| |
| United States Patent
|
7,100,810 |
| Bosch , et al. |
September 5, 2006 |
Paintball pod holder systems
Abstract
This invention provides a paintball pod holder system for
convenient one-handed removal and replacement of paintball pods.
Preferably, one or more rigid paintball pod holders are attached to
a belt or other support. A stiff lining of the inside of the
paintball pod holder keeps the holder open at the ends and permits
convenient insertion of paintball pods. The lining also has a spring
clip function to securely hold the paintball pod. There is also a
non-slip surface to prevent the system from slipping against the
body during use.
| Inventors: |
Bosch; John P.
(Scottsdale, AZ), McKay; Clyde (Scottsdale, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/984,257 |
| Filed: |
November 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
60520057 |
Nov., 2003 |
|
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
224/682 ;
224/196; 224/231; 224/684; 224/931 |
| Current
International Class: |
A45F
5/00 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
224/682,684,231,676,660,119,603,223,235,236,901.2,901.4,901.6,196,931
383/119 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Newhouse; Nathan J.
Assistant Examiner: Larson; Justin M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd. Stoneman; Martin L. Foley;
Daphne G.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/520,057, filed Nov. 14, 2003,
entitled "PAINTBALL POD HOLDER SYSTEM", the content of which is
incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted to be
prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in
this cross-reference section.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) at least one paintball pod holder,
having at least one length and at least one periphery, structured
and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; b) at least one
wearable article structured and arranged to support said at least
one paintball pod holder; c) at least one stiffener, having at least
one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and d) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one peripheral
frictional force exerted by said at least one inner surface of said
at least one stiffener when the at least one paintball pod is
situate within said at least one paintball pod holder; e) at least
one paintball pod elector adapted to at least partially eject the at
least one paintball pod from said at least one paintball pod holder.
2. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one non-slip surface structured and arranged to
secure said at least one wearable article, when worn by the at least
one user, against slipping.
3. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one wearable article comprises at least one
adjustably-closeable belt adapted to adjustably close about at least
one waist of the at least one user.
4. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one
fabric.
5. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one
portion of said at least one wearable article.
6. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one stiffener lies at least between at least one
portion of said at least one paintball pod holder and the at least
one paintball pod when the at least one paintball pod is situate in
said at least one paintball pod holder.
7. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one peripheral friction controller comprises at least
one frictional surface structured and arranged to control at least
one coefficient of friction of said at least one inside surface of
said at least one paintball pod holder.
8. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, further
comprising the at least one paintball pod.
9. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one
passage for allowing top loading of the at least one paintball pod
into said at least one paintball pod holder.
10. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, further
comprising: a) at least one non-slip surface structured and arranged
to secure said at least one wearable article, when worn by the at
least one user, against slipping; b) wherein said at least one
wearable article comprises at least one adjustably-closeable belt
adapted to adjustably close about at least one waist of the at least
one user; c) wherein said at least one paintball pod holder
comprises at least one fabric; d) wherein said at least one
paintball pod holder further comprises at least one portion of said
at least one wearable article; e) wherein said at least one
stiffener comprises at least one plastic; f) wherein said at least
one plastic further comprises at least one thin flat sheet; g)
wherein said at least one stiffener lies at least between at least
one portion of said at least one paintball pod holder and the at
least one paintball pod when the at least one paintball pod is
situate in said at least one paintball pod holder; h) wherein said
at least one non-slip surface comprises at least one neoprene pad;
i) wherein said at least one stiffener further comprises at least
about eighty percent of said at least one length of said at least
one paintball pod holder.
11. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one paintball pod ejector comprises at least one
non-slip surface adapted to assist preventing slipping between said
at least one paintball pod ejector and the at least one paintball
pod.
12. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 11, wherein
said at least one non-slip surface comprises at least one neoprene
pad.
13. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one stiffener comprises at least one plastic.
14. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 13, wherein
said at least one plastic comprises at least one polyurethane.
15. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 13, wherein
said at least one plastic comprises at least one thin flat sheet.
16. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one stiffener comprises at least about fifty percent
of said at least one length of said at least one paintball pod
holder.
17. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 16, wherein
said at least one stiffener comprises substantially all of said at
least one length of said at least one paintball pod holder.
18. The paintball pod holder system, according to claim 16, wherein
said at least one stiffener is substantially centered along said at
least one length of said at least one paintball pod holder.
19. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) at least one paintball pod holder,
having at least one length and at least one periphery, structured
and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; b) at least one
wearable article structured and arranged to support said at least
one paintball pod holder; c) at least one stiffener, having at least
one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and d) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one peripheral
frictional force exerted by said at least one inner surface of said
at least one stiffener when the at least one paintball pod is
situate within said at least one paintball pod holder; e) wherein
said at least one peripheral friction controller comprises at least
one spring clip adapted to resiliently force said at least one inner
surface of said at least one stiffener against the at least one
paintball pod when the at least one paintball pod is situate in said
at least one paintball pod holder.
20. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) a plurality of paintball pod
holders, each having at least one length and at least one periphery
and each being structured and arranged to hold at least one
paintball pod, wherein each paintball holder of said plurality of
paintball holders comprises i) at least one stiffener, having at
least one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and ii) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one coefficient of
friction of said at least one inside surface of said at least one
paintball pod holder; b) at least one belt structured and arranged
to support said plurality of paintball pod holders; and c) at least
one non-slip surface structured and arranged to secure said at least
one wearable article, when worn by the at least one user, against
slipping; d) at least one elastic paintball pod holder adapted to
elastically hold at least one paintball pod.
21. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) at least one paintball pod holder,
having at least one length and at least one periphery, structured
and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; b) at least one
wearable article structured and arranged to support said at least
one paintball pod holder; c) at least one stiffener, having at least
one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and d) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one peripheral
frictional force exerted by said at least one inner surface of said
at least one stiffener when the at least one paintball pod is
situate within said at least one paintball pod holder; e) wherein
said at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one
elastic.
22. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) at least one paintball pod holder,
having at least one length and at least one periphery, structured
and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; b) at least one
wearable article structured and arranged to support said at least
one paintball pod holder; c) at least one stiffener, having at least
one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and d) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one peripheral
frictional force exerted by said at least one inner surface of said
at least one stiffener when the at least one paintball is situate
within said at least one paintball pod holder; e) at least one
non-slip surface structured and arranged to secure said at least one
wearable article, when worn by the at least one user, against
slipping; f) wherein said at least one wearable article comprises at
least one adjustably-closeable belt adapted to adjustably close
about at least one waist of the at least one user; g) wherein said
at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one fabric; h)
wherein said at least one paintball pod holder further comprises at
least one portion of said at least one wearable article; i) wherein
said at least one stiffener comprises at least one plastic; j)
wherein said at least one plastic further comprises at least one
thin flat sheet; k) wherein said at least one stiffener lies at
least between at least one portion of said at least one paintball
pod holder and the at least one paintball pod when the at least one
paintball pod is situate in said at least one paintball pod holder;
l) wherein said at least one non-slip surface comprises at least one
neoprene pad; m) wherein said at least one stiffener further
comprises at least about eighty percent of said at least one length
of said at least one paintball pod holder; n) said at least one
paintball pod holder comprises at least one elastic; o) wherein said
at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one top opening
and at least one bottom opening structured and arranged to allow
loading of the at least one paintball pod into said at least one
paintball pod holder; and p) wherein said at least one peripheral
friction controller comprises at least one frictional surface
structured and arranged to control at least one coefficient of
friction of said at least one inside surface of said at least one
paintball pod holder.
23. A paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: a) at least one paintball pod holder,
having at least one length and at least one periphery, structured
and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; b) at least one
wearable article structured and arranged to support said at least
one paintball pod holder; c) at least one stiffener, having at least
one inner surface, adapted to stiffen at least one substantial
portion of said at least one length of said at least one paintball
pod holder; and d) at least one peripheral friction controller
structured and arranged to control at least one peripheral
frictional force exerted by said at least one inner surface of said
at least one stiffener when the at least one paintball pod is
situate within said at least one paintball pod holder; e) at least
one non-slip surface structured and arranged to secure said at least
one wearable article, when worn by the at least one user, against
slipping; f) wherein said at least one wearable article comprises at
least one adjustably-closeable belt adapted to adjustably close
about at least one waist of the at least one user; g) wherein said
at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one fabric; h)
wherein said at least one paintball pod holder further comprises at
least one portion of said at least one wearable article; i) wherein
said at least one stiffener comprises at least one plastic; j)
wherein said at least one plastic further comprises at least one
thin flat sheet; k) wherein said at least one stiffener lies at
least between at least one portion of said at least one paintball
pod holder and the at least one paintball pod when the at least one
paintball pod is situate in said at least one paintball pod holder;
l) wherein said at least one non-slip surface comprises at least one
neoprene pad; m) wherein said at least one stiffener further
comprises at least about eighty percent of said at least one length
of said at least one paintball pod holder; n) said at least one
paintball pod holder comprises at least one top opening and at least
one bottom opening structured and arranged to allow loading of the
at least one paintball pod into said at least one paintball pod
holder; and o) wherein said at least one peripheral friction
controller comprises at least one spring clip adapted to resiliently
force said at least one inner surface of said at least one stiffener
against the at least one paintball pod when the at least one
paintball pod is situate in said at least one paintball pod holder.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing improved paintball pod holder
systems. More particularly, it relates to providing a paintball pod
holder system that provides easy access to a large number of stored
paintballs.
Typically, paintballs are stored and transported within paintball
pods. Some paintball pods have a flip-top or screw-on cap. Paintball
pods are typically carried in paintball pod holders carried by the
player.
Paintball pod holders fall into two general categories: semi-rigid
and elastic. Semi-rigid paintball pod holders are typically made of
fabric, padded nylon, or neoprene. They have the disadvantage of
being difficult to manufacture. Semi-rigid paintball pod holders
must be exactly the correct size to securely and removably hold a
paintball pod. If the holder is too tight, it becomes difficult to
insert and remove the paintball pod. If the holder is too loose, the
paintball pod will move within the holder, causing both noise and
inconvenience in a paintball combat situation. Also, a loose pod may
fall out of the holder and spill its load of paintballs on the
ground. Dirty paintballs cannot be used in a paintball gun, so this
is a great inconvenience for a player.
Elastic paintball pod holders have the disadvantage of requiring two
hands to load a paintball pod into the elastic paintball pod holder,
which requires the player to put down her paintball gun. During a
paintball game, it can be very inconvenient to place an empty
paintball pod back into the elastic paintball pod holder on a
backpack or waist-pack. Elastic paintball pod holders also have the
disadvantage of being flexible enough to permit a paintball pod to
slip loose during vigorous play.
Paintball pod holders are typically made of heavy-duty nylon, which
is very slippery. The slipperiness of the nylon permits a paintball
pod holder to slip and slide against the user, especially when
running. This movement is noisy and annoying.
Therefore, a need exists for a paintball pod holder system that
overcomes the above-stated disadvantages. More particularly, a
paintball pod holder that is easy to load and unload and which
securely and quietly holds paintball pods during play is needed.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome
the above-stated disadvantages and meet the above-stated needs.
Another primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide paintball pod holder systems.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide
such a system that permits one-handed insertion and removal of a
paintball pod. It is yet a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system that securely holds ordinary
paintball pods despite moderate variations in the sizes of ordinary
paintball pods. An additional object and feature of the present
invention is to provide a system that prevents paintball pods from
moving within the paintball pod holder.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that is wearable and does not substantially
slip or move against the wearer.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Additional objects and features of this invention will become
apparent with reference to the descriptions provided herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at least one user
playing paintball, comprising: paintball pod holder means, having at
least one length and at least one periphery, for holding at least
one paintball pod; wearable article means for supporting such
paintball pod holder means; stiffener means, having at least one
inner surface, for stiffening such at least one length of such
paintball pod holder means; and peripheral friction controller means
for controlling peripheral friction exerted on the at least one
paintball pod by such at least one inner surface of such stiffener
means when the at least one paintball pod is situate within such
paintball pod holder means. Moreover, it provides such a paintball
pod holder system, further comprising non-slip surface means for
securing such wearable article means, when worn by the at least one
user, against slipping.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at
least one user playing paintball, comprising: at least one paintball
pod holder, having at least one length and at least one periphery,
structured and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; at least
one wearable article structured and arranged to support such at
least one paintball pod holder; at least one stiffener, having at
least one inner surface, adapted to stiffen such at least one length
of such at least one paintball pod holder; and at least one
peripheral friction controller structured and arranged to control at
least one peripheral frictional force exerted by such at least one
inner surface of such at least one stiffener when the at least one
paintball pod is situate within such at least one paintball pod
holder.
Additionally, it provides such a paintball pod holder system,
further comprising at least one non-slip surface structured and
arranged to secure such at least one wearable article, when worn by
the at least one user, against slipping. Also, it provides such a
paintball pod holder system, wherein such at least one wearable
article comprises at least one adjustably-closeable belt adapted to
adjustably close about at least one waist of the at least one user.
In addition, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, wherein
such at least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one
fabric.
And, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, wherein such at
least one paintball pod holder comprises at least one portion of
such at least one wearable article. Further, it provides such a
paintball pod holder system, wherein such at least one stiffener
comprises at least one plastic. Even further, it provides such a
paintball pod holder system, wherein such at least one plastic
comprises at least one polyurethane. Moreover, it provides such a
paintball pod holder system, wherein such at least one plastic
comprises at least one thin flat sheet.
Additionally, it provides such a paintball pod holder system,
wherein such at least one stiffener lies at least between at least
one portion of such at least one paintball pod holder and the at
least one paintball pod when the at least one paintball pod is
situate in such at least one paintball pod holder. Also, it provides
such a paintball pod holder system, wherein such at least one
peripheral friction controller comprises at least one spring clip
adapted to resiliently force such at least one inner surface of such
at least one stiffener against the at least one paintball pod when
the at least one paintball pod is situate in such at least one
paintball pod holder. In addition, it provides such a paintball pod
holder system, wherein such at least one peripheral friction
controller comprises at least one frictional surface structured and
arranged to control at least one coefficient of friction of such at
least one inside surface of such at least one paintball pod holder.
And, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, further
comprising the at least one paintball pod.
Further, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, further
comprising at least one paintball pod ejector adapted to at least
partially eject the at least one paintball pod from such at least
one paintball pod holder. Even further, it provides such a paintball
pod holder system, wherein such at least one paintball pod ejector
comprises at least one non-slip surface adapted to assist preventing
slipping between such at least one paintball pod ejector and the at
least one paintball pod. Moreover, it provides such a paintball pod
holder system, wherein such at least one non-slip surface comprises
at least one neoprene pad.
Additionally, it provides such a paintball pod holder system,
wherein such at least one stiffener comprises at least about fifty
percent of such at least one length of such at least one paintball
pod holder. Also, it provides such a paintball pod holder system,
wherein such at least one stiffener comprises substantially all of
such at least one length of such at least one paintball pod holder.
In addition, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, wherein
such at least one stiffener is substantially centered along such at
least one length of such at least one paintball pod holder.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at
least one user playing paintball, comprising: at least one paintball
pod holder, having at least one length and at least one periphery,
structured and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; at least
one wearable article structured and arranged to support such at
least one paintball pod holder; and at least one non-slip surface
structured and arranged to secure such at least one wearable
article, when worn by the at least one user, against slipping.
And, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, further
comprising: at least one stiffener, having at least one inner
surface, adapted to stiffen at least one length of such at least one
paintball pod holder; and at least one peripheral friction
controller structured and arranged to control at least one
coefficient of friction of such at least one inside surface of such
at least one paintball pod holder.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at
least one user playing paintball, comprising: at least one paintball
pod holder, having at least one length and at least one periphery,
structured and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod; at least
one wearable article structured and arranged to support such at
least one paintball pod holder; at least one non-slip surface
adapted to secure such at least one wearable article against
slipping on the at least one user during play; at least one
stiffener, having at least one inner surface, adapted to stiffen
such at least one length of such at least one paintball pod holder;
and at least one peripheral friction controller structured and
arranged to control at least one coefficient of friction of such at
least one inside surface of such at least one paintball pod holder.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at
least one user playing paintball, comprising the steps of: providing
at least one stiffener; providing at least one paintball pod holder;
attaching such at least one stiffener to at least one interior of
such at least one paintball pod holder; and attaching such at least
one paintball pod holder to at least one wearable article.
Further, it provides such a paintball pod holder system, further
comprising the step of attaching, in such manner as to impede
slipping during play, at least one non-slip surface to such at least
one wearable article. Even further, it provides such a paintball pod
holder system, wherein the step of providing at least one stiffener
further comprises the step of fabricating at least one peripheral
friction controller. Even further, it provides such a paintball pod
holder system, wherein the step of attaching such at least one
stiffener to at least one interior of such at least one paintball
pod holder further comprises the step of attaching such at least one
stiffener along at least one portion of at least one inner surface
of such at least one paintball pod holder. Even further, it provides
such a paintball pod holder system, wherein the step of attaching
such at least one stiffener comprises the step of sewing such at
least one stiffener.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a paintball pod holder system, for use by at
least one user playing paintball, comprising: a plurality of
paintball pod holders, each having at least one length and at least
one periphery and each being structured and arranged to hold at
least one paintball pod, wherein each paintball holder of such
plurality of paintball holders comprises at least one stiffener,
having at least one inner surface, adapted to stiffen such at least
one length of such at least one paintball pod holder; and at least
one peripheral friction controller structured and arranged to
control at least one coefficient of friction of such at least one
inside surface of such at least one paintball pod holder; at least
one belt structured and arranged to support such plurality of
paintball pod holders; and at least one non-slip surface structured
and arranged to secure such at least one wearable article, when worn
by the at least one user, against slipping. Even further, it
provides such a paintball pod holder system, further comprising at
least one elastic paintball pod holder adapted to elastically hold
at least one paintball pod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a paintball pod holder system, in
use, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the paintball pod holder system
of FIG. 1, apart from the user.
FIG. 3 shows a larger perspective view of the paintball pod holder
system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4A shows a front view of the paintball pod holder system of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 4B shows a back view of the paintball pod holder system of FIG.
1.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one pod holder (without an
elastic strap) of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the section 5--5 of FIG.
5, illustrating the pod holder not holding a paintball pod.
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view through the section 5--5 of FIG.
5, illustrating the pod holder holding a minimum-sized paintball
pod.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the section 5--5 of FIG.
5, illustrating the pod holder holding a maximum-sized paintball
pod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a paintball pod holder system 100
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In
this view, player 400 is wearing paintball pod holder system 100,
preferably with multiple rigid paintball holders 101, and has
one-handedly removed paintball pod 300 which player 400 is
preferably using to reload paintball gun 402, as shown. After
paintball gun 402 is reloaded, player 400 may preferably replace
paintball pod 300 back into rigid paintball pod holder 101 using one
hand.
In this preferred embodiment, belt 102 is compactly arranged with
four rigid paintball holders 101, three elastic paintball pod
holders 103, and two two-piece elastic paintball pod holders 110,
together forming paintball pod holder system 100 (at least embodying
herein the step of providing at least one paintball pod holder), as
shown. Preferably, belt 102 closes with hook and loop fastener 104.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user
preference, economics of manufacture, future technological
advancements, etc., other numbers and arrangements of paintball pod
holders having at least one rigid paintball pod holder, such as, for
example, only one rigid paintball pod holder, five rigid paintball
holders with four elastic paintball holders, etc., may suffice. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as user preference, economics
of manufacture, future technological advancements, etc., other means
of wearing rigid paintball pod holder, such as bandoliers, straps,
backpacks, vests, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 2 shows paintball pod holder system 100 according FIG. 1, with
paintball pod 300 stored in rigid paintball pod holder 101. Rigid
paintball pod holder 101 preferably has end closures such as, for
example, hook and loop strap 105 (preferably on the bottom end) and
elastic strap 106 (preferably on the top end), as shown. Preferably,
paintball pod 300 is inserted into rigid paintball pod holder 101
until elastic strap 106 is under tension, and then hook and loop
strap 105 is closed to hold paintball pod 300 in that position, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of
skill in the art will understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, other end closures, such as multiple elastic straps,
permanent sewn closures, no closures, lids, etc., may suffice.
Elastic strap 106 preferably has non-slip pad 107 attached to the
inside surface of elastic strap 106, as shown. Non-slip pad 107
preferably helps to prevent strap 106 from slipping off of the
rounded end of paintball pod 300, thereby maximizing the
effectiveness of elastic strap 106. Preferably, non-slip pad 107
comprises neoprene. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
non-slip materials, such as rubber, adhesive, soft plastic, silicone
rubber, dots of hot-melt glue, etc., may suffice.
Rigid paintball pod holder 101 preferably holds paintball pod 300
tightly enough around the perimeter of paintball pod 300 that
paintball pod 300 will not easily fall out of rigid paintball pod
holder 101 even when hook and loop strap 105 is open. This
preferably permits player 400 to open hook and loop strap 105 and
then grasp paintball pod 300 without paintball pod 300 slipping out
of rigid paintball pod holder 101 and falling to the ground. Hook
and loop strap 105 secures paintball pod 300 in rigid paintball pod
holder 101 during vigorous play.
Elastic strap 106 preferably allows paintball pod 300 to be held
under tension in the vertical (long) axis, while rigid paintball pod
holder 101 preferably securely holds paintball pod 300 around the
perimeter of paintball pod 300, as shown. If paintball pod 300 is
placed into rigid paintball pod holder 101 such that elastic strap
106 is under tension, paintball pod 300 will preferably be partially
ejected from rigid paintball pod holder 101 when hook and loop strap
105 is released, making it easier for player 400 to grasp paintball
pod 300 for fast use, as shown in FIG. 3. This vertical tension also
helps prevent paintball pod 300 from shifting in rigid paintball pod
holder 101 during active play.
FIG. 3 shows paintball pod holder system 100 according FIG. 1, with
a paintball pod 300 partially ejected from rigid paintball pod
holder 101. Rigid paintball pod holder 101 preferably securely and
gently holds paintball pod 300 in this position, as shown, until
player 400 chooses to grasp and pull paintball pod 300. The
preferred placement of hook fastener 206 and loop fastener 202 is
also shown.
FIG. 4A shows a front view of paintball pod holder system 100
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. This view makes
clear the preferred arrangement for paintball pod holders in this
preferred embodiment of paintball pod holder system 100. This
preferred arrangement permits four rigid paintball pod holders 101,
three elastic paintball pod holders 103, and two two-piece elastic
paintball pod holders 110 to be compactly arranged on belt 102, as
shown. Rigid paintball holders 101 are preferred for their novel
ease of use and high level of security. Elastic paintball pod
holders 103 provide additional holding capacity in a very compact
way but require two hands to insert paintball pods 300; loops 112 on
elastic paintball pod holders 103 preferably loop around tabs on the
lids of typical paintball pods 300 to provide extra security against
paintball pod 300 slipping out accidentally. Two-piece elastic
paintball pod holders 110 provide surplus holding capacity, with
minimal bulk and minimal security.
Paintball pod holders 101, 103, and 110 are preferably sized to hold
paintball pods 300 of at least one standard size or capacity.
Paintball pods 300 are typically round cylinders with one rounded
end and one flat capped end, as shown. Paintball pods 300 are
manufactured in several standard sizes or capacities, with
moderately variable lengths and perimeters. Paintball pod holders
101, 103, and 110 are preferably resilient enough to each hold
several sizes of paintball pod 300. In the present embodiment, rigid
paintball pod holder 101 is preferably sized to hold both 100-round
paintball pods and 140-round paintball pods, while elastic paintball
pod holders 103 are preferably sized to hold both 10-round and
15-round paintball pods, as needed. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as user preference, advances in technology, changes in the
shape of paintball pods, availability of materials, etc., other
sizes of paintball pod holders may suffice.
FIG. 4B shows a back view of the paintball pod holder system 100
according FIG. 1. This back view shows a preferred placement of
non-slip surface 410, as shown, such as, for example, neoprene
fabric. Preferably, non-slip surface 410 at least partially covers
the back of paintball pod holder system 100, as shown. As has been
noted, slipping of the belt on the paintball player is very
bothersome, inefficient, noisy, and interferes with enjoyable play.
It has been found that specially providing an anti-slip surface
(such as preferred surface 410) at least along the back of the belt,
as shown and described herein, which assists in preventing such
slipping, is highly beneficial to a player. Preferably, edge binding
411 is used to help secure non-slip surface 410, as shown.
Preferably, non-slip surface 410 and edge binding 411 are sewn with
stitches 412, as shown particularly in FIGS. 4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (at
least embodying herein the step of attaching, in such manner as to
impede slipping during play, at least one non-slip surface to such
at least one wearable article). All of the dashed lines in FIGS. 4B,
5, 6, 7, and 8 indicate the preferred placement of stitches 412.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user
preference, advances in technology, availability of materials, etc.,
other non-slip surfaces, such as nylon-backed neoprene, silicone
treated fabric, spray-on non-stick surfaces, etc., may suffice. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as user preference, intended
use, type of wearable article, advances in technology, etc., other
sizes and placements of non-stick surface, such as on the entire
contact surface, on the elastic portions, on the belt, etc., may
suffice.
Preferably, paintball pod holder system 100 is fabricated with
attachers, preferably stitches 412, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as technological advances, user preference,
durability needs, etc., other attachers, such as adhesive, melt
welding, rivets, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 5 shows a detail of rigid paintball pod holder 101 of paintball
pod holder system 100 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
1. In this embodiment, rigid paintball pod holder 101 preferably is
sized to hold a standard 100-round or 140-round paintball pod 300.
Paintball pod 300 is preferably about 10-1/2 inches long and about
2-1/4 inches in diameter. Rigid paintball pod holder 101 is
preferably about 6-1/2 inches long. Preferred rigid paintball pod
holder 101 comprises a strip of durable, inelastic fabric 501, as
shown, preferably about 6-1/2 inches long by about 6 inches wide.
Preferred rigid paintball pod holder 101 comprises stiffener 502 (at
least embodying herein the step of providing at least one stiffener;
and at least embodying herein wherein the step of providing at least
one stiffener further comprises the step of fabricating at least one
peripheral friction controller), preferably a flat sheet (before the
bending shown) of rigid plastic, resilient when bent, preferably a
suitable polyurethane.
Preferably, stiffener 502 comprises at least about half the length
of rigid paintball pod holder 101, preferably centered in about the
middle of rigid paintball pod holder 101. More preferably, stiffener
502 comprises at least about eighty percent of the length of rigid
paintball pod holder 101, preferably centered in about the middle of
rigid paintball pod holder 101. Most preferably, stiffener 502
comprises substantially the entire length of rigid paintball pod
holder 101 (preferably about 6-1/2 inches long by about 6 inches
wide by about one millimeter thick). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
stiffener placements, such as abutting one edge of the paintball pod
holder, non-centered, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, fabric 501 and stiffener 502 are attached, preferably
sewn together at the top and bottom edges, as shown (at least
embodying herein wherein the step of attaching such at least one
stiffener comprises the step of sewing such at least one stiffener).
Preferably, edge binding 504 is applied, preferably sewn, to the
edges of fabric 501 and stiffener 502, as shown. Fabric 501 is
attached, preferably sewn vertically onto belt 102, preferably just
outside of stiffener 502, preferably with stiffener 502 on the
inside surface, preferably with a space 503 of about 2- 3/4 inches
between the edges, as shown (at least embodying herein the step of
attaching such at least one paintball pod holder to at least one
wearable article; and at least embodying herein wherein the step of
attaching such at least one stiffener to at least one interior of
such at least one paintball pod holder further comprises the step of
attaching such at least one stiffener along at least one portion of
at least one inner surface of such at least one paintball pod
holder). Fabric 501 is preferably heavy-duty woven nylon, as shown.
The dashed lines in FIG. 5 represent the preferred placement of
stitches 412 (at least embodying herein the step of attaching such
at least one stiffener to at least one interior of such at least one
paintball pod holder). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will understand
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
user preference, available materials, advances in technology, etc.,
other fabrics, such as cotton, canvas, vinyl, neoprene, etc., may
suffice. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other arrangements, such as the
stiffener being attached directly to the belt and fabric being
absent, etc., may suffice.
With reference to the following-described figures and the associated
below text, it is noted that theories and explanations are included
to be helpful in teaching the invention, although some of these
explanatory contents may be tentative and/or partial.
FIG. 6 shows a cross section of rigid paintball pod holder 101. This
drawing shows section 5--5 from FIG. 5, where rigid paintball pod
holder 101 is empty. Stiffener 502 preferably exerts a natural
spring force outward at the edges, as shown with force vector
arrows, forming a cylindrical vertical clip. This spring force
preferably keeps belt section 503 in tension and also preferably
keeps the top and bottom openings open, as shown. Stiffener 502 is
preferably primarily rigid in the vertical direction, as shown,
permitting convenient insertion of paintball pods 300.
FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 6, shows a section 5--5 of rigid paintball
pod holder 101 but with a 100-round paintball pod 300 inserted.
Paintball pod 300 preferably touches the inside of rigid paintball
pod holder 101 in four places, as shown. Spring forces at the ends
703 and 704 of stiffener 502 preferably provide tension which
presses belt section 503 against paintball pod 300 and in turn
preferably presses paintball pod 300 against the front section 700
of rigid paintball pod holder 101, preferably resulting in a
front-back force couple holding paintball pod 300, as shown.
Paintball pod 300 preferably also presses against sides 701 and 702,
preferably forcing sides 701 and 702 outward, preferably resulting
in a side--side force couple which holds paintball pod 300, forming
a vertical spring clip, as shown. This force against sides 701 and
702 also preferably adds more force to the outward spring force of
ends 703 and 704, as shown.
FIG. 8, similarly to FIG. 7, shows a section 5--5 of a rigid
paintball pod holder but with a larger-diameter standard 140-round
paintball pod 300 inserted. The forces involved are preferably on
the same vectors as in FIG. 7, but are of a larger magnitude, as
shown by longer arrows. Also, due to the greater deformation of
rigid paintball pod holder 101, there is preferably a greater area
of contact between rigid paintball pod holder 101 and paintball pod
300 than in FIG. 7, as shown, preferably resulting in increased
friction between them. This capacity for deformation preferably
permits rigid paintball pod holder 101 to hold paintball pods 300
with varying sizes, as shows.
Preferably, the spring force of stiffener 502 is selectable by
selecting the materials and dimensions of stiffener 502. As is known
in the art of materials selection, a thin plastic stiffener may
provide a minimal spring force while a thicker metal stiffener may
provide much more spring force, for example. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
such issues as advancing technologies, differing costs of materials,
differing pod constructions, spring technology considerations, etc.,
other arrangements, such as modifying the initial flat shape of the
spring to other shapes, engineering different numbers of contact
surfaces with the paintball pod, providing stiffeners/springs with
multiple parts connected by a separate tension-providing mechanism
(for example, rigid slats running the length of a pod tube), etc.,
may suffice.
Preferably, the coefficient of friction of stiffener 502 is
adjustable by selecting the materials and surface characteristics of
stiffener 502. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, materials characteristics, etc., other
means of controlling friction, such as smooth, rough, or bumpy
textures, lubricants, rosins, coatings, or linings applied to the
inner surface of the stiffener to adjust the coefficient of
friction, etc., may suffice.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other stiffener materials, such
as metal, rigid leather, stiff rubber, laminates, composites,
fiberglass, etc., may suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes,
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as
read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other
advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
Belt 102 at least embodies herein a plurality of paintball pod
holders, each having at least one length and at least one periphery,
each structured and arranged to hold at least one paintball pod.
Belt 102 at least embodies herein at least one belt structured and
arranged to support such plurality of paintball pod holders.
Elastic paintball pod holder 103 at least one elastic paintball pod
holder adapted to elastically hold at least one paintball pod.
Non-slip surface 410 at least embodies herein at least one non-slip
surface adapted to secure such at least one belt against slipping on
the at least one user during play.
Non-slip surface 410 at least embodies herein at least one non-slip
surface structured and arranged to secure such at least one wearable
article, when worn by the at least one user, against slipping.
Rigid paintball pod holder 101 at least embodies herein at least one
paintball pod holder, having at least one length and at least one
periphery, structured and arranged to hold at least one paintball
pod.
Paintball pod 300 at least embodies herein at least one paintball
pod.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein at least one peripheral
friction controller structured and arranged to control at least one
peripheral frictional force exerted by such at least one inner
surface of such at least one stiffener when the at least one
paintball pod is situate within such at least one paintball pod
holder.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein at least one stiffener,
having at least one inner surface, adapted to stiffen such at least
one length of such at least one paintball pod holder.
Belt 102 at least embodies herein at least one wearable article
structured and arranged to support such at least one paintball pod
holder.
Non-slip surface 410 at least embodies herein non-slip surface means
for securing such wearable article means, when worn by the at least
one user, against slipping.
Rigid paintball pod holder 101 at least embodies herein paintball
pod holder means, having at least one length and at least one
periphery, for holding at least one paintball pod.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein peripheral friction
controller means for controlling peripheral friction exerted on the
at least one paintball pod by such at least one inner surface of
such stiffener means when the at least one paintball pod is situate
within such paintball pod holder means.
Belt 102 at least embodies herein wearable article means for
supporting such paintball pod holder means.
Fabric 501 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
paintball pod holder comprises at least one fabric.
Belt 102 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
paintball pod holder comprises at least one portion of such at least
one wearable article.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
peripheral friction controller comprises at least one frictional
surface structured and arranged to control at least one coefficient
of friction of such at least one inside surface of such at least one
paintball pod holder.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
peripheral friction controller comprises at least one spring clip
adapted to resiliently force such at least one inner surface of such
at least one stiffener against the at least one paintball pod when
the at least one paintball pod is situate in such at least one
paintball pod holder.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
plastic comprises at least one polyurethane.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
plastic comprises at least one thin flat sheet.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
stiffener comprises at least one plastic.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one
stiffener lies at least between at least one portion of such at
least one paintball pod holder and the at least one paintball pod
when the at least one paintball pod is situate in such at least one
paintball pod holder.
Belt 102 at least embodies herein wherein such at least one wearable
article comprises at least one adjustably-closeable belt adapted to
adjustably close about at least one waist of the at least one user.
Elastic strap 106 at least embodies herein at least one paintball
pod ejector adapted to at least partially eject the at least one
paintball pod from said at least one paintball pod holder.
Non-slip pad 107 at least embodies herein wherein said at least one
paintball pod ejector comprises at least one non-slip surface
adapted to assist preventing slipping between said at least one
paintball pod ejector and the at least one paintball pod.
Non-slip pad 107 at least embodies herein wherein said at least one
non-slip surface comprises at least one neoprene pad.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein said at least one
stiffener comprises at least about fifty percent of said at least
one length of said at least one paintball pod holder.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein said at least one
stiffener comprises substantially all of said at least one length of
said at least one paintball pod holder.
Stiffener 502 at least embodies herein wherein said at least one
stiffener is substantially centered along said at least one length
of said at least one paintball pod holder.
* * * * *
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