Patent Application
20240401904
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The technical field relates generally to the gun industry and, more specifically, relates to the field of products and accessories for guns used in the sport of airsoft.
Airsoft guns operate on a wholly different principle than gunpowder powered firearms. Gas-powered airsoft guns, a favored choice among many enthusiasts, work on a simple, yet effective principle: they use compressed gas to propel the plastic projectiles, otherwise known as BBs. This gas, often referred to as ‘green gas’ (a propane-based mixture) or CO2, is stored in a canister or cartridge that is usually housed within the magazine or the grip of the gun. When the trigger is pulled, a valve on the gas canister or cartridge opens, releasing a measured burst of gas. This gas expands rapidly and drives the BB down the barrel of the gun and out towards the target. Due to their design, gas-powered guns are capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire.
Key components in a gas-powered airsoft gun include the gas canister or cartridge, the magazine, the BBs, and the firing mechanism. The gas canister is a reservoir that holds the pressurized gas, which can be refilled or replaced depending on the design of the gun. The magazine, besides housing the gas canister in some designs, also holds the BBs, and feeds them into the firing chamber. The firing mechanism, also known as the bolt in some designs, strikes the release valve on the gas canister when the trigger is pulled, allowing gas to propel the BB. The BBs themselves are usually small in diameter and made of plastic, with different weights available to cater to different needs and preferences in terms of range and accuracy.
There are several problems that have arisen regarding compatibility of airsoft gun components. One of the primary compatibility issues in gas-powered airsoft guns is related to the gas canisters. Gas-powered guns can be designed to use either ‘green gas’ or CO2 canisters, and while some guns are adaptable and can use both types, many are not. This means that a green gas canister will not fit or function in a CO2 gun and vice versa. Further, even within the same type of gas, canisters from different manufacturers can differ in size, shape, and valve type, making them incompatible with certain guns. This lack of standardization can be frustrating for airsoft enthusiasts, as it restricts their options and can lead to additional costs if a specific brand or type of canister is more expensive or harder to obtain.
The BBs and magazines pose further compatibility issues. In terms of BBs, most airsoft guns are designed to fire standard size BBs, but the weight of the BBs can significantly affect performance, and not all guns are capable of effectively firing the heavier or lighter variants. This means that players often need to experiment with BBs from different manufacturers to find the ones that work best with their specific gun. As for magazines, there's a notable lack of cross-compatibility between different brands and models. An airsoft gun will usually only accept a magazine designed specifically for that model, or occasionally, a series of models from the same manufacturer. This can be problematic if magazines for a particular model are discontinued or hard to find, and it also prevents players from being able to share magazines during games, even if they are using similar types of gas-powered guns. This absence of universal compatibility presents ongoing challenges for airsoft enthusiasts.
Another common issue associated with conventional airsoft guns and BBs relates to operating in low light or night time conditions. Due to the small size of the BBs, it can be difficult to see the BBs when there is not enough ambient light. This can be disadvantageous for the shooter, who must see the BBs he is shooting in order to determine if he is aiming correctly, and for the recipient who must see the approaching BBs in order to avoid them or to determine if he has been shot.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient and user-friendly way of making airsoft components compatible with each other, as well as providing the ability to see BBs in low light or night time conditions.
An adapter for airsoft guns is provided. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
In one embodiment, an adapter for airsoft guns is provided that solves the above-described problems. The adapter for airsoft guns includes a housing comprising a single, integrally formed plastic element, the housing having an upper portion configured to mate with a magazine well of the airsoft gun, an air reservoir located within the housing, the air reservoir for holding pressurized gas, an air inlet located at a bottom of the housing, the air inlet coupled with the air reservoir and configured for allowing ingress of pressurized air from an attached gas canister. an air outlet located at a top of the housing, the air outlet coupled with the air reservoir and configured for allowing egress of pressurized air from the air reservoir to the airsoft gun, a piston valve located within the housing between the air reservoir and the air outlet, the piston valve configured for preventing airflow from the air reservoir to the air outlet when in the rest position, and allowing temporary airflow from the air reservoir to the air outlet when contacted by a firing pin of the airsoft gun, a projectile inlet located at the bottom of the housing, the projectile inlet configured for allowing ingress of projectiles from an attached projectile magazine, and a projectile outlet located at the top of the housing, the projectile outlet coupled with the projectile inlet and configured for allowing egress of projectiles to the airsoft gun.
The adapter also includes a projectile illuminating system coupled to the adapter, the projectile illuminating system including a sensor for detecting the presence of a projectile adjacent to the sensor, a light-emitting diode (LED) configured for illuminating the projectile, and a processor connected to the sensor and the LED, the processor configured for activating the LED to temporarily illuminate the projectile when the sensor detects the projectile is adjacent to the sensor.
In another embodiment, a magazine for an airsoft gun includes a housing comprising a single, integrally formed plastic element, the housing having an upper portion configured to mate with a magazine well of the airsoft gun, a projectile outlet located at the top of the housing, the projectile outlet configured for allowing egress of projectiles to the airsoft gun, wherein the projectile outlet comprises a tubular feeder configured for mating with a projectile acceptor in the airsoft gun; and a projectile illuminating system coupled to the magazine, the projectile illuminating system including a sensor for detecting the presence of a projectile adjacent to the sensor, a light-emitting diode (LED) configured for illuminating the projectile, and a processor connected to the sensor and the LED, the processor configured for activating the LED to temporarily illuminate the projectile when the sensor detects the projectile is adjacent to the sensor.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example embodiments. In the drawings:
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the proper scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims.
The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by providing an adapter for airsoft guns that increases the compatibility of the airsoft gun. The claimed subject matter presents an inexpensively manufactured adapter that can be used with a variety of different gas canisters and magazines, which increases the usability of the airsoft gun. The claimed subject matter presents a significant breakthrough in the realm of airsoft sport by addressing the long-standing issue of component compatibility. The claimed subject matter enhances the flexibility and customization options for airsoft users by allowing a gas-powered airsoft gun to utilize a variety of different gas canisters and magazines, from various different manufacturer. By introducing such compatibility, one increases the range of choices available to airsoft users, and also reduces costs associated with sourcing specific, possibly rare or expensive, brand-dedicated components. The claimed subject matter democratizes the usage of gas canisters and magazines, liberating users from the constraints of proprietary design.
Moreover, the claimed subject matter reshapes the strategic dynamics of airsoft games. Using the claimed device, players can now more easily share resources during matches, lending their magazines or gas canisters to teammates as needed, thereby promoting cooperation and improving team tactics. With the problem of compatibility reduced or eliminated, more focus can be put on the actual gameplay and tactics, enhancing the overall experience for airsoft players. Additionally, the ability to experiment freely with different types of gas canisters and magazines without worrying about compatibility could foster increased innovation and customization within the sport. The claimed subject matter serves as a step forward in the evolution of airsoft, enhancing player experience, fostering camaraderie, and driving the sport's continual growth.
The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by providing an adapter that allows users to operate in low light or night time conditions. By temporarily illuminating projectiles such that they glow in the dark, using the claimed device, it is no longer difficult to see the BBs when there is not enough ambient light. The claimed subject matter increases the ability see BBs a shooter is shooting in order to determine if he is aiming correctly, and for the recipient to see the approaching BBs in order to avoid them or to determine if the recipient has been shot.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example embodiments. The claimed adapter for airsoft guns will now be described with respect to the Figures.
Within the housing is an air reservoir 180 specifically purposed for storing pressurized gas. The air reservoir is enclosed within this housing, storing the pressurized gas necessary to propel the projectiles. The air reservoir is configured to withstand gas pressures of between 100-130 psi or 120-150 psi. At the bottom 114 of the housing, there's an air inlet 118 that connects to the air reservoir and is designed to allow the entry of pressurized air from a gas canister that can be attached to the housing 102. The air inlet comprises a threaded bore for connecting to a pressurized air source.
Towards the upper portion 104 of the housing, an air outlet 108 is positioned. This outlet is linked to the air reservoir and is set up to let the pressurized air flow from the reservoir to the connected airsoft gun. The air outlet at the top of the housing connects to the air reservoir and is designed to allow the release of this pressurized air towards the airsoft gun when required. The reservoir directly communicates with the air inlet and the air outlet, controlling the movement of pressurized air within the adapter. The air inlet, located at the bottom of the housing, serves as the entry point for the pressurized gas from an attached gas canister, effectively replenishing the reservoir. The air outlet comprises substantially a rectangular shape.
There's also a plunger 106 situated within the housing, the plunger configured to contact a piston valve 107 that is located between the air reservoir 180 and the air outlet 108. A piston valve is a device used to control the motion of a gas or fluid along a conduit by means of the linear motion of a piston within a chamber or cylinder. The piston valve 107 is designed to stop the air flow from the reservoir to the outlet when it's in a rest position. It is kept in the rest position using a spring that keeps the piston valve 107 in place in a bottleneck formation 182 situated between the air reservoir 180 and the air outlet 108 so that no air can pass through between the two. However, when the airsoft gun's firing pin contacts the plunger, the plunger contacts the piston valve, which puts the piston valve in the activated position. In the activated position, the piston valve has a distal portion that moves away from the bottleneck and allows temporary airflow through the bottleneck from the air reservoir to the air outlet. This high-pressure air flow powers the movements of the projectiles through and out of the airsoft gun. After being contacted by the plunger, the piston valve moves back to its rest position under the force of its spring.
Note that the piston valve 107 acts as a gatekeeper between the air reservoir and the air outlet. When at rest, it blocks the airflow from the reservoir to the outlet, ensuring that the pressurized gas only moves when the gun is fired. The piston valve 107 is triggered by contact with the plunger which is triggered by contact with the airsoft gun's firing pin, momentarily placing the piston valve in the activated position, and allowing the passage of pressurized air from the reservoir through the outlet. Note that the plunger 106, configured to contact the piston valve 107, is kept in a rest position using a spring that keeps the plunger in place. However, when the airsoft gun's firing pin contacts the plunger, the plunger is placed in the activated position and moves to contact the piston valve. After said contact, the plunger moves back to its rest position under the force of its spring.
The adapter 100 also includes a projectile inlet 120 at the bottom 114 of the housing. This inlet is designed to let projectiles enter from an attached projectile magazine. The projectile inlet is configured for a friction fit with the projectile magazine. At the top 104 of the housing, a projectile outlet 110 is situated. This projectile outlet is linked with the projectile inlet via a projectile conduit 181 wherein the projectile moves from the projectile inlet to the projectile outlet using spring propulsion. The projectile outlet 110 is structured to allow the projectiles to exit towards the airsoft gun. Note the projectile inlet is strategically located at the bottom of the housing and is designed to allow the entry of projectiles from an attached projectile magazine, synchronizing the flow of projectiles with the burst of pressurized air. The projectile outlet, on the other hand, is positioned at the top of the housing, in direct connection with the projectile inlet. This allows the exit of projectiles towards the airsoft gun, following the path of the pressurized air. The projectile outlet comprises a tubular feeder 190 configured for mating with a projectile acceptor in the airsoft gun.
The battery 706 may be a button cell battery, which is a small single-cell battery shaped as a squat cylinder typically 5 to 25 mm (0.197 to 0.984 in) in diameter and 1 to 6 mm (0.039 to 0.236 in) high and resembling a button. Stainless steel usually forms the bottom body and positive terminal of the battery. while the metallic top cap forms the negative terminal. The battery 706 is configured to power the processor 702, the one or more LEDs 704, the sensor 706, and the RF transmitter and receiver 710. The battery 706 may be located within a battery compartment 780 configured for holding the battery.
The sensor 706 may be pressure sensor or a movement sensor configured to sense the presence of a BB adjacent to the sensor, or the movement of a BB past its sensing area. Upon detecting or sensing the presence of a BB adjacent to the sensor, or the movement of a BB past its sensing area, the sensor 706 may send a signal to the processor 702. The processor 702 may include a memory, such as a random-access memory, as well as non-volatile data storage capacity, and may be configured to activate the one or more LEDs 704. In one embodiment, upon detecting or sensing the presence of a BB adjacent to the sensor, or the movement of a BB past its sensing area, the sensor 706 may send a signal to the processor 702, which, in turn, activates the one or more LEDs 704 to illuminate the BB that was sensed (and/or the BBs in the vicinity of the BB that was sensed) for a particular time period, power output, frequency and magnitude that results in the BB(s) glowing in low light or night time conditions, such that individuals can see said BB(s). In one embodiment, upon detecting or sensing the presence of a BB or the movement of a BB past its sensing area, the sensor 706 may send a signal to the processor 702, which, in turn, may store information about said event, such as the number of times a BB has been sensed, a timestamp, etc.
The RF transmitter and receiver 710 may include a processor, such as a Bluetooth microchip, which is a small electronic component that enables wireless communication technology in various devices. The unit 710 may be compact, integrated, and contain the necessary hardware and software for short range RF communication and may be designed to operate with minimal power usage, making it ideal for portable and battery-operated devices. The primary function of unit 710 is to enable short-range wireless data exchange between devices, typically within about 10 meters (33 feet). Unit 710 may facilitate the transfer of data and may be configured to discover and securely establish a connection with other devices. In one embodiment, the RF transmitter and receiver 710 may be configured to transmit information stored on the processor 702, such as number of times a BB has been sensed, a timestamp, etc.
Airsoft BBs or pellets are spherical projectiles used by airsoft guns. Typically made of plastic, they usually measure around 6 mm (0.24 in) in diameter and weigh 0.20-0.40 g (3.1-6.2 gr), with the most common weights being 0.20 g and 0.25 g, while 0.28 g, 0.30 g, 0.32 g and 0.40 g BBs are also commonplace. Said airsoft BBs or pellets may comprise a phosphor, which is a substance that exhibits the phenomenon of luminescence in that it emits light when exposed to some type of radiant energy. The phosphor may include fluorescent or phosphorescent substances which glow on exposure to ultraviolet or visible light.
In one embodiment, the projectile illumination system 700 for the claimed adapter (100, 200, 300, 400) for airsoft guns may be located within the housing of the respective adapter. Specifically, system 700 may be located within the projectile conduit (181, 281, 381, etc.) of the respective adapter. Alternatively, only a portion of the system 700 may be located within the housing or projectile conduit of the respective adapter. For example, only the LEDs 704 and sensor 706 may be located within (or adjacent to) the projectile conduit of the respective adapter, such that a projectile may be illuminated when passing through the conduit. The LEDs 704 and/or sensor 706 may be flush with the interior surface of the projectile conduit of the respective adapter, such that passing projectile will not be impeded when passing through the conduit.
Each element of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 may be composed of injection-molded plastic, specifically types like ABS or polycarbonate. These plastics are known for their strength, rigidity, and resistance to impact, which are essential for an airsoft adapter expected to withstand the force of pressurized air and projectiles. Moreover, plastic is lightweight, making it easier for the airsoft player to maneuver the gun. Plastic's low-cost nature also makes mass production more economically viable, which is advantageous for both the manufacturer and end consumer.
The advent of 3D printing technology opens up a host of additional possibilities for manufacturing materials. Each element of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 may be composed of materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polylactic acid (PLA) could be used to 3D print the adapter, allowing for rapid prototyping and even small-batch or custom production runs. This is particularly beneficial for testing different design modifications or creating adapters tailored for specific airsoft guns or user needs. 3D-printed materials can also be blended with additives such as carbon fiber or metal particles to improve their mechanical properties, potentially offering a balance between lightweight design and robust strength. Both traditional plastics and 3D-printing materials may be used for the creation of a high-performance, cost-effective airsoft adapter.
Each element of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 may be composed of metals such as aluminum, which is a lightweight yet strong metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. Aluminum's lightness would ensure that the adapter doesn't add unnecessary weight to the airsoft gun, allowing for easier maneuverability during gameplay. Moreover, aluminum is relatively easy to machine and can also be anodized to add an extra layer of surface protection and even color customization, which could be appealing to users.
Each element of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 may be composed of stainless steel, offering exceptional strength and durability. Unlike aluminum, stainless steel can withstand higher pressures and forces, making it an ideal choice for the air reservoir and other stress-bearing parts of the adapter. Another potential candidate is titanium, which offers a balance between the lightweight nature of aluminum and the extreme durability of stainless steel, though at a significantly higher cost. Titanium would be an excellent choice for those looking to achieve premium performance from their airsoft gun adapter without any compromise on material strength or weight. When it comes to manufacturing techniques for metal components, options such as CNC machining, die-casting, and metal injection molding could all be considered.
Each element of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 has been carefully engineered to work in harmony with one another, providing a solution that enhances compatibility across different airsoft guns, gas canisters, and magazines. By integrating all these elements into a unified design, the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 allow pressurized gas and projectiles to be effectively channeled from a variety of sources to the airsoft gun, increasing its usability, flexibility, and performance in the field.
The main advantage of the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 over the prior art lies in their ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between different components, particularly gas canisters and magazines, across various airsoft gun models. Prior to the claimed invention, airsoft enthusiasts often faced challenges sourcing specific, potentially rare or expensive, brand-dedicated components due to the proprietary designs of different airsoft guns. Each gun model typically accepted only a specific type of gas canister and magazine designed for that model. This lack of universal compatibility created not just a logistical issue, but also placed constraints on the performance and versatility of the airsoft guns, as users couldn't freely interchange or experiment with different components to potentially improve their game.
The claimed invention changes this by introducing a standardization previously absent in the field of airsoft guns. By offering compatibility with various gas canisters and magazines, the claimed invention increases the flexibility of airsoft guns and allows users to choose from a wider range of components, depending on their specific needs or preferences. This can not only potentially enhance the performance of the guns but also reduce costs associated with sourcing specific components. Additionally, the adapter's unique integrated design—housing, air reservoir, air inlet, air outlet, piston valve, projectile inlet, and projectile outlet—allows for a more efficient and streamlined operation, leading to a potentially improved user experience over prior models. This puts the adapters 100, 200, 300, 400 and lower modular elements 500, 600 ahead of the prior art in terms of functionality, versatility, and user convenience.
With reference to
Computing device 800 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 800 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in
Computing device 800 may also contain a network connection device 815 that may allow device 800 to communicate with other computing devices 818, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Device 815 may be a wired or wireless network interface controller, a network interface card, a network interface device, a network adapter or a LAN adapter. Device 815 allows for a communication connection 816 for communicating with other computing devices 818. Communication connection 816 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein may include both computer storage media and communication media.
As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 804, including operating system 805. While executing on processing unit 802, programming modules 806 (e.g., program module 807) may perform processes including those described above. The aforementioned processes are examples, and processing unit 802 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments herein may include electronic mail and contacts applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aided application programs, etc.
Generally, consistent with embodiments herein, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments herein may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments herein may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
Furthermore, embodiments herein may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip (such as a System on Chip) containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments herein may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments herein may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.
Embodiments herein, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to said embodiments.
While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments herein have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the claimed subject matter.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
Embodiments may be described above with reference to functions or acts, which comprise methods. The functions/acts noted above may occur out of the order as shown or described. For example, two functions/acts shown or described in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the functions/acts may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments may exist. Further, the disclosed methods' functions/acts may be modified in any manner, including by reordering functions/acts and/or inserting or deleting functions/acts, without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
This patent application is a continuation in part of, and claims priority to, patent application Ser. No. 18/455,304 filed Aug. 24, 2023 and titled Adapter for Airsoft Gun, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 18/327,010, filed May 31, 2023 and titled Airsoft Adapter Assembly. Patent application Ser. Nos. 18/455,304 and 18/327,010 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18455304 | Aug 2023 | US |
| Child | 18396326 | US | |
| Parent | 18327010 | May 2023 | US |
| Child | 18455304 | US |
