Improved projectile

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved formulation and method for projectiles, such as paintballs used in paintball motion. The improved formulations include fillers and shell materials for projectiles, such as painted projectiles. The filler may include a stabilized liquid mixture, solid particles, and a gas. The shell material may comprise a mineral filler. Methods of making the foregoing formulations are also provided.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480047525.2 (22) Application Date 2024.06.12 (30) Priority Data 63 / 507,572 2023.06.12 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2026.01.16 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 033511 2024.06.12 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 258907 EN 2024.12.19 (71) Applicant: Core Outdoor (USA) Ltd. Address: Indiana, USA (72) Inventors: L.M. Coles, J. Atkinson (74) Patent Agency: Yongxin Patent & Trademark Agency Ltd. 72002 Patent Attorneys Peng Lidan and Guo Xiaodong (51) Int.Cl. F42B 12 / 40 (2006.01) F42B 6 / 10 (2006.01) B01J 13 / 02 (2006.01) C08K 9 / 10 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title Improved Projectile (57) Abstract This invention provides an improved formulation and method for a projectile, such as a paintball in paintball motion. The improved formulation includes a filler and a shell material for the projectile, such as a paintball. The filler may include a stable liquid mixture, solid particles, and gas. The shell material may contain mineral fillers. A method for manufacturing the aforementioned formulation is also provided. Claims 1 page, Description 10 pages, CN 121693652 A 2026.03.17 CN 1 21 69 36 52 A 1. A paintball comprising: a shell; and a filler contained within the shell, the filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, solid particles, and a gas. 2. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises air bubbles. 3. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the stable liquid mixture comprises a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, and a primary surfactant. 4. The paintball of claim 3, wherein the stable liquid mixture further comprises a secondary surfactant. 5. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the filler further comprises an antifreeze agent. 6. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the filler is based on PEG 300 and wherein the filler does not solidify at -20°C. 7. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises an inert gas. 8. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises air.9. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises gelatin, water, and one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of glycerol, mannitol, non-crystalline sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugars, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols or combinations thereof. 10. The paintball of claim 9, wherein the outer shell comprises mineral filler. 11. A method of preparing a paintball, comprising filling the outer shell with a filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, solid particles, and a gas. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises air bubbles. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the stable liquid mixture comprises a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, and a primary surfactant. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the stable liquid mixture further comprises a secondary surfactant. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the filler further comprises an antifreeze agent. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the filler is based on PEG 300, and wherein the filler does not solidify at -20°C. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises an inert gas. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises air. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the shell comprises gelatin, water, and one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of glycerol, mannitol, non-crystalline sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugars, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the shell comprises mineral filler. Claims 1 / 1 Page 2 CN 121693652 A Improved Projectile Priority Claim

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 507,572, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to improved projectiles, methods of manufacturing them, and methods of using them. In particular, in various aspects of the invention, the present invention relates to improved projectiles for paintball sports, referred to as paintballs. Background Art

[0003] Paintballs are a type of projectile or ammunition used in paintball sports and currently typically comprise a spherical shell made of gelatin and plasticizers such as glycerin and sorbitol. The shell encloses a filler or stuffing material (sometimes referred to in the sport as “pigment” or “dye”), which is capable of forming a “splatter” mark when the shell breaks upon impact.The main component of the filler is usually a non-toxic liquid extracted from vegetable oils, or liquid polyethylene glycol (PEG XXX, where XXX is the average molecular weight). Thickeners, opacifiers, and colorants are usually added. Glycerin and water may also be added to balance the concentration gradient between the filler and the shell. Solid particles such as plant starch or clay or other minerals have been added to reduce costs and increase the weight of the projectile.

[0004] There are four commercially available liquid PEGs: PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, and PEG 600. PEGs with a molecular weight less than or equal to 200 are known to diffuse easily through the gelatin shell, which causes condensation on the outside of the projectile that affects its appearance, while PEG 600 has a freezing point of 17 to 22°C and is sludge-like or solid at room temperature. PEG 400 solidifies at about -2°C, and PEG 300 solidifies at about -7°C. No PEG can be safely used in paintballs intended for use in winter conditions. This problem has been addressed in the past by using low pour point vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, which can be used down to -12°C. Soybean oil has two serious drawbacks: when exposed to sunlight, it polymerizes into a very difficult-to-remove gel. Furthermore, when it rots, it promotes mold growth, resulting in unsightly black stains that are difficult to remove even if possible without damaging the substrate or using harmful chemicals. Other non-toxic fluids with low pour points are known: polypropylene glycol 425 (PPG 425) is very expensive and proprietary. Additionally, glycerol polyether 10 is very expensive and causes extreme brittleness of the shell.

[0005] PEG fluids in paintballs restrict water uptake by plants on or near the paintball field and are known to cause browning or shoot dieback of grass.

[0006] Starch can be added to the paintball shell. However, it is known that adding 1% by weight of starch to the gelatin shell of a paintball makes it extremely brittle.

[0007] Solid fillers have been added to paintball fillers to reduce costs. When the density of the filler is higher than that of the liquid carrier, it will also increase the weight of the projectile. Heavier projectiles are known to be more accurate, but the paintball industry has set a safety limit of 3.5 grams per projectile, which limits the cost savings achievable with solid fillers.

[0008] Titanium dioxide is used in paintballs because it is by far the best opacifier available. Replacing it without sacrificing performance is impractical.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved projectile, for example, used as a paintball in paintball motion, which has improved performance. Specification 1 / 10 pages 3 CN 121693652 A Summary of the Invention

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a stabilized paintball containing air bubbles in the filler.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention relates to reducing the amount of PEG in a paintball.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention relates to reducing or removing TiO2 from a paintball.

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint pellet filler based on PEG 300 that does not solidify at -20°C.

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for readily preparing bubbles and solid particles, as well as a stable dispersion of calcium acetate in PEG.

[0015] In one aspect, the present invention relates to using bubbles in the filler to reduce the tendency of the paint pellet to break at low temperatures.

[0016] In one aspect, the present invention relates to adding solid fillers to the gelatin shell of a paint pellet without causing a large change in the breakage rate.

[0017] In one aspect, the present invention relates to adding fillers to the gelatin shell of a paint pellet to increase the hardness of the shell at a given humidity.

[0018] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a transparent gel prepared without heating by adding calcium acetate to PEG.

[0019] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint pellet filler comprising a stable liquid mixture including at least one of a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, a primary surfactant, and a secondary surfactant.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint pellet filler comprising (1) a stable liquid mixture, and at least one of the following: (2) an antifreeze agent, (3) solid particles, and (4) one or more gases, said liquid mixture comprising at least one of a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, a primary surfactant, and a secondary surfactant.

[0021] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint pellet comprising a shell filled with a paint pellet filler, said paint pellet filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, said liquid mixture comprising at least one of a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, a primary surfactant, and a secondary surfactant.

[0022] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint pellet comprising a shell filled with said paint pellet filler, said paint pellet filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, and at least one of the following: (2) an antifreeze agent, (3) solid particles, and (4) one or more gases, said liquid mixture comprising at least one of a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, a primary surfactant, and a secondary surfactant; and optionally, said shell comprising talc or other mineral filler.

[0023] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a paint pellet filler.

[0024] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing paintballs.

[0025] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paintball casing comprising talc or other mineral fillers. Detailed Description

[0026] Certain terms used in the following description are for convenience only and not for limitation. Unless otherwise specified, the words “a” and “an” as used in the relevant parts of the claims and specification are defined as including one or more of the referenced items. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and C”, means any single one of A, B, or C and any combination thereof.

[0027] One embodiment includes a paint pellet comprising a shell and a filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, solid particles, and one or more gases, wherein the filler is contained within the shell. The one or more gases may be microbubbles. One embodiment includes a filler comprising a stable liquid mixture, solid particles, and gases. The stable liquid mixture may comprise a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, and a primary surfactant. The stable liquid mixture may also comprise a secondary surfactant. One embodiment includes a paint pellet comprising a shell and a filler containing a carrier liquid, wherein the filler is contained within the shell. One embodiment includes a filler comprising a carrier liquid.

[0028] The combination of high-density solid filler and uniformly dispersed microbubbles can reduce costs without exceeding the safety limits per paint pellet. Currently, the industry sets a safety limit of 3.5g per pellet.

[0029] The carrier fluid may comprise a mixture of at least one of the following: water, alcohols, polyols, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, polyglycerol, ethoxylated derivatives of alcohols or polyols, any vegetable oil (including modified vegetable oils), any mineral oil or liquid petroleum derivative, or any liquid made from a combination of biological and mineral-derived materials. The carrier fluid may comprise at least one of PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 350, glycerol polyether 10 of PEG 300, polypropylene glycol 425 of PEG 300, phenoxyethanol of PEG 300, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol of PEG 300, and PEG 200 of PEG 300. The amount of carrier fluid may be 30 to 100% by weight of the filler. The amount of carrier fluid may be 30 to 100% by volume of the filler. The volume of the carrier fluid can be 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% by weight, or within any two of the foregoing. The carrier fluid may also contain glycerol. Glycerin can contribute to the quality of the carrier fluid, affect rheology, and play a role in foam stability. Glycerin can also control the brittleness of the shell.

[0030] Rheology modifiers can prevent particles or bubbles suspended in the carrier fluid from settling or emulsifying.The rheology modifier may be at least one of the following non-limiting examples: partially crosslinked acrylic thickeners (e.g., Pemulen™ TR-1, crosslinked copolymers of acrylic acid and hydrophobic acrylic C10-30 alkyl ester comonomers), clay-based thickeners (e.g., organophilic layered silicates, such as Garamite 1958 from Byk), anionic surfactants (e.g., modified acrylic acid, such as Dynamon SR) or quaternary ammonium salt surfactants (e.g., cetearyl alcohol having behenyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate) or higher molecular weight polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG 4000), gelling agents (e.g., calcium acetate), amorphous silica (e.g., 500 LS from Ludox), fatty acid soaps, specialty polyamides (e.g., polyamide LP3 from Croda), or specialty polyurethanes (e.g., Optiflo 2157 from Byk). The concentration of the rheology modifier may be from 0.1 to 9% by weight of the total liquid phase. The concentration of the rheology modifier can be 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 9% by weight of the total liquid phase, or within any two of the foregoing. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum concentration of the rheology modifier is 9%. The rheology modifier can be calcium acetate. The concentration of calcium acetate can be from 0.1 to 6% by weight of the total liquid phase. The concentration of calcium acetate can be 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 9% by weight of the total liquid phase, or within any two of the foregoing. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum concentration of calcium acetate is 9%.

[0031] The main surfactant can allow the formation of stable microbubbles and can be anionic (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate), cationic, zwitterionic (e.g., lauryl dimethylamine oxide), or nonionic (e.g., C12E4, tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether). The main surfactant can be sodium lauryl ether-2-sulfate (SLES). The amount of the primary surfactant can be 0, 1, 2, or 3% of the total weight of the filler, or 0 to 3%, 1 to 3%, 2 to 3%, 0 to 2%, 1 to 2%, or 0 to 1% of the total weight of the filler. However, the amount of the primary surfactant may exceed this amount.

[0032] The secondary surfactant can promote and stabilize the action of the primary surfactant and may also be selected from anionic or cationic or amphoteric or nonionic types. The secondary surfactant may be cocamidopropyl betaine. Based on the total weight of the filler, the amount of the secondary surfactant can be 0 to 1%, or within any two of 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% of the total weight of the filler. However, the amount of the secondary surfactant may exceed this amount.

[0033] The primary and secondary surfactants may also be referred to as foaming agents.

[0034] The solid particles, also referred to as solid weight-adding agents, may have a particle size of 0.1 to 100 micrometers.Solid particles may include at least one of the following: titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, iron oxide, amorphous silica, barium titanate, wollastonite, calcium carbonate, specialty pigments, recycled glass, sand, natural starch and modified starch, talc, clay and modified clay. (See page 3 / 10 of the specification, CN 121693652 A) The amount of solid particles may be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, or 64% by weight, or within the range of any two of the foregoing. The amount of solid particles can be 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35% by volume (calculated), or in the range between any two of the foregoing. These solid particles can allow for the reduction or removal of TiO2 as a weighting agent. Titanium dioxide is used in paint sprays because it is by far the best opacifier available. However, it is a suspected carcinogen, and its use is now restricted. To date, replacing it without sacrificing performance is impractical. However, the combined scattering effect of numerous microbubbles and the increased concentration of solid filler particles make paint sprays have satisfactory marking capabilities without the use of titanium dioxide.

[0035] One or more gases may include any gas that is non-toxic and inert at room temperature and pressure, including but not limited to nitrogen, air, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, and all rare gases. The amount of air can be from 0 to 41.9% by volume. The amount of air can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, or 41.9% by volume, or within any two of the foregoing. To date, no air bubbles have been added to the filler.

[0036] The stable mixture of liquids may further contain a freezing point depressant. The freezing point depressant may include at least one of calcium acetate, glycerol polyether 10, polypropylene glycol 425, 1,3-propylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, dipropylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or PEG 200.As described herein, a small amount of calcium acetate monohydrate (hereinafter referred to as calcium acetate or CaAc) can lower the freezing point of PEG 300 to -20°C. The concentration of the antifreeze can be from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the liquid phase of the filler. The concentration of the antifreeze can be 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% by weight of the liquid phase of the filler, or within any two of the foregoing. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum concentration of the antifreeze is 0.5% by weight of the liquid phase of the filler.

[0037] One embodiment includes a method for preparing a filler. The method may include mixing liquids and components together and then adding solid particles under low shear. This step may include simple stirring in an open container. This step may include dispersing a foaming agent into a portion of the carrier liquid using a high-speed vertical mixer such as Ystral and then adding the submixture to a main open container. The method may include stirring the solid particles into the main open container to obtain a coarse slurry. Some bubbles may form due to entrained air during the addition of the solid particles to the liquid. This method may include high-shear mixing to completely disperse solid particles and any entrained air. High shear can be obtained by passing the mixture through a mill, such as a Ross mill-type in-line mixer containing a rotor rotating at high rpm alongside the stator. The method may include further addition of air, one or more other gases (collectively, “gas”). The amount of gas can be controlled by dispensing gas from a pre-weighed container, or gas can simply be added until the desired density is achieved. Gas can be added to the filler in an open container by arranging any high-speed mixing shaft such that air is entrained while mixing the fluid. A preferred method includes pumping the mixture through a high-speed Ross mill and injecting the gas into a conduit containing the flowing slurry mixture just before entering the high-shear in-line mixer, such as the Ross mill described above.

[0038] One embodiment includes a shell for paintballs, which may be a shell containing the paintball filler described herein. The shell may contain gelatin, water, and at least one plasticizer. The plasticizer may be 5-25% by weight of the total weight of the composition used to prepare the paintball shell, the gelatin 35-55%, and the water 35-50%. After the paint gel is formed, the shell dries, resulting in a decrease in the percentage of water and an increase in the percentage of plasticizer and gelatin. The at least one plasticizer may be at least one of glycerol, mannitol, non-crystalline sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugars, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols. The shell may also contain solid particles, such as mineral fillers. That is, the shell may also contain at least one of talc or other mineral fillers.Examples of mineral fillers include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate, kaolin, silica, talc, clay, mica, wollastonite, glass beads, or alumina trihydrate. Fine talc can be added to the shell without substantially altering its brittleness. This not only reduces cost but can also provide benefits such as making the shell harder and therefore more resistant to deformation at a given humidity level. The amount of talc or other mineral filler can be 1-7% by weight of the total shell mixture. The amount of talc or other mineral filler can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7% by weight of the total shell mixture, or within any two of the above. The amount of talc or other mineral filler can be greater than 7% by weight of the total shell mixture. The amount of talc or other mineral filler can be 1-40% by weight of the total shell mixture. The amount of talc or other mineral filler, by weight of the total shell mixture, may be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40%, or within any two of the foregoing. The amount of talc or other mineral filler, by weight of the total shell mixture, may be greater than 7%.

[0039] One embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a paint pellet. This method may include encapsulating any paint pellet filler of this document in any shell thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the method of encapsulating the filler in a shell. For example, the preparation of soft gelatin capsules is described in Lachman, Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 2nd edition, 1986, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully described.

[0040] Other embodiments herein may be formed by supplementing an embodiment with one or more elements from any one or more other embodiments herein, and / or replacing one or more elements from one embodiment with one or more elements from one or more other embodiments herein.

[0041] Examples The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate particular embodiments. Embodiments throughout the text may be supplemented with one or more details from one or more embodiments below, and / or one or more elements from embodiments may be replaced with one or more details from one or more embodiments below.

[0042] Reduction of %PEG 300 or PEG 400 The embodiments herein may reduce the amount of PEG fluid per pellet, which in turn may reduce plant stress.

[0043] Example 1. Standard paint pellet filling density = 1.32 g / cc.Final weight of .68cal pellet = 3.4g

[0044] Example 2. Foamed paint pellet filling density = 1.32g / cc. Final weight of .68cal pellet = 3.4g Instruction manual 5 / 10 pages 7 CN 121693652 A

[0045] Calcium acetate in Example 3 of the antifreeze of PEG 300 causes instantaneous gelation of the PEG-type fluid. It can only be incorporated as follows: Mix the first 5 ingredients in an open container with stirring. Pump the slurry through an online high-shear mixer while slowly adding a solution of calcium acetate in glycerol and water just before the inlet of the high-shear mixer. Once all the calcium acetate solution has been added, switch to injecting compressed air at the inlet of the high-shear mixer. Continue adding compressed air until the desired density is reached. This example is designed to obtain paint pellets that are strong enough to be used at -10°C. Calcium acetate prevents the filler from solidifying to -20°C, while pure PEG 300 will solidify at -7°C. Foaming the filler to a density of 1.2 g / cc reduces its mass, thus reducing impact energy, and the foam itself allows for greater "elasticity" than incompressible liquid fillers. Satisfactory markings are obtained without the use of TiO2.

[0046] Example 3. Foamed low-temperature paint pellet filler density = 1.20 g / cc. Final weight of .68 cal pellet = 3.2 g

[0047] As shown in Example 4, calcium acetate and CO2 are produced in situ by the reaction of acetic acid with calcium carbonate, and alternative methods can be used to prepare low-freezing-point foamed paint pellet fillers. Part A is mixed and then added to the mixture in Part B.

[0048] Example 4 Foamed low-temperature paint pellet filler density = 1.24 g / cc. Final weight of .68 cal pellet = 3.3 g.

[0049] Viscosity at 10 rpm with a #5 rotor = 12,760 cp, showing trace flow behavior, and remaining liquid at -20°C. Instruction manual 6 / 10 pages 8 CN 121693652 A

[0050] As shown in Table 5, many liquids with low freezing points are miscible with PEG 300. However, none impart the anti-freezing properties provided by calcium acetate.

[0051] Table 5 Effect of cooling to -20°C Instruction manual 7 / 10 pages 9 CN 121693652 A

[0052] The concentration of calcium acetate is preferably expressed as a percentage of the total liquid phase. The amount of CaAc available is 0.1% to 5% of the total liquid phase weight.

[0053] When used in the absence of solid particles as in Example 6, calcium acetate also produces a transparent gel, wherein the first three components are blended to prepare a transparent solution, which is then gradually added to PEG 300 under high shear.

[0054] Example 6 Transparent gel, Visc = 9000 CP

[0055] Weighting agent and maximum % gas Example 7 shows how bubbles can compensate for the very high load use of high-density fillers.

[0056] Example 7 Foamed filler density = 1.26 g / cc. Final weight of .68 cal pellet = 3.3 g

[0057] Brinell viscosity at 1 rpm using #63 rotor = 213,600 cp Brinell viscosity at 2 rpm using #63 rotor = 124,000 cp The viscosity of this filler exceeds the capabilities of conventional mixing and encapsulation equipment. However, it exhibits strong shear-thinning behavior, which makes it suitable for use as a paint pellet filler because it will splash upon impact. It can be made and formed into paint pellets by specialized equipment known to those skilled in the art.

[0058] Example 8 Foamed filler, wherein soybean oil density = 1.08 g / cc. The final weight of the .68cal projectile = 3.0g

[0059] The concentration of the solid weighting agent can vary from 0 to 64% by weight. The concentration of the gas can vary from 0 to 41.9% by volume. Surfactant 1 is available in the range of 0 to 3%, but can be added in excess without changing the final result. Surfactant 2 is available in the range of 0 to 1%, but can be added in excess without changing the final result.

[0060] Adding filler to the gelatin shell Example 9 shows the formulation of the gelatin shell of the paintball and how this affects the impact strength.

[0061] Example 9 Solid filler in gelatin shell vs. breakage rate

[0062] *The projectile was dropped from a height of 6 feet onto a smooth concrete surface.

[0063] Adding a relatively large amount of talc had almost no effect on the breakage rate. This is likely due to the smaller particle size (<10 microns) of fine talc compared to 20 to 40 micron starch particles.

[0064] One of the drawbacks of current paintballs is that they rapidly absorb moisture from the air and may become too soft to function properly when humidity rises above 55%, which is common in many areas. Solid fillers in the casing can increase the casing's rigidity at a given humidity level.

[0065] All of the above-mentioned fillers can be used to make paintballs by encapsulating them in a casing made of gelatin, water, and one or more plasticizers selected from: glycerol, mannitol, non-crystalline sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugars, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols.

[0066] Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims (pages 9 / 10, CN 121693652 A) and the above description. It should be understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions can be made within the spirit and scope contemplated by the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, as variations in design methods, dimensions, grades and characteristics, applications, and other modifications are conceivable. (Pages 10 / 10, CN 121693652 A) An improved formulation and process for a projectile, such as a paintball used in the sport of paintball, is provided. The improved formulation comprises a fill material for a projectile such as a paintball, and a shell material. The fill material may comprise a stable mixture of a liquid, solid particles, and a gas. The shell material may comprise a mineral filler. Methods of making the foregoing are also provided. Abstract.

Claims

1. A paintball comprising: a shell; and a fill contained within the shell, the fill comprising a stabilized liquid mixture, solid particles, and a gas.

2. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises gas bubbles.

3. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the stabilized liquid mixture comprises a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, and a primary surfactant.

4. The paintball of claim 3, wherein the stabilized liquid mixture further comprises a secondary surfactant.

5. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the fill further comprises an anti-freeze agent.

6. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the fill is based on PEG 300, and wherein the fill does not freeze at -20°C.

7. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises an inert gas.

8. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises air.

9. The paintball of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises gelatin, water, and one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of glycerin, mannitol, non-crystallizing sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugar, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and a sugar alcohol or combinations thereof.

10. The paintball of claim 9, wherein the shell comprises a mineral filler.

11. A method of making a paintball comprising filling a shell with a fill comprising a stabilized liquid mixture, solid particles, and a gas.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises gas bubbles.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the stabilized liquid mixture comprises a carrier liquid, a rheology modifier, and a primary surfactant.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the stabilized liquid mixture further comprises a secondary surfactant.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the fill further comprises an anti-freeze agent.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the filler is based on PEG 300, and wherein the filler does not solidify at -20 o C.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises an inert gas.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the gas comprises air.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the shell comprises gelatin, water, and one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of glycerin, mannitol, non-crystallizing sorbitol, propylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, maltitol, sucrose, fructose, cellulose, disodium sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, xylitol, isomerized sugar, polyglycerol, glucose syrup, and a sugar alcohol.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the shell comprises a mineral filler.