SECURE CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR PAINTBALL ITEMS
A closure system according to the present invention comprises a lid and an associated opening defined in an upper surface of the paintball sport item. At least one of the lid and the upper surface includes at least one of a first magnetic portion having a first magnetic polarity or a first magnetically attractable insert. The other of the lid and the upper surface of the paintball sport item include at least one of a second magnetic portion or a second magnetically attractable insert, the at least one second magnetic portion or the second magnetically attractable insert positioned to magnetically engage one of the at least one first magnetic portion and the first magnetically attractable insert when the lid is in a closed position.
1 . A device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker, comprising:
a paintball loader, the paintball loader, comprising a lid and an associated loader body including an outfeed tube configured to feed paintballs to a paintball marker,
the loader body comprising an opening for receiving paintballs, at least one of the lid and the loader body including at least one of a first magnetic portion;
and the other of the lid and the loader body having at least one of a second magnetic portion or a magnetically attractable insert, wherein the at least one second magnetic portion or the at least one magnetically attractable insert is positioned to magnetically engage the at least one first magnetic portion when the lid is in a closed position.
2 . The device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one second magnetic portion has a polarity opposite a polarity of the at least one first magnetic portion.
3 . The device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker according to claim 1 , wherein the lid is connected to the paintball loader item via a retaining element.
4 . The device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker according to claim 1 , wherein the lid further comprises at least one first magnetic portion on an outer surface of the lid, the at least one first magnetic portion positioned to magnetically engage the at least one magnetic portion or second magnetically attractable insert when the outer surface of the lid faces the paintball loader and is in a closed position.
5 . The device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one second magnetic portion or magnetically attractable insert is embedded in the loader body.
6 . The device for feeding paintballs to a paintball marker according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one second magnetic portion or magnetically attractable insert is held within a pocket adjacent the opening.
7 . (canceled)
8 . A paintball loader, comprising:
a lid; and
an associated loader body comprising:
a first opening for receiving paintballs, at least one of the lid and the loader body including at least one of a first magnetic portion;
and the other of the lid and the loader body having at least one of a second magnetic portion or a magnetically attractable insert, wherein the at least one second magnetic portion or the at least one magnetically attractable insert is positioned to magnetically engage the at least one first magnetic portion when the lid is in a closed position;
a second opening sized to feed paintballs into an opening in a paintball marker, and,
an outfeed tube in communication with the second opening configured to feed paintballs to a paintball marker.
9 . A method for loading paintballs into a paintball loader, comprising:
providing a paintball loader including a lid, body and outfeed tube, the lid removably engaged to the body via magnetic attracting;
removing the lid by overcoming the magnetic attraction between the lid and the body;
loading paintballs into the paintball loader; and,
replacing the lid by permitting magnetic attraction between the lid and the body.