Abstract:
A paint ball loader housing for supporting various paint ball loader systems. The housing may include a detachable top portion and adapters to further support various paint ball loading systems.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional Application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/019,938, filed Jan. 9, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to paint ball loader systems for paint ball guns. More specifically, this invention relates to a paint ball loader housing which fits various styles of paint ball loader systems and is further adaptable to fit even more styles of paint ball loader systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The recreational and competitive use of paint ball guns generally involves a paint ball loader which feeds paint balls into a paint ball gun magazine to prepare the paint ball for firing and a housing, or shell, for the loader which, inter alia, acts as a reservoir for the paint balls entering the loader. As these paint ball guns are often used in simulated combat, it is highly desirable for the loader housings to have the following qualities: high capacity; reliability; durability; ease of reloading and cleaning; and an unobtrusive profile. It is common that the stock housings which come with paint ball gun loader systems are deficient in one or more of these characteristics. For example, during vigorous use, the housing can break, most often at the feed neck area. As the housings are generally specific to a particular loader, the user&#39;s only option has been to purchase the same type of housing, with the same deficiencies, with a different housing required for each loader used. The present invention is a paint ball loader housing which, in addition to having improved capacity, reliability, durability, ease of reloading and cleaning, and a sleek profile, fits various styles of paint ball loader systems and is further adaptable to fit even more styles of paint ball loader systems. 
         [0004]    In particular, the present invention comprises a paint ball loader housing for a paint ball loader comprising a shell housing adapted to operatively support a plurality of existing paint ball loader systems, the shell housing having a top filler opening and a bottom outlet. The invention can further comprise means for removably affixing the housing to a paint ball loader system. The housing can accommodate a variety of different styles of loaders, and can be further adapted for use with other styles of loader simply by swapping adapters. The invention further comprises a method of adapting a paint ball loader housing for use with a paint ball loader comprising providing a paint ball loader housing having a shell housing adapted to operatively support a plurality of paint ball loader systems, wherein the housing has a top filler opening and a bottom outlet and affixing the housing to a paint ball loader system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective ( 4   a ) and a side view ( 4   b ) of the removable top portion of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a top ( 5   a ) and bottom ( 5   b ) perspective view of the top filler opening lid of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a perspective exploded view of a feed neck collar adapter of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a top ( 7   a ) and bottom ( 7   b ) perspective view of the tray adapter of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a female portion of a latching mechanism for the top filler opening lid of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a top ( 9   a ) and bottom ( 9   b ) perspective view of the battery compartment cover of the paint ball loader housing disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The present invention is a paint ball loader housing having a shell housing adapted to operatively support a plurality of existing paint ball loader systems, the shell housing having a top filler opening and a bottom outlet. The invention can further comprise means for removably affixing the housing to a paint ball loader system. The housing consisting of a generally oval shaped housing having a top filler opening for refilling and a bottom outlet through which paint balls can drop into the loader. The housing has interior curves, ramps and sections allowing the smooth flow of paint balls within the housing, and provides the adaptations necessary to retrofit the invention for use with existing paint ball gun internal assemblies. It has a larger fill opening with a one-touch filler lid utilizing a toggling type plunger latch and spring loaded lid for speed of operation. The top section is easily removable and allows easy access for cleaning should paint balls break inside the housing. The housing can include a feed neck collar adapter removably affixed within the bottom outlet of the housing and/or a tray adapter situated within the housing adjacent the bottom outlet, and can further function as a reinforcement for strengthening the loader and/or housing, particularly in the feed neck area. A lid covering the top filler opening is pivotally affixed to a top portion and can be manipulated between closed and open positions with a single touch for easy and rapid reloading, and the lid and top portion can be removed in one piece from the housing. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates generally the present invention as assembled, a paint ball loader housing  10  having a housing assembled from a right side shell housing  12 , a left side shell housing  14  and a removable top portion  16  which together form a housing having a top filler opening and a bottom outlet. A lid  24  covering the top filler opening is pivotally affixed to the top portion  16  and can be manipulated between closed and open positions with a single touch. The lid  24  and the top portion  16  can be removed from the housing as a single piece. The housing has a generally oval external profile and an exterior surface with a smooth aerodynamic shape. 
         [0017]    The exterior surface of the housing can further include a removable battery cover  26  to cover a battery compartment. The right side shell housing  12 , left side shell housing  14 , top portion  16 , top filler opening lid  24 , and removable battery cover  26  can be formed of a wide variety of heavy duty composite materials, including thermoplastic materials such as PVC, ABS and polycarbonate, with polycarbonate being the preferred material. The material can be transparent, translucent or opaque, with opaque materials preferred, and may optionally have a decorative finish. 
         [0018]    The components can be assembled using various means including, but not limited to, self tapping screws, nuts and bolts, machine screws with embedded inserts and molded design snap-in fittings, though a combination of machine screws, embedded inserts and snap-in fittings is preferred. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a first (standard) embodiment of the present invention showing its various components. A right side shell housing  12  matingly engages a left side shell housing  14  to form a shell housing which acts as a reservoir for paint balls. A top portion  16  removably engages the shell housing by all and socket mechanisms or any similar engagement means as described above to form a generally oval housing having a top filler opening  18 , a bottom outlet  20  and a battery compartment  22 . A top filler opening lid  24  is pivotally affixed to the top portion  16  such that the lid  24  is pivotable between a closed position with the lid  24  covering the top filler opening  18  and an open position with the lid  24  exposing the top filler opening  18 , for example, for refilling the housing with paint balls. A removable cover  26  protects the battery compartment  22  and completes the generally oval external profile. The paint ball loader housing can be removably affixed to a paint ball loader, with the bottom outlet  20  positioned to allow feed paint balls to enter into the loader. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a first embodiment of the invention wherein the means for removably affixing the paint ball loader housing to a paint ball loader includes a feed neck collar adapter  28  removably affixed within the bottom outlet  20 . The feed neck collar adapter  28  further acts as a feed neck reinforcement in particular loader systems. Also illustrated is an embodiment of the invention wherein the means for pivotally affixing the top filler opening lid  24  to the top portion  16  is a hinge mechanism which allows the lid  24  and top portion  16  to be removed as a single piece, and which remains intact and affixed to the lid  24  when disengaged from the top portion  16 . The hinge mechanism includes a hinge extension  34  extending from a first end  36  of the top filler opening lid  24 , a hinge trough  38  in the top portion  16 , with the hinge trough  38  sized to receive the hinge extension  34  therein, with the hinge extension  34  pivotally retained within the hinge trough  38  such that the top filler opening lid  24  is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lid  24  is retained in a closed position by a one touch plunger type toggling latch mechanism  46  operable by pressing downward on the top filler opening lid  24 . Shown is an embodiment wherein the latch mechanism  46  comprises a male portion  48  affixed to a second end  50  of the top filler opening lid  24  and a female portion  52  affixed to the shell housing, with the male portion  48  and the female portion  52  adapted to alternately engage and disengage each other when pressed together, allowing for one touch manipulation of the lid  24  between open and closed positions. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a second (halo) embodiment of the present invention showing its various components. A right side shell housing  12  matingly engages a left side shell housing  14  to form a shell housing which acts as a reservoir for paint balls. A top portion  16  removably engages the shell housing to form a generally oval housing having a top filler opening  18 , a bottom outlet  20  and a battery compartment  22 . A top filler opening lid  24  is pivotally affixed to the top portion  16  such that the lid  24  is pivotable between a closed position with the lid  24  covering the top filler opening  18  and an open position with the lid  24  exposing the top filler opening  18 . A removable cover  26  protects the battery compartment  22  and completes the generally oval external profile of the housing. The paint ball loader housing can be removably affixed to a paint ball loader, with the bottom outlet  20  positioned to allow paint balls to enter into the loader. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment of the invention wherein the means for removably affixing the paint ball loader housing to a paint ball loader includes a tray adapter  30  removably affixed within the generally oval housing (between the right side shell housing  12  and the left side shell housing  14 ) adjacent the bottom outlet  20 . The tray adapter  30  can further include a feed neck reinforcement. Also illustrated is an embodiment of the invention wherein the means for pivotally affixing the top filler opening lid  24  to the top portion  16  is a hinge mechanism having a hinge extension  34  extending from a first end  36  of the top filler opening lid  24 , a hinge trough  38  in the top portion  16 , with the hinge trough  38  sized to receive the hinge extension  34  therein, with the hinge extension  34  pivotally retained within the hinge trough  38  such that the top filler opening lid  24  is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lid  24  is retained in a closed position by a one touch plunger type toggling latch mechanism operable by pressing downward on the top filler opening lid  24 . Shown is an embodiment wherein the latch mechanism comprises a male portion  48  affixed to a second end  50  of the top filler opening lid  24  and a female portion  52  affixed to the shell housing, with the male portion  48  and the female portion  52  adapted to alternately engage and disengage each other when pressed together, allowing for one touch manipulation of the lid  24  between open and closed positions. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  illustrate the top portion  16  and top filler opening lid  24 , respectively, of the present invention. Shown is an embodiment wherein the means by which the hinge extension  34  (attached to the first end  36  of the lid  24 ) is pivotally retained within the hinge trough  38  comprises a ball and socket joint having a pair of oppositely disposed protrusions  40  on the hinge extension  34  and a pair of oppositely disposed indentations  42  in the hinge trough  38 , the indentations  42  sized to receive the protrusions  40 . Alternatively, the hinge extension  34  can have indentations and the hinge trough  38  can have mating protrusions. With the hinge extension  34  engaged with the top portion  16 , the lid  24  can be pivoted between open and closed positions, providing the user access to the housing through the top filler opening  18 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  further illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the means for the top portion  16  to removably engage the shell housing comprises a beveled extension  54  extending from the top portion  16 , the beveled extension  54  adapted to interlock with the shell housing in a ball and socket fashion, a pair of concave indentations  56  in the top portion  16 , and a pair of convex protrusions  58  (shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ) extending from the shell housing, the convex protrusions  58  sized and positioned to retain the concave indentations  56  in the top portion  16  to the shell housing. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  further illustrates the one touch plunger type toggling latch mechanism which allows the user to open or close the lid  24  by pressing downward on the lid  24 . Shown is an embodiment wherein the latch mechanism includes a male portion  48  affixed to a second end  50  of the top filler opening lid  24 , the male portion  48  adapted to engage a mating female portion affixed to the shell housing. The hinge mechanism can further include spring means  44  for biasing the lid  24  toward an open position. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates the feed neck collar adapter  28  of the present invention. The feed neck collar adapter  28  is used to adapt the housing of the present invention to fit different styles of paint ball loader systems and to strengthen the feed neck. 
         [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates the tray adapter  30  of the present invention. The tray adapter  30  is used to accommodate the different size trays of existing paint ball loader systems, and to strengthen the feed neck. Shown are a first wire race  60 , a space allowance  62  for sensor housings found on some loader types, a second wire race  64 , a space allowance  66  for motor clearance on some loader types, and a reinforced feed neck guide  68  for some loader types. 
         [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates the female portion  52  of the filler lid latch mechanism  46 . The female portion  52  is retained within the shell housing formed by the mated right side shell housing  12  and left side shell housing  14  by a pair of locking tabs  70 . A pair of latch tabs  72  are used to engage the male portion ( 48 , shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the latch mechanism. 
         [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates the removable battery compartment cover  26  of the present invention. A notch  74  is formed to allow the use of a thumbnail to easily remove the battery cover  26 . A centering boss and screw guide  76  attaches the cover  26  to the shell housing, with molded inserts used as a battery cover stabilizer  78  and as a locking tab  80  for the battery compartment cover  26 . 
         [0030]    The present invention can optionally include a filler lid replacement device to allow paint balls to be poured directly into the open mouth of the filler opening, and can include a one-way valve type device which allows paint balls to enter the housing and prevents paint balls from exiting therethrough, for example, with a plurality of rubberized flexible fingers extending across the filler opening. The invention can further optionally comprise one or more of the following: a ball sensor housing to protect the “eye” or ball sensor required in many loaders, preformed holes allowing the use of an on/off switch and an LED indicator and a reset button for use on loader types requiring either the vertical or horizontal format, a space allowance for the mounting of a control board required on certain loader types, a centering boss and screw guide for use on certain loader types, a catch cup guide preventing paint balls from overflowing into the motor mechanism of one loader type, and a molded guide key used to align the collar adapter with and in conjunction with the eye sensor housing. 
         [0031]    While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.