Paintball loader

Abstract

A paintball loader that includes a shell; an inlet for loading a paintball projectile into the paintball loader; an outlet for feeding the paintball projectile into a firing chamber of a paintball gun; a paddle having one or more fins; a motor; a gear assembly; a drive spring assembly including a clutch assembly and a torsion spring; and a first sensor for monitoring a tension of the torsion spring. Also disclosed is a method for producing a paintball loader, the method including: providing a shell that includes an inlet and an outlet for paintball projectiles; providing a main body; and attaching the main body into the shell removably by using magnets.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to loaders for feeding paintball projectiles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a paintball loader, which feeds rapidly paintball projectiles to a paintball gun.BACKGROUND

[0002] Paintball is a popular sport using paintball guns. In the realm of paintball sports, players use the paintball guns (also referred to as paintball markers) to shoot paintball projectiles.

[0003] Paintball games are normally played between two teams of players trying to capture one another's flag. When the paintball projectile hits a player, the capsule is broken and a mark of paint is left on the players clothes, indicating the hit.

[0004] The efficiency and reliability of paintball guns are significantly influenced by the performance of paintball loaders, commonly known as hoppers. Traditional paintball loaders are primarily gravity-fed systems, where paintball projectiles descend into the firing chamber under gravity's influence. However, these systems often face challenges like jamming, slow feed rates, and limited capacity, which can be detrimental in fast-paced gaming scenarios.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, advanced paintball loaders, such as agitating loaders and force-feed loaders, have been developed. Agitating loaders use internal mechanisms like paddles or impellers to prevent jamming, whereas force-feed loaders employ motorized systems to actively push paintball projectiles into the paintball gun.

[0006] Despite these improvements, current paintball loaders still face challenges.

[0007] The current paintball loaders might offer higher feed rates and reduced jamming compared to traditional paintball loaders. However, the current paintball loaders are typically complex, unreliable, and costly alternative for the traditional paintball loader. Furthermore, when a jam occurs, existing paintball loaders require a reversal of the motor or manual intervention to clear the jam, which can interrupt the feed and affect the player's performance.

[0008] Additionally, balance between paintball loader efficiency, battery consumption, weight, durability, and adaptability to different paintball guns and play styles remains a delicate and unresolved issue. Moreover, fast feeding solutions of the existing designs often cause high stresses on the ball, leading some paintball projectiles to break inside the feeding system. Such breakages may cause problems for the feeding system, or even prevent the feeding of the projectiles.

[0009] Thus, there is still a need for improved paintball loaders.SUMMARY

[0010] In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved paintball loader for a paintball gun. Thus, it is an object of this invention to present an improved paintball loader.

[0011] The paintball loader is configured to feed a plurality of paintball projectiles into a paintball gun.

[0012] Paintball projectiles are typically fragile projectiles that are filled with paint. The paintball loader according to this invention can be used to feed projectiles into a paintball gun. The paintball loader can be particularly advantageous for spherical paintball projectiles.

[0013] One critical problem with current paintball loaders is a jammed projectile, i.e., a situation wherein the projectile cannot move. As known by a skilled person, even though paintball projectiles are spherical and slick, it is possible for them to jam, especially when they get pushed into an outlet tube. In these situations, the jammed paintball projectile can break or, in some cases, even a motor may be damaged. The paintball loader according to this specification can have many antijam features.

[0014] Aspects of the invention are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. These and other embodiments are disclosed in the description and figures.

[0015] The paintball loader according to this specification can comprise a motorized system, wherein paintball projectiles are pushed into a paintball gun.

[0016] The paintball loader can store projectiles before feeding them into a paintball gun. The paintball loader can comprise a paddle configured to rotate about an axis, a motor and gears, and a drive spring assembly comprising a torsion spring and a sensor for monitoring a tension of the torsion spring.

[0017] During a usage of the paintball loader, paintball projectiles are fed through the paintball loader into a paintball gun so that the projectiles can be fired to a target.

[0018] Preferably, the paintball loader comprises: a shell; an inlet for loading a paintball projectile into the paintball loader; a paddle having one or more fins configured to rotate in a first direction; a motor; a gear assembly; a drive spring assembly comprising a clutch assembly and a torsion spring; a first sensor for monitoring a tension of the torsion spring, and an outlet for feeding the paintball projectile from the paintball loader into a firing chamber of a paintball gun.

[0019] Thanks to the paintball loader according to this specification, paintball jams can be efficiently handled without causing problems to the motor. Furthermore, thanks to the efficient handling of the jams, typically taking less than a second, the player can continue the game without interruptions.

[0020] The paintball loader is preferably configurated to monitor a tension of the torsion spring with an angle sensor. Thus, the first sensor is preferably an angle sensor configured to determine the tension of the torsion spring. Technical effect is to allow force to be easily adjusted.

[0021] The paintball loader can comprise a paddle assembly comprising the paddle. In a preferred embodiment, the paddle is configured to be stopped by a full stack of paintball projectiles.

[0022] Preferably, the torsion spring is configured to start winding up when the paddle is stopped. Further, the motor is preferably configured to be stopped when a predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected. Furthermore, the torsion spring is preferably configured to give a substantially constant pressure to the paddle when the motor is stopped. The substantially constant pressure means that the pressure does not change more than 20%, more preferably not more than 15%, still more preferably not more than 10%, and most preferably not more than 5%.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the paintball loader is configured to determine a total number of paintballs in the paintball loader in an indirect way by determining a speed of changes in the tension of the torsion spring.

[0024] Advantageously, the paintball loader is configured to notice when a jam occurs. Furthermore, the paintball loader is preferably configured to allow the torsion spring to slip and unwind, permitting the paddle to move backwards when a jam occurs. Technical effect is to use a spring bounce back as an antijam mechanism.

[0025] Preferably, the paintball loader is configured to detect a jam, and the paddle is configured to move slightly backwards when a jam occurs, without changing a rotation direction of the motor.

[0026] Typically, paintball projectiles cause a force affecting the paddle of the paintball loader. Conventionally, the force affecting the paddle increases along with number of paintball projectiles in the shell. However, the paintball loader according to this specification preferably comprises a paddle cover. The paddle cover can be configured to stabilize forces affecting the paddle.

[0027] As some paintball projectiles can be on the paddle cover during usage of the paintball loader, they are not affecting the paddle. Thus, a force affecting the paddle can be configured to be substantially same regardless of number of paintball projectiles in the paintball loader.

[0028] Thus, the paintball loader can comprise the paddle cover. Technical effects include stabilizing a force affecting the paddle. Thanks to the paddle cover, the force affecting the paddle can be substantially same between a full and empty loader.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, a distance between a lower surface of the paddle cover and an upper surface of the paddle is configured to be 1.5-3 times a diameter of a paintball projectile.

[0030] The paintball loader can comprise an inlet cover. The main purpose of the inlet cover is to prevent jamming. The inlet cover can be configured to prevent jamming by guiding paintball projectiles either into the outlet tube or into a storage area of the paintball loader.

[0031] As discussed, the paintball loader comprises an outlet for feeding paintball projectiles from the paintball loader into a firing chamber of a paintball gun. Preferably, the outlet comprises an outlet tube. Most preferably, the outlet tube comprises or consists of a detachable feed neck. Technical effect is to provide various benefits, including various mounting options for the paintball loader. Further technical effects include that the feed neck can be made of a metal. Furthermore, thanks to the detachable feed neck, the feed neck can be changed according to a need. For example, a length of the feed neck can be selected to be optimal for each paintball gun. Furthermore, thanks to the feed neck, the paintball loader can be integrated to be as a part of the paintball gun's design.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet tube is configured to make a connection between electronics of the paintball loader and electronics of a paintball gun, allowing shared communication and power source between the paintball gun and the loader.

[0033] The shell is preferably, at least mainly, made of an injection molded plastic. Further, the feed neck, if used, preferably comprises one or more metals.

[0034] For increasing storage for the paintball loader without increasing size of the shell of the paintball loader, the motor of the paintball loader is preferably situated in the middle of a drive system. Technical effect is to save space; hence, the paintball loader can have a smaller size and still have a preferred storage size for paintball projectiles.

[0035] Advantageously, the motor is configured to be stopped when a first predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected. Further, the motor is preferably configured to be started when a value below a second predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected. The tension can be determined by using an angle sensor for monitoring a tension of the torsion spring. The first predetermined tension may be between 80 and 140 degrees, preferably between 90 and 135 degrees, more preferably between 100 and 130 degrees, still more preferably between 110 and 125 degrees, and most preferably about 120 degrees. The second predetermined tension may be configured to be about 10 degrees less than the first predetermined tension, such as 8 to 15 degrees less than the first predetermined tension.

[0036] Preferably, when the motor is stopped, the torsion spring is configured to provide a pressure to the paddle.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the paintball loader further comprises a spring-loaded ramp, i.e., a spring ramp, for guiding a paintball projectile to the paddle. The spring-loaded ramp is particularly advantageous when the paintball loader is not having many projectiles inside the shell. However, when the paintball loader is full of projectiles, the spring-loaded ramp can be configured to be pushed down, e.g., due to weight of the projectiles. Thus, the spring-loaded ramp can be used for guiding paintball projectiles to the paddle without losing the storage capacity of the paintball loader.

[0038] The shell of the paintball loader can form outer surfaces of the paintball loader, or at least most of the outer surfaces of the paintball loader. The paintball loader can further comprise a main body attached inside the shell removably by using magnets. The main body can comprise, e.g., the paddle, the motor, the gear assembly, the clutch assembly, the torsion spring, and the sensor.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the paddle is attached to its place removably by using magnets.

[0040] The paintball loader, and particularly the main body, can comprise a mechanical arrangement comprising mechanical parts, and an electronical arrangement comprising electronical parts. The mechanical and electronical arrangements can be situated inside the shell. Preferably, the mechanical arrangement and the electronical arrangement are attached to each other removably by using magnets. Thus, the mechanical and the electronical arrangements can be disassembled without a use of tools, so that a user can easily disassemble the components for quick cleaning and / or maintenance.

[0041] The paintball loader can further comprise a circuit board. The circuit board is preferably a printed circuit board. The paintball loader can comprise an electronic circuit comprising a microcontroller for controlling operations of the circuit board.

[0042] A method for producing a paintball loader may comprise the steps of: providing a shell comprising an inlet and an outlet for paintball projectiles; providing a main body comprising a mechanical arrangement comprising a paddle, a clutch assembly, and a torsion spring, and an electronical arrangement comprising a motor and a circuit board; and attaching the main body into the shell removably by using magnets.

[0043] When a paintball projectile jams, conventional paintball loader may not detect the jam since there is a correct pressure applied to the stack. The paintball loader according to this specification preferably has a sensor inside the outlet tube past the point where there are no corners, edges, or places for the paintball projectiles to jam. If the sensor inside the outlet tube is detecting that the stack of paintball projectiles is moving but the spring tension is not changing, the paintball loader has detected a jam.

[0044] Thus, the paintball loader according to this specification can comprise mechanisms and systems designed for efficient, reliable, and rapid delivery of paintball projectiles into a firing chamber of a paintball gun, which is particularly advantageous for both recreational and competitive paintball play.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a side view of a paintball loader according to an embodiment,

[0047] FIG. 2 is a cut away view of a main body comprising a paddle having fins, according to an embodiment,

[0048] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components for a drive assembly according to an embodiment, comprising a paddle, a motor, and a gear assembly,

[0049] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of components for a drive spring assembly according to an embodiment, comprising a rotating clutch assembly and a torsion spring,

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a paintball loader according to an embodiment, comprising a speed feed and a feed neck,

[0051] FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an inlet cover according to an embodiment, wherein the inlet cover is a dual density cover, and

[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of main body according to an embodiment, comprising a spring ramp.

[0053] The figures are schematic and are intended to illustrate the general principles of the disclosed solution.

[0054] The illustrations in the Figures can be in scale. However, the illustrations in the Figures are not necessarily in scale or suggestive of precise layout of system components.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The solution is described in the following in more detail with reference to some embodiments, which shall not be regarded as limiting.

[0056] In this application, reference is made to Figures, in which the following reference numerals are used:

[0057] 100 paintball loader,

[0058] 110 shell,

[0059] 111 upper opening,

[0060] 112 feed neck,

[0061] 113 speed feed,

[0062] 114 lid member,

[0063] 115 finger,

[0064] 116 outlet tube,

[0065] 120 main body comprising a mechanical arrangement and an electronical arrangement,

[0066] 125 spring ramp,

[0067] 130 drive assembly,

[0068] 131 fin,

[0069] 132 paddle,

[0070] 133 paddle cover,

[0071] 135 drive motor,

[0072] 137 sun gear,

[0073] 138 inlet cover,

[0074] 140 gear assembly,

[0075] 141, 142 gear members of planetary gear box,

[0076] 143 planetary carrier of planetary gear box,

[0077] 160 drive spring assembly,

[0078] 300 clutch assembly,

[0079] 301 torsion spring,

[0080] 302 clutch body,

[0081] 303 clutch slip,

[0082] 304 clutch compression spring,

[0083] 305 clutch adjustment screw,

[0084] 306 one-way bearing,

[0085] 307 guide bearing, and

[0086] 308 drive gear.

[0087] In this specification, the term “comprising” may be used as an open term, but it also comprises the closed term “consisting of.” Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the word “comprising” can be read as “comprising or consisting of”

[0088] The embodiments and examples recited in the claims and in the specification are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0089] For the purpose of the present description and the claims, unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include any combination of the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0090] In this application “a sensor” refers to a device which produces an electrical signal corresponding to changes in inputs.Paintball Loader

[0091] The paintball loader according to this specification can be a motorized paintball loader. The paintball loader is configured to be used together with a paintball gun.

[0092] A paintball gun typically comprises a firing chamber. In operation, when the paintball gun is fired, a bolt of the paintball gun retracts, creating a pathway for a paintball projectile to move towards the firing chamber.

[0093] The paintball loader according to this specification can be a force-feed paintball loader.

[0094] The paintball loader can include

[0095] a shell 110 for holding a plurality of paintballs,

[0096] a paddle 132 having fins 131, the paddle 132 being preferably mounted on a bottom portion of the shell 110, and

[0097] an outlet tube 116, preferably comprising a feed neck 112. In use, the feed neck 112 can lead to a firing chamber of a paintball gun. Thus, the feed neck 112 can be configured to be in contact with a paintball gun.

[0098] A paddle 132 mechanism of the paintball loader can be configured to push against (a stack of) paintball projectiles into a firing chamber of a paintball gun when a bolt retracts. In a preferred embodiment, the paintball loader is configured to advance the stack of paintball projectiles as a spring exerts force on the paddle 132.

[0099] Conventionally, a jam has been cleared by releasing the tension that is causing the jam by reversing the direction of the motor 135 and rotating the paddle 132 backwards.

[0100] The present invention can clear jams through a novel mechanism involving a torsion spring 301. Thus, the paintball loader comprises a torsion spring 301.

[0101] Preferably, when a jam occurs, the paintball loader is configured to allow the torsion spring 301 to slip and rapidly unwind, momentarily reducing the pressure on the paintball stack and permitting the paddle 132 to move backwards slightly. This action provides the necessary space and movement to reposition the jammed paintball, effectively clearing the jam. The benefits of this system include that the motor 135 can keep turning the same way so that there is very minimal delay in feeding the paintball projectiles.

[0102] The torsion spring 301 can be designed to permit controlled slippage and rotation under a predetermined force.

[0103] Thus, the paintball loader according to this specification can be configured to automatically unjamming projectiles when needed. i.e., if a paintball jam is encountered, or if the paintball projectiles cannot be moved for some other reason.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 1, the paintball loader can include an upper opening 111 for loading paintball projectiles.

[0105] The paintball loader can comprise a storage compartment capable of holding 100 to 300 paintball projectiles, more preferably 200 to 300 paintball projectiles. In an embodiment, the storage compartment has a size of 24-27 cm×9-12 cm×17-20 cm.

[0106] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the paintball loader can be transparent or translucent to allow a user to determine the approximate number of remaining paintballs within the paintball loader.

[0107] The paintball loader comprises a feeding mechanism for the paintball projectiles. The feeding mechanics is preferably positioned at the base of the storage compartment, allowing gravity to move paintball into the paddle 132.

[0108] An example of a feeding mechanism is shown in in FIG. 2.

[0109] The feeding mechanism can be integral to the paintball loader's operation, tasked with pushing paintball projectiles towards the outlet tube 116 and further down into a firing chamber of a paintball gun.

[0110] The feeding mechanism can ensure that paintball projectiles are consistently fed into the outlet tube 116, which directs them to a paintball gun's firing chamber. This arrangement utilizes gravity to aid in the delivery of paintball projectiles to the feeding mechanism, ensuring a continuous and efficient feed.

[0111] The paintball loader preferably comprises:

[0112] a shell 110 comprising an upper opening 111 for loading paintball projectiles into the paintball loader, and an outlet tube 116 for feeding the paintball projectiles from the paintball loader into a firing chamber of a paintball gun,

[0113] a main body 120, wherein the main body 120 is preferably attached inside the shell 110 removably, the main body 120 comprising

[0114] a paddle 132 having fins 131 arranged to make contact with a paintball, wherein the fins 131 are configured to rotate,

[0115] clutch assembly 300,

[0116] a torsion spring 301,

[0117] a sensor configured to determine a tension of the torsion spring 301,

[0118] a circuit board,

[0119] a motor 135, and

[0120] gears 140.

[0121] The shell 110 of the paintball loader can form the outer surfaces of the paintball loader. The shell 110 can include an upper opening 111 for loading paintball projectiles into the paintball loader, and a feed neck 112 for feeding the paintball projectiles from the paintball loader into a firing chamber of a paintball gun.

[0122] Inside the shell 110 can be the main body 120. The main body 120 can comprise, mainly consist of, or consist of mechanical and electronical arrangements.

[0123] A drive mechanism can include a drive assembly 130 comprising the motor 135, gears 140 and the drive spring assembly 160 comprising the torsion spring 301. By using the drive mechanism, the paddle 132 and the fins 131 can feed the paintballs efficiently into the outlet tube 116.

[0124] The paintball loader can have a power switch configured to switch the power for the loader between the on and off positions. Technical effect is to save energy. The power switch of the paintball loader can be further configured to switch the power for the paintball gun between the on and off positions.

[0125] As discussed, fragile paintball projectiles may sometimes break inside the paintball loader. For the user, it is often important that the paintball loader can be disassembled and cleaned quickly and efficiently.

[0126] Thus, in an embodiment, the invention allows quick and efficient cleaning by using a two-part shell with a hinged design and a lock. Thus, the shell 110 of the paintball loader can be a two-part shell 110, preferably with a hinge and a lock. This allows the user to simply unlock the lock, open the top side, and pull out the main body 120 of the paintball loader out of the shell 110.

[0127] Further, the paintball loader can be configured such that the mechanical arrangement and the electronical arrangement can be disassembled without the use of any tools, so that a user can quickly and easily disassemble the components for quick cleaning and / or maintenance. This can be implemented, e.g., by using magnets.Shell

[0128] As discussed, the paintball loader can comprise a shell 110. The shell 110 can form the outer surfaces of the paintball loader.

[0129] The shell 110 of the paintball loader preferably comprises, more preferably at least mainly consists of an injection molded plastic.

[0130] Thus, the shell 110 of the paintball loader is preferably made with injection molded plastic. The injection molded plastic is preferably selected from

[0131] polyamides, preferably including at least one of PA6 and PA66,

[0132] acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),

[0133] polycarbonate (PC),

[0134] thermoplastic alloy (i.e., ABS-PC) of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and

[0135] mixtures thereof.

[0136] Furthermore, the injection molded plastic in the shell 110 preferably comprises glass fibers. Advantageously, the injection molded plastic comprises 10 to 19 wt. %, more preferably 12 to 17 wt. %. and most preferably 14 to 16 wt. % glass fibers (by dry weight). The glass fibers are preferably added to make the injection molded plastic more rigid while still resisting cracking.

[0137] Particularly preferred material for the shell 110 is an injection molded plastic based on polyamide, such as PA 66, with 12-16 wt. % glass fibers (by dry weight). Technical effect is to make the required complex shape and keep the weight of the shell reasonable. Thus, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the spring ramp 125 is made of a mixture comprising, mainly comprising, or consisting of

[0138] one or more polyamides, e.g., PA66, and

[0139] glass fibers, e.g. 10 to 19 wt. %, preferably 12 to 17 wt. %, more preferably 14 to 16 wt. % glass fibers (by dry weight).

[0140] Preferably, the shell 110 comprises an upper opening 111 for loading paintball projectiles into the paintball loader and a feed neck 112 for feeding the paintball projectiles from the paintball loader into a paintball gun.

[0141] Thus, paintball projectiles can be fed into the paintball loader via the upper opening 111.

[0142] In a preferred design, the shell 110 has a display attached to it. The display can be on the outer surface of the shell 110. The display may form a part of the outer surface of the shell 110. The display can allow, e.g., the user to adjust a force that is applied on to paintball projectiles. Alternatively or additionally, the display can have a timer for used in games where there is a time limit. Alternatively or additionally, the display can work in conjunction with the paintball gun showing parameters and settings from the gun. Alternatively or additionally, the displays can communicate wirelessly with other loaders or for example with an outside scoreboard showing the status of the current match, scores or other information that the user may be interested in.

[0143] Paintball projectiles can be fed into a paintball gun via the feed neck 112, i.e. the paintball projectiles can be conveyed from the paintball loader into a firing chamber of a paintball gun by using the feed neck 112. Thus, the feed neck 112 can be designed to form a connection between the paintball loader and a paintball gun.

[0144] In an advantageous embodiment, the shell 110 has a volume of 1.8 to 2.6 dm3, preferably 1.9 to 2.5 dm3, more preferably from 2.0 to 2.4 dm3, and most preferably from 2.1 to 2.3 dm3.An Upper Opening

[0145] As discussed, the shell 110 can comprise an upper opening 111 for loading paintball projectiles into the paintball loader. The upper opening 111 can have a diameter of about 80 mm, such as from 70 mm to 90 mm, preferably from 75 mm to 85 mm.

[0146] The upper opening 111 can comprise a lid for closing the inlet. Alternatively, the upper opening 111 can comprise a one-way feeding device.

[0147] Thus, referring to FIG. 5, the paintball loader according to this specification can comprise the one-way feeding device, often called as a speed feed 113. Technical effect is to possibility to feed paintball projectiles very quickly into the paintball loader.

[0148] Preferably, the speed feed 113 has a plurality of fingers 115, preferably 4 to 10 fingers. The fingers 115 can be designed so that they can bend down and allow paintball projectiles to fall through but do not bend backwards so the paintball projectiles cannot come out of the paintball loader when, for example, turned upside down. This can substantially increase an effectiveness of a paintball gun in a play. For optimal performance, the fingers 115 are preferably made of a rigid plastic that does not flex much, such as PC or ABS. Thus, the fingers 115 preferably comprise or are made of at least one of PC and ABS. A thickness of the finger is preferably about 2 mm, such as in a range between 1.7 mm and 2.3 mm.

[0149] Thus, the fingers 115 can be configured to resist deflecting outwardly, when paintballs located inside the shell 110 are forced against the inside surface of the fingers 115, so as to prevent paintballs located inside the shell 110 from falling out of the paintball loader. The one-way feeding device may further have a substantially rigid perimeter portion configured to support fingers.

[0150] As the paintball projectiles are typically fragile and often weigh about 3 g each, the design of the fingers 115 requires precision to make it easy to let the paintball projectiles go in but strong enough to bounce back without delay. The fingers 115 and / or the substantially rigid perimeter portion may be formed from a suitable polymeric material, preferably from plastic or rubber.

[0151] An embodiment of the invention further improves this design by making the fingers 115 removable without the need of any tools, allowing the user to use various types of fingers to optimize their preference of coverage and the feeding performance of the speed feed 113.

[0152] Thus, in an embodiment, the paintball loader comprises one-way feeding device comprising removable fingers 115.

[0153] Since paintball projectiles are often water soluble, it is usually preferred to use a lid member 114 instead of a one-way feeding device when playing in the rain so that the paintball projectiles do not become soft. To allow the user to quickly swap between a one-way feeding device and a lid member 114, an embodiment incorporates a quick release hinge allowing the user to simply pull out the speed feed 113 and insert a lid member 114.Outlet

[0154] The paintball loader comprises an outlet, such as an outlet tube 116. The paddle 132 comprising fins 131 can feed the paintball projectiles to the outlet tube 116.

[0155] The outlet tube 116 can comprise a feed neck 112. Preferably, the outlet tube 116 comprises or consists of a clamping feed neck assembly. Thus, the paddle 132 can feed paintball projectiles to the feed neck 112. The feed neck 112 is preferably a removable feed neck 112 configured to feed paintball projectiles into a paintball gun.

[0156] As discussed, inside a paintball gun there is typically a firing chamber where a bolt of the paintball gun pushes a paintball into a barrel and fires it, then returning and allowing next paintball to be loaded into the firing chamber.

[0157] The outlet tube 116 of the paintball loader can be configured to be connected to a top of a paintball gun so that the outlet tube 116, particularly a feed neck assembly, is removably attached to the paintball gun.

[0158] The paintball loader can allow making a connection between electronics of the paintball loader and electronics of a paintball gun. In this embodiment, the connection between the electronics of the paintball loader and the electronics of the paintball gun can be made through the outlet tube 116. The preferred design includes the removable feed neck 112 that allows routing of electrical conduits through it.

[0159] In a preferred design, there are four conductors with Ground, Power and two signaling conductors using the I2C protocol.

[0160] As discussed, the shell 110 of the paintball loader is preferably made with injection molded plastic. Technical effects of the removable feed neck 112 include allowing the removable feed neck to be made from a strong material, such as metal, for protecting the electronics and to form a strong connection between the paintball loader and the gun, without increasing too much the weight of the paintball loader.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the paintball loader comprises a removable feed neck 112 comprising or mainly consisting of metal. An outer diameter of the feed neck 112 is preferably about 26 mm, such as from 25 mm to 27 mm. A length of the feed neck 112 is preferably in a range between 20 mm and 30 mm, more preferably in a range between 23 mm and 27 mm.Main Body

[0162] The paintball loader can comprise a main body 120 inside the shell 110.

[0163] As discussed, the shell 110 may form outer surfaces of the paintball loader. The main body 120 can be situated inside the shell 110, forming inner parts of the paintball loader. The paintball loader may consist of the shell 110 and the main body 120.

[0164] The main body 120 is preferably secured in its position removably. Preferably, the main body 120 is secured in its position removably by using magnets. The magnets allow easy, efficient, and fast removability of the main body 120 from the shell 110.

[0165] The main body 120 can further be designed so that it splits into two parts where the lower portion, i.e., electronical arrangement, contains battery and electronics while the top portion, i.e. mechanical arrangement, contains the mechanical components, including gears 140 and the paddle 132. This way the electronics can be easily protected from water and, e.g., if a paintball projectile is broken inside the paintball loader, the electronics can be put aside, and the mechanical parts can be easily washed.

[0166] Thus, the main body 120 can comprise or consist of the mechanical and electronical arrangements. Advantageously, said mechanical and electronical arrangements are attached to each other removably. Said mechanical and electronical arrangements can be attached to each other removable by using magnet(s).

[0167] For optimized design, the main body 120 can have the following dimensions:

[0168] a length of 13 to 17 cm, preferably from 14 to 16 cm,

[0169] a width of 8 to 12 cm, preferably from 9 to 11 cm,

[0170] a height of 2 to 4 cm, preferably from 2.5 to 3.5 cm.

[0171] In an advantageous embodiment, the main body 120 has a weight of 300 to 340 g, preferably approximately 320 g.Mechanical Arrangement

[0172] The mechanical arrangement can comprise at least

[0173] paddle 132 having fins 131,

[0174] gear assembly 140, and

[0175] drive spring assembly 160.

[0176] The mechanical arrangement preferably forms top portion of the main body 120.

[0177] The paintball loader can have a feed mechanism including the paddle 132 having one or more fins 131. Preferably, the paddle 132 has 1 to 8 fins 131, more preferably 2 to 7 fins 131, still more preferably 3 to 6 fins 131, and most preferably 4 to 5 fins 131. The fins 131 are preferably configured to push paintball(s) forward.

[0178] Thus, the paddle 132 can be adapted for mixing and / or moving paintball projectiles by using the fins 131. Preferably, the paddle 132 is adapted for moving the paintball projectiles by using the fins 131.

[0179] The paddle 132 is preferably attached to its place removable by using magnet(s). Technical effect is that the paddle 132 can be easily removed and reattached.

[0180] The paintball loader can be configured to push paintball projectiles via the outlet tube 116 into a firing chamber of a paintball gun. Thus, the paddle 132 can be configured to spin so that the fins 131 push paintball projectiles into the outlet tube 116. Thus, the paintball loader can include means for rotating the fins 131 about an axis.

[0181] Preferably, the paintball loader is configured to form a stack of paintball projectiles during a usage of the paintball loader. Preferably, in use, one end of the stack is in a firing chamber of a paintball gun and the other end is touching the paddle 132. Technical effect is to improve efficiency of the paintball loader.

[0182] When the paintball loader is filled up with paintball projectiles, the weight of the projectiles can cause some force from the paddle 132 to be applied into lifting some paintball projectiles upward instead of pushing the stack of paintball projectiles efficiently into the outlet tube 116.

[0183] As the paintball loader according to this specification typically applies constant force to the paddle 132, it can be particularly important to minimize any other forces affecting the paddle 132. Thus, to minimize the effect of the other paintball projectiles, the paintball loader according to this specification preferably has a paddle cover 133 designed to guide some of the paintball projectiles around the paddle 132. The paddle cover 133 is shown e.g. in FIG. 2. Technical effects of the paddle cover 133 include minimizing amount of paintball projectiles the paddle 132 is lifting.

[0184] The distance of the paddle cover 133 and the paddle 132 is preferable adjusted to be approximately two times a diameter of one paintball. In a preferred embodiment, a distance between a lower surface of the paddle cover 133 and an upper surface of the paddle 132 is configured to be more than 1.5 times, more preferably at least 2 times a diameter of a paintball projectile, and less than three times, more preferably equal to or less than 2.5 times the diameter of the paintball projectile. Technical effect is that the paintballs can effectively fed towards the outlet tube 116.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the lower surface of the paddle cover 133 and the upper surface of the paddle 132 is about 38 mm, preferably between 37 mm and 39 mm.

[0186] For improving efficiency of the paintball loader, the paddle cover 133 preferably covers 70 to 88%, more preferably 75 to 85%, and most preferably 77 to 83% of an area above the paddle 132. Technical effect is that paintballs fall into the paddle mostly from the sides, minimizing pressure from above.Inlet Cover

[0187] The paintball loader can comprise an inlet cover 138. The inlet cover 138 can be situated, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6.

[0188] Thus, the inlet cover 138 is preferably situated so that the placement of the bottom side of the inlet cover 138 is 18 to 20 mm above a floor of the ball tray.

[0189] Typically, the most challenging place in terms of avoiding jamming and feeding issues of a paintball loader is the position where the paintball projectiles are forced into the outlet tube 116 by the paddle 132.

[0190] If the paintball projectile is not well seated in the paddle 132, the projectile may be jammed between the outlet tube 116 and the paddle 132. To help this issue, the paintball loader preferably comprises the inlet cover 138. The inlet cover 138 is preferably a dual density piece that has a soft outer edge. The soft outer edge can act as a guide so that the paintball projectile either goes into the outlet tube 116 or jumps back out into the storage area of the paintball loader.

[0191] Thus, as the inlet cover 138 preferably has very soft outer edge, the edge can be made substantially sharp. The substantially sharp outer edge improves the paintball loader so that the paintball is not easily jammed against the inlet cover 138, but rather goes into the outlet tube 116 or jumps back out into the shell area. Thus, technical effect of the inlet cover 138 is to prevent jamming.

[0192] The preferred thickness of the cover is about 2 mm, such as 1.8 mm to 2.2. mm. However, preferably, the inlet cover 138 has the thinner outer edge having a thickness of less than said 1.8 mm.

[0193] The inlet cover 138 can be mainly based on polypropylene (PP). However, outer parts of the inlet cover 138 are preferably made of a softer material, such as Thero Elastic Rubber (TPR). In an embodiment, the inlet cover 138 comprises or is made of another soft and elastic materials such as Silicone and / or TPU. The inlet cover 138 can also comprise or consist of a mixture of said materials.Spring Ramp

[0194] Referring to FIG. 7, the paintball loader can comprise a spring ramp 125. The spring ramp 125 can be situated in the shell 110.

[0195] Gravity is typically required for the paintball projectiles to be fed into the paddle 132. Therefore, from a point of view of optimal feeding, a tall and narrow shell would work best. But as the paintball players want to minimize the height of the paintball loader, a flat and short design is preferable.

[0196] Thus, the paintball loader preferably comprises the spring ramp 125. Technical effect of the spring ramp 125 is to help guide the paintball projectiles to the paddle 132, without substantially increasing height of the paintball loader, and without losing the storage capacity of the paintball loader.

[0197] The spring ramp 125 is a spring-loaded ramp situated in the shell 110. The spring ramp 125 can be configured to be pushed down when the shell 110 has lots of paintball projectiles. Technical effect is that as the ramp can be pushed down, storage capacity of the shell 110 can be maximized when filled with paintball projectiles.

[0198] When the shell 110 empties, the ramp can come up, hence, helping to guide the paintball projectiles into the paddle assembly. Therefore, the technical effects of the spring ramp 125 include improved efficiency.

[0199] The spring-loaded ramp can cover the bottom area of the storage of the shell 110 or at least most of it, excluding the paddle assembly, for guiding all or substantially all projectiles into the paddle assembly.

[0200] For optimal design, the spring ramp 125 needs to be rigid and strong but light weight so that the weight of the paintballs substantially changes the overall weight and the spring ran overcome the difference. Preferably, the spring ramp 125 comprises or is made of injection molded plastic and injected with a material such as PA66 with glass fibers, or ABS, or a mixture of thereof.

[0201] Thus, the spring ramp 125 is preferably made with injection molded plastic. The injection molded plastic is preferably selected from

[0202] polyamides, preferably including at least one of PA6 and PA66,

[0203] acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),

[0204] polycarbonate (PC),

[0205] thermoplastic alloy (i.e., ABS-PC) of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and

[0206] mixtures thereof.

[0207] Furthermore, the injection molded plastic in the spring ramp 125 preferably comprises glass fibers. Advantageously, the injection molded plastic comprises 10 to 19 wt. %, more preferably 12 to 17 wt. %. and most preferably 14 to 16 wt. % glass fibers (by dry weight). The glass fibers are preferably added to make the injection molded plastic more rigid while still resisting cracking.

[0208] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the spring ramp 125 is made of a mixture comprising, mainly comprising, or consisting of

[0209] one or more polyamides, e.g., PA66, and

[0210] glass fibers, e.g. 10 to 19 wt. %, preferably 12 to 17 wt. %, more preferably 14 to 16 wt. % glass fibers (by dry weight).Drive Spring Assembly

[0211] As discussed, the paintball loader can comprise a drive spring assembly 160.

[0212] The drive spring assembly 160 can have two main functions:

[0213] 1) the drive spring assembly 160 can store energy from the motor 135 and use it to push paintball projectiles to the outlet tube 116, and

[0214] 2) the drive spring assembly 160 can act as means for handling a jamming situation.

[0215] FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of the drive spring assembly 160. Preferably, the clutch assembly 300 is a rotating clutch assembly.

[0216] The main component of the drive spring assembly 160 is a torsion spring 301.

[0217] Advantageously, the drive spring assembly 160 further comprises one or more of the following components, most preferably all of the following components:

[0218] a clutch body 302,

[0219] clutch slip 303,

[0220] a clutch compression spring 304,

[0221] clutch adjustment screw 305,

[0222] one way bearing 306,

[0223] guide bearing 307, and

[0224] drive gear 308.

[0225] First end of the torsion spring 301 can be attached to the drive gear 308.

[0226] The second end of the torsion spring 301 is preferably mounted to the clutch body 302.

[0227] Another key component for the drive spring assembly 160 can be a magnet. The magnet can be mounted on top of a drive gear 308.

[0228] The magnet can be used in combination with a sensor, hence allowing software of the paintball loader to know the precise angular position of the drive gear 308 and, hence, a tension of the torsion spring 301.

[0229] Thus, the paintball loader preferably comprises

[0230] the drive spring assembly 160 comprising the torsion spring 301 and the clutch assembly 300,

[0231] a sensor for detecting a tension of the torsion spring 301,

[0232] a motor 135 and a gear assembly 140, and

[0233] a circuit board.

[0234] The circuit board can be configured to generate signals for the drive motor 135. The signal can indicate whether the motor 135 should be turned on or off.

[0235] Advantageously, the paintball loader is configured to determine an angular position of the torsion spring 301. Advantageously, when the paddle 132 is stopped by the full stack of paintball projectiles and the power is transferred over to the drive spring assembly 160, the torsion spring 301 starts winding and collecting potential energy. As the spring winds up, the angular position is determined.

[0236] Advantageously, the paintball loader is configured to give a constant or at least substantially constant force to the paddle 132. When the desired angle, i.e., a force affecting the torsion spring 301, is reached, the motor 135 is stopped. Due to said winding, the torsion spring 301 will keep pushing the paddle 132 giving a constant or at least substantially constant pressure to the stack of paintball projectiles. When the stack of paintball projectiles moves, for example because a paintball was shot, the spring is able to unwind. The sensor notes this happening and restarts the motor 135 to wind the spring back to the predetermined tension.

[0237] The main function of the clutch assembly 300 can be to act as the anti-jamming Function.

[0238] If the stack of paintball projectiles is blocked by a paintball projectile getting stuck before reaching the output tube, the torsion spring 301 can be driven all the way to the point where the clutch body 302 can jump over the clutch slip 303, and the torsion spring 301 can unwind extremely rapidly, i.e. taking less than some tens of milliseconds. This does not only take away the pressure of the stack but moves the paddle 132 backwards a little bit. This is a very effective way to clear these jams, even without rotating the motor 135 other way. It is also very fast in terms of the feeding since as soon as the jam is detected the motor 135 can be just left spinning longer until the clutch is released. Conventionally, the motor 135 has been stopped and then rotated the other way. This takes a long time which causes the feeding of the paintball loader to be slowed down.

[0239] One additional technical effect of the drive spring assembly 160 is that the force applied to the stack of paintball projectiles can be easily digitally adjusted by changing an angle of the stopping point of the drive spring. In an embodiment, the paintball loader is configured to receive an angle of the stopping point from a user.

[0240] In a preferred embodiment, the clutch assembly 300 works so that the rotating clutch part is stopped from making a full rotation by a round faced surface, i.e., clutch slip 303 shown in FIG. 4 that has a constant force applied to it with the spring. A friction can stop the clutch from spinning. However, the friction is preferably configured to be low enough that when a predetermined force is reached, the clutch part can jump over the ball and make a full rotation. This angular position is preferably set to be higher than the sensor's stopping angle so that under normal operating conditions the clutch cannot jump. The position can be adjusted by turning the clutch adjustment screw 305, changing the force of the clutch compression spring 304.

[0241] Advantageously, the paintball loader has the spring assembly comprising the clutch assembly 300 and the torsion spring 301 to be designed so that everything happens withing 360 degrees.

[0242] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the operating force of the torsion spring 301 is adjusted to match about 150 degrees of rotation and the clutch is adjusted to activate at around 250 degrees, e.g., from 240 to 260 degrees. Preferably, the operating angle is between 80 and 180 degrees, more preferably between 100 and 150 degrees.

[0243] Preferably, the clutch activation angle is between 250 and 360 degrees, more preferably between 270 and 340 degrees.Electronical Arrangement

[0244] As discussed, the paintball loader can comprise the electronical arrangement. The electronical arrangement can contain a power source, such as a battery, and electronics.

[0245] The electronical arrangement can form the lower portion of the main body 120.

[0246] The electronical arrangement can comprise

[0247] a sensor,

[0248] a circuit board, and

[0249] a motor 135.

[0250] The paintball loader can further comprise a power source. The electronics can be powered by the power source. The power source can comprise one or more batteries. Alternatively, the paintball loader may use a power source of a paintball gun.

[0251] As discussed, the paintball loader can comprise a gear assembly 140. The motor 135 can be configured to drive the gear assembly 140. The gear assembly 140 can connect the motor 135 to the drive spring assembly 160 and the drive spring assembly 160 to the paddle 132.

[0252] As discussed, the drive spring assembly 160 can have at least one sensor, preferably only one sensor, that monitors the spring tension of the torsion spring 301. The sensor can be in electrical or wireless communication with the motor 135.

[0253] Thus, the sensor preferably monitors the tension of the torsion spring 301. Upon detecting movement of the torsion spring 301, indicative of the paddle 132 advancing the paintball projectiles, the paintball projectile can be configured to activate the motor 135. The motor 135 re-tensions the spring to the predetermined value, ensuring that a consistent force is applied to the paintball projectiles.

[0254] Typically, electric motors have a startup delay before reaching operational speed. On the contrary, the design of the paintball loader according to this specification can mitigate the impact of this delay on the feeding of paintball projectiles. Since the spring assembly is configured to continuously apply pressure to the paddle 132, and thereby to the paintball projectiles, there is no interruption in feeding the paintball projectiles into a firing chamber of a paintball gun during the motor's startup phase. This ensures a seamless and continuous feed of paintball projectiles, independent of the motor's operational dynamics.

[0255] Furthermore, when the stack of paintball projectiles is full, the motor 135 is preferably winding up the spring, not pushing the stack directly, which ensures that the motor 135 is stopped without exerting excessive force to the stack. Thus, the paintball loader according to this specification can prevent the paintball projectiles to break.

[0256] When the tension matches predetermined value, such as a value chosen by the user, the motor 135 can be stopped so that the paintball loader is waiting for the paintball gun to fire. Preferably, while waiting, there is no power used to maintain a force on the stack of paintball projectiles making this very power efficient.

[0257] As discussed, a sensor can be configured to determine the spring tension. The motor 135 may be in communication with a controller for controlling a rotation speed of the paddle 132.

[0258] In an embodiment, the motor 135 is configured to rotate in a first direction only, at least when the paintball loader is used to load paintball balls. However, in this embodiment, the motor may be configured to further rotate another direction, e.g., when the loader is turned off. The technical effect is to avoid a pressure affecting the balls when the paintball loader is turned off.

[0259] As the motor 135 keeps turning but the paddle 132 is unable to move any further due to the stack of paintball projectiles stopping it, a gearbox of the paintball loader can be configured to start winding up the drive spring.

[0260] A power source, such as a battery, may be provided for powering the paintball loader, including, e.g., the motor 135, the controller, and the sensor.

[0261] As discussed, the invention further allows making a connection between the electronics of the paintball loader and the electronics of the paintball gun. This enables the paintball loader to show information related to the operation of the paintball gun as well as turning both the paintball loader and the paintball gun on - off with a single button. Furthermore, any sensor information can be shared.

[0262] In an embodiment, the power source of the paintball loader and a paintball gun is shared. Therefore, in an embodiment, the paintball loader powers the paintball gun. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the paintball gun powers the paintball loader.

[0263] In an embodiment, the paintball loader can further comprise a second sensor inside the outlet tube 116 for detecting movements of paintballs in the outlet tube 116. The second sensor can be provided in communication with the motor 135 and a controller, such as a microprocessor, for detecting presence of paintball projectiles in the outlet tube 116.Drive Mechanism

[0264] As discussed, the paintball loader can be operated by a motor 135. The motor 135 is preferably an electrical motor. The motor 135 can be powered by a power source such as a battery.

[0265] FIG. 3 discloses an assembly comprising the paddle 132, a gear assembly 140 comprising. e.g., a planetary gear 141,142,143.

[0266] FIG. 3 details the drive mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. It utilizes a planetary gear box 141, 142, 143 design where the motor 135 is mounted inside the drive gears 140 to minimize the overall size. The motor 135 rotates a worm gear that is attached to a spur gear that further reduces the gear ratio. The spur gear is attached to the planetary gearbox that connects the paddle drive assembly 130 to the drive spring assembly 160.

[0267] To choose proper gear ratios, it can be determined how many paintball projectiles fit into the paddle assembly that pushes the paintball projectiles towards the outlet. The larger this area is the higher the maximum feed rate achieved is. However, it is desired to keep the design as compact as possible. Therefore, a compromise between feed rate and size is required. The limiting factor for the maximum feed rate is number of paintball projectiles that gravity can push down into the paddle assembly.

[0268] In the preferred embodiment, the paddle assembly fits 8 to 16 paintball projectiles, more preferably 10 to 14 paintball projectiles, and most preferably 12 paintball projectiles.

[0269] In an embodiment, from various speeds and gear ratios to find the maximum amount of paintball projectiles gravity can feed into the paddle assembly, a speed of 250 RPM for the paddle 132 can be chosen. This comes out to a theoretical feed rate of 50 balls per second. With a motor 135 speed off 10.000 rpm the total gear ratio of the system is 1 / 40.

[0270] Advantageously, when firing paintball projectiles, speed of the paddle 132 is at least 200 rpm, more preferably at least 230 rpm, such as between 230 and 300 rpm, and most preferably at least 250 rpm, such as between 250 and 280 rpm. Technical effects include improved efficiency for the paintball loader and, hence, improved firing efficiency for a paintball gun.

[0271] The sun gear 137 and the paddle assembly are preferably magnetically attached. This allows the user to quickly remove the paddle 132 for disassembly and cleaning, without tools required.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the spur gear is attached to the ring gear of the planetary gear box 141, 142, 143. The ring gear is attached to the planet gears and the paddle 132 is attached to the sun gear 137. The planetary gear box 141, 142, 143 is attached to a transfer gear that is attached to the drive spring assembly 160.

[0273] Advantageously, the transfer of power from the motor 135 is as follows:

[0274] 1) The motor 135 rotates the ring gear through the worm and spur gear reduction.

[0275] 2) The ring gear transfers power to planet gears.

[0276] 3) The planet gears are attached to the torsion spring 301 via their axles being mounted onto a transfer gear. The force from the motor 135 goes towards the easiest path, i.e., if there is no load in the sun gear 137 and paddle 132, the paddle 132 will be spinning. This can be the situation, for example, when the paintball loader has no paintball projectiles inside it. When a force is applied to the sun gear 137 and the paddle 132, then the torque from the motor 135 is balanced between the spring and the sun gear 137. The main technical effect is that the force applied to the sun gear 137 and to the paddle 132 and hence the paintball projectiles can never be larger than the force of the drive spring.

[0277] 4) With the sun gear 137 and paddle 132 being stopped by the stack of projectiles, the force is transferred onto the drive spring assembly 160. When the torsion spring 301 force reaches the desired value, the motor 135 is stopped. In this waiting stage the force of the drive spring assembly 160 is transferring its power through the gears to the paddle 132 that pushes the paintball stack with this force.

[0278] As discussed, the paintball loader according to this specification can deliver paintball projectiles efficiently and reliably into a firing chamber of a paintball gun, thus, the paintball loader can be particularly advantageous for competitive paintball play.

[0279] The invention is not limited solely to the examples presented in Figures and the above description, but it may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A paintball loader comprisinga shell;an inlet for loading a paintball projectile into the paintball loader;an outlet for feeding the paintball projectile into a firing chamber of a paintball gun;a paddle having one or more fins;a motor;a gear assembly;a drive spring assembly comprising a clutch assembly and a torsion spring; anda first sensor for monitoring a tension of the torsion spring.

2. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is an angle sensor.

3. The paintball loader according to claim 1, whereinthe motor is configured to be stopped when a first predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected,when the motor is stopped, the torsion spring is configured to provide a pressure to the paddle, andthe motor is configured to be started when a value below a second predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected.

4. The paintball loader according to claim 1, whereinthe paddle is configured to be stopped by a full stack of paintball projectiles,the torsion spring is configured to start winding up when the paddle is stopped,the motor is configured to be stopped when a predetermined tension of the torsion spring is detected, andthe torsion spring is configured to give a substantially constant pressure to the paddle when the motor is stopped.

5. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paintball loader is configured to allow the torsion spring to slip and unwind when a jam occurs, permitting the paddle to move backwards slightly.

6. The paintball loader according to claim 1, further comprising a paddle cover.

7. The paintball loader according to claim 6, wherein the paddle cover is configured to stabilize a force affecting the paddle.

8. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the motor is situated in the middle of a drive system.

9. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the outlet comprises or consists of a detachable feed neck.

10. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is configured to make a connection between electronics of the paintball loader and electronics of the paintball gun.

11. The paintball loader according to claim 1, further comprising an inlet cover, wherein the inlet cover is configured to guide the paintball projectile into the outlet or into a storage area of the paintball loader.

12. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paddle is configured to move slightly backwards when a jam occurs, without changing a rotation direction of the motor.

13. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to rotate in one direction only.

14. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paintball loader further comprises a spring-loaded ramp for guiding the paintball projectile to the paddle.

15. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein a main body comprising:the paddle,the motor,the gear assembly,the clutch assembly,the torsion spring, andthe sensoris attached inside the shell removably by using magnets.

16. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paintball loader comprises a mechanical arrangement comprising mechanical parts, and an electronical arrangement comprising electronical parts, wherein the mechanical and electronical arrangements are situated inside the shell, and the mechanical arrangement and the electronical arrangement are attached to each other removably by using magnets.

17. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paddle is attached to its position removably by using magnets.

18. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the paintball loader further comprises a circuit board.

19. The paintball loader according to claim 1, wherein the shell is mainly made of an injection molded plastic, and the outlet comprises a feed neck comprising one or more metals.

20. A method for producing a paintball loader, the method comprising:providing a shell comprising an inlet and an outlet for paintball projectiles;providing a main body comprising:a paddle,a motor,a gear assembly,a clutch assembly,a torsion spring, anda sensor; andattaching the main body into the shell removably by using magnets.

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