Paintball is a competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules (“paintballs”) that break upon impact. Paintballs are usually shot using a low-energy air weapon called a paintball marker, that was originally designed for remotely marking trees and cattle. A paintball marker, also known as a paintball gun, paint gun, or marker, uses expanding gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or compressed air (or nitrogen) to propel paintballs through a barrel and quickly strike a target.
Most paintball markers are assembled from four main components: a body, a barrel, a gas or propellant system, and a hopper. The body includes most of the functional features of the paintball marker, such as the main components of the firing mechanism. The barrel is connected to the muzzle end of the body and controls the release of a gas pocket behind the paintball, directing the paintball away from the marker and towards the target. The propellant system or tank is usually located at the rear of the paintball marker, and holds the gas used to drive the paintball through the barrel. The hopper contains the supply of paintballs for the marker and is typically mounted to the body in a vertically higher position relative to the marker. This arrangement of the hopper and the body assists in the gravity feeding of paintballs into the body chamber. The location of the hopper directly above the marker body can have the undesired effect, however, of at least partially blocking the view of a paintball marker operator towards the target. In view of this undesired characteristic, the need exists for paintball markers and associated components that better allow a user to form and maintain a clear line of sight to a target. The disclosure provided herein addresses this and other needs.
In general, provided herein are paintball markers, paintball marker components, and methods involving the use of a rotatable forward grip. The rotatable grip enables an operator of a paintball marker to better adjust the orientation of the marker within his or her grip and, in particular, to adjust the orientation of different paintball marker components with respect to one another. For example, the rotatable grip can be used to pivot the paintball marker body relative to the grip such that one or more components (e.g., a hopper) can be moved away from the line of sight of the operator. The rotatable forward grip can also have a mechanism that fixes the grip location (e.g., about the paintball marker barrel or body) when pivoting of the marker is not needed. This enhancement prevents the rotatable grip from sacrificing stability in exchange for improved positional flexibility.
One rotatable forward grip component that is provided includes a cylindrical shaft, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical shaft has a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. The grip member is connected to the radial wall of the shaft proximate to the stopper opening. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring and configured to move the torsion spring from a relaxed position to a tensioned position. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever and configured such that at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior when the torsion spring is in the relaxed position and recedes through the stopper opening and exits the hollow interior when the torsion spring is in the tensioned position.
In some embodiments, the shaft hollow interior has a diameter between 10 mm and 50 mm. In certain aspects, the shaft has a length between 50 mm and 200 mm. In certain embodiments, the torsion spring includes a coil and a spring end, wherein the coil is attached to the grip member, and wherein the spring end is attached to the trigger lever. In some aspects, the grip member includes one or more grooves or protuberances configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by the user. In some embodiments, the trigger lever includes one or more grooves configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by the user. In certain aspects, the grip member includes a rubber material positioned at one or more exterior surface regions of the grip member.
Also provided is a paintball marker including a rotatable forward grip component proximate to a muzzle end of the paintball marker. The forward grip component includes a cylindrical shaft, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical shaft has a first longitudinal opening at a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. A portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker is within the hollow interior. The grip member is connected to the radial wall of the shaft proximate to the stopper opening. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring and configured to move the torsion spring from a first tensioned position to a second tensioned position, wherein the second tensioned position is less relaxed than the first tensioned position. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever and configured such that at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior and contacts the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker when the torsion spring is in the first tensioned position. The stopper is further configured such that the portion of the stopper recedes through the stopper opening and exits the hollow interior and releases the contact between the stopper and the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker when the torsion spring is in the second tensioned position.
Also provided is a method of rotating a forward grip component of a paintball marker from a first grip position to a second grip position. The method includes providing a paintball marker including a forward grip component proximate to a muzzle end of the paintball marker. The forward grip component includes a cylindrical wall, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical shaft includes a first longitudinal opening at a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. A portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker is within the hollow interior. The grip member is connected to a portion of an exterior surface of the radial wall of the shaft proximate to the stopper opening. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member and is in a first tensioned position. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever, wherein at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior. The stopper contacts the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker, thereby holding the forward grip component in the first grip position. The method further includes depressing the trigger lever, thereby moving the torsion spring into a second tensioned position, and thereby releasing the contact between the stopper and the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker, wherein the second tensioned position is less relaxed (e.g., the torsion spring is in a more compressed state and thus, possesses a higher level of tension) than the first tensioned position. The method further includes rotating the forward grip component about the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker to the second grip position. The method further includes releasing the trigger lever, thereby returning the torsion spring to the first tensioned position, thereby restoring contact between the stopper and the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker, and thereby holding the forward grip component in the second grip position.
Also provided is a rotatable forward grip attachment for a paintball marker. The forward grip attachment includes a cylindrical adapter, a cylindrical shaft, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical adapter has a forward section proximate to a first longitudinal end, and a rear section proximate to an opposite second longitudinal end. The cylindrical adapter further includes a first longitudinal opening at the first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at the second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. The cylindrical adapter further includes an exterior groove extending along at least a portion of an outer circumference of the forward section, an interior threaded region on an interior surface of the forward section, and an exterior threaded region on an exterior surface of the rear section. The cylindrical shaft encircles at least a portion of the forward section of the cylindrical adapter and has a first exterior ridge configured to mate with the exterior groove of the adapter. The grip member is connected to the shaft. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring and configured to move the torsion spring from a relaxed position to a tensioned position. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever, and is configured such that at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior when the torsion spring is in the relaxed position, and recedes through the stopper opening and exits the hollow interior when the torsion spring is in the tensioned position.
In some embodiments, the adapter hollow interior has a diameter between 10 mm and 50 mm. In certain aspects, the adapter has a length between 50 mm and 200 mm. In certain embodiments, the torsion spring includes a coil and a spring end, wherein the coil is attached to the grip member, and wherein the spring end is attached to the trigger lever. In some aspects, the grip member includes one or more grooves or protuberances configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by the user. In some embodiments, the trigger lever includes one or more grooves configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by the user. In certain aspects, the grip member includes a rubber material positioned at one or more exterior surface regions of the grip member.
Also provided is a paintball marker kit including a paintball marker, a barrel, and a forward grip attachment. The forward grip attachment includes a cylindrical adapter, a cylindrical shaft, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical adapter includes a forward section proximate to a first longitudinal end, and a rear section proximate to an opposite second longitudinal end. The cylindrical adapter further includes a first longitudinal opening at the first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at the second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall of the forward section, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. The cylindrical adapter further includes an exterior groove extending along at least a portion of an outer circumference of the forward section, an interior threaded region on an interior surface of the forward section and engaged with a threaded region of the barrel, and an exterior threaded region on an exterior surface of the rear section and engaged with a threaded region of the paintball marker. The cylindrical shaft encircles at least a portion of the forward section of the cylindrical adapter and has a first exterior ridge configured to mate with the exterior groove of the adapter. The grip member is connected to the shaft. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring and configured to move the torsion spring from a first tensioned position to a second tensioned position, wherein the second tension position is less relaxed (e.g., the torsion spring is in a more compressed state and thus, possesses a higher level of tension) than the first tensioned position. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever and configured such that at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior and contacts the barrel when the torsion spring is in the first tensioned position. The stopper is further configured such that the portion of the stopper recedes through the stopper opening and exits the hollow interior and releases the contact between the stopper and barrel when the torsion spring is in the second tensioned position.
Also provided is a method of rotating a forward grip attachment of a paintball marker kit from a first grip position to a second grip position. The method includes providing the paintball marker kit, including a paintball marker, a barrel, and the forward grip attachment. The forward grip attachment includes a cylindrical adapter, a cylindrical shaft, a grip member, a torsion spring, a trigger lever, and a stopper. The cylindrical adapter includes a forward section proximate to a first longitudinal end, and a rear section proximate to an opposite second longitudinal end. The cylindrical adapter further includes a first longitudinal opening at the first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at the second longitudinal end, a stopper opening in a radial wall of the forward section, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal openings and the stopper opening. The cylindrical adapter further includes an exterior groove extending along at least a portion of the outer circumference of the forward section, an interior threaded region on an interior surface of the forward section and engaged with a threaded region of the barrel, and an exterior threaded region on an exterior surface of the rear section and engaged with a threaded region of the paintball marker. The cylindrical shaft encircles at least a portion of the forward section of the cylindrical adapter and has a first exterior ridge configured to mate with the exterior groove of the adapter. The grip member is connected to the shaft. The torsion spring is connected to and within the grip member. The trigger lever is connected to the torsion spring and configured to move the torsion spring from a first tensioned position to a second tensioned position, wherein the second tensioned position is less relaxed than the first tensioned position. The stopper is connected to the trigger lever, wherein at least a portion of the stopper protrudes through the stopper opening and into the hollow interior, and wherein the stopper contacts the barrel, thereby holding the forward grip attachment in the first position. The method further includes depressing the trigger lever, thereby moving the torsion spring into a second tensioned position, and thereby releasing the contact between the stopper and barrel, wherein the second tensioned position is less relaxed than the first tensioned position. The method further includes rotating the shaft about the adapted, thereby moving the forward grip attachment to the second grip position. The method further includes releasing the trigger lever, thereby returning the torsion spring to the first tensioned position, and thereby holding the forward grip attachment in the second grip position.
Also provided is a repositionable and rotatable forward grip component of a paintball marker. The forward grip component includes a cylindrical shaft, a swivel adapter, and a grip member. The cylindrical shaft includes a first longitudinal opening at a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, and a hollow interior connecting the first and second longitudinal ends. The swivel adapter encircles a portion of the shaft and can freely rotate about the shaft. The grip member is connected to the swivel adapter and includes a grip opening at a grip member end. The grip opening is configured to receive the swivel adapter upon retraction of the swivel adapted within a hollow grip interior of the grip member.
In some embodiments, the forward grip component further includes a collar encircling a portion of the shaft, and a tightening screw passing through the collar towards a radial wall of the shaft. In certain aspects, the swivel adapter includes a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops encircle the shaft on opposite sides of the portion encircled by the collar. In certain embodiments, the swivel adapter further includes a slide tab protruding through a slide slit of the grip member, wherein movement of the slide tab along the slide slit towards the grip end causes the extension of the swivel adapter out of the hollow grip interior, and wherein movement of the slide tab along the slide slit away from the grip end causes the retraction of the swivel adapter within the hollow grip interior. In some aspects, the forward grip component further includes a pair of lock stoppers within the hollow grip interior, and a lock tab connected to the lock stoppers and protruding through a lock slit of the grip member, wherein movement of the lock tab along the lock slit causes at least one of the lock stoppers to initiate or release contact with the swivel adapter.
Also provided is a paintball marker including a repositionable and rotatable forward grip component releasably connected to a post proximate to a muzzle end of the paintball marker. The forward grip component includes a cylindrical shaft, a swivel adapter, and a grip member. The cylindrical shaft has a first longitudinal opening at a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, and a hollow shaft interior connecting the first and second longitudinal ends. The swivel adapter encircles a portion of the shaft and can freely rotate about the shaft. The grip member is connected to the swivel adapter and includes a grip opening at a grip member end. The grip opening is configured to receive the swivel adapter upon retraction of the swivel adapter upon retraction of the swivel adapter within a hollow grip interior of the grip member.
In some embodiments, the forward grip component further includes a collar encircling a portion of the shaft, and a tightening screw passing through the collar towards a radial wall of the shaft. In certain aspects, the swivel adapter includes a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops encircle the shaft on opposite sides of the portion encircled by the collar. In certain embodiments, the swivel adapter further includes a slide tab protruding through a slide slit of the grip member, wherein movement of the slide tab towards the grip end causes the extension of the swivel adapter out of the hollow grip interior, and wherein movement of the slide tab along the slide slit away from the grip end causes the retraction of the swivel adapter within the hollow grip interior. In some aspects, the forward grip component further includes a pair of lock stoppers within the hollow grip interior, and a lock tab connected to the lock stoppers and protruding through a lock slit of the grip member, wherein movement of the lock tab along the lock slit causes at least one of the lock stoppers to initiate or release contact with the swivel adapter.
Also provided is a method of repositioning a rotatable forward grip component of a paintball marker. The method includes providing a paintball marker kit including the paintball marker, a barrel connected to the paintball marker, and the forward grip component, wherein the forward grip component is releasably connected to a post that is proximate to a muzzle end of the paintball marker. The forward grip component includes a cylindrical shaft, a swivel adapter, and a grip member. The cylindrical shaft has a first longitudinal opening at a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal opening at an opposite second longitudinal end, and a hollow shaft interior connecting the first and second longitudinal ends. The swivel adapter encircles a portion of the shaft and can freely rotate about the shaft. The grip member is connected to the swivel adapter, wherein the swivel adapter is within a hollow grip interior of the grip member. The method further includes detaching the forward grip component from the post. The method further includes extending the swivel adapter from the grip member. The method further includes inserting the barrel through the hollow shaft interior.
In some embodiments, the forward grip component further includes a collar encircling a portion of the shaft, and a tightening screw passing through the collar towards a radial wall of the shaft, and the method further includes tightening the tightening screw, thereby pressing the shaft against the barrel. In certain aspects, the swivel adapter includes a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops encircle the shaft on opposite sides of the portion encircled by the collar. In certain embodiments, the swivel adapter further includes a slide tab protruding through a slide slit of the grip member, and the extending of the swivel adapter includes moving the slide tab along the slide slit towards the grip end. In some aspects, the forward grip member further includes a pair of lock stoppers within the hollow grip interior, and a lock tab connected to the lock stoppers and protruding through a lock slit of the grip member, wherein the extending of the swivel adapter includes moving the lock tab along the lock slit, thereby initiating contact between at least one of the lock stoppers and the swivel adapter.
In one aspect, a rotatable forward grip component of a paintball marker is disclosed. The grip component can be rotated (e.g., from a first position to a second position) about a portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker. Through this rotation, an operator of the paintball marker can move other components (e.g., a hopper) of the paintball marker away from his or her line of sight to a target. A stopper and torsion spring of the grip component can allow the grip to be held at the starting (e.g., first) and end (e.g., second) positions of the rotation before and after the rotation.
The illustrations of
The cylindrical shaft of the rotatable forward grip component can have an axial length that is, for example, between 50 mm and 200 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 140 mm, between 65 mm and 155 mm, between 80 mm and 170 mm, between 95 mm and 185 mm, or between 110 mm and 200 mm. In terms of upper limits, the shaft length can be less than 200 mm, e.g., less than 185 mm, less than 170 mm, less than 155 mm, less than 140 mm, less than 125 mm, less than 110 mm, less than 95 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 65 mm. In terms of lower limits, the shaft length can be greater than 50 mm, e.g., greater than 65 mm, greater than 80 mm, greater than 95 mm, greater than 110 mm, greater than 125 mm, greater than 140 mm, greater than 155 mm, greater than 170 mm, or greater than 185 mm. Larger lengths, e.g., greater than 200 mm, and smaller lengths, e.g., less than 50 mm, are also contemplated.
The hollow interior of the cylindrical shaft, and the first and second longitudinal openings, can each have a diameter that is, for example, between 10 mm and 50 mm, e.g., between 10 mm and 34 mm, between 14 mm and 38 mm, between 18 mm and 42 mm, between 22 mm and 46 mm, or between 26 mm and 50 mm. In terms of upper limits, the shaft hollow interior diameter can be less than 50 mm, e.g., less than 46 mm, less than 42 mm, less than 38 mm, less than 34 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 26 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 18 mm, or less than 14 mm. In terms of lower limits, the shaft hollow interior diameter can be greater than 10 mm, e.g., greater than 14 mm, greater than 18 mm, greater than 22 mm, greater than 26 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 34 mm, greater than 38 mm. greater than 42 mm, or greater than 46 mm. Larger diameters, e.g., greater than 50 mm, and smaller diameters, e.g., less than 10 mm, are also contemplated.
The cylindrical shaft radial wall, the grip member, and the trigger lever of the rotatable forward grip component can each be constructed of identical or different materials. The radial wall, the grip member, and the trigger lever can each independently include, for example, one or more metals, one or more rubbers, one or more polymers, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the grip member includes a least one rubber material positioned at one or more of its exterior surface regions. This configuration of grip member materials can improve the friction and feel of the grip member when held by a user of the paintball marker that includes the rotatable forward grip component.
Also provided are paintball markers that include a rotatable forward grip component as described above. A portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker (e.g., a portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker body) can be within the hollow interior of the forward grip component cylindrical shaft. The configuration of the paintball marker portion, the stopper, the trigger lever, and the torsion spring can be such that when the trigger lever is not depressed and the torsion spring is in a first tensioned position, the stopper contacts the paintball marker portion within the cylindrical shaft hollow interior. In some embodiments, the paintball marker (e.g., the paintball marker body) does not contact a portion, a substantial portion, or a majority of the cylindrical shaft radial wall. In this way, it can be the pressure of the stopper against the paintball marker body that prevents rotation of the paintball marker body within the hollow interior of the rotatable forward grip component.
The configuration of the paintball marker elements can also be such that when the trigger lever is depressed and the torsion spring is moved to a second tensioned position that is less relaxed than the first tensioned position, the stopper releases contact with the paintball marker portion. The stopper can further exit the cylindrical shaft hollow interior and recede into the grip member when the torsion spring is in the second tensioned position. In this way, the depressing of the trigger lever relieves the pressure applied on the paintball marker body by the stopper and permits the paintball marker body to rotate within the cylindrical shaft hollow interior.
Once the paintball marker and the forward grip component have been rotated relative to one another (e.g., from a first grip position to a second grip position), the depressed trigger lever can be released. The release of the trigger lever can allow the torsion spring to return to its first tensioned position, and the stopper to return to the cylindrical shaft hollow interior. This can restore the contact between the stopper and the portion of the muzzle end of the paintball marker (body) and can hold the rotatable forward grip component in the new (e.g., second) grip position about the paintball marker body.
In another aspect, a rotatable forward grip attachment for a paintball marker is disclosed. The grip attachment can be rotated (e.g., from a first position to a second position) about a portion of the breech end of the paintball marker barrel. Through this rotation, an operator of the paintball marker can move other components (e.g., a hopper) of the paintball marker away from his or her line of sight to a target. A stopper and torsion spring of the grip component can allow the grip to be held at the starting (e.g., first) and end (e.g., second) positions of the rotation before and after the rotation. The forward grip attachment can be configured to attach to a barrel and body of an existing paintball marker, such that the paintball marker (e.g., a standard or prior art paintball marker) can be retrofitted to include the provided rotatable forward grip attachment and to gain the associated advantages described above.
The illustrations of
The rotatable forward grip attachment (1800) of
The cylindrical adapter of the rotatable forward grip component can have an axial length that is, for example, between 50 mm and 200 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 140 mm, between 65 mm and 155 mm, between 80 mm and 170 mm, between 95 mm and 185 mm, or between 110 mm and 200 mm. In terms of upper limits, the adapter length can be less than 200 mm, e.g., less than 185 mm, less than 170 mm, less than 155 mm, less than 140 mm, less than 125 mm, less than 110 mm, less than 95 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 65 mm. In terms of lower limits, the adapter length can be greater than 50 mm, e.g., greater than 65 mm, greater than 80 mm, greater than 95 mm, greater than 110 mm, greater than 125 mm, greater than 140 mm, greater than 155 mm, greater than 170 mm, or greater than 185 mm. Larger lengths, e.g., greater than 200 mm, and smaller lengths, e.g., less than 50 mm, are also contemplated.
The hollow interior of the cylindrical adapter, and the first and second longitudinal openings, can each independently have a diameter that is, for example, between 10 mm and 50 mm, e.g., between 10 mm and 34 mm, between 14 mm and 38 mm, between 18 mm and 42 mm, between 22 mm and 46 mm, or between 26 mm and 50 mm. In terms of upper limits, the adapter hollow interior diameter can be less than 50 mm, e.g., less than 46 mm, less than 42 mm, less than 38 mm, less than 34 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 26 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 18 mm, or less than 14 mm. In terms of lower limits, the adapter hollow interior diameter can be greater than 10 mm, e.g., greater than 14 mm, greater than 18 mm, greater than 22 mm, greater than 26 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 34 mm, greater than 38 mm. greater than 42 mm, or greater than 46 mm. Larger diameters, e.g., greater than 50 mm, and smaller diameters, e.g., less than 10 mm, are also contemplated.
The exterior grooves of the cylindrical adapter and the exterior ridges of the cylindrical shaft can be configured to mate with one another such that the adapter and the shaft are capable of rotating with respect to one another but are prevented from translating in a longitudinal direction with respect to one another. The number of grooves and the number of ridges on the adapter and shaft, respectively, can each be, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten.
The interior threaded region of the cylindrical adapter forward section can be configured to engage with a threaded region of a paintball marker barrel. The engagement of the adapter internal threaded region with the barrel threaded region can involve inserting a portion of the breech end of the barrel through the first longitudinal opening of the adapter and into the adapter hollow interior. An example of this configuration of a rotatable forward grip attachment and a paintball marker barrel is shown in
The exterior threaded region of the cylindrical adapter rear section can be configured to engage with a threaded region of a paintball marker body. The engagement of the adapter exterior threaded region with the body threaded region can involve inserting a portion of the rear section (e.g., the breech end) of the adapter into a muzzle end opening of the body. An example of this configuration of a rotatable forward grip attachment and a paintball marker body is shown in
The cylindrical adapter radial wall, the cylindrical shaft, the grip member, and the trigger lever of the rotatable forward grip component can each be constructed of identical or different materials. The radial wall, the shaft, the grip member, and the trigger lever can each independently include, for example, one or more metals, one or more rubbers, one or more polymers, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the grip member includes a least one rubber material positioned at one or more of its exterior surface regions. This configuration of grip member materials can improve the friction and feel of the grip member when held by a user of the paintball marker that includes the rotatable forward grip component.
In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the grip member includes one or more grooves. The grooves can have sizes and shapes configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by a user of the paintball marker. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the trigger lever includes one or more grooves configured to accommodate the fingers of the user. In certain aspects, the grip member and the trigger lever each include such grooves.
In some embodiments, the stopper has a shape that is curved. The degree of curvature of the stopper can be substantially similar to that of the cylindrical adapter. The curved shape of the stopper can be selected to increase the contact of the stopper with another paintball marker element (e.g., the paintball marker barrel) that passes through the cylindrical adapter (e.g., the forward section of the adapter). In some embodiments, the stopper can include two or more different materials. A first region of the stopper can be connected to the trigger lever and can include one or more materials selected for strength and rigidity. The materials of the first region can include, for example, metals, rigid plastics, woods, or combinations thereof. A second region of the stopper can be configured to press against a paintball marker element (e.g., the paintball marker barrel) within the adapter hollow interior and can include materials selected for increased friction and pliability. The materials of the second region can include, for example, elastomeric polymers, rubbers, or combinations thereof.
Also provided are paintball markers that include a rotatable forward grip attachment as described above. A portion of the breech end of the paintball marker body can be within the hollow interior of the forward grip attachment cylindrical adapter, with a threaded region of the barrel engaged with the interior threaded region of the adapter forward section. A portion of the breech end of the forward grip attachment cylindrical adapter can be within the muzzle end of the paintball marker body, with the exterior threaded region of the adapter rear section engaged with a threaded region of the body. The configuration of the paintball marker barrel, the stopper, the trigger lever, and the torsion spring can be such that when the trigger lever is not depressed and the torsion spring is in a first tensioned position, the stopper contacts the barrel portion within the cylindrical adapter hollow interior. In some embodiments, the paintball marker barrel does not contact a portion or a majority of the cylindrical adapter radial wall. In this way, it can be the pressure of the stopper against the paintball marker body that prevents rotation of the paintball marker barrel and the forward grip attachment cylindrical adapter within the cylindrical shaft of the rotatable forward grip attachment.
The configuration of the paintball marker elements can also be such that when the trigger lever is depressed and the torsion spring is moved to a second tensioned position that is less relaxed than the first tensioned position, the stopper releases contact with the paintball marker barrel. The stopper can further exit the cylindrical adapter hollow interior and recede into the grip member when the torsion spring is in the second tensioned position. In this way, the depressing of the trigger lever relieves the pressure applied on the paintball marker barrel by the stopper and permits the forward grip attachment cylindrical shaft to rotate about the forward grip attachment cylindrical adapter.
Once the cylindrical shaft and the cylindrical adapter have been rotated relative to one another (e.g., from a first grip position to a second grip position), the depressed trigger lever can be released. The release of the trigger lever can allow the torsion spring to return to its first tensioned position, and the stopper to return to the cylindrical adapter hollow interior. This can restore the contact between the stopper and the portion of the breech end of the paintball marker barrel and can hold the rotatable forward grip attachment in the new (e.g., second) grip position about the paintball marker barrel.
In another aspect, a repositionable and rotatable forward grip component of a paintball marker is disclosed. The rotatable grip component can be repositioned (e.g., from a first position to a second position) along the same or different elements of the paintball marker. For example, the grip component can be repositioned from the paintball marker body to the paintball marker barrel. In its first position (e.g., attached to the paintball marker body) the forward grip component can be configured to have a stationary orientation, and in its second position (e.g., attached to the paintball maker barrel) the forward grip component can be configured to have a rotatable orientation. Through rotation of the forward grip component once the grip component is at the second position, an operator of the paintball marker can move other components (e.g., a hopper) of the paintball marker away from his or her line of sight to a target.
The cylindrical shaft of the repositionable and rotatable forward grip component can have an axial length that is, for example, between 50 mm and 200 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 140 mm, between 65 mm and 155 mm, between 80 mm and 170 mm, between 95 mm and 185 mm, or between 110 mm and 200 mm. In terms of upper limits, the shaft length can be less than 200 mm, e.g., less than 185 mm, less than 170 mm, less than 155 mm, less than 140 mm, less than 125 mm, less than 110 mm, less than 95 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 65 mm. In terms of lower limits, the shaft length can be greater than 50 mm, e.g., greater than 65 mm, greater than 80 mm, greater than 95 mm, greater than 110 mm, greater than 125 mm, greater than 140 mm, greater than 155 mm, greater than 170 mm, or greater than 185 mm. Larger lengths, e.g., greater than 200 mm, and smaller lengths, e.g., less than 50 mm, are also contemplated.
The hollow interior of the cylindrical shaft can have a diameter that is, for example, between 10 mm and 50 mm, e.g., between 10 mm and 34 mm, between 14 mm and 38 mm, between 18 mm and 42 mm, between 22 mm and 46 mm, or between 26 mm and 50 mm. In terms of upper limits, the shaft hollow interior diameter can be less than 50 mm, e.g., less than 46 mm, less than 42 mm, less than 38 mm, less than 34 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 26 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 18 mm, or less than 14 mm. In terms of lower limits, the shaft hollow interior diameter can be greater than 10 mm, e.g., greater than 14 mm, greater than 18 mm, greater than 22 mm, greater than 26 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 34 mm, greater than 38 mm. greater than 42 mm, or greater than 46 mm. Larger diameters, e.g., greater than 50 mm, and smaller diameters, e.g., less than 10 mm, are also contemplated.
The cylindrical shaft radial wall, the grip member, and the swivel adapter of the repositionable and rotatable forward grip component can each be constructed of identical or different materials. The radial wall, the grip member, and the swivel adapter can each independently include, for example, one or more metals, one or more rubbers, one or more polymers, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the grip member includes a least one rubber material positioned at one or more of its exterior surface regions. This configuration of grip member materials can improve the friction and feel of the grip member when held by a user of the paintball marker that includes the rotatable forward grip component.
In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the grip member includes one or more grooves. The grooves can have sizes and shapes configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user when the grip member is held by a user of the paintball marker. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the trigger lever includes one or more grooves configured to accommodate the fingers of the user. In certain aspects, the grip member and the trigger lever each include such grooves.
In certain aspects, the repositionable and rotatable forward grip component includes two slide tabs that each protrude through a different slide slit of the grip member. The slide tabs, as well as the lock tab of the forward grip component, can each include a textured surface to improve friction and grip with the fingers of a user of the paintball marker. The textured surfaces can include one or more grooves, one or more ridges, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the grip component includes only one slide tab protruding though one slide slit on one side of the grip member.
In some embodiments, the tightening screw of the repositionable and rotatable forward grip component passes through the forward grip collar towards the radial wall of the forward grip cylindrical shaft. In certain aspects, the tightening screw is configured to press against the radial wall, causing the wall to flex and contact a paintball marker component (e.g., the paintball marker barrel) within the hollow interior of the cylindrical shaft. In certain aspects, the tightening screw is configured to pass through a hole in the radial wall to contact a paintball marker component (e.g., the paintball marker barrel) within the shaft hollow interior. In certain aspects, the tightening screw is configured to pass through a hole in the radial wall to engage a hole (e.g., a threaded hole) in a paintball marker component (e.g., a paintball marker barrel) within the shaft hollow interior.
In some embodiment, the forward grip swivel adapter includes two loops that encircle the forward grip cylindrical shaft. The number of loops of the swivel adapter encircling the cylindrical shaft can be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten.
The terms “first” and “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “inlet”, and “outlet” as used herein with reference to elements or properties are simply to more clearly distinguish the elements or properties, and are not intended to indicate order, location, or direction. Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purpose of clarity of understanding, one of skill in the art will appreciate that certain changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure may be practiced, e.g., within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that aspects of the disclosure and portions of various recited embodiments and features can be combined or interchanged either in whole or in part. In the foregoing descriptions of the various embodiments, those embodiments which refer to another embodiment may be appropriately combined with other embodiments as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. In addition, each reference provided herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference.