Abstract:
A paintball gun kit preferably includes a plurality of non-fully assembled paintball gun components packaged for retail sale to a consumer. Instructions are preferably provided to instruct the consumer how to assemble the paintball gun components into an operational paintball gun. The paintball gun components can be packaged together or separately. The paintball gun kit can include, for example, a body, a grip, and a pneumatic assembly. Various numbers and arrangements of components are contemplated. Various styles, materials, and colors of paintball gun components can also be provided consistent with the principles of the present invention.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/056,938, filed Feb. 11, 2005, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/869,829, filed Jun. 15, 2004, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to pneumatic paintball guns (“markers”) and their operating components. More particularly, this invention relates to a pneumatic paintball gun and the pneumatic components used to load a paintball into and fire it from the paintball gun. This invention further relates to an arrangement and method for selling the paintball gun to an end user.  
         [0004]     2. Related Art  
         [0005]     In the sport of paintball, it is generally desirable to have a marker that is as small and light as possible. Smaller and lighter markers increase a players&#39; mobility. Players benefit from increased mobility by being able to move more quickly from bunker to bunker, making it easier to avoid being hit. Further, in the sport of paintball, the marker is treated as an extension of the body such that a hit to the marker counts as a hit to the player. It is desirable, therefore, to have a paintball gun with as small a profile as possible while substantially maintaining or improving performance characteristics of the marker, such as firing rate, accuracy, and gas efficiency. The size of the paintball gun is generally related to the size and number of operating components that must be housed within the paintball gun body.  
         [0006]     It is further desirable to have a paintball marker that includes fewer, less complex, and less expensive, operating components and that can be more easily manufactured. The cost savings can then be passed on to the consumer. The industry is in need of a small, light, and inexpensive paintball marker that provides reliable and efficient operation.  
         [0007]     Conventional paintball markers may also be complex and difficult for end users to maintain or repair. The industry is further in need of a fairly simple and straightforward paintball gun design capable of high speeds of operation that is also easy to construct and maintain. The industry would further be benefited by an arrangement and method for conveying the paintball gun to an end user in a way that would better facilitate their understanding of the components, construction, and operation of the paintball gun.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In one embodiment of the present invention, a pneumatic paintball gun can include a body and a grip frame. The body and the grip frame can be formed separately or integrally, and are preferably formed from a molded plastic, rubber, or other rugged but relatively inexpensive material. The body preferably includes a chamber configured to receive a pneumatic assembly. The pneumatic assembly preferably provides several of the operating components of the paintball gun including a bolt, a compressed gas storage area, and a firing mechanism. A pneumatic assembly housing can be formed of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials and, in addition to housing the pneumatic components, can be configured to receive a barrel and a feed tube. A pneumatic regulator can also be provided and can, for example, be a vertical, in-line regulator or a bottom-mount regulator.  
         [0009]     The bolt preferably includes a forward and a rearward piston surface area. A quantity of compressed gas is preferably selectively supplied and vented from a forward piston surface area through a mechanical or electro-pneumatic valving mechanism. The firing mechanism preferably consists of a sealing member arranged in selective communication with an outer surface of the bolt. One or more firing ports are preferably arranged in the bolt to communicate compressed gas through the bolt to launch a paintball. Compressed gas from the regulator can be supplied to the compressed gas storage area through a supply port. The flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area can be restricted or prevented during a firing operation to increase gas efficiency of the paintball gun.  
         [0010]     In operation, compressed gas is preferably supplied to the paintball gun from a compressed gas container through a pressure regulator. The compressed gas is preferably directed from the pressure regulator to the valving mechanism and to a supply port for feeding the compressed gas storage area. Compressed gas supplied to the valving mechanism is preferably transferred through the valving mechanism to the forward surface area of the bolt piston when the valving mechanism is in a neutral (non-actuated) position. This compressed gas acts on the forward bolt piston surface area to force the bolt into a rearward position. While the bolt is in a rearward position, a paintball is allowed to load into a breech of the paintball gun from the feed tube. In addition, while the bolt is rearward, the gas supply port is preferably allowed to rapidly transmit compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area.  
         [0011]     A trigger mechanism is preferably configured to operate the valving mechanism. When the trigger is depressed, the valving mechanism is preferably actuated to vent compressed gas away from the forward piston surface area of the bolt. Compressed gas is preferably applied to a rearward surface area of the bolt piston. The rearward surface area of the bolt piston can be arranged, for example, in the compressed gas storage area or at a rearward end of the bolt. The compressed gas applied to the rearward surface area of the bolt piston can therefore be supplied from the compressed gas storage area or from a separate supply port. When the compressed gas is vented from the forward bolt piston surface area, the pressure applied to the rearward bolt piston surface area preferably causes the bolt to move to a forward position.  
         [0012]     When the bolt transitions to its forward position, a sealing member of the firing mechanism preferably disengages from the bolt surface area, permitting compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area to enter the bolt firing ports and launch a paintball from the marker. In addition, with the bolt in the firing position, the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area can be restricted. This can be accomplished, for instance, by configuring a rearward portion of the bolt to reduce the area through which compressed gas travels from the supply port to the compressed gas storage area. Alternatively, the supply of compressed gas to the compressed gas storage chamber can be cut off completely to prevent compressed gas from entering the storage chamber during the firing operation. This can be accomplished, for instance, by closing off the gas supply port using sealing members on a rearward end of the bolt, using sealing members on a separate, independent piston, by pinching a gas supply tube, or using a separate valving mechanism.  
         [0013]     The valving mechanism can be a solenoid valve (such as a three-way solenoid valve), a mechanical valve, or other valving mechanism. In the case of a solenoid valve, an electronic circuit is preferably provided to control the operation of the solenoid valve based on actuation of a trigger mechanism. A switch, such as a microswitch or other switching device, is preferably arranged in communication with the trigger to send an actuation signal to the electronic circuit in response to a pull of the trigger. A power source is also preferably provided to supply power to the electronic circuit and solenoid valve. The valving mechanism preferably vents compressed gas away from a forward bolt piston surface area in response to a firing signal from the circuit board. In the case of a mechanical valve, the mechanical valve preferably communicates with the trigger to vent the compressed gas away from the forward bolt piston surface area in response to a trigger pull.  
         [0014]     In one embodiment, the bolt is preferably a free-floating bolt with balanced pressure applied to opposite ends of the bolt piston rod. This can be accomplished, for instance, by providing a vent channel from a rearward end of the bolt piston rod through to the forward end of the bolt. Alternatively, the chamber in communication with the rearward end of the bolt piston can be vented to atmosphere through a vent port arranged through the gun body.  
         [0015]     According to another aspect of this invention, ribs or fins can be provided lengthwise on the bolt piston with firing channels arranged between the ribs to permit compressed gas to be released from the gun when the bolt is transitioned forward, while still maintaining the position of the sealing member in a retaining groove.  
         [0016]     According to a further aspect of this invention, an interchangeable shell can form the outer portion of the paintball gun body surrounding the pneumatic components. The interchangeable shell can, for instance, be a plastic, metal, or composite material, but is preferably ABS plastic. A number of interchangeable shells can be provided of different shapes, colors, and body styles to permit a user to customize their gun to a desired appearance.  
         [0017]     According to a still further aspect of this invention, an improved apparatus and method for grip mounting a circuit board can be provided. According to this method, one or more slots are preferably arranged in the grip frame to receive the circuit board. Most preferably, one slot is arranged on each side of the grip frame to receive opposing sides of the circuit board. The depth of the slots is preferably selected to arrange the circuit board in the appropriate location when the circuit board is fully inserted into the slots. In this embodiment, no tools or mounting screws are required to secure the circuit board in the paintball gun, thereby reducing the cost of parts and the cost of manufacturing. Manufacturing consistency is also improved. In addition, a solenoid valve can be mounted on the circuit board and arranged in the grip of the paintball gun. The circuit board can further include a trigger-actuated microswitch arranged on the circuit board, preferably on an opposite side of the circuit board from the solenoid valve.  
         [0018]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting a paintball detection system is provided. According to this method, a mounting slot is preferably arranged in a bottom portion of a pneumatic housing near a breech area of a paintball gun. Holes or slots are preferably arranged through one or more sidewalls of the pneumatic housing at the breech area. A paintball detection system circuit board is preferably mounted within the slot such that a sensor disposed on the circuit board can communicate with an interior of the breech area or with a sensor arranged on an opposite side of the pneumatic housing. The circuit board is preferably shaped to fit within the mounting slot. If a break-beam sensor system is used, holes are preferably arranged in opposing sides of the pneumatic housing in proximity to the location of the break-beam sensors once installed in the pneumatic housing.  
         [0019]     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the paintball gun may be arranged and sold to an end user in component, or “kit” form. All of the necessary operating components could be arranged in a single package or multiple packages to allow a user to buy the paintball gun kit and construct the paintball gun themselves. In this manner, a user will gain an increased familiarity with the paintball gun and its manner of construction and operation. The paintball gun will thereby be easier for them to troubleshoot and maintain. Providing a “kit” form of a paintball gun also allows for greater user customization, multiple packaging configurations, and a greater variety in price points to consumers. Reduction in labor costs by removing assembly from the manufacturing process allows the gun kit to be sold to consumers for a lower price than the fully-constructed marker. The paintball gun kits could be sold in partially assembled or completely disassembled forms. The paintball gun kits could further be sold in many different configurations, with different upgrade options, body styles, material components, etc., in order to meet the desires and price ranges of a wider variety of consumers.  
         [0020]     Various other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of this invention are also possible without departing from the principles disclosed herein. This invention is therefore not limited to any of the particular aspects, embodiments, or configurations described herein.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun, shown with a bolt thereof in an rearward (e.g., open) position, according to certain principles of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the paintball gun of  FIG. 1 , shown with the bolt is disposed in a forward (e.g., closed) position;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the pneumatic paintball gun illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun constructed according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIGS. 6, 7 , and  8  are a somewhat schematic perspective, cross-sectional side, and bottom plan view, respectively, illustrating a paintball detection system arrangement in a breech section of a paintball gun according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a circuit board and sensor system for the paintball detection system configured for arrangement in the breech section of the paintball gun illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  8 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a somewhat schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a pneumatic assembly capable of use in the paintball gun of  FIG. 1 , according to another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a paintball gun body having an interchangeable external shell, according to yet another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun body with an interchangeable external shell, as shown in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13A  is a somewhat schematic top view of a paintball gun grip frame configured to receive a grip-mounted circuit board according to a still further aspect of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13B  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional view of the paintball gun grip frame of FIG. 1   3 A, illustrating a slot configured to receive a grip-mounted circuit board according to another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 13C  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional view of the paintball gun grip frame of  FIG. 13A , illustrating a grip-mounted circuit board arranged in the slot of  FIG. 13B ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a paintball gun having a grip-mounted circuit board with a solenoid valve arranged thereon;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a somewhat schematic side view of a circuit board for a paintball gun having a solenoid valve and trigger-actuated microswitch arranged thereon in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a paintball gun having the paintball detection system of  FIGS. 6-9 , illustrating a method of mounting the paintball detection system according to another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  is a somewhat schematic illustration of a paintball gun kit according to yet another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is a somewhat schematic illustration of a paintball gun kit package according to a still further aspect of the present invention; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is a somewhat schematic illustration of a paintball gun kit package according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     The accompanying drawings show the construction of various preferred embodiments incorporating principles of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pneumatic paintball gun  100  can be constructed having a body  110  and a grip  120 . A foregrip  130  can also be provided. The body  110  and the grip  120  can be formed integrally or separately and can be formed of the same or different materials. The body  110  and the grip  120  are preferably formed of a molded plastic or rubber material, such as ABS plastic, that is durable and shock resistant yet relatively inexpensive.  
         [0042]     A pneumatic housing  115  is preferably arranged in the body  110  to house some or all of the pneumatic components, to receive a barrel (not shown), and to receive a feed tube  140 . The pneumatic housing  115  is preferably a block or tube formed from a metal such as aluminum, but can be formed of any other metal, plastic, or other material that is sufficiently durable to perform its required functions. The grip  120  and foregrip  130  are preferably secured to the body  110  and the pneumatic housing  115  using screws or other fastening means. A plate  125  is also preferably provided and formed of a rigid material, such as metal, can also be arranged in the grip  120  to permit secure attachment of a tank receptacle (not shown) for connecting to a compressed gas tank.  
         [0043]     The foregrip  130  preferably provides a regulator  132  for regulating a supply of compressed gas down to a desired operating pressure. In this embodiment, the desired operating pressure is between about 90 to 350 psi. A battery  122  can be arranged in the grip  120  along with a circuit board  150  and a solenoid valve  250 . The solenoid valve  250  of this embodiment is preferably a normally-open, three-way solenoid valve.  
         [0044]     A pneumatic assembly  200  is preferably arranged in the body  110  and can be connected to and/or include some or all of the pneumatic housing  115 . The pneumatic assembly  200  preferably includes a compressed gas storage area  212 , a pneumatic cylinder  220 , and a guide chamber  214 . A bolt  222  is preferably slidably arranged having a first piston surface area  226   a  located within a pneumatic cylinder  220  in a piston and cylinder assembly. The bolt  222  may further include a guide rod  221  that extends through substantially the entire pneumatic assembly  200 .  
         [0045]     The guide rod  221  can include a firing valve section  221   a  that communicates with a sealing member  232  to prevent compressed gas from entering the bolt  222  from the compressed gas storage area  212  when the bolt  222  is rearward. The guide rod  221  further preferably includes a rearward section  221   b  that slides back and forth within a guide chamber  214  to provide stability for the bolt and also to restrict or prevent the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area  212  from a supply port  216  when the bolt  222  is forward. A vent channel  228  may be provided through the bolt  222  and guide rod  221  to prevent back pressure from building up on a rearward end  222   b  of the bolt  222  and provide an essentially free-floating bolt arrangement. This reduces the amount of pressure required to recock the bolt  222 . The vent channel also reduces the amount of force applied by a forward end  222   a  of the bolt  222  on a paintball, improves gas efficiency, and eliminates the need for a secondary pressure regulator.  
         [0046]     Alternatively, a vent channel (not shown) may be provided through the body  110  of the gun  100  to vent the rearward chamber area  214  to atmosphere.  
         [0047]     With the bolt  222  in an open position, compressed gas from the regulator  132  is supplied to the compressed gas storage area  212  through the supply port  216 . The sealing member  232  preferably communicates between an external surface of the bolt  222  along the firing valve section  221   a  and an inner wall of the pneumatic assembly  200  to prevent compressed gas from entering the bolt  222 . The sealing member  232  can, for example, be arranged in a recess of the inner wall (or protrusion from the inner wall) of the pneumatic assembly  200  near a forward end of the compressed gas storage chamber  212 .  
         [0048]     Alternatively, for example, a bolt port can be arranged through the bolt  222 , with an input disposed near a rearward end of the bolt  222 , to communicate compressed gas from a rearward end of the compressed gas storage area  212  through the bolt  222  and into communication with a paintball when the bolt transitions to its forward position. In this embodiment, the sealing member  232  could be arranged on the bolt  222  near a rearward end of the compressed gas storage area  212  so as to prevent compressed gas from entering the bolt  222  from the compressed gas storage area  212  when the bolt  222  is open, but to permit compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area  212  to enter the bolt  222  when the bolt is closed.  
         [0049]     The solenoid valve  250  preferably selectively supplies compressed gas to and vents compressed gas from the cylinder  220  through the port  218  to move the bolt  222 . The solenoid valve  250  preferably comprises a normally-open configuration where compressed gas input into the solenoid valve  250  through an input port  254  is supplied via an output port  256  to the forward piston surface area  226   a  of the bolt  222  to hold the bolt  222  in an open position.  
         [0050]     In response to a trigger pull, a firing signal is preferably sent from the circuit board  150  to the solenoid valve  250  to initiate a firing operation of the paintball gun  100 . In response to the firing signal, the solenoid valve  250  preferably vents compressed gas away from the forward piston area  226   a  of the bolt  222 . Pressure on an opposing surface area  226   b  of the bolt  222  thereby causes the bolt  222  to transition to a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The opposing surface area  226   b  can, for instance, be arranged in the compressed gas storage area  212  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0051]     Alternatively, the opposing surface area  226   b  can be arranged on a rearward end  222   b  of the bolt  222 , with compressed gas supplied to the rearward end  222   b  of the bolt  222  through a separate supply channel (not shown). In this alternative embodiment, the vent channel  228  would be omitted to maintain pressure in chamber  214  to function as an air spring. The opposing surface area  226   b  could likewise be positioned anywhere else where it can receive a quantity of compressed gas to force the bolt  222  into a closed position when gas is vented away from the forward surface area  226   a.  The opposing surface area  226   b  preferably has a surface area less than that of the forward surface area  226   a  to prevent the bolt from moving forward until the compressed gas is vented away from the forward surface area  226   a.  Alternatively, a mechanical spring or other biasing member that provides a desired amount of force (preferably less than the amount of force created by the compressed gas on the forward surface area of the bolt  226   a ) could be used to force the bolt  222  into a closed position when compressed gas is vented away from the forward surface area  226   a  of the bolt  222 .  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , with the bolt  222  in the closed position, compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area  212  is permitted to flow into the bolt  222  through channels  223  arranged along an external surface of the bolt  222  and ports  224  arranged to communicate compressed gas from a predetermined location along the exterior of the bolt  222  to a forward end of the bolt  222   a.  While the bolt  222  is in its forward position, entry of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area  212  from the supply port  216  can be restricted using a glide ring  225   a  arranged on the rearward section of the guide rod  221   b  near a rearward end  222   b  of the bolt  222 . A sealing member  225   b  prevents compressed gas from entering the rearward portion of the guide chamber  214  and the vent channel  228 . To prevent (rather than restrict) compressed gas from entering into the chamber during the firing operation, the glide ring  225   a  could be replaced by a sealing member (not shown).  
         [0053]     Loading and firing operations of the pneumatic paintball gun  100  will now be described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3 , compressed gas supplied from the regulator  132  to the paintball gun  100  is directed to a manifold  252  arranged in communication with the solenoid valve  250 . Compressed gas from the regulator  132  is directed through the manifold to an inlet  254  of the solenoid valve  250 . In its normally-open position, the solenoid valve  250  directs compressed gas from the input port  254  to an output port  256  of the manifold  252  to the cylinder  220  and hence the forward bolt piston surface area  226   a.    
         [0054]     Meanwhile, compressed gas from the regulator  132  is also supplied through a second output port  258  of the manifold  252  to a supply port  216 , preferably arranged near a rearward end of the compressed gas storage area  212  in a bolt guide cylinder  235 . While the bolt  222  is open, compressed gas from the supply port  216  is preferably permitted to rapidly fill the compressed gas storage area  212 . A rearward piston surface area  226   b  of the bolt  222  is preferably arranged in or in communication with the compressed gas storage area  212 . The forward bolt piston surface area  226   a  is preferably larger than the rearward surface area  226   b.  Thus, in its resting position (e.g., in the absence of a firing signal), the compressed gas supplied to the forward bolt piston surface area  226   a  holds the bolt  222  in an open position against pressure applied to a rearward bolt piston surface area  226   b.  With the bolt  222  in its open (e.g., rearward position), a paintball is permitted to drop from a feed tube  140  into a breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100 .  
         [0055]     A firing operation of the paintball gun  100  is preferably initiated in response to actuation of a trigger  102 . The trigger  102  is preferably configured to initiate a firing operation of the paintball gun  100  through actuation of a microswitch  152  or other switching mechanism when pulled. Actuation of the switching mechanism  152  preferably causes the circuit board  150  to initiate a firing operation by transmitting one or more firing signals to the solenoid valve  250 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3 , the firing signal is preferably an actuation signal that energizes the solenoid of the solenoid valve  250  for a predetermined duration of time. The trigger  102  could be configured, however to actuate a firing sequence as long as the trigger  102  is pulled, particularly if a mechanical rather than electronic actuation system is utilized.  
         [0056]     In response to the firing signal, the solenoid valve  250  preferably vents compressed gas from the forward bolt piston area  226   a.  Pressure applied from the compressed gas storage area  212  to the rearward bolt piston area  226   b  thereby causes the bolt  222  to move to its forward position. As the bolt  222  transitions to its forward position, it forces a paintball that has been loaded in the breech area  145  forward into the rearward end of a barrel (not shown).  
         [0057]     In addition, as the bolt  222  approaches its forward position, the channels  223  arranged along the external surface of the bolt  222  slide past the sealing member  232  and allow the compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area  212  to enter into the rearward portion of the cylinder  220 . Compressed gas in the rear of the cylinder  220  flows through bolt ports  224  into contact with the paintball in the barrel to cause it to be launched from the gun  100 . Also, as the bolt  222  approaches its forward position, a glide ring or sealing member  225   a  slides past the gas supply port  216  to respectively restrict or prevent the flow of compressed gas from the regulator  132  into the compressed gas storage area  212 . This can improve the gas efficiency of the paintball gun  100 .  
         [0058]     Although the embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3  illustrates the use of an electro-pneumatic valve  250  to control the loading and firing operations of the paintball gun  100 , a mechanical valve could be used in place of the solenoid valve  250 . Like the solenoid valve  250 , the mechanical valve could be configured to supply compressed gas to the forward piston surface area  226   b  through port  218  in a resting position. In response to a pull of the trigger  102 , the mechanical valve could be configured to vent the compressed gas away from the forward piston surface area  226   b  to cause the bolt  222  to move forward and perform a firing operation. The trigger  102  could, for example, be directly mechanically coupled to the valve or could communicate with the mechanical valve through one or more intermediate components.  
         [0059]     Yet other alternative embodiments of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The paintball gun  100 A shown in  FIG. 4  is constructed in a manner similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3 , except, for instance, the absence of a foregrip  130 , compressed gas being supplied to the gun through a tube arranged through the grip  120 , and that the solenoid valve  250  is arranged in a different physical relationship with respect to the gun body  110 . The primary operating features of this embodiment are essentially the same as that previously described, however, and no additional description of this embodiment will therefore be provided.  
         [0060]     The paintball gun  100 B depicted in  FIG. 5  is also similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , except that the rearward end  221   b  of the guide rod  221  does not contain a glide ring or a sealing ring where the glide ring  225   a  is arranged in the earlier-described embodiment. As with the glide ring, compressed gas is permitted to enter the compressed gas storage chamber  212  even when the bolt is in its forward position. The tolerance between the guide rod  221  and the guide chamber  214  can be configured, however, such that the rate of flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage chamber  212  can be restricted while the bolt  222  is arranged in its forward position. This can result in improved gas efficiency and make the bolt  222  easier to move to its retracted position.  
         [0061]     Various other alternative embodiments are also contemplated. In particular, rather than use a portion of the bolt  222  to restrict or prevent compressed gas from entering the compressed gas storage area  212 , other mechanisms could be used to provide this function. For example, a separate piston could be arranged to slide back and forth in the rearward bolt guide area to block or restrict the supply of compressed gas from the supply port  214  into the compressed gas storage area  212 . In yet another potential embodiment, a mechanical, pneumatic, or electro-pneumatic pinching member could be provided to pinch a gas supply tube (e.g., tube  217 ) to prevent or restrict the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area  212  while the bolt  222  is in the forward position.  
         [0062]     Further aspects of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  8 . Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , a paintball detection system  600  can be arranged in communication with a breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100  (see  FIG. 1 ). Most preferably, the paintball detection system  600  contains a break-beam sensor arrangement on a circuit board  610 . A breech portion  142  of the pneumatic housing  115  of the paintball gun  100  is preferably provided with a recess or a cutout area  144  to receive the circuit board and opposing cutout regions  144   a,    144   b  located on opposite sides of the breech area  145  that are configured to receive the break-beam sensors  612 .  
         [0063]     A preferred circuit board  610  and sensor  612  arrangement for the paintball detection system  600  of  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  8  is shown in  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , the circuit board  610  preferably comprises the circuitry for controlling the break-beam or other sensors  612  and an electronic communications port  614  for communicating with a circuit board  150  of the paintball gun  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) through wiring or wirelessly. The sensors  612  can be mounted directly to the circuit board  610 , as illustrated, or can be connected remotely via wires or wirelessly. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board  610  is configured having a “C” shape with sensors  612  arranged on opposite arms of the circuit board  610 . The circuit board  610  is preferably configured to fit within a recess or cutout  144  in the pneumatic housing and locate the sensors  612  within sensor cutout regions  144   a,    144   b  in the pneumatic housing  115  on opposite sides of the breech area  145 . In the preferred break-beam sensor embodiment, the sensors  612  are preferably configured such that one transmits a beam (or other optical or radio signal) to the other sensor  612  until that signal is interrupted by the presence of a paintball  101  in the breech area  145 .  
         [0064]     Operation of the paintball detection system  600  according to the foregoing embodiment will now be described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 6 - 9 . Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , with the bolt  222  arranged in a rearward position, a paintball  101  is preferably permitted to drop from the feed tube  140  into the breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100  through the feed tube opening  116 . As the paintball  101  enters the breech area  145 , it breaks a beam transmitted from one of the sensors  612  to the opposing sensor  612 . A signal is then preferably generated by the detection system circuit board  610  to indicate that a paintball  101  has been loaded into the paintball gun  100 . Alternatively, the detection system circuit board  610  could be configured to send a signal corresponding to the absence of a paintball  101  from the breech area  145 .  
         [0065]     The detection system circuit board  610  therefore preferably communicates a signal to the paintball gun circuit board  150  to indicate either the presence or the absence of a paintball  101  in the breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100 . In response to this signal, the paintball gun circuit board  150  can preferably be configured to either execute or refrain from executing a firing operation in response to a trigger pull. More specifically, if the detection system circuit board  610  indicates the absence of a paintball  101  from the breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100 , the paintball gun circuit board  150  is preferably configured to refrain from executing a firing operation in response to a trigger pull. If a paintball  101  is detected in the breech area  145  of the paintball gun  100 , however, the paintball gun circuit board  150  is preferably configured to execute the firing operation in response to a trigger pull.  
         [0066]      FIG. 10  is a somewhat schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a pneumatic assembly  1000  illustrating another aspect of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 10 , a plurality of ribs (or fins)  1223   a  can be formed along a firing valve area  1221   a  of the bolt rod  1221  to retain an O-ring  1232  (or other sealing member) in position during a firing operation of the paintball gun (or other pneumatic launching device). As shown, an O-ring  1232  is preferably retained in an O-ring retaining groove  1202  in an O-ring retaining member  1204  to provide a sealing member for selectively preventing and permitting compressed gas to enter the bolt  1222  from a compressed gas storage area  1212 . In this embodiment, when the bolt  1222  is in a rearward position, the O-ring  1232  seals around an outer surface of the firing valve area  1221   a  of the bolt rod  1221  to prevent compressed gas from escaping into the bolt  1222 . When the bolt  1222  transitions to a forward position during a firing operation, however, firing grooves  1223  arranged between the ribs  1223   a  preferably permit compressed gas to escape from the compressed gas storage area  1212  into the bolt  1222  to be released from the paintball gun and launch a paintball. At the same time, however, the ribs  1223   a  prevent the O-ring  1232  from being unseated from its retaining groove  1202  and collapsing into the firing grooves  1223 .  
         [0067]      FIGS. 11-12  illustrate another aspect of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 11-12 , according to a further aspect of this invention, an interchangeable shell  1100  can form the outer portion of the paintball gun body surrounding the pneumatic components  1115 . The interchangeable shell  1100  can, for instance, be a plastic, metal, or composite material, but is preferably ABS plastic. A number of interchangeable shells can be provided of different shapes, colors, and body styles to permit a user to customize their gun to a desired appearance. The shell  1100  can be mounted to the grip frame, for instance, through one or more screws or other mounting device. The pneumatic components  1115  can be configured to slide into the external shell  1100  through a forward opening  1100   a  thereof.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 13A-15  illustrate yet another aspect of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 13A-15 , according to a still further aspect of this invention, an improved apparatus and method for grip mounting a circuit board  1350  can be provided. According to this method, one or more slots  1300  are preferably arranged in the grip frame to receive the circuit board. Most preferably, one slot  1300  is arranged on each side of an opening  1310  on the inside of the grip frame  1320  to receive opposing sides of the circuit board  1350 . The depth of the slots  1300  is preferably selected to arrange the circuit board  1350  in the appropriate location when the circuit board  1350  is fully inserted into the slots  1300 . The circuit board  1350  and slot  1300  may further have a mating step-like configuration. In this embodiment, no tools or mounting screws are required to secure the circuit board  1350  in the paintball gun, thereby reducing the cost of parts and the cost of manufacturing. Manufacturing consistency is also improved.  
         [0069]     A solenoid valve  1325  is preferably mounted on the circuit board  1350  and arranged in the grip  1320  of the paintball gun. A slot  1312  in the grip is preferably sized to securely receive both the circuit board  1350  and the solenoid valve  1325 . The circuit board  1350  can further include a trigger-actuated microswitch  1352  arranged on the circuit board  1350 , preferably on an opposite side of the circuit board  1350  rom the solenoid valve  1325 .  
         [0070]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a section of a paintball gun  1600  illustrating a method of mounting a paintball detection system according to another aspect of the present invention. A method of mounting a paintball detection system  600  is provided. According to this method, a mounting slot  1610  is preferably arranged in a bottom portion of a pneumatic housing  1615  near a breech area of a paintball gun  1600 . Holes or slots  1610  are preferably arranged through one or more sidewalls of the pneumatic housing  1615  at the breech area. A paintball detection system circuit board  610  is preferably mounted within the slot  1610  such that a sensor  612   a  disposed on the circuit board  610  can communicate with an interior of the breech area or with a sensor  612   b  arranged on an opposite side of the pneumatic housing  1615 . The circuit board  610  is preferably shaped to fit within the mounting slot  1610 . If a break-beam sensor system is used, holes  1620  are preferably arranged in opposing sides of the pneumatic housing  1615  in proximity to the location of the break-beam sensors once installed in the pneumatic housing  1615 .  
         [0071]     According to a further aspect of the present invention, a paintball gun can be arranged and sold to consumers in component or “kit” form. The paintball gun kit can be sold as a complete package, having all of the necessary components for the paintball gun, or it can be sold in multiple packages, each package having one or more of the parts necessary for completion, upgrade, or maintenance of the paintball gun. Providing a “kit” form of a paintball gun also allows for greater user customization, multiple packaging configurations, and a greater variety in price points to consumers. The paintball gun kits could be sold in partially assembled or completely disassembled forms. The paintball gun kits could further be sold in many different configurations, with different upgrade options, body styles, material components, etc., in order to meet the desires and price ranges of a wider variety of consumers.  
         [0072]      FIGS. 17-19  are schematic illustrations showing a few of the many various paintball gun kit arrangements that can be provided to consumers. Referring to  FIG. 17 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, a paintball gun kit  1700  includes all of the necessary components  1710  for an end user to construct a paintball gun. In this particular embodiment, the paintball gun kit  1700  is sold with the paintball gun in partially assembled form to reduce the amount of assembly by the end user. Alternatively, however, the paintball gun kit  1700  could be sold in any degree of completion ranging from completely unassembled to nearly fully assembled. Instructions (not shown) are preferably provided in sufficient detail to permit the consumer to properly assemble the paintball gun.  
         [0073]     By allowing the user to participate in the assembly of the paintball gun, the user is able to gain an increased familiarity with the paintball gun and its manner of construction and operation. The paintball gun will thereby be easier for them to troubleshoot and maintain. Reduction in labor costs provided by removing assembly from the manufacturing process further allows those savings to be passed on to the consumer and the gun kit  1700  can be sold for a lower price than the fully-constructed marker.  
         [0074]      FIG. 18  illustrates yet another form of paintball gun kit  1800  that can be sold to a consumer. Referring to  FIG. 18 , a paintball gun kit  1800  can comprise multiple packages  1820 , each containing one or more of the paintball gun components  1810 ,  1812 . Each package  1820  is preferably configured and labeled to be sold separately from the other package(s). A retailer could also elect, however, to sell the packages together. This option provides greater flexibility to a retailer in terms of product offerings and to consumers in terms of the specific configuration and customization of their paintball marker.  
         [0075]     For instance, various body styles and materials can be provided to allow the consumer to customize the external look of their paintball gun. Bodies of countless styles, shapes, colors, materials, etc. can provide endless possibilities in terms of appearance, durability, weight, and cost. Similarly, various trigger types and styles could be provided to allow the user to customize the look and feel of their trigger. Likewise, different size and style grip frames, feed tubes, grips and other cosmetic and functional components can be provided to allow the user to construct and build a paintball gun according to their own individual requirements and tastes.  
         [0076]     Additionally, internal operating components of various materials can be provided having different benefits and advantages. For instance, internal components such as the bolt or internal cylinders can be provided in metal for durability, with the same components also being supplied in a plastic or composite material with lighter weight. The same components could also be supplied in any other suitable material to provide other beneficial characteristics. In this manner, an almost endless combination of component options can be provided to consumers to permit them to completely customize and assemble their paintball marker according to their own personal needs and preferences.  
         [0077]      FIG. 19  illustrates a further configuration of a paintball gun kit  1900 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , a kit  1900  can include multiple configurations of the same component  1910  in a single package  1920  to allow a consumer to customize their paintball gun in multiple ways depending on their particular needs or desires. For instance, as represented in  FIG. 19 , a kit package  1920  can include multiple body styles, colors, shapes, etc. to permit a user to configure and reconfigure their paintball gun in many different ways depending upon their needs and/or desires. By providing multiple body styles, for example, a user could use a camouflage body style  1910   b  for woods play and a colored body  1910   a  for X-ball or similar play, thus satisfying multiple needs or desires of a consumer in a single commercial package.  
         [0078]     Similarly, multiple grip, grip frame, bolt, trigger, feed neck, and other paintball gun components could be supplied together in packages in any combination to permit a user to select the package that best meets their desired gun design and style of play. Various circuit board configurations having different features can also be supplied for electronic paintball guns.  
         [0079]     As described above, in addition to permitting users to become more knowledgeable on the construction and operation of their paintball guns, paintball gun kits according to various aspects of the present invention can provide consumers with greater flexibility in the design, appearance, and features of their paintball gun.  
         [0080]     Having described and illustrated various principles of the present invention through descriptions of exemplary preferred embodiments thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the inventive principles made apparent herein. The claims should therefore be interpreted to cover all such variations and modifications.