Abstract:
A paintball gun hopper disguised as a scope includes an outer shell in the shape of a scope. The shell, which defines an interior compartment for storing paintballs, includes at least one resealable lid adapted to allow access to the interior compartment, a front assembly operably attached to a front tube, a rear tube operably attached to a rear assembly, a coupling joining the front tube to the rear tube, and a dispensing tube extending downwardly from the coupling and adapted to engage a corresponding neck of a paintball gun. The hopper is adapted to achieve and maintain balance of the paintball gun.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 60/827,901, filed Oct. 3, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to paintball gun hoppers, and more particularly, to a balanced paintball gun hopper disguised as a gun scope. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A paintball gun uses a rapidly expanding gas (usually compressed CO 2  or Air) to force a paintball through a barrel with a muzzle velocity of approximately 300 ft/s. This velocity is sufficient for most paintballs to break upon impact at a distance, but not fast enough to cause tissue damage beyond mild bruising. 
         [0004]    During competition, success often hinges on having a reliable gun with an ample steady supply of paintballs. The objective of a paintball competition is to mark opposing players with paint. 
         [0005]    Frequent reloading during competition is disadvantageous, as it takes time and leaves the player exposed to opponents. To minimize reloading and ensure an adequate supply of paintballs, hoppers (also known as loaders) have been devised to provide a reservoir of paintballs for shooting. The most common form of hopper, a gravity feed hopper, consists of a reservoir and a feed tube molded into the bottom. Paintballs roll from the reservoir into the tube. A removable lid is typically provided to facilitate refilling and clearing jams. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, conventional hoppers are well known and easily recognized by players. Opponents can readily estimate the time to reload or number of remaining shots upon encountering a player with a conventional hopper. 
         [0007]    Another shortcoming of conventional hoppers is that they tend to be imbalanced. Depending upon whether the hopper is front heavy or rear heavy when loaded, it may shift the center of mass forward towards the muzzle or backward toward the stock. This shift in center mass can make a gun more difficult to aim. 
         [0008]    Yet another shortcoming with conventional gravity-feed hoppers is a susceptibility to clogging. Lateral forces exerted by paintballs in a full or nearly full hopper can prevent paintballs from freely entering and traveling through the feed tube. 
         [0009]    Still another shortcoming of conventional hoppers is lack of guidance in aiming. Conventional hoppers constitute prominent features, but provide no means to assess whether the gun is level and properly aimed. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, a need exists for a balanced paintball gun hopper that is disguised, not susceptible to clogging and aids level aiming. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In one embodiment a paintball gun hopper disguised as a scope is provided. The hopper includes an outer shell in the shape of a scope. The shell, which defines an interior compartment for storing paintballs, includes at least one resealable lid adapted to allow access to the interior compartment, a front assembly operably attached to a front tube, a rear tube operably attached to a rear assembly, a coupling joining the front tube to the rear tube, and a dispensing tube extending downwardly from the coupling and adapted to engage a corresponding neck of a paintball gun. The hopper is adapted to achieve and maintain balance of the paintball gun. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, an exemplary paintball hopper configured to engage a hopper inlet of a paintball gun, includes at least one reservoir, at least one inlet tube has a first end and a second end, and a dispensing tube. The at least one reservoir is coupled to the first end of the inlet tube. The dispensing tube is coupled to the second end of the at least one inlet tube. The reservoir includes a chamber for holding a plurality of paintballs. The inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs from the reservoir to the dispensing tube. The dispensing tube is adapted to engage the hopper inlet of the paintball gun. The at least one inlet tube has an inlet diameter, and the at least one reservoir has a reservoir diameter. The reservoir diameter is larger than the inlet diameter, and the inlet diameter is larger than a paintball. The reservoir diameter may be 1.5 to 10 times larger than the inlet diameter, and the inlet diameter may be 1.5 to 5 times larger than a paintball. At least one conical coupling may be disposed between the at least one reservoir and at least one inlet tube. The conical coupling configured to provide a smooth concentric transition from the at least one reservoir to the at least one inlet tube. The conical coupling has acute conical angles between 5° and 30°. The paintball hopper may be configured to maintain the center of mass of the paintball gun horizontally between the barrel and the stock. A removable closure provides access to the interior of the at least one reservoir. The removable closure may be hingedly attached to the at least one reservoir and provide access to the interior of the at least one reservoir. An optional dorsal access tube parallel to and aligned with the dispensing tube provides access to the dispensing tube. 
         [0013]    The material comprising the hopper may contain a functional additive from the group consisting of a thermochromic additive in an amount effective to cause the hopper to change color when temperature of the paintball hopper is at least a determined temperature, a photochromic additive a thermochromic additive in an amount effective to cause the hopper to change color when the paintball hopper is exposed to sunlight, and a phosphorescent polymer additive in an amount effective to cause the hopper to absorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible light in darkness. A transparent window/closure adapted for viewing an interior compartment of the paintball hopper may be provided. 
         [0014]    A readily visible leveling device may be attached to the at least one reservoir. The device may comprise an angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of the hopper with indicia to designate if the hopper is level. The angled spirit level is mounted askew by 1° to 10° relative to the hopper. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, an exemplary paintball hopper is configured to engage a hopper inlet of a paintball gun. The paintball hopper includes an anterior reservoir, at least one anterior inlet tube has a first end and a second end, a posterior reservoir, at least one posterior inlet tube has a first end and a second end, and a dispensing tube. The anterior reservoir is coupled to the first end of the anterior inlet tube. The posterior reservoir is coupled to the first end of the posterior inlet tube. The dispensing tube is coupled to the second end of the anterior inlet tube and to the second end of the posterior inlet tube. The reservoir includes a chamber for holding a plurality of paintballs. The anterior inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs from the anterior reservoir to the dispensing tube. The posterior inlet tube includes a conduit for guiding paintballs from the posterior reservoir to the dispensing tube. The dispensing tube is adapted to engage the hopper inlet of the paintball gun. The anterior inlet and posterior inlet tubes each has an inlet diameter. The anterior reservoir and the posterior reservoir each has a reservoir diameter. The reservoir diameter is 1.5 to 10 times larger than the inlet diameter. The inlet diameter is 1.5 to 5 times larger than a paintball diameter. An anterior conical coupling disposed between the anterior reservoir and the anterior inlet tube provides a smooth transition from the anterior reservoir to the anterior inlet tube. A posterior conical coupling disposed between the posterior reservoir and the posterior inlet tube provides a smooth transition from the posterior reservoir to the posterior inlet tube. A readily visible leveling device is attached to the posterior reservoir. The readily visible leveling device includes an angled spirit level configured to indicate the level of the hopper with indicia to designate if the hopper is level. The angled spirit level is mounted askew by 1° to 10°. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a profile view of an exemplary paintball gun equipped with an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a second perspective view of an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an exemplary paintball hopper in accordance with principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes, proportions or materials shown in the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals, various views of an exemplary paintball hopper  100  according to principles of the invention are conceptually shown. The exemplary hopper  100  generally includes a posterior reservoir  120  coupled to a posterior inlet  110  at a posterior end of the posterior inlet  110 , and an anterior reservoir  150  coupled to an anterior inlet  160  at an anterior end of the anterior inlet  160 . An anterior end of the posterior inlet  110  and a posterior end of the anterior inlet  160  converge at a ventral dispensing tube  140 . The dispensing tube  140 , configured to engage the hopper inlet of a paintball gun, is generally perpendicular to the posterior and anterior inlets  110 ,  160 . 
         [0024]    In the exemplary embodiment, a dorsal access tube  165  runs parallel to and generally aligned with the ventral dispensing tube  140 . The dorsal end of the ventral dispensing tube  140  and ventral end of the dorsal access tube  165  converge at the anterior end of the posterior inlet  110  and posterior end of the anterior inlet  160 . Thus, the dorsal access tube  165  is configured to provide convenient access to the dispensing tube. Such access facilitates maintenance, including inspection, cleaning and clearing jams. 
         [0025]    The exemplary hopper  100  features a shape that resembles a scope. The posterior and anterior reservoirs  120 ,  150  comprise hollow container sections of the hopper  100 . The posterior and anterior inlets  110 ,  160  comprise hollow tubular sections. The reservoirs  120 ,  150  have a larger diameter than the inlets  110 ,  160 , giving the hopper  100  a shape that generally resembles a scope. By being disguised as a scope, the hopper may potentially deceive opponents. Paintballs contained within the hopper  100  flow from the reservoirs  120 ,  150  through the inlets  110 ,  160 , through the ventral dispensing tube  140  and into the hopper inlet of a paintball gun. Filleted contours  415  facilitate a smooth continuous flow of paintballs into the ventral dispensing tube  140 . 
         [0026]    One or more resealable closures, such as resealable lids  105 ,  125  and  145 , are provided to allow access to the interior of the hopper  100  through the anterior reservoir  150 , posterior reservoir  120  and dorsal access tube  165 . Such resealable closures provide access enables and facilitates refilling the hopper  100  and clearing jams. Illustratively, a dorsal lid  105  and/or a posterior lid  125  and/or an anterior lid  145  may be provided. Other closures may be provided in addition to or in lieu of the dorsal lid  105  and/or a posterior lid  125  and/or an anterior lid  145 . The lids  105 ,  125  and  145  may be attached to the hopper  100  with hinges, tethers and/or other mechanical attachment means that allow removal. By way of example and not limitation, one or more of the closures may be threaded to engage a correspondingly threaded section of the hopper assembly  100 . In a preferred embodiment, hinges  170 ,  175  and  180  are utilized to allow quick access without losing the lid. The hinges may include spring closure mechanism and/or mechanical locking features to secure the lid in a closed position. 
         [0027]    The outer shell  135  generally in the shape of a scope. Additionally, as discussed below, the configuration of the hopper facilitates achieving a desirable balance. The shell defines an interior compartment for storing paintballs. Interior surfaces are angled downwardly towards the dispensing tube  140  to encourage paintballs to flow thereto. 
         [0028]    Advantageously, a hopper  100  according to the principles of the invention may be configured to achieve and maintain balance of the paintball gun  200 . Weight and balance are important factors for most firearms, including paintball guns. While individual tastes may vary (some prefer heavier guns, some lighter ones), the gun should preferably balance between the shooter&#39;s hands and should not feel barrel-heavy or stock-heavy. The paintball gun has an anterior barrel, a posterior stock and a body disposed between the stock and muzzle. Preferably, the paintball hopper is configured to maintain the center of mass of the paintball gun horizontally between the barrel and the stock, and vertically close to or in the body, when the hopper is full, partially full and empty. The center of mass is a specific point at which the system&#39;s mass behaves as if it were concentrated. The center of mass is a function of the positions and masses of the particles that comprise the system. As paintballs are expelled from the system, the center of mass will change and may not correspond to the position of any particular mass. 
         [0029]    The reservoirs  120 ,  150  and/or tubes  110 ,  160  may be sized to locate the center of mass of the paintball gun equipped with the hopper  100  at a desired point. The hopper  100  may be provided with adjustable and/or replaceable tubes  110 ,  160  and/or adjustable and/or replaceable reservoirs  120 ,  150 . Alternatively, the hopper  100  may be properly sized and configured for a particular paintball gun. By way of example and not limitation, in one embodiment the tubes  110 ,  160  may be cut to size for a particular paintball gun  200 , and the reservoirs  120 ,  150  may then be attached to the properly cut tubes  110 ,  160 . As another alternative, the hopper  100  may be provided with various sized components that can be selected and assembled for a particular paintball gun  200 . 
         [0030]    Advantageously, a hopper according to principles of the invention features a scope-like exposure which does not present a substantial target or obstacle. When installed, the hopper  100  is as close to the paintball gun  200  as possible. The hopper maintains a profile close to the gun and may extend substantially the length of the gun. Thus, contained paintballs are distributed along a substantial part of the length of the gun, providing a lower stack height of paintballs in the hopper. The lower stack height prevents jams and maintains a low center of mass, while the elongated configuration provides a large capacity. 
         [0031]    In addition to storing substantial quantities of paintballs, a hopper according to principles of the invention does so in an embodiment disguised as a scope. The scope configuration introduces an element of surprise while enhancing the appearance of the gun, simulating assault rifles or other menacing firearms. 
         [0032]    Capacity is important because current paintball guns fire a significant quantity of paintballs in a short time span. To accommodate a high rate of paintball consumption, a hopper according to principles of the invention preferably holds a substantial number of paintballs, such as 200 or 300 or more paintballs. While a large capacity hopper is particularly preferred, the invention is not limited to a hopper with any particular capacity. 
         [0033]    The hopper may be comprised of various materials, such as metal and/or plastic. In an exemplary implementation, the hopper  100  is comprised of a rigid plastic or polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. While many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable, durable, weather resistant product. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, structural characteristics, glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat). 
         [0034]    By way of example and not limitation, the hopper  100  may optionally be formulated to change color when it reaches a predetermined or higher temperature. This can be accomplished by mixing a thermochromic additive to the base material in an amount that is sufficient to achieve a desired color changing range. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 30% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Chromicolor® concentrate may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color at a determined elevated temperature, such as approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 
         [0035]    Alternatively, a photochromic additive may be added to the base material in an amount that is effective to achieve a desired color change when the hopper  100  is exposed to certain lighting conditions. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 35% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Photopia® additive may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color in the presence of sunlight or ultraviolet light. 
         [0036]    As another alternative, phosphorescent polymer additives, such as aluminate based phosphors, may be added to adsorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible light after the energy source is removed. Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a base that is easy to locate in darkened conditions, making the vehicle easy to spot even at nighttime. 
         [0037]    Optionally, the hopper  100  may be equipped with a window adapted for viewing the contents. The window may comprise an opening covered with a transparent material. The window may be positioned to allow a user to observe when the hopper  100  is empty or nearly empty. By way of example and not limitation, the window may comprise a transparent closure, such as a transparent lid  105 ,  125 , and/or  145 . Thus, a user may view the interior of the hopper  100  to detect jams and determine when to refill the hopper  100 . 
         [0038]    Components of the hopper  100  may be produced using any suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the chosen material, such as (for example) injection, compression, structural foam, blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; vacuum forming; and casting. Preferably, the manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low cost per unit, and results in an aesthetically acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality. The hopper  100  is preferably sufficiently strong and weather resistant such that it does not structurally fail from the stresses and environmental conditions encountered during use. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a profile view of an exemplary paintball gun equipped with an exemplary paintball hopper  100  in accordance with principles of the invention is conceptually shown. The exemplary a paintball gun  200  generally includes four main components: a body  215 , the hopper  100 , a tank  230  and a barrel  205 . Also included are a stock  255  or handle, trigger  220  and, in the exemplary embodiment, an optional forward handle  210 . The body  215  houses loading, triggering and valve mechanisms and provides attachments for the trigger  220 , hopper  100 , tank  230 , barrel  205  and stock  225 . The tank  230  holds a compressed gas, usually CO 2  or air, which is used to accelerate the paintballs through the gun barrel  205 . The trigger  220  activates loading and valve mechanisms to propel a paint ball under the influence of a charge of compressed gas. The barrel  205  directs an accelerating paintball and controls the release of the compressed gas behind it. Several different bore sizes are available, to best fit different sizes of paintball, and there are many different lengths, with various ports (or vents), threaded attachments, and configurations. These elements are typically included in many paintball guns. Indeed, the aforementioned paintball gun  200  is intended to represent a broad category of paintball guns capable of receiving paintballs from a hopper  100  according to principles of the invention. Of course, the paintball gun  200  may include fewer, different and/or additional elements, provided it is capable of receiving paintballs from a hopper  100  according to principles of the invention, generating a charge of compressed gas and shooting the paintballs. 
         [0040]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a second perspective view of an exemplary paintball hopper  100  in accordance with principles of the invention is conceptually shown. This view more clearly illustrates the location of exemplary hinges  175 ,  180  for the posterior and anterior lids  125 ,  145 . Also illustrated is the ventral dispensing tube  140  and the corresponding dispensing port  185  defined by the tube  140 , through which paintballs travel from the hopper  100  into the gun  200 . 
         [0041]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary paintball hopper  100  in accordance with principles of the invention is conceptually shown. This view illustrates the interior compartments and conduits of the hopper  100 . Each reservoir  120 ,  150  includes a relatively large and generally cylindrical interior compartment  400 ,  430  having a diameter d r . The inlets  110 ,  160  also have generally cylindrical interior compartments  445 ,  450 , each having a diameter d i  that is smaller than d r . In an exemplary embodiment, d r  is 1.5 to 10 times d i . Of course d i  is greater than the diameter of a paintball, and preferably several times greater than the diameter of a paintball, e.g., 1.5 to 5 times the diameter of a paintball. Tapering joints, referred to herein as conical couplings  115 ,  155 , provide smooth and gradual transitions  405 ,  425  from each reservoir compartment  400 ,  430  to each inlet compartment  445 ,  450 , with acute conical angles α. The angles α are preferably less than 45° and more preferably between 5° and 30°. 
         [0042]    Advantageously, the conical couplings  115 ,  155  help prevent clogging without preventing paintballs from entering and flowing through the dispensing tube  140 . In a conventional hopper nearly all lateral forces exerted by stored paintballs are transmitted to paintballs at or near the dispensing tube. In a conventional hopper, these lateral forces prevent the free flow of paintballs through the dispensing tube, thereby contributing to clogging and choking. However, the conical couplings  115 ,  155  of a hopper  100  in accordance with principles of the invention, absorb an appreciable portion of the lateral forces nearest the dispensing tube  140 . The effect is a substantial reduction in the lateral forces transmitted to paintballs in vicinity of the dispensing tube  140 . The lateral forces and tendency to clog are typically greatest when a hopper is full. By reducing these lateral forces, especially in vicinity of the dispensing tube  140 , the risks of clogging and choking are substantially reduced. As the hopper  100  is emptied, the lateral forces and risk of clogging decrease. Concomitantly, paintballs become free to migrate and bounce around in the vacant space in the emptying hopper  100 . 
         [0043]    Another important feature of an exemplary paintball hopper  100  in accordance with principles of the invention is a readily visible leveling device to facilitate precise aiming  130 . In one embodiment, an angled spirit level comprising a transparent vial containing a liquid (e.g., ethanol) and a bubble  135  is partially embedded in the side wall of the exterior surface of the posterior reservoir  120 , on the side of the posterior reservoir  120  adjacent to the gun  200 . The level may be configured to indicate the level of the hopper  100  between horizontal and vertical. Markings on the vial may designate where the bubble should be if the hopper  100  is level. As shown in the top view of  FIG. 5 , the level  130  is preferably mounted askew (θ&gt;0), such that the markings of the vial designating a level orientation are visible from along the side of the hopper  100  while a user looks and aims downstream at a target. Thus, leveling does not detract from aiming. In a preferred embodiment the angle θ is between 1° and 10°, depending upon the diameter of the vial and the thickness of the wall of the hopper  100 . 
         [0044]    While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components of the invention, including variations in form, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.