the gun is cocked and moves to a lowered hidden position after the gun is fired.

11. The insecticidal gun according to claim 1, wherein, the pistol grip and forearm of the buttstock have a flat lower surface that allows the insecticidal gun to balance in an upright position for adding the pellet projectiles to the projectile storage magazine.

12. The insecticidal gun according to claim 4, further comprising a laser aiming device, the laser aiming device comprising: a battery-powered laser that is capable of generating a laser aiming point; A housing adapted to receive the laser, a battery power source, and control circuitry for the laser; and an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the laser aiming device adjacent to a distal end of the barrel.

13. The insecticidal gun according to claim 12, further comprising elevation adjustment and windage adjustment for adjusting a point of aim of the laser aiming point.

14. The insecticidal gun according to claim 12, further comprising a power switch that controls power to the laser.

15. The insecticidal gun according to claim 14, wherein the power switch is integral with the trigger, wherein an initial rearward movement of the trigger completes a circuit within the power switch to provide the laser aiming point prior to activation of the compressed gas release mechanism.

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