Patent Publication Number: US-2009223405-A1

Title: Paintball grenade

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 11/264,362, filed on Nov. 1, 2005 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/623,932 filed Nov. 1, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to the field of grenades used for sport that contain paint or dye, and are used for marking an opposing player. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The sport of paintball is a popular “combat style” game played by players using guns (called markers) that fire projectile (paintballs) using compressed gas. The paintballs are substantially spherical capsules, filled with a washable colored liquid, such as non-toxic paint, dye or food coloring. The sport is played whereby players are split into teams, and players seek to capture an opposing team&#39;s flag. Once a player is struck with a paintball and marked, that player is out. Thus, a goal is to mark an opposing player with paint or dye. 
     These war games have increased in popularity and sophistication resulting in more elaborate equipment. In addition to paintball markers, other devices have been developed to mark paintball sport players. Thus, paintball mines and paintball grenades for spreading paint or dye exist, having various undesirable properties. Some known paintball grenades require complicated assemblies that are cost prohibitive, and are difficult to assemble. Other known paintball grenades are formed from a single rubber bladder. In addition, other known paintball grenades do not always rupture when thrown. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present invention is directed to a paintball grenade having an outer bladder and an inner bladder. The outer bladder has a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a cavity therethrough. The inner bladder has a closed end and an open end. The inner bladder is capable of being inserted into the outer bladder whereby the open end is adjacent the first open end of the outer bladder, and the closed end is adjacent the second open end of the outer bladder, the inner bladder being filled with a colored liquid. A securing element is used to secure the first open end of the outer bladder and the open end of the inner bladder. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of forming a paintball grenade. The method comprises providing an outer bladder having a first open end and a second open end, the outer bladder having a cavity therethrough; inserting an inner bladder having an open end and a closed end into the outer bladder whereby the open end is adjacent the first open end of the outer bladder, and the closed end is adjacent the second open end of the outer bladder; filling the inner bladder with a colored liquid via its open end; and securing the open end of the inner bladder and the first open end of the outer bladder concurrently with a securing element. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a paintball grenade having a single bladder. The bladder has a first end, an opposite second end, and a cavity formed therebetween. A first securing element is used to close the first end of the bladder. Once closed, an end cap is fitted over the first end and secured thereto by a pin. The bladder is then filled with a colored liquid from the open second end. Once filled, the second end is closed by a second securing element. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to another method of forming a paintball grenade. The method comprises providing a bladder having a first end, a second end, and a cavity formed therebetween; securing the first end of the bladder in a closed position with a first securing element; placing an end cap over the first end; inserting a pin through the end cap; filling the cavity with a colored liquid via the second end; and securing the second end in a closed position with a second securing element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows disassembled components of a paintball grenade according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows disassembled components of a paintball grenade according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a partially assembled paintball grenade according to the present invention, that is not yet filled. 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic cross sectional view of an inner bladder of a paintball grenade according to the present invention disposed within an outer bladder of a paintball grenade according to the present invention, showing the direction of paint or dye filling the inner bladder. 
         FIG. 5  shows an end of a paintball grenade of the present invention being filled with a colored liquid. 
         FIG. 6  shows a paintball grenade according to the present invention with the inner bladder inflated by colored liquids, and a securing element securing one end of the paintball grenade. 
         FIG. 7  shows the paintball grenade of  FIG. 6 , with a securing element at one end, and a cap being fitted over an opposite end. 
         FIG. 8  shows a paintball grenade according to the present invention filled with paint and, with one end secured by a securing element, and the opposite end crimped for receiving a cap. 
         FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of an assembled paintball grenade according to the present invention, with one end tied, and the opposite end crimped and capped. 
         FIG. 10  shows a paintball grenade according to an embodiment of the present invention, with both ends capped. 
         FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a grenade according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows disassembled components of another embodiment of a paintball grenade according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows the grenade of  FIG. 12  with a first end closed. 
         FIG. 14  shows the grenade of  FIG. 12  with an end cap fitted over the first end. 
         FIG. 15  shows the grenade of  FIG. 12  with a pin inserted through the end cap. 
         FIG. 16  shows the grenade of  FIG. 12  fully assembled and filled. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A paintball grenade  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an inner bladder  12  and an outer bladder  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The inner bladder  12  is formed from a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, latex, PVC, or an acceptable elastic substitute, that will deform when filled with an appropriate colored liquid  42 , such as a paintball dye or paint, as explained in more detail below. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inner bladder  12  has an open end  18  and closed at its closed end  20 . In one embodiment, the inner bladder  12  is approximately 3-5 inches in length, and formed from a balloon, such as a latex rubber toy balloon, although any elastic bladder may be used. The inner bladder  12  has a cavity  34 , or lumen, adapted to receive a liquid  42  which may be colored, paint, food coloring or dye (“colored liquid  42 ”). 
     An outer bladder  14  is provided as an open-ended tube. The outer bladder  14  has a first end  22  and a second end  24 . The outer bladder  14  may be formed from a flexible latex rubber tube having a first open end  22  and a second open end  24 . One of the ends  22 ,  24  may be closed in an alternate embodiment. The outer bladder  14  is formed from a tube of flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, latex, PVC, or an acceptable elastic substitute. Preferably, the outer bladder if of a heavier gauge material than the inner bladder  12 . The outer bladder  14  has a cavity  36 , or lumen, adapted to accommodate the inner bladder  12 , so that the inner bladder  12  may be inserted into the cavity  36  of the outer bladder  14  through one of the ends  22 ,  24  of the outer bladder  14 , so that the outer bladder  14  coaxially surrounds at least part of the inner bladder  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the outer bladder  14  is formed from rubber tubing, and may be approximately 4-8 inches in length. 
     The diameter of the cavity  36  of the outer bladder  14  wall is sized and dimensioned to receive the inner bladder  12 . The walls of the outer bladder  14  are preferably of a heavier gauge, or thicker size, than the walls of the inner bladder  12 , such that the walls of the outer bladder  14  resist deformation to a greater degree than the walls of the inner bladder  12 . The paintball grenade  10  of the present invention may be sized to any preferable length for use in the sport of paintball, and to accommodate any amount of colored liquid  42 . Rubber tubing of different wall thicknesses may be used depending on a user&#39;s preference regarding ability of the grenade  10  to rupture. 
     To form a paintball grenade according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner bladder  12  is inserted into the cavity  36  of the outer bladder  14 , with the closed end  20  entering the cavity  36  first, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , with the open end  18  of the inner bladder  12  adjacent the first end  22  of the outer bladder  14 , and with the closed end  20  of the inner bladder  12  adjacent the second end  24  of the outer bladder  14 . 
     The inner bladder  12  is filled at its open end  18  with a colored liquid  42  such as paintball paint (or dye, or food coloring, or any other suitable marking liquid), or any other suitable colored liquid  42  as is known in the art, as depicted by the direction of the arrow shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . By way of example, a fill tube or hose  38  is inserted into the open end  18  of the inner bladder  12 , and colored liquid  42  is pumped into the inner bladder  12 . The inner bladder  12  expands as it is filled with colored liquid  42 , applying pressure against the walls of the inner bladder  12 , and forcing the inner bladder  12  against the walls of the outer bladder  14 . The outer bladder  14  will expand at a slower rate than the inner bladder  12 , and the wall of the inner bladder  12  will press against the walls of the outer bladder  14  when the cavity  34  of the inner bladder  12  is filled with colored liquid  42 . The colored liquid  42  provides hydrostatic pressure against the walls of the inner bladder  12  and the walls of the outer bladder  14 . 
     As the paintball grenades  10  are designed for being thrown or directed at persons, it is desirable that the colored liquid  42  be of a type that is easily washable from clothing and skin. It is also desirable for the coloring agent to be non-toxic. Food dye or a combination of food dye and polyethylene glycol (PEG) may be used. In one embodiment, vegetable dye such as food coloring is used as the coloring agent. Those persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other dyes or colored chalk would provide a suitable and acceptable substitution. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, when the cavity  34  of the inner bladder  12  has been filled with colored liquid  42 , the open end  18  of the inner bladder  12  and the first end  22  of the outer bladder are closed together, by a securing element  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . For example, a standard plastic electrical or cable tie (“tie”) may be used, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6  and  7 . The securing element  16  is formed into a loop  26  for closing the open end  18  of the inner bladder  12  and the first end  22  of the outer bladder  14 . It is appreciated that any type of closure may be used to close the ends  18 ,  22  and may be substituted for the securing element  16 , such as wire closures, plastic twist closures, elastic bands, clamps, or other suitable substitutes. The securing element  16  should provide a substantially leak-proof closure that will retain the colored liquid  42  within the cavity  34  of the inner bladder  12 . 
     The open end  18  of the inner bladder  12  may be folded back or crimped prior to being closed by the securing element  16 . In one embodiment, the first end  22  of the outer bladder  14  and the open end  18  of the inner bladder  12  are closed with separate securing elements  16 . 
     The second end  24  of the outer bladder  14  is either secured with a cap  28 , or folded back upon itself or crimped and secured with a cap  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a cap  28  can be used to secure both ends  22 ,  24  of the outer bladder  14 . The cap  28  is formed from a molded plastic or other acceptable elastic material that will grip the folded portion of the end  24  of the outer bladder  14 . The cap  28  should frictionally engage at least one of ends  22 ,  24  of the outer bladder  14  so that the cap  28  does not accidentally fall off prior to being thrown. The cap  28  is used partially for appearance, since the securing element  16  acts to maintain the colored liquid  42  within the bladders  12 ,  14 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the grenade  10 , is secured with securing elements  16  at its first  30  and second  32  ends. The open end  18  of the inner bladder and first end  22  of the outer bladder  14  are crimped or folded, as shown in  FIG. 11 , and secured with securing element  16   a . The second end  24  of the outer bladder is secured with securing element  16   b.  Caps may be provided at one or both ends  30 ,  32  of the paintball grenade  10 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In use, when a paintball sport player, for example, wants to throw the grenade  10  at another player to mark the player, the cap  28  is removed from the second end  24  of the outer bladder  14 . Upon impact, the resultant impact force and hydrostatic pressure exerted by the colored liquid  42  against the wall of the inner bladder rupture the closed end  20  of the inner bladder  12 , discharging the colored liquid  42  and marking the target. It is appreciated that both ends  18 ,  20  of the inner bladder may rupture on impact, discharging the colored liquid  42  and marking the target. The thicker outer bladder  14  does not rupture in use, and thus, colored liquid  42  is forced out of primarily the non-secured closed end  20  of the inner bladder  12 , and out the second end  24  of the outer bladder  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12-16 , another embodiment of the paintball grenade of the present invention will now be described. 
     Generally referring to  FIG. 12 , the paintball grenade comprises a single bladder  112  having a first end  118 , a second end  120 , and a cavity  136  formed therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder  112  comprises a portion of elastic tubing, such as that formed from rubber, silicone, latex, or PVC, and is approximately 3-5 inches in length. However, it is envisioned that the bladder may be formed from any suitable elastic material and may comprise a multitude of shapes and dimensions in order to accommodate varying volumes of liquid, such as the type described above with respect to the previous embodiments. 
     First and second securing elements  116 ,  117  are provided for closing the first and second ends of the bladder  112 . In a preferred embodiment, the grenade also features an end cap  128  secured onto a first end of the grenade by a removable fastener such as a pin  150 . Finally, first and second rings  160 ,  161  are provided to facilitate the removal of the pin and transportation of the grenade. 
       FIGS. 13-16  illustrate the grenade of the present invention as it would be assembled prior to use. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 13 , the bladder  112  is closed on a first end  118  by a first securing element  116 . Preferably, the first end  118  is folded back or crimped and the first securing element  116  is placed over folded portion of the first end  118 . It is preferred that the first securing element  116  is removably attached to the first end  118  rather than permanently attached. Accordingly, the first securing element  116  preferably comprises an elastic band, which may be formed from a segment of the same material used to form the bladder  112 . However, it is envisioned that other suitable fastening means may be used, such as plugs, caps, wire or twist closures, or clamps without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Once closed, an end cap  128  is fitted over the first end  118  and the first securing element  116  ( FIG. 14 ). The end cap  128  ensures that first securing element  116  remains in place over the first end  118 , preventing the inadvertent or premature discharge of the contents of the grenade. As shown in  FIG. 15 , once the cap  128  is in place, pin  150  is inserted through an aperture  151  provided in the cap  128 , through a crease  125  formed by the folded first end  118  of the bladder  112 , and exits the cap  128  through a second aperture  151 . The pin ensures that the cap  128  remains in place over the first end  118  and the first securing element  116 . In a preferred embodiment, a first ring  160  is placed through an eye of the pin  150  prior to its insertion through the end cap  128 . The ring  160  provides a means to grasp and subsequently pull the pin  150  from the cap  128  during use. Moreover, the ring  160  may be used to secure the grenade to the player&#39;s body or equipment while being carried in the field. 
     In another embodiment, the first securing  116  element can be eliminated in its entirety, and the first end  118  sealed only by the fold formed therein, and the end cap  128 . 
     In addition to providing a means to secure the cap  128 , the use of the pin  150  provides the player with a more realistic “combat style” experience, as the processes of pulling the pin from the grenade prior to throwing mimics the steps required to operate a traditional hand grenade. 
     Once closed on the first end  118 , the cavity  136  of the bladder  112  may be filled through an opening in the second end  120  of the bladder  112  with liquid such as that described above with respect to the previous embodiments. The bladder  112  expands as it is filled by the pressure exerted on the interior walls of the cavity  136  by the liquid. Once filled, the bladder  112  is closed on the second end  120  by a second securing element  117  in a substantially leak-proof fashion. As a result, the liquid is contained under the pressure exerted by the walls of the bladder  112  in a ready-to-use state. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second securing element  117  comprises a tie, such as a cable tie, fitted around the second end  120  of the bladder  112 . More preferably, the second end  120  is folded back or crimped prior to being closed by the securing element  117  in a similar manner to that described with respect to the first end  118 . It should be appreciated that any means to close the second end  120 , such as plugs, caps, elastic bands, wire or twist closures, or clamps may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In a more preferred embodiment, a second ring  161  is preferably attached to the second end  120 , preferably in the crease formed by the folding of the second end  120 , prior to the attachment of the second securing element  117 . The second ring  161  may be used to secure the grenade  100  to the player&#39;s body or equipment, such as to a vest, equipment belt, or to any other suitable location while in use in the field. It should be noted that the second securing element  117 , unlike the first securing element  116  is configured to provide a more permanent attachment to the second end  120 , as distinct from the first securing element  116 , which is configured to allow the liquid to be expelled from the bladder  112  as described below. 
     In use, the user removes the pin  150  from the cap  128  by pulling on the first ring  160 . Once the pin is removed, the user throws the grenade toward a desired target. The force generated upon impact, coupled with the internal pressure within the bladder  112 , results in the first securing element  116  and end cap  128  being discharged from the first end  118  of the grenade. This allows the colored liquid to disperse over the target area propelled by the internal pressure created by the walls of the bladder  112 . 
     It should be noted that none of the components of this embodiment are damaged through the normal use of the paintball grenade. Accordingly, in addition to being cost effective, this embodiment offers reusability not found in other offerings in the market. 
     Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.