Patent Abstract:
A drive system for a regulating the rotation of a drive system or agitator in a paintball loader is disclosed. It is designed to regulate the rotation of a feeder, especially during a jam or when projectiles in a hopper become misaligned. This allows a user to quickly and effectively clear a jam and resume or continue rapid fire without damaging projectiles, the loader or the paintball marker.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,395, filed Oct. 11, 2005, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of projectile loaders for feeding projectiles to, for example, compressed gas guns. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Paintball, a popular sport has developed over the years, which uses paintball markers (guns), which are guns utilizing compressed gas to fire projectiles. Some examples of paintball guns are those offered under the brand names 32 DEGREES™, EMPIRE™, DIABLO™, and INDIAN CREEK DESIGNS™, and others shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,708,685; 4,936,282; 5,497,758; and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/183,548; 11/180,506; 11/150,002; 11/064,693; 10/313,465; 10/090,810, the entire contents of which are all incorporated fully herein by reference. Players use the paintball guns to shoot projectiles known as paintballs (projectiles and paintballs are used interchangeably herein). These paintballs are spherical, frangible projectiles normally having gelatin or starch-based shells filled with paint (coloring or dye). The shells break when impacting a target, allowing the paint within to splatter on the target. The sport of paintball is often played like capture the flag. A player is eliminated from the game when the player is hit by a paintball fired from an opposing player&#39;s marker. When the paintball hits a target such as a player, a mark or “splat” of paint is left on the player. 
     Paintball loaders (otherwise known as hoppers or magazines, and also referred to herein as “projectile loaders”) sit atop the markers and feed projectiles into the marker. These projectile loaders (the terms “hopper,” “magazine,” and “loader” are used interchangeably herein) store projectiles, and have an outlet or exit tube (out feed tube or neck). The outlet tube is connected to an inlet tube (or feed neck) of a paintball marker, which is in communication with the breech of the paintball marker. Thus, the loaders act to hold and feed paintball projectiles into the breech of a paintball marker, so that the projectiles can be fired from the marker. 
     Many loaders contain agitators or feed systems to mix, propel, or otherwise move projectiles in the loader. This mixing is performed by an impeller, projection, drive cone, agitator, paddle, arm, fin, carrier, or any other mechanism, such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,213,110; 6,502,567; 5,947,100; 5,791,325; 5,954,042; 6,109,252; 6,889,680; and 6,792,933, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In a “gravity feed” or “agitating” loader, an agitator mixes projectiles so that no jams occur at the exit opening of the outlet tube. In a “force feed” or “active feed” paintball loader, the agitator (drive cone, carrier, paddle or any other force feed drive system) forces projectiles through the exit tube. Because it is desirable to eliminate as many opposing players as possible, paintball markers are capable of semi-automatic rapid fire. The paintball loaders act to hold a quantity of projectiles, and ensure proper feeding of the projectiles to the marker for firing. 
     Modern paintball loaders utilize projections, paddles, arms, carriers, drive cones, or other agitators to mix or advance paintballs. These agitators are operated by motors, which are usually electrical, and powered by a power source such as a battery. 
     One critical problem with current paintball loaders is when such loaders and the agitators in such loaders encounter a jammed paintball (such as when a paintball is jammed such as at an exit opening or cannot otherwise move), paintball breakage can occur. In addition, the motors may be damages if they cannot operate or become jammed. 
     Thus, there is the need for a paintball loader that can continue to operate, even when a paintball jam occurs, and that will not break paint or damage the motor of a paintball agitator when encountering a jam or other disruption in operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is a drive system for a paintball loader comprising a drive shaft rotatable about a central axis, a drive mechanism rotatable about a drive shaft, the drive mechanism including a first magnetic surface, a feed mechanism carrier adjacent the drive mechanisms including at least one magnetically attractable portion that is attractable to the magnet of the drive mechanism. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is a drive system for a paintball loader comprising a drive shaft rotatable about a central axis, a drive mechanism attached to the drive shaft, the drive mechanism having a magnetically attractable portion, a feed mechanism carrier attachable to a feeder adjacent the drive mechanism and rotatable about the drive shaft, the feed mechanism carrier having at least one magnet that is attractable to the magnetically attractable portion of the drive mechanism. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is a drive system for a paintball loader comprising a drive shaft rotatable about a central axis, having a magnet attached thereto, the drive shaft extending vertically through a hole in a feed mechanism carrier that is rotatable about the drive shaft, wherein the feed mechanism carrier has at least one magnetically attractable portion that is attractable to the magnet of the drive shaft. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is a drive system for a paintball loader comprising a drive shaft rotatable about a central axis, having a magnetically attractable portion attached thereto, the drive shaft extending vertically through a hole in a feed mechanism carrier attachable to a feeder, the feed mechanism carrier rotatable about the drive shaft and having at least one magnet that is attractable to the magnetically attractable portion of the drive shaft. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is a drive system for a paintball loader comprising a drive shaft rotatable about a central axis, a feed mechanism carrier connected to the drive shaft, the feed mechanism carrier having at least one sloped upper portion and a spring attached thereto, the feed mechanism carrier in contact with a feeder, a spring attached to the feeder, the spring contained and moveable within a spring guide. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention controls the rotation of a paintball feeder so that it will cease rotation and thereby not impart force on projectiles when they jam. It also resumes operation immediately upon clearing the jam. In another embodiment, the present invention allows the paintball feeder to rotate above jammed projectiles. In every embodiment disclosed below, the present invention is easily “retrofitted” so that it can be used with all existing styles of paintball loaders, including, but not limited to “force feed”, “active feed”, and “agitating” loaders. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an illustrative paintball loader operatively attached to a paintball marker illustrated in phantom. 
       FIG. 2  is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of an illustrative paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of a third embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are top plan views of drive shafts of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are bottom plan views of feed mechanisms of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a side cross sectional view of a further embodiment of an illustrative paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 11-13 , taken together, are an exploded isometric view of a still further embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a clutch plate of a drive mechanism according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan view of an alternate clutch plate of a drive mechanism according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a further alternate clutch plate of a drive mechanism according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are exploded isometric views of a still further embodiment of a drive mechanism of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  is a top plan view of a base portion of the feed mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of a base portion of the feed mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 21  is a bottom plan view of an alternate base portion of the feed mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 22  is a top plan view of an alternate base portion of the feed mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  is an isometric view of an alternative drive shaft of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader of the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  is an isometric view of a base portion corresponding to the shaft of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  are exploded isometric views of a still further embodiment of a drive mechanism according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  is a side sectional view of the feed mechanism shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
       FIG. 28  is a sectional view taken along line  28 - 28  in  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of an alternate feed mechanism. 
       FIG. 30  is a top view of a feed mechanism of the present invention depicting rotation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, the term “binding element” refers to either a magnet or a magnetically attractable element. As used herein, a “magnetically attractable element” can be any element that is attracted to a magnet including, but not limited to, ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, neodymium, etc. As used herein, the terms “feeder”, “feed mechanism”, or “impeller” refer to any apparatus that impels, moves, pushes, agitates, or otherwise mixes projectiles within a loader or hopper, such as an agitator, arms, fins, paddles, paddle arms, spokes, drive cones, carriers, including, but not limited to, those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,213,110; 6,502,567; 5,947,100; 5,791,325; 5,954,042; 6,109,252; 6,889,680; and 6,792,933, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, and those used in commercially available paintball loaders such as the various HALO® brand paintball loaders, the EMPIRE RELOADER™ paintball loaders, and substitutes or equivalents thereof. 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an illustrative paintball loader  10  attached to a representative paintball gun  12  illustrated in phantom. The paintball gun  12  includes a main body  14 , a compressed gas cylinder (gas tank)  16 , a barrel  18 , and a grip portion  20 . The paintball gun also includes an inlet tube  22  (also called a feed neck) leading to a firing chamber (or breech) in the interior of the main body  14 , and a trigger  24 . The compressed gas cylinder  16  is typically secured to a rear portion of the paintball gun  12 . The compressed gas cylinder normally contains CO 2  or NO 2 , although any compressible gas may be used. 
     An exemplary paintball loader  10  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 1-2 . The paintball loader  10  includes a loader body  100  forming an interior area  104 . The loader body  100  may be divided into an upper portion  106  and a lower portion  108 . Generally, an exit portion  110 , such as an opening, leads from the lower portion  108  of the loader body  100  to an outfeed tube  112 , although the exit portion  110  may be positioned at another location in the loader body  100 . The exit portion  110  is positioned adjacent the inlet tube  22  of the compressed gas gun  12 . The paintball loader  10  includes a motor  66 . The motor  66  may be in communication with a controller  114  and/or microprocessor  116  for controlling at least one operation of the loader  10 . In addition, at least one sensor  118  may be provided in communication with the motor  66 , controller  114  and/or microprocessor  116 , or any combination of those, for detecting the presence or absence of projectiles  62  in the exit portion  110  or outfeed tube  112  of the loader  10 , or positioned at other locations within or about the loader body  100 . A power source such as a battery  117  may be provided for powering the motor  66 , controller  114 , microprocessor  116 , or any combination thereof. 
     A first embodiment of a drive mechanism for a paintball loader according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . A drive mechanism  26  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drive shaft  36  that rotates about a central axis  64 . The drive shaft  36  is coupled at its first end  67  to a motor  66  for rotating the drive shaft  36 , which may be an electrical motor, a stepper motor, a wind up or spring operated motor, or any other means for rotating or otherwise operating the drive mechanism  26 . The second end or upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36  includes at least one binding element  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the binding element  32  is a magnet or a magnetically attractable insert, such as a ferrous metal, or other metal attracted to a magnet. 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 , the feed mechanism  40  is positioned adjacent the second end or upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36 . The feed mechanism  40  may include arms  98  (fins, paddles, or other extensions) such as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , adapted for mixing or moving paintballs contained with a paintball loader  10 . The feed mechanism  40  includes a lower portion  136  including at least one second binding element  138 . The second binding element  138  may be a magnet of different polarity as the binding element  32  (if the binding element  32  is a magnet), or may be a magnetically attractable insert (if the binding element  32  is a magnet), or may be a magnet of any polarity (if the binding element  32  is a magnetically attractable insert). 
     The feed mechanism  40  includes an opening  140  for receiving a screw  142 . The screw  142  is preferably sized smaller than the opening  140 , and is received in a threaded opening  144  in the upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36 . In this arrangement, the feed mechanism  40  is free to rotate about the screw  142 . A bushing (or bearing)  146  and/or washer  148  may be provided for assisting free rotation of the feed mechanism  40 . It is appreciated that a thinner diameter portion extension of the drive shaft  36  may extend though the opening  140 , and may be affixed in place with a screw or other connection means. 
     When the motor  66  operates the drive shaft  36 , the drive shaft  36  will rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the central axis  64 . The binding element  32  and second binding element  138  will have a magnetic attraction to each other. Thus, when the drive shaft  36  rotates, the binding element  32  will impart (or have imparted upon it) a magnetic force (adhesion force) on the second binding element  138 , that will rotate in tandem the feed mechanism  40  when there are no jammed paintballs in the paintball loader  10 . 
     If a paintball jam is encountered, or if the paintballs cannot be agitated or otherwise moved for some reason, the drive shaft  36  will continue to rotate. With the feed mechanism  40  unable to continue rotation, the binding element  32  will rotate past the second binding element  138  of the feed mechanism  40  when the force of the motor  66  on the drive shaft  36  cannot overcome the force holding the feed mechanism  40  in place. In this manner, the motor  66  will not be damaged, and the feed mechanism  40  will not be forced to break or otherwise rupture paintballs that cannot be agitated. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides for a magnetic clutch system. When the drive shaft  36  continues to rotate, the binding element  32  will again come into proximity to the second binding element  138 . The binding element  32  and second binding element  138  can be positioned at any location on or about the drive shaft  36  or the feed mechanism  40  to permit the binding element  32  and second binding element  138  to come into proximity and be in position so that a magnetic attraction occurs between the binding element  32  and second binding element  138 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a binding element  32  may be positioned or otherwise formed in a side wall  150  of the drive shaft  36 , facing outwardly from the central axis  64 . The feed mechanism  40  may have the second binding element  138  positioned facing toward the opening  140 . The drive mechanism  26  will operate as previously with the magnetic clutch action described. Alternately, a portion of the drive shaft  26  can be formed from a magnet or magnetically attractable insert. 
     The second end  68  of the drive shaft  36  may include at last one or a plurality of binding elements  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , top plan views of different embodiments of the drive shaft  26 . Similarly, the feed mechanism  40  may include at last one or a plurality of binding elements  138 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . The operation of the drive mechanism  26  can be controlled by varying the number of binding elements, the strength of any magnets, and the distance between the binding element  32  and the second binding element  138 , for example. The motor  66  may be controlled by the controller  114  such as an electronic control circuit that may include a microprocessor  116 . The paintball loader  10  may include at least one sensor  118  in communication with the motor  66  and/or controller  114  for detecting paintballs, such as an electro-mechanical sensor or switch, an optical sensor, and infrared (IR) sensor, a sound or shockwave sensor, or any other sensor as are known in the art. The controller  114  can control rotation of the motor  66  in either direction, providing for a reversible feed mechanism  40  operation. 
     In an alternate embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the drive mechanism  26  includes a drive shaft  36  having an upper portion  68  that is contoured or angled. The lower portion  136  of the feed mechanism  40  is contoured complementary to the contour of the upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36 . A spring  152  is provided between the attachment screw  142  and the feed mechanism  40 . At least one binding element  32  is positioned proximate the upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36 , and at least one second binding element  138  is positioned proximate the lower portion  136  of the feed mechanism  138 , as previously described. In this arrangement, due to the complimentary contoured surfaces, the feed mechanism  40  is adapted for movement above and below its originally plane of movement if a projectile jam is encountered, in addition to the rotational movement of the feed mechanism  40  being driven by the drive shaft  36 . The spring  152  biases the feed mechanism  40  back to its original position. An additional or alternate spring can be provided between the upper portion  68  of the drive shaft  36  and the lower portion  136  of the feed mechanism  40 . 
       FIGS. 10-20  show an alternate embodiment of a drive mechanism  26  according to the present invention for use in a paintball loader  10 . According to this embodiment, drive mechanism  26  includes a clutch plate  28 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 12 ,  14 - 16 , having a keyed opening  30  therethrough, and including at least one binding element  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the binding element  32  is a magnet, but may also be a magnetically attractable insert. The clutch plate  28  may include one or a plurality of binding elements  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The clutch plate  28  is preferably formed as a disc  34  with the keyed opening  30  shaped to accept a keyed portion  38  of a drive shaft  36 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The opening  30  may be any shape for accepting the drive shaft  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , so long as the keyed portion  38  of the drive shaft  36  can rotate the plate  28 . The clutch plate  28  can be any size and/or shape suitable for its purposes as disclosed below, such as the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , and may be comprised of any metal, plastic, or other suitable materials. Preferably, the clutch plate  28  is formed from a plastic, or other non-metallic, non-magnetic material. It should be understood that the clutch plate  28  can also be permanently affixed and part of the drive shaft  36 . 
     Alternatively, the plate  28  may be formed entirely from the material comprising the binding element  32 , wherein the plate  28  may be entirely formed from a magnetic material, or entirely formed from a magnetically attractable material. The plate  28  may also be formed with the binding elements  32  fashioned as rectangular inserts, as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  14 - 16 . The binding elements may be removable, or permanently affixed to the plate  28 . Through the variation of the binding elements, one is able to adjust the attractive forces to correspond with the specific properties of the projectile. 
       FIGS. 13-17 ,  18  show a drive shaft  36  for providing movement to agitate, mix or move the projectiles  62  in the loader  10 . The drive shaft  36  is adapted to rotate about its central axis under the force of a motor  66  to which it is coupled at its first end  67 , preferably an electric, battery operated motor, although any motor is acceptable. The drive shaft  36  has an upper portion  68 , which is preferably substantially circular and includes a threaded opening  144  for accepting a screw  142 , and a lower keyed portion  38  shaped to engage the opening  30  of the clutch plate  28 . Rotation of the drive shaft  36  by the motor  66  will in turn rotate the clutch plate  28 , due to the engaging fit between the keyed portion  33  of the drive shaft  36  and the keyed opening  30  shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . The drive shaft  36  may be constructed of various materials, such as molded plastic or metal, and is sized and shaped so that it is capable of passing through the opening  16  of the clutch plate  28  and the openings  22  of the paintball feed mechanism  40 . 
       FIGS. 17-18  show a paintball feed mechanism  40  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The feed mechanism  40  shown may be similar in design and operation to the active feed assemblies disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,792,933 and 6,701,907, the entire contents of which are incorporated fully by reference herein, which are used in connection with the well known HALO B® or EMPIRE™ RELOADER™ B paintball loaders. It is noted that the present invention may be used with, in place of, or as an adjunct to any other feed mechanism, agitator, paddle or impeller of any kind. 
     According to this embodiment of the present invention, the feed mechanism  40  includes an impeller portion  42 , and a base portion  44 . The impeller portion has an opening  46  therethrough and the base portion  44  has an opening  48  therethrough. The openings  46 ,  48  are sized to accept a portion of the drive shaft  36 , and to permit the feed mechanism  40  to freely rotate about the drive shaft  36 . At least one binding element  50 , preferably located on, formed in, inserted into, or affixed to the bottom surface  52  of the base portion  44 .  FIGS. 11 ,  17 - 20  show the base portion  44  substantially the same size and shape as the clutch plate  28 . The feed mechanism  40  may be larger or smaller than the clutch plate  28  or of a different shape. It is appreciated that the feed mechanism  40  can be provided as a single unit, with at least one binding element  50  positioned at any position to be attracted magnetically to the binding element  32  of the clutch plate  28 , such as on a lower wall  82  including one or a plurality of binding elements  50 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base portion  44  of the feed mechanism  40  may be formed as an open cylinder having an upstanding annular wall  54  and a floor  58 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  17 - 19 . The base portion  44  is positioned below the impeller portion  42 . A gap or space  56  may be provided between the floor  58  of the base portion  44  and the lower face  60  of the impeller portion  42 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion  44  is formed as an open cylinder  88 , having a base or floor  90  and an annular wall  92 . The floor  90  may be provided with at least one or a plurality of cavities  94  sized and shaped to receive corresponding binding elements  50 . The binding elements  50  can be sized and shaped to removably engaged the cavities  94  whereby the binding elements  50  will be sized to securely fit within the cavities  94  a shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  19 - 20 , so that they will not fall out of the cavities  94  during operation. By being able to interchange the binding elements  50 , magnetic attractive forces between the at least one magnetic portion of the drive shaft and the at least one magnetic or magnetically attractable portion of the feed mechanism can be varied and regulated. In this way the magnetic force is less than a rupture force of a paintball adapted to be loaded by the feed mechanism. 
     In the embodiment of the drive mechanism  26  of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 17-19 ,  25 - 28 , the feed mechanism has a spring-assist or spring-loaded component for feeding projectiles. A first spring contact wall  72  projects from the annular wall  54  of the base portion  44  into the gap  56 . A second spring contact wall  74  projects from the lower face  60  of the impeller portion  42 . A spring  76 , preferably a torsion spring, is positioned within the gap  56 , and has a first end  78  positioned adjacent the first spring contact wall  72 , and a second end  80  positioned adjacent the second spring contact wall  74 . It should be understood however, that any suitable biasing member can be used in lieu of the spring, e.g. an elastomer. When the base portion  44  turns for example in the counter-clockwise direction (looking at the base portion  44  from above the loader  10 ), and the impeller portion  42  is stationary (due to being blocked by, for example, stationary projectiles in a “paintball stack” (line of stationary projectiles) in the loader  10 ), or the impeller portion  42  is moved in the clockwise direction (looking at the impeller portion  44  from above the loader  10 ), the spring  76  will be compressed due to the relative movements of the first end  78  of the spring  76  against the first spring contact wall  72 , and the second end  80  of the spring  76  against the second spring contact wall  74 . The spring  76  compresses, storing potential energy for driving projectiles. This provides a “spring-loaded” drive mechanism, where spring tension is provided for force feeding projectiles during operation when the feed impeller portion  42  is free to move. 
       FIGS. 17-19  show an embodiment of the drive mechanism  26  of the present invention in an exploded view of the various components. The base portion  44  is positioned between the impeller portion  42  and the clutch plate  28 . Where a spring is used, the spring  76  is positioned within the gap  56 . The drive shaft  36  extends through the drive mechanism opening  30  and the respective openings  46 ,  48  of the base portion  44  and impeller portion  42 . A screw  142  is threaded into the opening  144  of the drive shaft  36 , and the screw  142  preferably has a head larger than the diameter of the opening  46 , so that the feed mechanism  40  is held in place. The keyed portion  38  of the drive shaft  36  engages the keyed opening  30  of the clutch plate  28 , such that rotation of the drive shaft  36  by the motor  66  produces rotation of the clutch plate  28 . When the screw  142  is threadably engaged to the drive shaft  36 , the screw  142  is effectively an extension of the drive shaft  36  running through the opening  46  in the feed mechanism  40 . The feed mechanism  40  is free to rotate about the screw  142 . 
     The binding element  32  of the clutch plate  28  is positioned to provide an attractive magnetic force when adjacent the binding element  50  of the base portion  44 . It is appreciated that the binding element  32  and binding element  50  may be any combination of elements producing magnetic attraction between them, for example: binding element  32  is a magnet of a first polarity, and binding element  50  is a magnet of a second an opposite polarity; binding element  32  is a magnet, and binding element  50  is a magnetically attractable insert attractable to the magnet; and/or, binding element  32  is a magnetically attractable insert, and binding element  50  is a magnet. 
     The attractive magnetic force (also referred to herein as the “adhesion force”) between the binding elements  32 ,  50  is preferably such that when the drive shaft  36  rotates and turns the clutch plate  28 , the magnetic attraction between the binding element  32  and the binding element  50  correspondingly rotates the base portion  44  of the feed mechanism  40 , which in turn rotates the impeller portion  42  of the feed mechanism  40 . If a spring  76  is used, the rotation of the base portion  44  will be translated to the impeller portion  42  via movement of the first spring contact wall  72  against the end  78  of the spring  76 , as described in greater detail above. 
     When the binding element  32  and the binding element  50  are aligned, the rotation of the clutch plate  28  drives the feed mechanism  40  by magnetic attraction between the binding elements  32 ,  50 . During operation, the projection  84  of the impeller portion  42  may encounter a stationary or jammed projectile  62 . In that situation, when the force of a stationary, jammed, or slow moving projectile  62  upon the feed mechanism  40  overcomes the magnetic force between the binding elements  32 ,  50 , the motor  66  will continue to rotate the drive shaft  36 , which will turn the clutch plate  28 . The binding element  32  of the clutch plate  28  will “slip” or otherwise move past the binding element  50  on the base  44 . The clutch plate  28  will continue to rotate independently of the feed mechanism  40 . During each rotation of the clutch plate  28 , the binding element  32  will be magnetically attracted to the binding element  50  of the base  44  when the binding elements  32 ,  50  are in proximity such that they are magnetically attracted. When the feed mechanism  40  is free to again rotate (such as when the paintball stack is moving, or a jammed projectile  62  is dislodged) the binding element  32  will again attract the binding element  50 , and the feed mechanism  40  will rotate to propel or otherwise mix projectiles  62 . 
     Where a spring  76  is used as discussed in detail above, the binding elements  32 ,  50  should be selected such that the magnetic force (adhesion force) between the binding elements  32 ,  50  is strong enough to overcome the biasing force of the spring  76  on the walls  72 ,  74 , yet will “slip” when the spring  76  is compressed or otherwise wound to a certain selected degree or amount. A paintball stack may form, for example, when a paintball marker to which a paintball loader is attached has indexed projectiles  62  in the outfeed tube and feed neck  22 , but the paintball marker  12  is not being fired. Projectiles  62  back up forming a stack. When the projection  84  contacts the stationary paintball stack, the base portion  44  will continue to turn, by way of example, counter-clockwise, if the feeding direction is counter-clockwise. This will compress and increase tension in the spring  76  as the base portion  44  rotates relative to the impeller portion  42 . However, it may be desired that the drive mechanism will slip (the adhesion force between the binding elements  32 ,  50  is overcome) when the spring  76  is compressed to a certain degree or amount, which may be a user selected degree or amount. For example, the binding elements  32 ,  50  may be selected such that, when the base portion  44  rotates a certain angular distance relative to the point of contact between the projection  84  and the paintball stack, the binding elements  32 ,  50  slip. This is shown schematically in  FIG. 30 , which is a schematic bottom view of a projection  84  contacting a paintball stack. The angular distance can be selected by a user, and can be any angular distance, with a preferred distance being approximately about 340 to 360 degrees of rotation. 
     Released from the forces of the attraction between the binding elements  32 ,  50 , the base portion  44  will unwind (in a clockwise direction in the example) as the spring  76  releases tension. A second binding element  32  may be positioned on the clutch plate  28 , to “catch” or attract the base portion  44  as it unwinds, so that the spring  76  does not fully decompress. In this manner, tension is retained in the spring  76  for propelling projectiles  62  once the stack begins to move. In addition, the slipping action of the drive mechanism will not force, break or otherwise crush or rupture projectiles. A plurality of binding elements  32  maybe provided on a clutch plate  28 . Each of the binding elements  32  will attract the binding element  50 , as the clutch plate  28  rotates. 
     The operation of the novel drive mechanism of the prevent invention can be adjusted in several ways. For example, the force necessary to overcome the magnetic attraction between the binding elements  32  and  50  can be adjusted by utilizing magnets of varying magnetic strengths. The size of the magnets used for the binding elements  32 ,  50  can be varied. The distance between the clutch plate  28  and the bottom surface  52  of the feed mechanism  40  can also be varied, thus adjusting the interaction of the magnets and/or magnet and magnetically attractable inserts. A shim or other divider piece can be formed between the clutch plate  28  and the bottom surface  52  of the feed mechanism  40 . In addition, the spring  76  can further be selected having a particular tension. 
     The number of binding elements  32 ,  50  can be varied, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-15 ,  17 - 18 . A user of a paintball loader according to the present invention can adjust the operation by selectively inserting and positioning binding elements  50  within the cavities  94 . Alternately, a cylinder  88  can be provided with a preselected number of binding elements  50 , attached or affixed to, formed in, or formed on the floor  90  of the cylinder  88 . Several cylinders  88  may be included with a paintball loader kit, incorporating different numbers of binding elements  32  that may be user selected, based on operating conditions such as paintball shell brittleness. Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the clutch plate  28  may be formed including at least one or a plurality of binding elements  32 . The binding elements  32  can be preformed on or affixed to the clutch plate  28 , or may be held within cavities formed in the clutch plate  28 . Several drive mechanism bases  28  having different binding element  32  configurations may be provided in a kit with a paintball loader according to the present invention. 
     It should be appreciated that the drive system  34  operates as a clutch system to avoid or manage projectile jams, and to provide fine-tuning of paintball loader operation. If the feed mechanism  40  stops or slows its rotation relative to the rotation of the drive mechanism  26  and drive shaft  36  due to a jam, the system will not chop or otherwise break projectiles. Projectiles may back-up or otherwise block the outlet tube, and interfere with the rotation of the projections  84 , which slows or stops the feeder  36 . In the many loaders currently known in the art the feeder  36  continues to try to rotate with the force of the motor, and therefore, the projections  84  continue to try to impel projectiles through the loader. The continued impelling force from the feeder on the jammed projectiles can break the projectiles, the feeder  36 , the impellers  39 , and/or other parts of the loader. 
     In the present invention, when the feed mechanism  40  stops rotating, the force of the rotation of the drive shaft  36  on the clutch plate  28  overcomes the magnetic attraction between the binding elements  32 ,  50 . This causes the feed mechanism  40  to move relative to, or slip past the base portion  44 . The drive mechanism  26  no longer rotates the feed mechanism  40 , which therefore, no longer rotates the feeder  36 . Thus, the feeder impellers  39  stop moving against the stationary, jammed or blocked projectiles. 
     When the paintball jam is cleared (players often shake or jostle the hopper), and the feeder  36  and paintball feed mechanism  40  are free to once again rotate, the drive mechanism  26  binding element  32  will attract the paintball feed mechanism  40  binding element  50  and begin rotating the paintball feed mechanism  40  and the connected feeder  36  in conjunction therewith. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an entire surface of the clutch plate  28  may be formed as a binding element, such as a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. In addition, in another embodiment, an entire surface of the floor  58  of the base portion  44  may be formed as a binding element, such as a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 21-26 , the drive shaft  36  may be formed to act as an additional slip clutch mechanism. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-26  may be used in addition to the previously disclosed embodiments, or may replace the clutch plate  28  and base portion  44  as previously described. At least one binding element  120 , which may be a magnet or magnetically attractable insert, is provided on or within the drive shaft  36 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     A central portion  122  of the base portion  44  is adapted to rotate independently from the other portions of the base portion  44 . The central portion  122  includes at least one binding element  124 , which may be a magnet or magnetically attractable insert, positioned adjacent an annular wall  128  of the central portion  122 . Binding element  120  and binding element  124  are selected so that they are magnetically attracted to each other. 
     The upper surface  130  of the floor  58  of the base portion further includes at least one binding element  132 , which may be a magnet or magnetically attractable insert. Binding element  132  is selected so that it is magnetically attracted to binding element  124 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 21-26 , a second slip clutch mechanism is disclosed. The binding element  120  of the drive shaft  36  will rotate when the drive shaft  36  is rotated by the motor  66 . Binding element  120  will magnetically attract binding element  124 , thus rotating the central portion  122  through magnetic attraction. The binding element  124  will in turn attract binding element  132 , thus turning, or assisting in turning, the balance of the base portion  44 . These additional binding elements  120 ,  124 ,  132  can be use as adjuncts to the previously described binding elements  32 ,  50 . Thus, binding element  32  will magnetically drive binding element  50 , acting as a first magnetic slip clutch system, and binding element  120  will magnetically drive binding element  124 , which in turn will magnetically drive binding element  132 , acting as a second magnetic slip clutch system. Any combination and positioning of the various binding elements may be used to achieve desired operation of the drive mechanism  26  of the present invention. 
     A cross section of the feed portion  40  of the feed device  26  is shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . The base portion  44  houses the spring  76  having first and second ends  78 ,  80  that are biased against a first contact wall  72  of the base portion and a second contact wall  74  of the impeller portion  42 , respectively. It should be understood that other biasing members can also be used, e.g. an elastomer. When sufficient tension is present in spring  76 , the impeller portion  42  is rotated such that impeller projections  84  contact a projectile  62  to urge it into a feed tube  112  of a loader  10  and into a breech of a gun  12 . 
     In addition, in an alternate embodiment, the clutch plate  28  can be eliminated, and the drive shaft  36  will act as the clutch system for the drive mechanism  26 . Further, the central portion  122  can be eliminated, and the binding element  120  of the drive shaft  36  can be selected to directly magnetically attract the binding element  132  of the upper surface of the floor  130 . 
     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 embodiments are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments 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 other embodiments and changes to these embodiments which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5