ARCHERY TARGET WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of archery targets, and more particularly, archery targets with replaceable and interchangeable modular target segments.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are a number of archery targets that are the subject of issued patents or pending applications, and also multiple examples of commercially available archery targets, but none of these inventions or products includes the novel features of the present invention. The present invention incorporates an array of target segments that are comprised of multiple identical rhomboidal prismatic pieces and identical hexagonal prismatic pieces that are held together by a pair of encircling compression straps, and further interlocked by tongue-and-groove connections. (As used herein, the term “prismatic” means a solid having bases or ends that are parallel, congruent polygons and sides that are parallelograms.) The target segments, which are manufactured from polymer foam, are replaceable and interchangeable, and the target face is reversible. A standard-size target may be quickly converted to a compact-size target by removing some of the target segments and readjusting the compression straps. The present invention is suitable for use with target points, broadhead points, and other types of arrow points.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,329,431 (Roesner, 1967) discloses a target made of multiple packets, wherein each packet is comprised of excelsior (wood shavings) wrapped in paper. Multiple packets of the excelsior/paper material are bound together to form three replaceable and interchangeable segments that are vertically stacked and held together by binding cords. The invention comprises a non-detachable carrying strap that passes through the target horizontally between the upper and the center segments. The stacked segments are enclosed within a cover bag. Unlike the present invention, the segments of the Roesner invention cannot be easily and quickly replaced because removal of the cover bag and the untying and retying of the binding cords are required to replace a target segment. In addition, the binding cords and carrying strap of the Roesner invention, because of their locations across the front of the target face, are subject to damage from arrow strikes. Finally, the excelsior material, unlike the polymer foam of the present invention, is not suitable for use with broadhead arrows, nor would it be durable in wet outdoor conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,261 (Stewart, 1978) discloses a target of sandwich-type construction, with the front and rear faces comprised of self-closing expanded polyethylene and the center layer comprised of expanded polystyrene. The invention comprises a replaceable center section also comprised of three layers. Unlike the present invention, the center section of the Stewart invention is not interchangeable with other segments of the target.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,236 (Parham et al., 1980) discloses a pillow-like pad that may be installed as an accessory on the rear face of a target having a replaceable center segment. This invention is designed to stop arrows from passing through the center section of a target when the replaceable center plug has become weakened due to repeated arrow strikes, thereby extending the useful life of the target. The pad is preferably comprised of loosely woven polyester batting material enclosed within a fabric bag. The structure of the Parham invention is highly dissimilar to that of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,365 (Walker, 2013) discloses a target comprising a rotatable and replaceable center member. Like the present invention, the center member may be comprised of polymer foam, but unlike the present invention, the center member is not interchangeable with other members of the device. The Walker invention optionally comprises tongue-and-groove connections around the outer perimeter of the rectangular targets to locate and position the targets within a larger multiple-target frame. In contrast, the tongue-and-groove connections of the present invention are used to lock internal target segments together, in order to help resist the shear forces produced by arrow strikes.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,116 (Harris, 2013) discloses a modular target suitable for use with multiple arrow types. This invention comprises a polymer outer shell and a replaceable inner core. The inner core may be comprised of an outer bag filled with polymer strips for use with target arrows; alternately, the inner core may be comprised of a solid block or laminated pieces of polymer foam for use with broadhead arrows. The Harris invention does not comprise multiple identical target segments or an encircling compression strap that are components of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,382,117 (Harris, 2013) discloses modular archery targets similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,116 and also discloses another type of target that comprises concentric replaceable target elements on the front face of the target. The concentric elements are replaceable, but, unlike the present invention, the Harris invention does not comprise multiple, identical target segments.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,839 (Rodrigue, 1980) discloses an archery target that comprises bundled rod elements enclosed within a peripheral compression ring that is apparently non-removable. The rod elements are replaceable, but, unlike the present invention, damaged elements are discarded rather than relocated to another spot within the target. The rod elements are designed so that arrows pass between adjacent rods rather than penetrating the rods. Also, unlike the present invention, the rear faces of the rods are secured to an enclosed backplate so that the target is not reversible.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,444 (Meyer, 1980) discloses a target comprised of multiple layers of material in series so that arrows penetrate a variety of materials having different coefficients of friction. The present invention, in contrast, is comprised of homogeneous target segments.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,684 (Bruno, 1989) discloses an archery target comprising multiple replaceable cardboard strip elements that are compressed within a rigid rectangular frame. Unlike the present invention, the Bruno invention is neither weatherproof nor compatible with broadhead arrows.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,244 (Batts, III, 1990) discloses an archery target comprising multiple replaceable corrugated cardboard elements that are compressed within a rigid side frame supports. Unlike the present invention, the Bruno invention is neither weatherproof nor compatible with broadhead arrows.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,977 (Mann, 1995) discloses an archery target comprising multiple stacked sheets of carpet that are held together with a perimeter compression band. One embodiment of the invention comprises a top-mounted carrying handle. The compression bands are not removable, nor are the carpet layers replaceable or interchangeable by a user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,440 (Pulkrabek, 1999) discloses an archery target comprising stacked layers of polymer foam sheets, in which the layers are held in compression by bands that are attached while the foam layers are compressed by a hydraulic press. Unlike the present invention, the Pulkrabek invention requires a baling assembly, a 20-ton hydraulic press, and rigid top and bottom platens for compression during assembly, which makes replacement of damaged layers very difficult compared to the present invention, which requires no external compression equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,764 (Ingold, 2004) discloses an archery target comprised of stacked layers of polymer foam or other materials with rigid end plates. The compression bands are replaceable, but, unlike the present invention, the foam elements are not replaceable.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,860 (Box et al., 2007) discloses an archery target comprised of stacked layers of compressed foam in combination with rigid end plates that are longer than the foam sheets. Unlike the present invention, the foam layers are not described as being replaceable.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,938 (Anderson, Jr., 2008) discloses an archery target comprised of stacked layers of polymer foam, wherein the foam layers are bonded together by melting the outer surfaces of the layers prior to stacking and by pushing a heated rod through the layers after stacking in order to cause fusing of the layers. In this invention, the foam layers are not replaceable or interchangeable.

U.S. Pat. D525,312 (Rinehart, 2006) is a design patent for a polyhedral-shaped target with multiple faces, having targets on a plurality of the multiple faces. U.S. Pat. D532,050 (Juarez, 2006) is a design patent for a polyhedral-shaped mobile archery target.

In addition to the U.S. patents and patent applications described above, there are several commercial products that have some superficial similarity to the present invention but are highly dissimilar in structure. A first example of a commercial product is the Delta McKenzie SHOTBLOCKER® (Easton Technical Products, Dike, Iowa), which is comprised of three replaceable and rotatable rectangular foam blocks. This product advertises WELDED CORE™ construction that “eliminates the need for platens, plates, cables, wires, straps, or bands.” The Crossbow model advertises “an easy strap-and-snap buckle system (that) allows shooters to quickly replace or rotate target sections in just minutes.” Unlike the present invention, these products require an outer fabric cover and are not adjustable for size. In addition, unlike the present invention, the target sections of these products are not connected with tongue-and-groove fittings.

A second example of a commercial product is the BRICK WALL™ target and arrow backstop sold by Rinehart Targets (Janesville, Wis.). These products consist of multiple stacked rectangular blocks of self-healing foam material. The blocks may be rotated or interchanged. There is no mention of tongue-and-groove connections or an encircling compression strap being incorporated into this product in the manufacturer's specifications or advertisements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modular archery target comprising a plurality of hexagonal prismatic foam segments and a plurality of rhomboidal prismatic foam segments configured to form an archery target in the shape of a single hexagonal prism, wherein each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments and each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments is replaceable, interchangeable and reversible, and wherein each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments is also rotatable. In a preferred embodiment, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments and each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments is comprised of flexible, self-healing polyurethane foam.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a first channel and a second channel positioned around a perimeter of the hexagonal prismatic foam segment, wherein the first channel and the second channel are parallel to each other; wherein each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments comprises a first side face, a second side face, a third side face, and a fourth side face; wherein each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments comprises a first channel in the first side face of the rhomboidal prismatic foam, segment and a second channel in the second side face of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segment, and wherein the first side face and the second side face are adjacent side faces; wherein each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments further comprises a first protrusion located on the third side face of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segment and a second protrusion located on the fourth side face of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segment, wherein the third side face and the fourth side face are adjacent side faces; and wherein the protrusions on the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments, together with the channels on the hexagonal prismatic foam segments, form a tongue-and-groove connection between the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments and the hexagonal prismatic foam segments.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a pair of compression straps, wherein the channels on the hexagonal prismatic foam segments and the channels on the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments form continuous channels that extend around a perimeter of the single hexagonal prism and wherein the compression straps fit within the continuous channels. Preferably, a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to a bottom of the first channel on each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments and a bottom of the second channel on each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments, and each of the compression straps has an underside, wherein the underside of the compression strap comprises a second portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener on the underside of the compression strap adheres to the first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener on the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments and each of the rhomboidal prismatic foam segments comprises a front face having beveled edges and a rear face having beveled edges, wherein the beveled edges on the front face form a raised surface on the front face of each hexagonal prismatic foam segment and each rhomboidal prismatic foam segment, and wherein the beveled edges on the rear face form a raised surface on the rear face of each hexagonal prismatic foam segment and each rhomboidal prismatic foam segment. Optionally, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a high-contrast, hexagonal focal point on a front face of the hexagonal prismatic foam segment. Optionally, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a high-contrast, hexagonal focal point on a rear face of the hexagonal prismatic foam segment.

In an alternate embodiment, each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a first side face, a second side face, a third side face, a fourth side face, a fifth side face, and a sixth side face; wherein each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a first channel and a second channel that extend around the first side face, the second side face, the third side face, the fourth side face, and the fifth side face of the hexagonal prismatic foam segment, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are parallel to each other; wherein each of the hexagonal prismatic foam segments comprises a protrusion located on a sixth side face of the hexagonal prismatic foam segment; and wherein the protrusions and channels on the hexagonal prismatic foam segments form a tongue-and-groove connection between adjacent hexagonal prismatic foam segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the present invention, shown fully assembled in standard size.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a single hexagonal target segment.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section view of the hexagonal segment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a single diamond-shaped target segment.

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-section view of the segment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a diamond-shaped segment and an adjacent hexagonal segment, shown separated.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a diamond-shaped segment and an adjacent hexagonal segment, shown connected.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a pair of identical compression straps laid out with their outer sides face down.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the compression straps shown in FIG. 9, with six diamond-shaped segments attached over the appropriate locating marks shown in FIG. 9 to assemble a standard-size target.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the compression straps shown in FIG. 9, with three diamond-shaped segments attached over the appropriate locating marks shown in FIG. 9 to assemble a compact-size target.

FIG. 12 is a from view of the present invention in standard size.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the present invention in compact size.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a single hexagonal segment of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-section view of a hexagonal segment of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a single diamond-shaped segment of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cut-away front view of the alternate embodiment shown in standard size.

FIG. 18 is a cut-away front view of the alternate embodiment shown in compact size.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the alternate embodiment shown in standard size.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the alternate embodiment shown incompact size.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Modular archery target, standard size

2 Hexagonal prismatic foam segment, hexagonal segment

3 Rhomboidal prismatic foam segment, diamond-shaped segment

4 Removable carrying handle

5 Compression strap assembly

6 Cam-type buckle

7 Webbing

8 Stop loop

9 Keeper

10 Front face of target

11 Rear face of target

12 Front face of hexagonal segment

13 Rear face of hexagonal segment

14 Side face of hexagonal segment

15 First channel of hexagonal segment

16 Second channel of hexagonal segment

17 Interior of hexagonal segment

18 Front face of diamond-shaped segment

19 Rear face of diamond-shaped segment

20 First side face of diamond-shaped segment

21 Second side face of diamond-shaped segment

22 Third side face of diamond-shaped segment

23 Fourth side face of diamond-shaped segment

24 First channel of diamond-shaped segment

25 Second channel of diamond-shaped segment

26 Hook and loop fastener, loop portion

27 First protrusion

28 Second protrusion

29 First continuous channel

30 Second continuous channel

31 Hook-and-loop fastener, hook portion

32 First locating mark

33 Second locating mark

34 Third locating mark

35 First diamond-shaped segment

36 Second diamond-shaped segment

37 Third diamond-shaped segment

38 Fourth diamond-shaped segment

39 Fifth diamond-shaped segment

40 Sixth diamond-shaped segment

41 Modular archery target, compact size

42 Roll of excess compression strap

43 Hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

44 Front face of hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

45 Rear face of hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

46 Beveled edge

47 High-contrast aiming point

48 Diamond-shaped segment, alternate embodiment

49 Front face of diamond-shaped segment, alternate embodiment

50 Rear face of diamond-shaped segment, alternate embodiment

51 Modular archery target, alternate embodiment, standard size

52 First hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

53 Second hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

54 Third hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

55 Fourth hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

56 Fifth hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

57 Sixth hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

58 Seventh hexagonal segment, alternate embodiment

59 Modular archery target, alternate embodiment, compact size

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention is a novel archery target in the shape of a regular hexagonal prism, having two hexagonal faces designed to serve as shooting surfaces. The present invention comprises an array of target segments that are comprised of multiple identical rhomboidal prismatic pieces and multiple identical hexagonal prismatic pieces. Protrusions along the perimeter of the rhomboidal segments mate with indentations along the perimeter of the hexagonal segments to form tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent rhomboidal and hexagonal segments. In addition, friction between all adjacent segments is enhanced by two compression straps with cam-type buckles that encircle the assembled target segments. The combination of tongue-and-groove connections plus friction connections provides superior resistance to slippage of the target segments when the target is struck by an arrow, compared to the simple friction-fit connections of the prior art.

Each compression strap comprises a strip of the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener along the inner surface of the strap that adheres to strips of loop portions of hook-and-loop fasteners that are manufactured into the outer surfaces of the rhomboidal segments, thereby providing a removable bonding mechanism between the compression straps and the rhomboidal segments. The present invention may also comprise an optional carrying handle that may be removably attached to the compression straps. Stop loops sewn onto the webbing of the straps prevent the ends of the straps from slipping out of the buckles when the straps are loosened. A strip of hook-and-loop fastener is sewn onto the webbing of each strap to neatly retrain excess lengths of webbing. The size of a target can be optionally reduced by removing some of the target segments and reassembling the remaining segments into a smaller hexagonal configuration. The target segments may be manufactured in a single uniform color; optionally, the segments may be made in a variety of colors, thereby allowing a shooter to more readily identify a particular segment as a desired target.

The target segments, which are manufactured from polymer foam, are replaceable and interchangeable, the hexagonal segments are rotatable, and the target face is reversible (i.e., either the front or rear face of the invention may be used as the target face). In a preferred method of manufacture, the segments are injection molded, and the loop portion of the hook-and-loop fasteners is bonded onto the surface of the rhomboidal segments during the injection molding process. The segments are preferably comprised of flexible, self-healing polyurethane foam. The foam is specifically designed to withstand heavy use with broadhead as well as target-point arrows, while at the same time allowing relatively easy withdrawal of arrows from the target.

The details of the present invention are described more fully below in reference to FIGS. 1 through 13.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view and FIG. 2 is a right side view of the modular archery target 1 in standard size. Major components of the modular archery target 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include a plurality of right regular hexagonal prismatic foam segments (also referred to as hexagonal segments) 2, a plurality of right rhomboidal prismatic foam segments (also referred to as diamond-shaped segments) 3, an optional removable carrying handle 4, and two compression strap assemblies 5. Each compression strap assembly 5 is comprised of a cam-type buckle 6, a strip of webbing 7, a stop loop 8, and a keeper 9. When assembled as shown, the hexagonal segments 2 and the diamond-shaped segments 3 are stacked together horizontally so that the modular target 1 has a hexagonal-shaped from face 10 and an identical rear face 11. Arrows may be shot into either the front face 10 or the rear face 11 of the modular target 1.

The removable carrying handle 4 attaches to the modular target 1 by hook-and-loop fastener strips at each end of the handle 4 that pass around the two strips of webbing 7. The removable handle 4 is superior to the prior art because the handle 4 can be installed to transport the target and then can be removed to shoot at the target, thereby preventing accidental damage to the handle 4 from arrow strikes. The grip of the removable handle 4 may be comprised of polymer or any other conventional handle material. The buckles 6 are preferably made from polymer and are preferably attached to the webbing by sewing. One example of a suitable commercially available cam-type buckle is part number 29705T31 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Los Angeles, Calif. The webbing 7 is preferably comprised of woven polymer fiber, such as polypropylene. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing is two inches wide and 1/16-inch thick. The stop loops 8 are loops of webbing material sewn to the webbing 7 that prevent the webbing 7 from slipping completely through the cam buckles 6 when the buckles 6 are opened. The keeper 9 is a strip of hook-and-loop fastener material that is used to neatly store excess rolled-up length of webbing 7, as shown more clearly in FIG. 13. The keeper 9 is preferably sewn to the webbing 7.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a single hexagonal segment 2, and FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section view of the hexagonal segment 2 shown in FIG. 3. The plane of the front face 12 and the plane of the rear face 13 are perpendicular to the plane of each identical side face 14. As shown in FIG. 3, each hexagonal segment 2 comprises a pair of identical channels consisting of a first channel 15 and a second channel 16 positioned around the perimeter of the segment 2. The sides of the channels 15, 16 are parallel to the line formed by the edges of the faces 12, 13 and the front and rear edges of the sides 14 into which each channel is formed. In a preferred embodiment, each hexagonal segment 2 has a length along the long axis (front to rear) of 14 inches, and a length of each hexagonal edge of 4⅝ inches. The edge of the first channel 15 nearest the front face 12 is set back one inch from the from face 12, and the edge of the second channel 16 nearest the rear face 13 is set back one inch from the rear face 13. The width of the channels 15, 16 is 2 1/16 inches, and the depth of the channels 15, 16 is ¼ inch. The channels 15, 16 form a portion of the tongue-and-groove interlock system between hexagonal and diamond-shaped segments, as is described more fully in reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 4 shows the continuous shape formed by the first channel 15 around the perimeter of the segment 2. Also, as shown, the interior 17 of the segment 2 is homogeneous.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a single diamond-shaped segment 3, and FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-section view of the segment 3 shown in FIG. 5. The plane of the front face 18 and the plane of the rear face 19 are perpendicular to the plane of each side face 20, 21, 22, and 23. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each diamond-shaped segment 3 comprises a pair of identical channels consisting of a first channel 24 and a second channel 25. The channels 24, 25 are manufactured into the two adjacent side faces 20, 21. Each channel 24, 25 has a strip of hook-and-loop fastener (loop portion) 26 attached to the bottom surface of the channel.

Each diamond-shaped segment 3 also comprises an identical pair of protrusions consisting of a first protrusion 27 and a second protrusion 28. The protrusions 27, 28 are located on the two adjacent side faces 22, 23. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal length of each diamond-shaped segment is 14 inches, each side length is 4⅝ inches, and the acute angle θ is 60 degrees. The edges of the channels and protrusions are set back one inch from the ends of the side faces 20-23 and have widths of 2 1/16 inches. The channels have depths of ¼-inch, and the protrusions have heights of ¼-inch.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a diamond-shaped segment 3 and an adjacent hexagonal segment 2, shown separated. The dashed lines illustrate how the protrusions 27, 28 of the diamond-shaped segment 3 fit into the channels 15, 16, respectively, of the hexagonal segment 2, forming a tongue-and-groove connection between the segments 2, 3 when the two segments 2, 3 are brought together.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a diamond-shaped segment 3 and an adjacent hexagonal segment 2 similar to the view shown in FIG. 7, except shown with the two segments 2, 3 connected. As shown, the first channel 24 of the diamond-shaped segment 3 and the first channel 15 of the hexagonal segment 2 are aligned so as to form a first continuous channel 29, and similarly, the second channel 25 of the diamond-shaped segment and the second channel 16 of the hexagonal segment are aligned to form a second continuous channel 30. When the complete modular target 1 (shown in FIG. 1) is assembled from a plurality of hexagonal segments 2 and diamond-shaped segments 3, the continuous channels 29, 30 extend around the perimeter of the target 1 and serve as positioning guide channels for the compression strap assemblies 5 shown in FIG. 1. The hook-and-loop fasteners (loop portion) 26 shown in FIG. 8 attach to hook-and-loop fasteners (hook portion) on the underside of the compression straps, as described in detail in reference to the following FIGS. 9-11.

FIGS. 9 through 13 illustrate the assembly of the present invention from the various components. As previously described, the components of a standard-size target may be reassembled to form a compact-size target by removing some of the diamond-shaped and hexagonal segments. The same compression straps are used for both size targets.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a pair of identical compression straps 5 laid out with their inner sides facing up. This layout is the first step in assembling either size target. As shown, each compression strap 5 comprises a strip of hook-and-loop fastener (hook portion) 31 attached to the underside of the webbing 7. In a preferred embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners 31 are attached to the webbing 7 by adhesive bonding. The hook-and-loop fasteners 31 comprise painted-on (or otherwise applied) locating marks 32-34 that show the proper placement for the diamond-shaped segments. The first locating marks 32 are used to position the diamond-shaped segments for either size target. The second locating marks 33 are used to position the diamond-shaped segments that comprise a standard-size target, as shown in FIG. 10. Third locating marks 34 are used to position the diamond-shaped segments that comprise a small-size target, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the compression straps 5 shown in FIG. 9, with six diamond-shaped segments 35-40 attached over the locating marks 32, 33 shown in FIG. 9. This is the second step in assembling a standard-size target. The unused locating marks 34 are visible. The hook-and-loop fasteners (loop portion) 26 (shown in FIG. 7) of the segments 35-40 adhere to the hook-and-loop fasteners (hook portion) 31 of the compression straps 5, thereby locking the segments 35-40 in their proper positions along the length of the compression straps 5. This configuration of six diamond-shaped segments is used to assemble a standard-size target, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the compression straps 5 shown in FIG. 9, with three diamond-shaped segments 35-37 attached over the locating marks 32, 34 shown in FIG. 9. This is the second step in assembling a small-size target. The unused locating marks 33 are visible. The diamond-shaped segments 35-37 are attached to the compression straps 5 identically to the method described in relation to FIG. 10. This configuration of three diamond-shaped segments is used to assemble a small-size target, as shown in FIG. 13.

The third step in assembling a target (not shown) consists of setting hexagonal segments between the diamond-shaped segments that are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and then rolling the components up into a hexagonal shape and securing the compression straps. FIG. 12 is a front view of a standard-size modular target 1, shown fully assembled after the third assembly step. The positions of the diamond-shaped segments 35-40 as shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the positions shown for these segments along the length of the compression straps 5 shown in FIG. 10. As shown, the standard-size target 1 is comprised of seven hexagonal segments 2 in addition to the six diamond-shaped segments 35-40. The hexagonal segments 2 may be rotated, reversed, interchanged, or replaced as needed after loosening the compression straps 5. Note that it is not necessary to remove the compression straps 5 in order to reverse, interchange, or replace one or more of the hexagonal segments. The diamond-shaped segments 35-40 may be reversed, interchanged or replaced after opening and removing the compression straps 5.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the modular target 41 in compact size, shown fully assembled after the third assembly step. The positions of the diamond-shaped segments 35-37 as shown in FIG. 13 correspond to the positions shown for these segments along the length of the compression straps 5 shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the small-size modular target 41 is comprised of three hexagonal segments 2 in addition to the three diamond-shaped segments 35-37. The hexagonal segments 2 may be rotated, reversed, interchanged, or replaced as needed after loosening the compression straps 5. Note that it is not necessary to remove the compression straps 5 in order to reverse, interchange, or replace one or more of the hexagonal segments. The diamond-shaped segments 35-37 may be reversed, interchanged or replaced after opening the compression straps 5.

Because the same compression straps 5 are used for both the standard-size target 1 and the compact-size target 41, but the perimeter length of the compact-size target is less than the perimeter length of the standard-size target, there will be an unused length of the compression straps 5 when the compact-size target 41 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 13, this excess length may be stored by forming it into rolls 42 and securing the rolls 42 to the tops of the compression strap assemblies 5 with the keepers 9.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is described below in reference to FIGS. 14-20. The purpose of the alternate embodiment is to provide a target assembly having stronger connections between the center segment and surrounding segments as compared to the first embodiment. The alternate embodiment may be assembled so as to provide a standard-size target. The standard-size target may be quickly convened to a compact-size target by removing some of the target segments and readjusting the compression straps. The alternate embodiment comprises a plurality of diamond-shaped and hexagonal-shaped prismatic segments, wherein the front and rear face of each segment comprises beveled edges, thereby providing three-dimensional front and rear target surfaces for the assembled modular target. The front and rear face of each hexagonal segment comprise a high-contrast, painted-on (or otherwise applied) hexagonal focal point. The raised surface and high-contrast focal point on each end of each of the hexagonal segments serve to provide a plurality of visually sharp and precise aiming points on the target assembly.

Each of the hexagonal segments comprises a pair of channels that extend around five edges of the segment and a pair of protrusions that extend around the remaining edge of the segment. With this configuration of the hexagonal segments, each segment of the target assembly, including the center segment, is attached to adjoining segments with tongue-and-groove connections on multiple edges. In the first embodiment, each segment of the target assembly, except the center segment, is attached to adjoining segments with tongue-and-groove connections. Although the alternate embodiment provides a stronger connection (as compared to the first embodiment) between the center segment and surrounding segments via the tongue-and-groove connections of the center segment, the alternate embodiment may require more time and effort for a user to assemble because proper orientation of the protrusions of the hexagonal segments is required for the segments to fit together (i.e., the protrusion and grooves of each hexagonal segment must mate with the grooves and protrusions of all adjoining segments). By contrast, the first embodiment may be quicker and easier for a user to assemble because the hexagonal segments of the original embodiment have no protrusions and, therefore, may be set at any orientation with respect to adjoining segments. The compression straps and optional carrying handle of the alternate embodiment are identical to those described previously in reference to FIGS. 1-13.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a single hexagonal segment 43 of the alternate embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-section view of the hexagonal segment 43 shown in FIG. 14. The plane of the front face 44 and the plane of the rear face 45 are perpendicular to the plane of each identical side face 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, each hexagonal segment 43 comprises a pair of identical channels, consisting of a first channel 15 and a second channel 16 positioned around five of the six sides of the perimeter of the segment 43, and a pair of identical protrusions, consisting of a first protrusion 27 and a second protrusion 28 that are located along the side of the segment that does not contain a channel.

The sides of the channels 15, 16 and the protrusions 27, 28 are parallel to the line formed by the edges of the faces 44, 45 and the front and rear edges of the sides 14 into which each channel or protrusion is formed. In a preferred embodiment, each hexagonal segment 43 has a length along the long axis (front to rear) of 14 inches and a length of each hexagonal edge of 4⅝ inches. The edge of the first channel 15 nearest the front face 44 is set back one inch from the front face 44, and the edge of the second channel 16 nearest the rear face 45 is set back one inch from the rear face 45. The width of the channels 15, 16 is 2 1/16 inches, and the depth of the channels 15, 16 is ¼ inch. The channels 15, 16 form a portion of the tongue-and-groove interlock system between adjoining segments, as is described more fully in reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

As shown in FIG. 14, the front face 44 of the hexagonal segment 43 comprises six beveled edges 46. (As used herein, the term “beveled” may also mean “rounded.”) Also shown is a high-contrast, painted-on aiming point 47 located in the center of the front face 44, with the surface area of the aiming point 47 being smaller than the surface area of the front face 44. The rear face 45 comprises beveled edges 46 and an aiming point 47 (not shown) that are identical to the beveled edges 46 and the aiming point 47 of the front face 44.

FIG. 15 shows the continuous shape formed by the first channel 15 around five sides of the perimeter of the segment 43 and the shape of the protrusion 27 on the remaining side of the perimeter. FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a single diamond-shaped segment 48 of the alternate embodiment. As shown, the diamond-shaped segment 48 comprises a front face 49 and a rear face 50, each of which has four beveled edges 46. The channels 24, 25 and protrusions 27, 28 of the diamond-shaped segment 48 of the alternate embodiment are identical to those described previously in reference to FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 17 is a cut-away from view of the alternate embodiment in standard size 51. Note that the particular configuration shown in FIG. 17 is one example of an assembly option for this embodiment, but there are other possible assembly options. In FIG. 17, the first “tongue” or first protrusion 27 of each of the tongue-and-groove connectors is depicted with a hatch pattern. This figure illustrates the multiple tongue-and-groove connections that exist between each of the segments (hexagonal and diamond-shaped) when the standard-size modular target 51 is assembled.

For ease of reference, the individual hexagonal segments have been separately labeled in FIGS. 17 and 18. The target assembly 51 comprises a first hexagonal segment 52, a second hexagonal segment 53, a third hexagonal segment 54, a fourth hexagonal segment 55, a fifth hexagonal segment 56, a sixth hexagonal segment 57, a seventh hexagonal, segment 58, and multiple diamond-shaped segments 48. Each of the tongue-and groove connections in the assembly is shown. For example, the first hexagonal segment 52 is connected to the second hexagonal segment 53 by a first protrusion 27 in the first hexagonal segment 52 that mates with a first channel 15 in the second hexagonal segment 53. Two first channels 15 in the first hexagonal segment 52 mate with first protrusions 27 in two adjoining diamond-shaped segments 48.

Although each segment in the assembly is connected to at least two adjoining segments with tongue-and-groove connections, not every adjoining pair of surfaces is connected. For example, the first hexagonal segment 52 adjoins the third hexagonal segment 54 as shown, but the adjoining surfaces between these two segments are each comprised of a first channel 15 so that no tongue-and-groove connection exists between these two segments. The fourth hexagonal segment 55, which is the center segment, is connected on all six sides to adjoining hexagonal segments as shown, with the first protrusion 27 of the fourth hexagonal segment 55 mating with the bottom first channel 15 of the first hexagonal segment 52, and the five first channels 15 of the fourth hexagonal segment 55 mating with first protrusions 27 of the other surrounding hexagonal segments 53, 54, 56, 57, and 58. For ease of illustration, the channels on the outside edges of each outer segment that mate with the compression strap are not shown.

FIG. 18 is a cut-away front view of the alternate embodiment in compact size 59. As in the previous figure, the first protrusions 27 of each tongue-and-groove connector are identified with a hatch pattern. The compact size alternate embodiment 59 comprises a first hexagonal segment 52, a second hexagonal segment 53, a third hexagonal segment 54, and three diamond-shaped segments 48. This figure illustrates the multiple tongue-and-groove connections that exist between each of the segments (hexagonal and diamond-shaped) when the compact-size modular target 59 is assembled.

For example, one first channel 15 of the first hexagonal segment 52 mates with the first protrusion 27 of the adjoining second hexagonal segment 53, and the first protrusion 27 of the first hexagonal segment 52 mates with one first channel 15 of the adjoining third hexagonal segment 54. Two of the first channels 15 of the first hexagonal segment 52 mate with first protrusions 27 of the adjoining diamond-shaped segments 48. As in FIG. 17, the channels on the outside edges of each outer segment that mate with the compression strap are not shown.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the alternate embodiment shown in standard size 51. This figure illustrates how the raised hexagonal segment faces 44 in combination with the high-contrast aiming points 47 provide a shooter with multiple, clearly defined shooting spots on the face of the standard-size target 51.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the alternate embodiment shown in compact size 59. This figure illustrates how the raised hexagonal segment faces 44 in combination with the high-contrast aiming points 47 provide a shooter with multiple, clearly defined shooting spots on the target surface of the compact-size target 52.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

ARCHERY TARGET WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

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