Abstract:
A play enhancement system for a pneumatic projectile launcher. The play enhancement system includes a first power source and second power source for selective connection to a circuit board in a projectile hopper for the projectile launcher. At least one of the first and second power sources comprises a rechargeable power source. A switching device is connected to the first and second power sources, and to the circuit board for selectively connecting the first power source or second power source between a power source recharger and the circuit board. Continued play is provided by switching between the first and second power supplies when a predetermined low voltage is reached.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to sports and entertainment devices and in particular to play enhancement systems for devices such as pneumatic projectile launchers. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A popular sport involves pneumatic projectile launchers and opposing teams. Pneumatic projectile launchers are commonly referred to as paintball guns. In paintball game, two or more “military” teams try to capture one another&#39;s flags. Each player on a team carries a compressed gas-powered gun that shoots gelatin or plastic spherical capsules, referred to hereafter as paintballs, which contain a colored liquid. When a player is hit with a paintball from an adversary&#39;s gun, the paintball ruptures and leaves a colored “splat” on the hit player who is then “out” and must leave the game. 
   Over the past few years, improvements in guns and paintball feed systems have increased the sophistication of the game. For example, automatic and semiautomatic paintball guns—guns that sequentially fire individual paintballs as fast as the trigger can be repeatedly pulled—have become more prevalent. The high firing rate capability of semiautomatic paintball guns has increased the need for bulk loader devices for feeding paintballs into such guns so that play is not interrupted. 
   In order to continuously feed projectiles such as paintballs into the launcher, a paintball hopper feeder is provided. A paintball hopper feeder is normally adapted to internally store a relatively large quantity of paintballs (for example 50–200 paintballs) and has a bottom outlet opening through which the stored paintballs can be sequentially fed into the gun on demand from a feed tube on the hopper. High speed paintball feeding devices have motorized paintball delivery mechanisms within the hopper. Dry cell batteries, either groups of 1.5 volt batteries or 9 volt batteries are provided within the hopper to power the delivery devices. 
   One problem with currently available high speed storage and delivery devices for paintball guns is that the play time is limited by the battery life of the power cells used to power the delivery devices. A player is forced to discontinue firing the gun in order to change the batteries once the power cells reach an energy level insufficient to maintain a desirably high paintball delivery rate to the gun. Another disadvantage of currently available paintball delivery systems is that the delivery rate of paintballs is limited by the design of the paintball feed hopper. Another disadvantage is that a user must continuously purchase a large quantity of batteries to power the projectile launcher and hopper. 
   Accordingly, there continues to be a need for improvements to paintball feed hoppers that significantly enhance the play time and rate of delivery of paintballs to a paintball gun, particularly a semiautomatic or automatic paintball gun. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   With regard to the above and other objects and advantages, the invention provides a play enhancement system for a pneumatic projectile launcher. The play enhancement system includes a first power source and second power source for selective connection to a circuit board in a projectile hopper for the projectile launcher. At least one of the first and second power sources comprises a rechargeable power source. A switching device is connected to the first and second power sources, and to the circuit board for selectively connecting the first power source or second power source between a power source recharger and the circuit board. 
   In another aspect, the invention provides a method for increasing play time and/or projectiles ejected per second. The method includes providing a play enhancement system for a pneumatic projectile launcher. The play enhancement system includes a first power source and second power source for selective connection to a circuit board in a projectile hopper for the projectile launcher. At least one of the first and second power sources comprises a rechargeable power source. A recharger for recharging at least one of the first or second power sources is also provided. A display device displays an output voltage to the circuit board from the first power source or the second power source. A switching device is connected to the first power source, the second power source, the recharger and the circuit board for selectively connecting the first power source or second power source to the recharger and to the circuit board. During initial play, the first power source is selected. When the display device indicates the first power source has reached a predetermined output voltage, the power source is switched from the first power source to the second power source. 
   In yet another aspect the invention provides a paintball launching system containing a motorized paintball hopper having an exit port, and a paintball launcher having an entry port for movement of paintballs from the hopper to the launcher. An improvement to the paintball launching system includes a play enhancement means for providing power to the motorized paintball hopper. The play enhancement means contains at least a first power source, and at least a second power source. At least one of the first and second power sources is a rechargeable power source. A control means is connected to the first and second power sources and the motorized paintball hopper for switching between the first power source and the second power source. 
   Advantages of the invention include the ability to continue playing once a first power source is depleted of sufficient energy to continue launching projectiles or launching projectiles at the desired rate. Rather than discontinuing play to insert new batteries in the projectile hopper, a readily switchable secondary power source is provided. Another advantage of the system is that one or more of the power sources is preferably rechargeable to reduce the need for purchasing batteries once the power of the power source is depleted. Still another advantage of the system is that the system is adaptable to automatic control of power source switching to provide significantly longer play without intervention by a user. A further advantage of the invention is that the play enhancement system may be located either on or adjacent to the projectile hopper or launcher or remote from these devices, such as on a belt of the user to provide increased play time between power source replacements or recharging. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the following drawings illustrating one or more non-limiting aspects of the invention, wherein like reference characters designate like or similar elements throughout the several drawings as follows: 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view, not to scale, of a projectile launcher and projectile hopper system; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view, not to scale, of an alternative arrangement of a projectile launcher and projectile hopper including a projectile booster system; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic arrangement of a play enhancement system according to the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of components of a play enhancement system according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a partial schematic drawing of a representative power and control system for a play enhancement system according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is provided a projectile launcher  10  having a projectile hopper  12  attached thereto for feeding projectiles  14  into the projectile launcher  10 . The projectile launcher  10  is preferably a paintball gun having a paintball inlet port  16  for feeding paintballs  14  into the launcher  10 . A gas port  18  is provided on one end of the launcher  10  for providing compressed gas to the launcher  10 . Upon activation of a trigger mechanism, a paintball  14  loaded into the launcher  10  is launched at a high rate of speed toward a target. 
   As the launchers  10  become more sophisticated, more and more electronics are included in the launcher systems. Some of these improvements include automatic or semi-automatic launching of the paintballs as described, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,682 to Rice et al. With the advent of more sophisticated launchers  10 , there is a need for increased paintball loading speeds. A wide variety of projectile hoppers  12  presently exist in the market. Particularly desirable projectile hoppers  12  include hoppers containing motorized conveying devices to feed paintballs  14  into the launcher  10  at a high rate of speed, i.e. from about 10 to about 15 balls per second. One such hopper  12  is described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,432 to Rushton et al. 
   An alternative projectile feed system is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the system illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a feed booster  22  is provided. The feed booster  22  includes a housing  24  and a motorized conveyer  26  in the housing. As projectiles such as paint balls  14  are fed from the projectile hopper  12  into the projectile booster, the conveyor  26  propels the paintballs  14  at a high rate of speed through a connecting tube  28  into the projectile launcher  10 . Like the projectile launcher  10  and projectile hopper  12  the feed booster  22  contains electronic components that enable the booster  22  to provide paintballs  14  on demand to the projectile launcher  10 . An advantage of the feed booster is that paintballs  14  can be fed at a much faster rate to the projectile launcher  10  than with the projectile hopper  12  alone. 
   In order to further enhance play over a prolonged period of time and to increase the projectile launch rate, a play enhancement system  30  as shown in  FIG. 3  is preferably provided. The play enhancement system  30  preferably includes at least a first power source  32  and a second power source  34  ( FIG. 3 ). The first power source  32  may be located in the play enhancement system or within the projectile hopper  12 . The second power source  34  is preferably located in the play enhancement system. The first and second power sources  32  and  34  may be selected from non-rechargeable power sources and rechargeable power sources, provided that at least one of first power source  32  or the second power source  34  is a rechargeable power source. 
   It is particularly preferred that the first and second power sources be substantially the same. For example, AA batteries and AAA batteries have different characteristics, lifetimes, etc. If the first power source contains AA batteries, then the second power source  34  also preferably contains AA batteries. Likewise, it is preferred not to mix one type of battery with another type of battery. For example, an alkaline battery pack and a nickel metal hydride battery pack for the first and second power sources  32  and  34  should be avoided. Assembled battery packs containing 2 or more batteries per battery pack are preferably used as the power sources  32  and  34 . The power source voltage for each power source  32  and  34  preferably ranges from about 3 volts DC to about 60 volts DC and should be compatible with the voltage required or useable by the projectile hopper  12 . The invention however, does not preclude the replacement or modification of components in the projectile hopper  12  to increase the speed of the motor conveyor or ability of the circuit board to accept higher voltage inputs. 
   In another embodiment, the play enhancement system includes a third power source  36 . The third power source  36  is preferably a power source having a lower voltage than the first and second power sources  32  and  34  and is used in combination with the first or second power sources  32  and  34  to increase the voltage to the projectile hopper  12  in order to increase delivery speed of the paintballs  14 . As with the second power source  34 , the third power source  36  is also preferably located in the play enhancement system  30 . The voltage of the third power source  36  preferably ranges from about 1 to about 6 volts. The third power source  36  may be a non-rechargeable battery or battery pack or a rechargeable battery or battery pack. Like the first and second power sources  32  ad  34 , the third power source  36  is also preferably composed of the same type of batteries or energy cells as the first and second power sources  32  and  34 . 
   The play enhancement system  30  also preferably includes a switching device  38  for switching between the first power source  32  and the second power source  34 , and for connecting the third power source  36  to the first or second power sources  32  or  34 . The switching device  38  may be provided by toggle switches, relays, or an integrated circuit that can be programmed to automatically switch between the first and second power sources. A variable resistor or rheostat may be used to increase the voltage to the projectile hopper  12  using the third power source  36 . In the alternative, an integrated circuit may be used to provide pre-set or settable power to the circuit board  42 . As with the other components, the switching device  38  is also preferably provided in the play enhancement system  30 . 
   The play enhancement system  30  may optionally include a battery charger  40  for recharging the first, second, or third power sources  32 ,  34 , or  36 . The battery charger  40  may be disposed in the play enhancement system  30  or may be remotely connected to the play enhancement system  30  to recharge the first, second, or third power sources  32 ,  34 , or  36 . The battery charger  40  may be plugged into a 110 voltage AC power source or be provided with a plug for insertion in a cigarette lighter or accessory outlet of an automobile for charging using a 12 volt DC power source. When the battery charger  40  is provided remote from the play enhancement system  30 , a wiring connection or plug is provided on the play enhancement system for connecting the battery charger  40  to the play enhancement system  30 . Some or all of the components of the play enhancement system  30  may be provided on a second circuit board in the play enhancement system  30 . 
   The play enhancement system  30  is preferably attached to the projectile hopper  12  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the alternative, the play enhancement system  30 , according to the invention may be worn by a user of the projectile launcher  10  during play or may be mounted on a separate mounting location adjacent to the projectile launcher  10  and projectile hopper  12 . 
   Portions of the play enhancement system  30  may be located within the projectile hopper  12 . For example, one of the first or second power sources  32  or  34  may be located within the projectile hopper  12 . Also, when the play enhancement system  30  includes the third power source  36 , it is preferred that a cooling devices, such as a cooling fan be included in the projectile hopper  12  to cool electronic components in the hopper  12  as described in more detail below. A fan or other forced draft device may also be provided in the play enhancement system  30  to vent the first, second, and/or third power sources  32 ,  34 , and/or  36  during recharging thereof. 
   An important feature of the play enhancement device  30  is that it provides additional play time once an initial power source has been depleted. As shown by the following table, significantly increased projectile launches may be made with the play enhancement system  30  according to the invention. The foregoing table provides representative examples of available systems and the improvement expected by the foregoing system. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               Projectile Hopper 
               Factory milliamp hours 
               Play Enhancement System 
             
             
               System 
               Energy Cells (MAH) 
               Total Energy Cells, (MAH) 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               ODYSSEY HALO Z 
               9 v. cell - 800 MAH or 
               22 - AA cells - 16,280 MAH 
             
             
               with rip drive 
               6 - AA cells 13,200 MAH 
             
             
               ODYSSEY HALO 
               9 v. cell &amp; 6 AA - 5,700 
               16 - AA cells - 11,840 MAH 
             
             
               TSA LED 
               MAH or 
             
             
                 
               6 - AA cells 13,200 MAH  
             
             
               ODYSSEY HALO A 
               9 v. - 800 MAH or 
               18 - AAA cells - 13,320 
             
             
                 
               6 AA cells - 13,200 MAH 
               MAH 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               2 - 9 v. cells - 1,600 MAH 
               19 AAA cells - 14,060 MAH 
             
             
               EVLUTION Y Board 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               2 - 9 v. cells - 1,600 MAH 
               19 AAA cells - 14,060 MAH 
             
             
               EVLUTION X Board 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               2 - 9 v. cells - 1,600 MAH 
               15 - AAA cells - 11,100 
             
             
               REVUTION X 
                 
               MAH 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               9 v. - 800 MAH 
               10 - AAA cells - 7,400 
             
             
               QUANTUM 
                 
               MAH 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               9 v. - 800 MAH 
               11 - AAA cells - 8,140 MAH 
             
             
               REVUTION 
             
             
               RICOCHET AK 
               9 v. - 800 MAH 
               11 - AAA cells - 8,140 MAH 
             
             
               EMPIRE RELOADER 
               9 v. - 800 MAH 
               11 - AAA cells - 8,140 MAH 
             
             
               AIR GUN DESIGNS 
               2 - 9 v. - 1,600 MAH 
               22 - AAA cells - 16,280 
             
             
               WARP FEED 
                 
               MAH 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Another advantage of the invention, as described in more detail below is that the play enhancement device  30  preferably includes a voltage adjustment device to increase the speed of the motor in the projectile hopper  12  so that the hopper  12  can deliver more paintballs  14  per second during play. The following table illustrates the percentage increase in speed that the play enhancement system  30  is capable of delivering. These values are based on actual tests of some of the following systems with increased voltages to the circuit board  42  and/or use of a cooling fan in the projectile hopper  12 . 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
                 
                 
               Play Enhancement System 
             
             
               Projectile Hopper 
               Design Balls 
               Projected Balls per 
             
             
               System 
               Per Second 
               Second % increase 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               ODYSSEY HALO Z 
               22 
               3–20% 
             
             
               with rip drive 
             
             
               ODYSSEY HALO 
               10–12 
               3–20% 
             
             
               TSA LED 
             
             
               ODYSSEY HALO A 
               16 
               3–22% 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               16–17 
               2–15% 
             
             
               EVLUTION Y Board 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               18–20 
               2–22% 
             
             
               EVLUTION X Board 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
               12 
               2–8%  
             
             
               REVUTION X 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
                8 
               2–14% 
             
             
               QUANTUM 
             
             
               VIEWLOADER 
                8 
               2–15% 
             
             
               REVUTION 
             
             
               RICOCHET AK 
               12 
               2–15% 
             
             
               EMPIRE RELOADER 
               10–12 
               2–17% 
             
             
               AIR GUN DESIGNS 
                 22+ 
               2–20% 
             
             
               WARP FEED 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Details of the play enhancement system are illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In order to increase the voltage of the projectile hopper  12  feed system to increase the delivery speed of paintballs  14 , it is preferred that a circuit board  42  in the projectile hopper  12  be modified to include a cooling fan  44 . The cooling fan  44  may be run continuously when the third power source  36  is in use, or may be controlled to run intermittently as needed by use of a thermostat or other temperature sensing device  46  located adjacent the circuit board  42  in the projectile hopper  12 . In the alternative, a programmable controller may be provided in the play enhancement system  30  to automatically control circuit board  42  cooling when a higher voltage or increased conveyor speed is selected by a user. Accordingly, a temperature control device  48  is included in the play enhancement system  30  to control the operation of the cooling fan  44 . 
   As set forth above, the play enhancement system preferably includes a variable resistor or rheostat for controlling the voltage provided to the projectile hopper circuit board  42 . The rheostat  50  may be manual or digitally controlled to provide the desired voltage boost to the circuit board  42 . The voltage provided to the circuit board  42  is preferably indicated on a digital readout device  52  such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) on the play enhancement system  30 . The LCD  52  preferably provides the current voltage provided from the play enhancement system  30  to the circuit board  42  for monitoring the voltage provided to the board  42 . The LCD  52  may also provide current status of the system, including power source in use, power source being charged, and system faults. 
   Indicators lights  52 – 66  are also preferably provided to indicate the current status of the system for easy monitoring and selection of system parameters. The indicator lights  52 – 56  may be incandescent lights or preferably light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s). 
   A representative circuit diagram of the play enhancement system is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Only power source B  34  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , however the circuit configuration is similar for power source A  32  and power source C  36 . It will be appreciated that more than two or three power sources may also be used to further increase play time. In addition to the switch  68  for connecting the power source B  34  to either the charger  40  or the hopper circuit board  42 , the system  30  also includes a relay or switch  70  for providing fault indication in the system via LED  66 . A fan control switch  72  is provided for operation of the fan  44  in conjunction with the temperature control device  48 . An LCD switch  74  is provided to switch the LCD display on and off. 
   While the foregoing illustrations of the embodiments of the invention contemplate add on features that are attached to or remote from the projectile hopper  12 , the invention also contemplates complete replacement of the circuit board  42  in the projectile hopper with a circuit board adapted to contain the features and elements of the invention. In such circumstance, a connection or plug is provided on the projectile hopper  12  to connect additional power supplies to the hopper  12 . 
   It is contemplated, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the preceding description and the accompanying drawings, that modifications and changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments only, not limiting thereto, and that the true spirit and scope of the present invention be determined by reference to the appended claims.