Abstract:
An adjustable pressure regulator for controlling the delivery of a gas from a high pressure source to a lower pressure device at a predetermined pressure is provided. A piston, spring and insert work with pressurized gas to open and close the pressure regulator, allowing or interdicting the flow of gas. In an open state, the spring forces the piston away from the insert allowing pressurized gas to flow into the system. Downstream back pressure, against the piston, overcomes the force of the spring and forces the regulator to close at a predetermined gas pressure. Regulator closing pressure is determined by the biasing force of the spring and distance between the piston and insert. The position of the insert, relative to the piston, is adjustable such that the distance is increased or decreased resulting in the concomitant increase or decrease of pressure to the downstream device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a novel pressure regulator. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable pressure regulator for use in paint ball guns, which fire paint filled projectiles, using compressed gas. The present invention is adapted for use by existing guns as well as other pressurized gas devices. 
     Sporting events that provide the participant with an adventure in military strategy and the feel of the fear and exhilaration of battle have become very popular. Generally participants are equipped with a gas projectile gun or rifle (which can launch a projectile without seriously harming the victim) and protective gear and are divided into two or more combat groups each with the goal of surviving the others. 
     One such sporting event is commonly referred to as “paintball”. In this event, participants fire paint-filled projectile balls at one another. In a typical paintball event, participants fire projectiles, or paintballs, at one another and, when struck, are “painted” by the paint ball. The objective of such an event is to be the last person that has not been “painted” or hit with a projectile. 
     Typically, the projectiles used in these events are propelled, generally using a compressed gas to avoid the potential dangers of explosives such as gun powder. The dangers of explosives include not only the physical danger of the explosion but also the increased speed that such explosions impart to projectiles, potentially making innocuous projectiles, such as paintballs, deadly. Moreover, compressed gas is less costly than explosives and is readily obtainable. 
     When these types of systems are used, compressed gas is provided or supplied from a high-pressure source carried by the participant in a gas bottle. Although high-pressure gas is needed at the gun firing mechanism to propel the paint balls, typically the pressure in these bottles is greater than the pressure needed to safely propel the projectile within the parameters of the game. As such, it is necessary to regulate the pressure of the compressed gas provided to the gun firing mechanism to allow projectiles to be launched at a safer velocity and prevent damage to the gun. Typically, a regulator is provided, mounted to the gun or the compressed gas bottle. That is, it is carried by the game participant. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a pressure regulator that can be easily adjusted to provide a downstream or outlet pressure. Desirably, such a regulator is sufficiently small and light-weight so that it does not increase, to any extent, the weight carried by a participant in a paint ball sporting event. Further, it would be desirable to provide a regulator that may be adapted to use on existing paint ball guns and which may be easily inserted and removed from a convenient location on such a gun. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable pressure regulator for controlling the delivery of a gas from a high pressure source to a low pressure device at a desired outlet pressure, is provided. The adjustable pressure regulator comprises a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and defining a flow path for the gas from the high pressure source to the low pressure device. The regulator further comprises an insert, having a proximal end and a distal end, positioned in the body. The insert defines at least one inlet opening, an outlet opening at the distal end, and a flow path for gas there between. Further, a piston, having a proximal end and a distal end, positioned in the body such that the proximal end of the piston is near the distal end of the insert, for reciprocating movement relative thereto, is provided. The piston defines a flow path for gas therein, at least one inlet port, an insert docking chamber at its proximal end, and a back pressure region at its distal end. 
     Further, the piston insert docking chamber houses a sealing member positioned for sealing engagement with the distal end of the insert. In the operation of the device of the present invention, the piston is moveable, relative to the insert, between a closed state wherein the sealing member engages the distal end of the insert within the insert docking chamber to isolate the outlet opening from the at least one piston inlet port, and an opened state wherein the sealing member is disengaged from the distal end of the insert to permit flow communications from the insert outlet port to the piston inlet port. A biasing element, disposed for cooperating engagement with the piston to bias the piston and insert into the opened state, is provided, wherein when pressure at the piston back pressure region is greater than the desired outlet pressure, the piston is moved by back pressure, overcoming the force of the biasing element, to engage the insert, interdicting the further flow of pressurized gas. Further, when the pressure in the back pressure region is lower than the desired pressure, the force of the biasing element, overcoming any residual back pressure, causes the piston to move away from the insert, disengaging the piston from the insert, allowing the flow of pressurized gas. Further, the insert is adjustable relative to the piston such that an adjustment of the insert relative to the piston will vary the outlet pressure. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the distal end of the insert is conically shaped such that it may easily fit within the insert docking chamber at the proximal end of the piston, causing a sealing of the flow of gas. Further, in this embodiment, the sealing member, in the insert docking chamber of the piston, comprises a disk shaped sealing member, preferably of some flexible material such as plastic or rubber. When, due to high pressure within the regulator, the insert and piston are biased together, the distal end of the insert, having the opening through which pressurized gas is passed, is biased against the sealing disk such as to inhibit the flow of gas. In a preferred embodiment the regulator of the present invention is inserted in such paint guns vertically along its long axis, such as a clip of ammunition would be inserted into a real gun. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the biasing element is a spring seated coaxially about the piston. The piston is provided with a ring flange at its distal end onto which the spring may exert its biasing force to move the piston away from the insert. The spring and piston are generally held within a bonnet, which allows connection of the regulator to a paint ball gun. The bonnet is provided with a portal for air at atmospheric pressure, such that within the bonnet and outside of the piston, the spring is maintained at atmospheric pressure allowing it to be biased independent of the forces of the pressurized gas. 
     A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pressure regulator device of the present invention, showing the regulator in a closed position. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the pressure regulator of FIG. 1, showing the pressure regulator in an open position. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of a pressure regulator device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a gas distribution body of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an insert of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a piston of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. 
     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. 
     The disclosure of each patent cited herein, whether or not done so specifically, is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to the drawings, it may be seen that a pressure regulator device  10  including generally, a body  12  comprised of a gripping sleeve  14  and a gas distribution body  15 , an insert  16 , a piston  18 , a biasing element such as the exemplary coil spring  20 , and a bonnet  22 . The insert  16 , piston  18  and spring  20  are disposed within cavities  24 ,  26  within body  12  and bonnet  22  and are secured there between. Cavities  24  and  26  further comprise walls  24   a  and  26   a,  respectively, defining cavities  24  and  26 . The body  12  and bonnet  22  are fastened together with screw fastenings  27  (each member  12  and  22  having the appropriate cooperative screw elements). Sleeve  14  is maintained on gas distribution body  15  by ring clip  28  (FIG.  2 ). Regulator  10  defines a long axis, show as line Y—Y in FIG. 1, and regulator  10  is generally inserted into a paint ball gun (not shown) such that the long axis is generally vertically oriented. While vertical orientation is a preferred orientation, it is to be understood that regulator  10  may be inserted into a device in any orientation without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     Body  12  includes an inlet port  30  at which a high-pressure gas (from, for example, a compressed gas bottle (not shown)), is supplied to a compressed gas gun, such as a paint ball gun, (also not shown). The regulator of the present invention, which has been designed to include the necessary connection means for attachment to a source of compressed gas and to a paint ball gun, has been designed to be used in existing paintball guns (as well as other compressed gas devices). It is to be understood, however, that any manner of connecting the present invention to paint ball guns or other compressed gas devices, may be used without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     Pressurized gas flows from inlet  30  and is supplied to the gun at an outlet port  32  formed at the distal end of bonnet  22 . It is to be understood that the device of the present invention is intended to provide compressed gas to a paint ball projectile gun. Such guns use gas pressure to propel paint ball projectiles from the gun to a target, such as a player in, for example, a mock guerilla war. The guns used in such play are designed to maintain gas pressure within the gun, by sealing means known in the art, until the trigger is pulled and a projectile is fired. Upon the firing of the gun, the gas pressure in the gun is momentarily relieved (through the muzzle of the gun). Subsequently, the gun is resealed allowing new pressure to be built up. Pressure is built up by the flow of pressurized gas from the gas cartridge (or other source), through the regulator and into the gun. It will be understood then, that within the gun and regulator  10  of the present invention, pressure from the gas cartridge has a down stream flow and upon pressurization, back flow pressure from the gas in the gun is created. 
     FIG. 2, which shows regulator  10  in the open state (that is the state immediately after the gun has been fired and gas flows to recharge the system), illustrates a gas or flow path  41 , indicated by the arrow  42 , defined in the body  12 , about and through distribution body  15 , from the inlet port  30  to the outlet port  32 . Gas flows into regulator  10 , along flow path  41 , and enters the paint ball gun, where at the desired pressure further gas flow is interdicted, in a manner which will be described in detail below. 
     FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the parts of regulator  10 . It may be seen that a number of O-ring sealing  43  elements are illustrated intermittently along the entire span of flow path  41  to help seal the path of flow of gas within regulator  10 . While O-rings  43  are shown in the illustrative embodiment, it is to be understood that other sealing devices, and/or method, may be utilized, for sealing purposes, within regulator  10  without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of gas distribution body  15 . Distribution body  15  generally comprises a first cylindrical body portion  50 , and a second cylindrical body portion  52 , having a larger diameter than portion  50 . Gas distribution body  15  further defines a thin end cylinder  54 , at its proximal end, having a first channel  56 , in which a clip ring  28  (FIG. 1) may be attached, and second channel  57 , defined in thin end cylinder  54 , in which a sealing element, such as an O-ring  43  (FIG. 3) may be engaged. Channel  57  defines a cylindrical ring element  58 , which forms the distal end of the gas flow path  42  (FIG.  1 ). Gas distribution body  15  further defines a gas flow orifice  60 , which allows pressurized air to flow into gas distribution body  15  and into cavity  24 , which is defined within body  15 . Insert  16  is placed within cavity  24 . Insert  16  may be adjusted within cavity  24  by rotational movements of adjusting screw  62  (FIG.  1 ). Adjusting screw  62 , which is illustrated as an externally threaded cylinder, may be of any conventional design; in a preferred embodiment, adjusting screw  62  further defines a socket opening, at a first or proximal end  63 , into which a key wrench, such as an Allen wrench or other tool (not shown), may be inserted to rotationally adjust adjusting screw  62  in or out of a cooperatively threaded section  15   a  of gas distribution body  15 . Body  15  further comprises a mid-channel  64  in which a sealing element, such as an O-ring  43  may be seated. 
     As can be seen in the figures, and most particularly in FIG. 5, insert  16  comprises generally a cylindrical body shaped somewhat generally like a fire hydrant. Insert  16  further comprises a thin cylindrical ring  70  defining a channel  72 , therein, for placement of a sealing element, such as the exemplary O-ring  43 . Cylindrical ring  70  further comprises, at its proximal end, sealing legs  74  and  76  which are of a diameter such that they may contact the interior wall  24   a  of cavity  24  in gas distribution body  15 , so as to assist, along with an O-ring  43 , in sealing the gas flow passage  41 . 
     Insert  16  further defines, near its distal end, a second thin cylindrical ring  78  which defines a channel  80  formed within sealing legs  82  and  84 . Channel  80  can accept a sealing element, such as an O-ring  43 , to seal the distal end of insert  16  within cavity  24 . Sealing legs  82  and  84  are of a diameter such that they can contact interior wall  24   a  of distribution body  15  to further aid the sealing of gas flow path  41 . Distally from sealing leg  82 , insert  16  forms a conical tip  86  which defines a gas passage opening  88  there through. Between sealing legs  76  and  82 , insert  16  defines at least one gas port  90 , which forms a part of gas flow path  41  (FIG.  1 ). In the illustrative embodiment two gas ports  90  are illustrated. It will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, that any number of gas ports  90  may be included in insert  16  without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     Piston  18 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, also comprises a generally cylindrical member  100 . An insert docking chamber  102 , defined at the proximal end of piston  18 , is suitably sized to allow the generally conical shaped tip  86  of insert  16  to be placed within. It may be seen that a sealing element  104 , such as a disk made of flexible material, is placed within docking chamber  102 , and will be described in greater detail below. As can be seen in FIG. 1, piston  18  is located within both body  12  and bonnet  22  and spans both cavity  24  and cavity  26 . Near its proximal end, outer walls  18   a  of piston  18  are in contact with cavity walls  24   a.  A channel  106  is formed in wall  18   a  to accommodate a sealing element, such as an O-ring  43 . Distally adjacent to docking chamber  102 , piston  18  defines at least one gas port  108  to allow the flow of gas through path  41 . In the illustrative embodiment, two gas ports  108  are shown; however, it is to be understood that any number of gas ports  108  may be included without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     While the term “O-ring” has been used, herein, to describe a preferred type of sealing element, it will be understood that the term has been used loosely to describe all types and sizes of “O-rings” and that each particular sealing element described herein and shown in the drawings may be different, in size, shape and sealing capacity, from other sealing elements described and shown herein, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. 
     Gas ports  108  allow entry of gas into piston  18 . Piston  18  defines a section of gas path  41  therein, extending from gas ports  108  through to opening  110  defined at the distal end  112  of piston  18 . Piston  18  further defines a cylindrical ring  114 , which forms a flange  116 , against which spring element  20  may be biased. Distal end  112  of piston  18  forms a back pressure region  117 , which acts like a sail, for gas pressure upstream to push against piston  18 , contra to the biasing force of spring  20 , as will be described in greater detail below. Piston  18  further defines a distal sealing channel  118  into which an O-ring  43  can be inserted for sealing purposes. The O-ring  43  of channel  118  prevents back pressure from the gun (not shown) from returning to flow path  41  by interdicting the entry of gas at the distal end of regulator  10 , entering cavity  26  along the edges of piston  18  and back into port(s)  108 . Spring  20  encircles piston  18 , within cavity  26 , such that piston  18  may move coaxially, with respect to spring  20 , depending on internal pressure, as described in greater detail below. A pressure relief opening  23  is defined in the wall of bonnet  22 , to allow cavity  26  to remain at atmospheric pressure allowing spring  20  to be freely biased without effect from forces of gas pressure. 
     Operation of the regulator  10  and movement of the various parts relative to one another will now described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which FIG. 1 illustrates the regulator  10  in a closed position and FIG. 2 illustrates the regulator  10  when it is open. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, when the regulator is open, the force from spring  20 , that is exerted on piston flange  116 , urges the piston  18  outwardly within regulator  10  (as indicated by the arrow  120  (FIGS. 1 and 2) showing piston  18  moving to the right). As will be understood from a study of the figures, the insert  16  is thus separated from the insert docking chamber  102  of piston  18 , and sealing element  104 , when piston  18  moves to the right. As piston  18  moves outwardly within regulator  10 , insert tip  86  is freed from piston  18  allowing the flow of gas, along path  41 , from opening  88  through to gas ports  108 , such that gas may flow from a gas source at inlet  30  to outlet  32 . 
     Prior to the application of pressurized gas into the regulator  10 —gun system, regulator  10  is in its default, open position (FIG.  2 ). In the open position, as previously described, piston  18  is biased apart from insert  16  by spring  20 . As gas flows into the inlet port  30 , the pressure increases in flow path  41  and downstream throughout regulator  10  and into the gun. Because the gun is sealed, pressure build up causes back pressure to develop against distal end  112  of piston  18  in back pressure region  117 . The force of spring  20  is thus overcome by the back pressure and piston  18  is moved, relatively, to the left (in FIGS.  1  and  2 ). Sealing element  104 , illustrated as a disk of flexible material, causes opening  88  to be sealed as insert  16  and piston  18  are drawn together. The back pressure force, which is a predetermined (based on the force necessary to compress spring  20  and the distance between piston  18  and insert  16 ) desired pressure, maintains a force against pressure from the downstream portion of the gun (not shown). When the gun is fired, back pressure is relieved allowing the biasing force of spring  20  to cause the regulator to open (FIG. 2) allowing gas to fill the upstream portion of the gun and regulator  10 , until back pressure once again overcomes spring  20 , and seals flow path  41 . 
     As the outlet side pressure reaches the predetermined desired pressure, the gas pressure behind the piston (on the down stream side) urges the piston relatively to the left (in the figures) such that conical head  86  of insert  16  is again engulfed by docking chamber  102 , sealing opening  88  (with sealing disk  104 ) and closing regulator  10 . 
     The force exerted by the compressed gas on back pressure region  117  maintains regulator  10  closed (by urging docking chamber  102  and sealing element  104  onto conical head  86  covering tip  88  and blocking the flow path of gas). When the pressure at outlet  32  falls, pressure on back pressure region  117  likewise decreases and spring  20  urges piston  18  to the right, opening regulator  10 . In the event of a leak of pressure in the downstream elements of regulator  10  or the gun, gas pressure may be recharged automatically by the movement of piston  18 , relatively to the right (in the figures) opening the regulator unit  1  the system is again recharged to the desired pressure. 
     It may be seen that relative rotation of adjusting screw  62  will cause a change in the position of insert  16  within gas distribution body  15 . Such change in position permits adjustment of the pressure regulator  10  outlet pressure by increasing or decreasing the compression of spring  20  needed to seal the opening  88  of insert  16 . That is, because a seal is formed by the pressing of opening  88  against sealing element  104  in piston  18 , moving insert  16  relative to piston  18  causes the force needed to close regulator  10  to vary proportionately to change in distance. As will be recognized by those having skill in the art, this adjustment will thus increase and/or decrease the pressure required on the back pressure region  117  to overcome the biasing effect of spring  20 . 
     For example, if adjusting screw  62  is rotated so as to allow insert  16  to move, relatively, to the left (in the figures) (thus further away from piston  10 ), more gas pressure, on back pressure region  117 , will be required to urge piston  18  to the more distant insert  16 ; thereby resulting in a higher delivered pressure. 
     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 
     Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.