(19) TZZ ¥_ T

(11) EP 2 631 587 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.: F41B 11/62 (2013.01) F41C 23/12 (2006.01) 28.08.2013 Bulletin 2013/35 F41G 11/00 (2006.01) F41C 23/16 (2006.01) F41C 23/20 (2006.01) F41A 3/66 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 13156786.9

(22) Date of filing: 26.02.2013

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • Wood, Jack Kingsley GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO Chelford, Cheshire SK11 9BD (GB) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • Mahoney, Matthew Harry Designated Extension States: Manchester M20 2NL (GB) BA ME (74) Representative: Hofstetter, Schurack & Partner (30) Priority: 27.02.2012 US 201261603830 P Patent- und Rechtsanwaltskanzlei 25.02.2013 US 201313775414 Partnerschaft Balanstrasse 57 (71) Applicant: Planet Eclipse Limited 81541 München (DE) Manchester M17 1GA (GB)

(54) Conversion kit with a rail system for a paintball marker

(57) A convertible projectile launching device (11) in- of fasteners (32) may be used to secure the shells (31a, cludes a projectile launching device (11), such as a paint 31b) to the device (11). The surface of at least one shell ball marker, a less than lethal launcher or an airsoft gun, (31a,31b) provides a rail system (38) for mounting ob- to which a user can secure at least one shell (31a,31b) jects to the projectile launching device (11). The shell that changes the outer configuration or appearance of a (31a,31b)has a mating surface that engages a corre- projectile launching device (11) on which it is secured sponding mating surface on the projectile launching de- into a MILSIM style projectile launching device. Any type vice. A blanking plug (51) or a butt stock can be inserted into the rear of the shell. EP 2 631 587 A2

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 631 587 A2 2

Description are played over a much longer period of time, normally hours or days. In scenario games many people find it CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION preferable to have a paintball marker that you can attach various third party devices or tactical aids to, such as a [0001] This application is related to and claims priority 5 fore grip, magazine, sling mounts, light sources/ torches, from earlier filed provisional patent application Serial No. optical sights, laser sights, cameras etc. In other words, 61/603,830, filed February 27, 2012, the entire contents in these types of scenario types games, it is desirable for thereof is incorporated herein by reference. the paintball marker to look and have the ability to ac- cessorize more like a real firearm, such as an M16 or BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 M4, therefore creating a MILSIM (military simulation) marker or airsoft gun. [0002] The invention relates generally to paintball [0007] There is a need in the prior art to enable a paint- markers and air soft guns and the gameplay related ball marker (or air soft gun) to be easily and quickly con- thereto. The sport of paintball is very well known and verted over from its basic speedball form to a scenario includes the use of a paintball marker or gun to pneu- 15 or MILSIM form that includes some type of rail arrange- matically launch a rubber ball or a ball that is typically ment/system so it can more closely simulate a real fire- filled with a colored liquid. For air soft, plastic projectiles arm. As is well known, accessories, such as a light sourc- are shot at opposing players or targets. Each of the play- es and scopes, are commonly mounted onto rail systems. ers in the game has such a marker or gun so they can [0008] There have been attempts in the prior art to pro- launch projectiles toward players on the opposing team. 20 vide rail systems on guns and replacement mounting sys- When players on the opposing team are marked or hit tems that can be interchanged on these guns. However, with a projectile, there is typically a scoring event. these devices and systems are inadequate because they [0003] The present invention is particularly related to do not closely simulate a real weapon or firearm because the game of paintball and the related paintball markers. they do not completely enshroud the marker or gun. With- Therefore, the invention will be discussed in detail in con- 25 out full or substantially full enshroudment of the underly- nection with paintball markers for ease of illustration but ing projectile launching device, attachment of accesso- it should be understood that the present invention is ap- ries simulating a real weapon or firearm is not possible. plicable to the air soft sport and air soft guns as well. [0009] These prior art systems are also inadequate be- [0004] Also, the present invention relates to any type cause they do not completely detach to leave a marker of projectile launching device or any device that is or sim- 30 that is totally free from any rail mountings. There are ulates a projectile launching device, such as a laser tag shrouds or mounting systems available, but they typically simulated firearm. The present invention has applicability attach to the barrel or to the existing rail mount. for use in security and police forces as well as "less than [0010] There is a need to provide a rail kit for a paintball lethal" and "non-lethal" firearms. For ease of discussion marker or an air soft gun that can also simultaneously herein, the present invention is discussed in detail in con- 35 easily convert the marker from a normal non- MILSIM set- nection with paintball markers but is should be under- up to a modified scenario MILSIM set up that more closely stood that the present invention can be used in connec- simulates a real firearm. There is a need to provide a rail tion with any type of firearm, projectile launcher and sim- kit for a paintball marker or an air soft gun that is easy to ulated versions thereof. install, remove and clean, and allows easy access to the [0005] It is known, in the sport of paintball, that there 40 eyes or ball detectors, without the need to remove the are many different types of game play. For example, rail kit. There is a need to provide a rail kit for a paintball "supair orspeedball": events are very close range games, marker or airsoft gun that allows easy access to the in- played on a small field, using inflatable bunkers or similar ternals of the paintball marker, without the need to re- small barricades. Typically they last a few minutes and move the complete rail kit, by providing an easily remov- the turnaround between games is limited to a few minutes 45 able rear cap or opening to allow removal of the internal or seconds. Such speedball games can even be played firing mechanism for easy maintenance. There is a need indoors. In speedball events it is preferable to have a to provide a rail kit for a paintball marker or airsoft gun small low profile paintball marker that is hard for a player’s that allows easy fitment of a stock via a quick release opponent to see and shoot at, but is quick and easy to mechanismthat may be operatedwith a leverlatch mech- clean the paint from between games if the player is shot 50 anism, screw fit, bayonet fit or other mechanism. There during the game. Thus, for this type of game, the basic is also a need to provide a rail kit for a paintball marker or core paintball marker is all that is needed. or airsoft gun that has rail mounts or the ability to mount [0006] On the other hand, another popular type of accessory rails, such as Weaver, Picatinny or NATO rails paintball gameplay is called a "scenario or MILSIM (mil- built into the rail kit. There is a need to provide a rail kit itary simulation)" game. Such a scenario game is played 55 for a paintball marker or airsoft gun that does not clamp on a much larger mixed terrain field, possibly woodland onto, nor interfere with the barrel of the paintball marker or urban environment, the idea of the game is to mimic or airsoft gun. Finally, there is a need to provide a rail kit some sort of "war type scenario." Typically these games that can receive a wide range of accessories thereon like

2 3 EP 2 631 587 A2 4 a rail system of a real firearm. vide a rail kit for a paintball marker or airsoft gun that does not clamp onto, nor interfere with the barrel of the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION paintball marker or airsoft gun. Therefore allowing the barrel to be removed without the need to remove the [0011] The present invention preserves the advantag- 5 complete rail kit. For example, optionally, the regulator, es of prior art paintball markers and airsoft guns acces- frame, feed neck can be removed where the rail kit does sories added thereto. In addition, it provides new advan- not interfere of clamp onto these components. tages not found in currently available markers, guns and [0021] A further object of the present invention is to accessories and overcomes many disadvantages of provide a rail kit that can receive a wide range of acces- such currently available markers, guns and accessories. 10 sories thereon like a rail system of a real firearm. [0012] The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique rail kit that is attached to a paintball marker, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS air soft gun or any other type of projectile launching de- vice or simulated device thereof. The rail kit can quickly [0022] The novel features which are characteristic of and easily convert a standard paintball marker or air soft 15 the present invention are set forth in the appended gun from a conventional speedball non- MILSIM setup to claims. However, the invention’s preferred embodi- a scenario or MILSIM setup that simulates the look and ments, together with further objects and attendant ad- mounting flexibility of a real firearm. The purpose of the vantages, will be best understood by reference to the rail kit of the present invention is to allow the user to play following detailed description taken in connection with ’speedball type games’ and "scenario type games" with 20 the accompanying drawings in which: the same paintball marker by simply adding or removing the rail kit system. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the rail kit of the present [0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention invention installed on a standard paintball marker; to provide a rail kit for a paintball marker or an air soft Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a marker equipped gun that can easily convert it from a normal non- MILSIM 25 with the rail kit of the present invention with some setup to a modified scenario MILSIM set up that more accessories installed on the rail system; closely simulates a real firearm. Fig. 3 is a standard type paintball marker, without [0014] Another object of the present invention is to pro- the rail kit of the present invention installed, that could vide a rail kit for a paintball marker or an air soft gun that be used in speedball non-MILSIM type paintball is easy to install, remove and clean. 30 games; [0015] Another object of the present invention is to pro- Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the paintball vide a rail kit for a paintball marker or airsoft gun that marker of Fig. 3 with the rail kit of the present inven- allows easy access to the eyes or ball detectors, without tion shown enshrouded thereabout in exploded fash- the need to remove the rail kit, by providing easily remov- ion along with a blanking plug, which is retained in able eye cover plates. 35 place by a lever latch lock system; [0016] Another object of the present invention is to pro- Fig. 5 is one of the half-shells of the rail kit of the vide a rail kit for a paintball marker or airsoft gun that present invention showing contact points; allows easy access to the internals of the paintball mark- Fig. 6 is a shows contact points between an under- er, without the need to remove the complete rail kit, by lying paintball marker and the shell (as in Fig. 5), providing an easily removable rear cap or opening to al- 40 when fully assembled, such as shown in Fig. 1; low removal of the internal firing mechanism, such as for Figs. 7-10 show the process of installing a blanking easy maintenance or any other purpose. plug in the rear of the rail kit of the present invention [0017] Another object of the present invention is to pro- as retained by a lever lock latching system, one of videa rail kit for apaintball marker or airsoftgun, projectile the shells being removed for illustration purposes; launcher or simulation thereof that allows easy fitment of 45 and a stock via a quick release mechanism that may be op- Fig. 11 shows a butt stock, as in Fig. 2, installed in erated with a lever latch mechanism or any other type of place and retained by the lever lock latching system, mechanism. one of the shells being removed for illustration pur- [0018] Another object of the present invention is to pro- poses. vide a rail kit for a paintball marker or airsoft gun that has 50 rail mounts such as Weaver, Picatinny or NATO rails built DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM- into the rail kit. BODIMENT [0019] Another object of the present invention is to pro- vide a rail kit for a paintball marker, airsoft gun, projectile [0023] The add-on mounting rail kit 10 is designed to launcheror simulation thereof that has theab ilityto mount 55 be simple to add or remove from a paintball marker 11, accessory rails such as Weaver, Picatinny, NATO rails, thus enabling the player to enjoy all types of paintball dovetail rail or other rail system onto the rail kit. games with the same paintball marker 11. This negates [0020] Another object of the present invention is to pro- the need for the player to have to buy two guns to play

3 5 EP 2 631 587 A2 6 all types of the game, saving the player a great deal of [0029] Fig. 2 also shows that additional side rails 37 money. may be mounted on the apertures of the conversion kit. [0024] The construction of the rail kit 10 of the present These features both give the marker an appearance that invention can be seen best in connection with Figs. 1, 2 is more similar to a real firearm. Furthermore, the rail and4. The uniqueness of the presentinvention is directed 5 system 38 and side rails 37 each allow the user to mount to the rail kit 10 providing a substantially full shroud about objects to the marker with the conversion kit 10. For ex- the underlying marker 11 (such as seen in Fig. 3) to con- ample, Fig. 2 shows a light 39 that is mounted to the rail vert it’s exterior configuration to a scenario MILSIM type system 38 of the conversion kit 10. A user could also marker, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2. mount other objects, such as a laser sight, an optical [0025] An example of an underlying marker 11 10 is sight, a scope, a magazine or other firearm accessories. shown in Fig. 3. The marker 11 has a barrel end 12 and Although the rail system, collectively 37 and 38, shown a handgrip end 16. The handgrip end 16 has a trigger 14 in the figures resembles a common rail system design, and a gas tube receiver 18 for receiving compressed gas other rail systems are also possible. Also, although the from a tank (not shown) to operate the paintball marker figures show a rail system 38 on the upper surfaces of 11. The marker 11 also has notches 21 on the outer sur- 15 the shells and side rails 37, in other embodiments, the face of the marker 11 and contact points 23 on the upper rail system may be provided on a lower, or any surface surface of the marker 11. These notches 21 and contact of the shells, such that objects could be mounted directly points 23 help secure mounting of the conversion kit 10 below or on any surface of the shells 31 A, 31 B. of the present invention. On the upper surface of the [0030] Fig.4 shows the shells 31 A, 31 B have remov- marker 11 is a paintball receiver 19 capable of engaging 20 able eye cover plates 34 that allow easy access to ball a paintball hopper 20, as seen in Fig. 2. Other hoppers, detectors 39, without the need to remove the rail kit 10. magazines and paintball feeding mechanisms could be As shown in Fig. 1, the eye cover plates 34 are removably mounted on or under the conversion kit 10 in order to fastened to the shells 31 A, 31 B using cover plate fas- provide paintballs to the marker, in accordance with the teners 36. In Fig. 1, these cover plate fasteners 36 are present invention. 25 shown as threaded fasteners, but a person of ordinary [0026] Fig. 1 shows the conversion kit 10 of the present skill in the art could use other fastening methods. invention enshrouding or covering the underlying marker [0031] Figs. 4-6 show how the shells 31 A, 31 B (pref- 11 while still allowing the user to access and inspect fea- erably two half shells) are secured onto and about the tures, parts and components of the marker 11, such as body of the marker 11. It is envisioned that the two half the trigger 14, the gas tube receiver 18, the paintball re- 30 shells 31 A, 31 B can be retained together by any means ceiver 19, and the barrel 12 without removing the con- possible. For example, it is possible to retain the shells version kit 10 from the marker. Thus, even when the con- together by a fastener, such as a screw 32 and retained version kit 10 is installed on the marker 11, the operation nut arrangement. Fig. 4 shows male threaded screws 32 of the underlying marker 11 remains unaffected and the routed through pass through holes 35 on one shell 31 A marker 11 operates in a normal fashion. 35 and into female threaded holes 33 on the other shell 31. [0027] The conversion kit 10, shown in Fig. 1, prefer- Other possible ways to retain the shells together could ably has two shells 31 A, 31 B that are secured on the be cable ties, clips, ratchets and any other structure en- marker 11. While two shells are preferred, it is envisioned visioned including any of those envisioned by a person that the conversion kit 10 may include more than two of ordinary skill in the art. shells, such as where multiple shells are secured about 40 [0032] Figs. 4-6 show the contact points between an each side of the marker 11. These variations in the con- underlying paintball marker 11 and the shells 31A and figuration of the shells are considered to be within the 31 B, particularly as in Fig. 5 when fully assembled. The scope of the present invention. contact points are between the protrusions 60 on the [0028] Referring to Fig. 4, for example, the shells have shells, as in Fig. 5, and seats (or surfaces) 62, as in Fig. apertures 40 through the sides of the shells 31 A, 31 B 45 6, on the marker 11 itself. The communication between and a rail system 38A formed on the upper surfaces of the contact points 60 into and onto seats (or surfaces) the shells and rail system 38B on the lower surface of 62 help key and align a given shell, 31A, 31 B to the the shells 31 A and 31 B. It should be noted that the tops marker 11. It should be understood that the communica- of the shells 31 A and 31 B are show to respectively tion and keying of the shells 31A, 31 B to the marker 11 provide a partial rail system. When the shells 31 A and 50 is just one example. The communication can be reversed 31 B are mated together, as in Fig. 1, they form, together, where the protrusions are on the marker 11 and the re- a full rail system of a desirable width. It is also possible cessed seats are on the shells 31 A, 31 B. Any other that the rail system is provided on only one of the shells. complementary contact surface mate between a marker It is also possible that the rail system is provided on any 11 and the shells 31 A, 31 B can be employed and still surface of the shells. Further apertures 41 are also pref- 55 be within the scope of the present invention. erably provided to receive eye covers 34, which are se- [0033] These contact points are an integral part of the cured by fasteners 36. This enables access to important attachment method around the body giving the clamping components on the marker 11. sections stability when the mating pads or protrusions 60

4 7 EP 2 631 587 A2 8 on the inner surface of the shell 31 A, 31 B, as in Fig. 5, in the rear open end 65, a butt stock 53 is shown installed. are inserted intoor onto thenotches or seats(or surfaces) Such installation still allows the simple quick access to 62 and put under tension. This tension is caused by the the internals of the paintball marker without removing the pads or protrusions (that can be solid or made from a whole rail kit 10. The butt stock includes a forward portion soft foam or rubber material) 60 that push on the upper 5 this is received in the rear open end 65 in similar fashion section of the marker body (Fig. 5). Although these fig- to the forward portion of the plug 51. Similarly, a tab 70 ures show one arrangement of protrusions and notches, is provided on the butt stock 53 to engage with lever 54. there is scope for many contact points or indeed for the Once the butt stock is installed and residing the open end whole surface to be a contact point, a wide variety of 65, the lever latch 54 is rotated to lock the butt stock 53 arrangements are possible and are considered to be cov- 10 in place, as seen in Fig. 11. Further figures are not in- ered by this invention. cludedherein to show thebutt stock53 unlocked because [0034] Although the conversion kit 10 is shown as in- it is, essentially, the same as how the plug 51 is shown cluding two shells in the figures, the conversion kit could unlocked in Figs. 7-9. also be formed of a single shell. For example, a shell [0038] Although the invention is shown as having a le- could be formed as a single piece that is capable of being 15 ver 54 to secure the accessories inserted into the rear of placed around a marker. A flexible portion or a hinged the conversion kit 10, the conversion kit 10 could use portion on the single shell would allow a single shell to otherretention devices. For example,a user could secure completely enshroud the marker 11. Another example of a blanking plug 51 or butt stock 53 in the rear of the a single shell would be a shell that provides an upper conversion kit 10 using cable ties, clips, ratchets, screw shroud for a marker and has an aperture in the lower20 thread, bayonet fitting and any other structure envisioned surface of the shell for receiving a marker. Single shell including any of those envisioned by a person of ordinary embodiments such as these would allow the user to more skill in the art. quickly convert the marker to a MILSIM type marker, and [0039] In view of the foregoing, a new and novel rail kit also provide a conversion kit that more closely simulates system and conversion kit 10 is provided that can easily a real firearm. 25 convert a standard paintball marker or air soft gun 11 [0035] When the two shells 31A, 31 B are mated to- from a speedball non-MILSIM setup with no rail system gether and enshrouding the marker 11, they leave a rear to a scenario MILSIM type setup where a rail kit 31 A, 31 open end 65. This open end 65 can be either closed up B fully enshrouds the marker or gun 11 to better simulate or have an accessory mounted therein. A unique lever a real MILSIM firearm and provide a rail system 38 for latch system, employing a locking latch lever 54 prefer- 30 receipt of accessories thereon. ably pivotally mounted to one or both of the shells 31 A, [0040] The rail kit 10 of the present invention may be 31 B, as seen in Figs. 7-11, is integral to the rear open made out of any suitable material and manufactured in end of the conversion kit 10. More specifically, a blanking many different ways. For example, the rail kit 10 may be plug 51 (Figs. 7-10) is receivable into the rear open end molded out of plastic or machined from metal, such as 65. In Fig. 7, where shell 31 B is not shown for illustration 35 aluminum. Any such material and method of manufacture purposes, it can be seen that open end 65 is rearwardly is considered within the scope of the present invention. facing. Plug 51 is configured to be complementary in [0041] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the shape to the open end. The plug 51 is directed into the art that various changes and modifications can be made rear open end 65, as shown by the arrow. During which to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the time, lever 54 is set in an open position, as seen in Fig. 40 spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and 7. This permits the plug 51 to be easily routed into the changes are intended to be covered by the appended rear open end 65. More specifically, tab 69 of plug 51 claims. can easily pass over notch 54a of lever 54. In Fig. 8, the plug 51 is shown partially installed into the rear open end 65 with Fig. 9 showing the plug 51 fully installed. It should 45 Claims be noted that its is possible that the plug is not solid but open inside to define opening 67 to permit optional ac- 1. A conversion kit for a projectile launching device hav- tuation of components of the marker 11, such as a firing ing an outer configuration, comprising: pin, bolt or the like (not shown). [0036] Fig. 10 shows the plug 51 fully installed and50 at least one shell which is capable of being se- seated in place in the rear open end 65 with the lever 54 cured on a projectile launching device; rotated clockwise in the direction of the arrow shown to whereby the at least one shell changes the outer locate stop portion 54a of the lever 54 directed behind configuration of a projectile launching device on- tab 69. As a result, plug 51 is secured in place and is to which it is secured. prevented from moving rearward out from the rear open 55 end 65. 2. The conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the at least [0037] Turning now to Fig. 11, as an alternative and one shell is two shells mated together. as another example of an accessory that can be installed

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3. The conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the at least a retention device on the at least one shell to one shell is capable of being secured about a pro- secure the butt stock in the rear open end. jectile launching device using fasteners. 14. The conversion kit of claim 13, wherein the retention 4. The conversion kit of claim 3, wherein the fasteners 5 device is a latch connected to the at least one shell; are selected from the group consisting of: threaded the latch being capable of engaging with the butt fasteners, cable ties, clips, and ratchets. stock to prevent its removal from the rear open end.

5. The conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the at least 15. A convertible projectile launching device having an one shellis capable ofsubstantially fully enshrouding 10 outer configuration, comprising: a projectile launching device. a projectile launching device; 6. The conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the at least at least one shell which is capable of being se- one shell is capable of converting a non- MILSIM type cured about the projectile launching device; projectile launching device into a MILSIM type pro- 15 whereby the at least one shell changes the outer jectile launching device. configuration of a projectile launching device on which it is secured. 7. The conversion kit of claim 2, wherein each shell has an outer surface, and the outer surfaces of the plu- rality of shells together form a rail system for mount- 20 ing objects thereto.

8. The conversion kit of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of shells further comprises: 25 an inner surface; and at least one mating surface on the inner surface; each mating surface being capable of engaging a corresponding mating surface on an outer sur- face of a projectile launching device to increase 30 stability of the shells when mounted on a pro- jectile launching device.

9. The conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one shell defining a front end and a rear open end, 35 further comprising:

a blanking plug configured and arranged to re- side in the rear open end. 40 10. The conversion kit of claim 9, further comprising:

a retention device on the at least one shell to secure the blanking plug in the rear open end. 45 11. The conversion kit of claim 10, wherein the retention device is a latch connected to the at least one shell; the latch being capable of engaging with the blanking plug to prevent its removal from the rear open end. 50 12. The conversion kit of claim 8, further comprising:

a butt stock capable of being inserted into the rear open end; the butt stock being configured to be releasably secured in the rear open end. 55

13. The conversion kit of claim 12, further comprising:

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 61603830 B [0001]

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