Patent Application
20210231415
Following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:
Substrate targets for fire arms practice have existed for many years. Concentric bull's-eye patterns printed onto substrates need replacing after a few shots. Metal targets have become very popular and they don't need replacing. It is exciting to hear the shots ping on the metal target. Metal targets are without markings. After metal targets are covered with bullet imprints, they can be spray painted to mask the imprints. The shooting is resumed and bullet imprints can be seen on the metal target.
However it is impossible to determine the shots accuracy on metal targets without target markings. Stickers with target markings are used to see the accuracy of shots on Targets. Stickers with markings need replacing after numerous shots and they are difficult to align.
There are many kinds of metal targets for firearms as shown below.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,784,538 title “High Caliber Target” invented by James Sovine and Devin Anderson on Oct. 10, 2017.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,784,538 title “High Caliber target” invented by James Sovine and Devin Anderson on Oct. 10, 2017.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,897 title “Target” invented by Addison Sovine, Kyle Burdette and Spencer Lambert on May 22, 2007.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,169 title “Portable Target Apparatus” invented by John Saunders, Ian Root and Eldon Goates on Dec. 17, 2013.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,216 title “Target Device” invented by Clinton James Underhill”, issue Sep. 9, 2008.
U.S. Pat. No. D781,959 title “Target” invented by David Thur on Mar. 21, 2017.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,897 title “Target” invented by Addison Sovine, Kyle Burdette and Spencer Lambert on May 22, 2007.
U.S. Pat. No. D781,959 title “Target” invented by David Thur on Mar. 21, 2017.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,267 title “Automatic Reset Target” invented by David Le Anna on May 24, 2005.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,722 title “Automatic Resettable Target” invented by Walter E. Rosellen on Nov. 23, 1993.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,446 title “Oscillating Target” invented by Travis Dennison on May 17, 2016.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,267,769 title “Horizontal Stand Assembly” invented by Gregory Allan Gempler on Feb. 23, 2016.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,181 title “Portable Shooting Target” invented by Kyle Bateman, Burdette and Tom Marshall on Feb. 13, 2007.
None of the above targets have the capability of determining shot accuracies. Bonded substrates are needed on metal targets to determine bullet accuracies. Bonded substrates are normally paper stickers with adhesive backing. Stickers are bonded on the front face of the metal targets. These stickers help to determine the accuracy of the shots. Stickers need replacement after a few shots are fired. Stickers are expensive, difficult to install and installation is time consuming. Stickers need to be placed properly on the metal target. The shot's location is not determined properly if the sticker is misplaced.
There are other metal targets that can determine the shots accuracy. For example:
U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,906 title “Electronically score target array” issued to Capel Calhoun English and Pierce Otis English on Apr. 25, 2017.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,612,092 title “Portable Target Shooting System with sensors and remote control” invented by Jamie L. Chester on Apr. 4, 2017.
The above targets can determine the shots accuracy, but these targets are complicated. They are expensive to fabricate. The expense limits individuals of modest means to obtain these targets.
Patents describing substrate targets are irrelevant for these discussions. Substrate targets need replacement after a few shots are fired. Substrate targets don't provide the excitement of hearing the bullets pinging on the metal target.
This Summary provides to understand the novel feature of a tool called a Bullet Impact Locator. Now days metal targets are very popular and don't need replacing targets. It is also very exciting to hear the shots ping on the metal target. It is impossible to score the shots without target markings on the metal target. If target markings are on metal targets they get destroyed. Now days, stickers with target markings are used to determine the score on metal targets. When stickers are placed on metal targets, they are difficult to align. Stickers are expensive to replace and they need replaced often. Installing stickers on metal targets also consumes a lot of time.
The Bullet Impact Locator is used to solve the sticker issue. The Bullet Impact Locator is a reusable tool. After shooting an unmarked metal target, shot imprints are left on the target. This tool helps to determine the accuracy of Bullet Imprints left on a metal target. The Locator is a Transparent Plate with Target Markings. This tool can be used on all kinds of existing metal targets. The Locator and the target need to be a matching set.
After shooting, the Locator is placed in front and in contact with the metal target. The shot imprints on the metal target can be seen thought the transparent plate. The markings allow the users to obtain the score and to zero the firearm. This procedure doesn't require bonding a sticker onto the metal target plate. Aligning means on the Locator aligns the target markings perfectly to the metal target. The Locator positions the markings where metal targets should have markings. Marksmen can use the Locator for target practice, competition and zeroing the firearm.
Metal targets are customarily spray painted after a predetermined string of shots. As the shooting resumes, the score count continues. Spray painting takes less time than replacing sticker targets. The surface of the metal target is still wet with paint when analyzing the shots. At least one Spacer on the aft side of the transparent plate prevents paint from touching the plate.
There is one basic Locator with simple visual aligning means to align the target markings to the metal target. Then there are four additional Locator embodiments that can be used on metal targets. The first embodiment uses a target outline mark for aligning means to align the target markings to the metal target. Two other Locator embodiments use mechanical aligning means to align the target markings to the metal target. These Locators have been created to allow the customer a choice of price ranges. The more complicated Locator produces better accuracy of bullet imprint location. The basic Locator and the three additional embodiments are very useful with unmarked silhouette metal targets. Large sticker silhouettes are extremely expensive and very hard to align to the metal target. The forth embodiment of Locator is used only on circular arc metal targets. Locators for circular arc metal targets only fit targets of the same diameter. The five different kinds of Locators provide an inexpensive means of determining the accuracy of shots. The Locator is very useful for precision shooting using metal targets.
In the drawings:
Referring now in more detail and by reference characters are the drawings. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the Bullet Impact Locator.
Locator 101 is comprised of a Transparent Predetermined Plate 104 with a Predetermined Target Markings 105 with aligning means. The aligning means aligns Target Markings 105 to a specified location on Metal Target 103. There are many kinds of aligning means that can be used on any Bullet Impact Locator. One means of aligning the Target Markings 105 is with a Pair of Dots 106. Target Markings 105 and Dots 106 are inscribed on either side of Plate 104. Target Markings 105 and Dots 106 are inscribed on a Transparent Plate Aft 107 or on a Transparent Plate Front 108. Plate Aft 107 is the large side of Plate 104 facing a Metal Target Front 109 of Metal Target 103.
The shape of Target Markings 105 is of the kind targets would normally have. It is desirable having Target Markings 105 the same size and shape of standard substrate targets. During usage, Target Markings 105 must line up on Metal Target 103 in the same position as normal target markings. Any kind of a Scoring Value 122 is possible on Target Markings 105.
During usage, the Dots 106 are visually aligned to Metal Target 103 at a specified location. In this embodiment, the specified location is a Dedicated Location 110 of Metal Target 103. In
Plate 104 can be constructed of any shape and size. Metal Target 103 can be any kind of existing metal target. Metal Target 103 can be any kind of prior-art. A Hanging Means 115 are two holes used for hanging Metal Target 103 onto a structure. Shackles and pins normally are attached to cables to hang the target. The hanging shackles may cause interference with Plate Aft 107. On some targets it is impossible to clear Plate Aft 107 from Means 115 attachments. Some areas of Plate 104 can be removed to prevent interference with Means 115 attachments. The shape and kind of Means 115 attachments of Metal Target 103 is irrelevant for Locator 101. There are many kinds of Means 115 attachments on the market. During usage, Plate Aft 107 should not contact Means 115 attachments of Metal Target 103. If Plate Aft 107 contacts Means 115 attachments, Plate Aft 107 and Target Front 109 won't be parallel. Plate Aft 107 and Target Front 109 have to be parallel to each other. A parallax is created when Plate Aft 107 and Target Front 109 are not parallel. The parallax affects the true accuracy of Imprints 102.
When analyzing Imprints 102, Locator 101 and Metal Target 103 must be a matching set. The transparency of Plate 104 allows the users to see the location of Imprints 102. To analyze Imprints 102, place Plate 104 in front of Metal Target 103 and contact Target Front 109. Manually adjust Plate 104 until Dots 106 are at Location 110. Now view through Plate 104 the exact location of Imprints 102 and obtain Value 122.
Metal Target 103 normally has large manufacturing tolerances. Due to these tolerances, ample size is given to Dots 106. Unfortunately this diminishes the accuracy of Locator 101. The Locator 101 can be moved within the large envelope of Dots 106 vertically and horizontally. A large tolerance envelope has a disadvantage of not obtaining position repeatability when analyzing the Imprints 102. During scoring it is important to know if Imprints 102 contact the lines of a larger Value 122 of Markings 105. When Imprints 102 contacts a line of a larger score, the score Value 122 would be the larger Value 122. The same rule applies for substrate targets during competition. Locator 101 can be adjusted by moving Dots 106 within Location 110 and either touch or not touch a line of a larger Value 122. Not obtaining position repeatability may cause score disagreements between competitors.
As described before, Metal Target 103 can be any kind of existing metal target. For this Locator 101 usage, Metal Target 103 is a human silhouette. Dots 106 as shown in
The best way to describe how the Locator 101 works is as follows. Hypothetically, draw chosen standard target markings on Target Front 109. Make Locator 101 with the same standard Target Markings 105. Hold Locator 101 with both hands and direct Dots 106 rd Location 110. Continue approaching Metal Target 103, bringing Dots 106 closer to Location 110. Allow Dots 106 to align with Left Contact 111 and Right Contact 112. Allow Locator 101 to make contact with Target Front 109. While holding Locator 101, the Markings 105 on Locator 101 will coincide with target markings drawn on Target Front 109. This explanation remains the same regardless of the shape of the markings.
To make Locator 101, draw Target Markings 105 on Target Front 109 of Metal Target 103 per tournament specification. Draw Target Markings 105 on Plate Front 108 of Plate 104. Place Plate Aft 107 of Plate 104 against Target Front 109 of Metal Target 103. Inscribe the Dots 106 along the Location 110 of Metal Target 103 as desired for alignment location.
The Bullet Impact Locator 101 is very simple to use. Procedure No. 1 is used for analyzing the Plurality of Bullet Imprints 102 on the Unmarked Metal Target 103. You can start analyzing the Imprints 102 once all shots are completed on Metal Target 103. This procedure is used with Locator 101 that has Dots 106. This procedure is used when Locator 101 and Metal Target 103 is a matching set.
Locator 101 is placed against Metal Target 103 to analyze Imprints 102 as follows:
Locator 201 is comprised of a Transparent Predetermined Plate 204 with a Predetermined Target Markings 205 and aligning means. The aligning means aligns Target Markings 205 to a specified location on Metal Target 203. Another means of aligning the Target Markings 205 is by using an Outline Mark 206. Mark 206 can be the shape of a Partial Outline 216 or a complete outline of a Metal Target Front 209.
Target Markings 205 and Mark 206 are inscribed on either side of Plate 204. Target Markings 205 and Mark 206 are inscribed on a Transparent Plate Aft 207 or on a Transparent Plate Front 208. Plate Aft 207 is the large side of Plate 204 facing Target Front 209 of Metal Target 203. The shape of Target Markings 205 is of the kind targets would normally have. It is desirable having Target Markings 205 the same size and shape of standard substrate targets. Target Markings 205 may have any kind of a Scoring Value 222.
During usage, Target Markings 205 need to be where Metal Target 203 would normally have the target markings. Target Markings 205 must line up with Metal Target 203 in a position of normal target markings. During usage, Mark 206 is visually aligned to Metal Target 203 at a specified location. In this embodiment, the specified aligning location is a Partial Outline 216 of Metal Target 203. Locator 201 is in place when Mark 206 is contacting, aligning and matching the Outline 216.
Plate 204 can be constructed of any shape and size. Metal Target 203 can be any kind of existing metal target. Metal Target 203 can be any kind of prior-art. A Hanging Means 215 are two holes used for hanging Metal Target 203 onto a structure.
Shackles and pins normally are attached to cables to hang the target. The hanging shackles may cause interference with Plate Aft 207. On some targets it is impossible to clear Plate 204 from Means 215 attachments. Some areas of Plate 204 can be removed to prevent interference with Means 215 attachments. The shape and kind of Means 215 of Metal Target 203 is irrelevant for Locator 201. There are many kinds of Means 215 on the market. During usage, Plate Aft 207 should not contact Means 215 of Metal Target 203. If Plate Aft 207 contacts Means 215, Plate Aft 207 and Target Front 209 won't be parallel. Plate Aft 207 and Target Front 209 have to be parallel to each other. A parallax is created when Plate Aft 207 and Target Front 209 are not parallel. The parallax affects the true reading of Imprints 202.
To analyze Imprints 202, place Plate 204 in front and in contact with Metal Target 203. Manually adjust Plate 204 until Mark 206 is matching the Outline 216. View through Plate 204 the location of Imprints 202 and obtain Value 222.
Locator 201 and Metal Target 203 are required to be a matching set. Metal Target 203 normally has large manufacturing tolerances. Due to Metal Target 203 tolerances, ample line thickness is given to Mark 206. Unfortunately this diminishes the accuracy of Locator 201. The Locator 201 can be moved within the large envelope of Mark 206 vertically and horizontally. A large tolerance envelope has a disadvantage of not obtaining position repeatability when analyzing the Imprints 202. During scoring it is important to know if Imprints 202 contact the lines of a larger Value 222 of Markings 205. When Imprints 202 contacts a line of a larger score, the score Value 222 would be the larger Value 222. The same rule applies for substrate targets during competition. Locator 201 can be adjusted by moving Mark 206 within Outline 216 and either touch or not touch a line of larger Value 222. Not obtaining position repeatability may cause score disagreements between competitors.
As described before, Metal Target 203 can be any kind of existing metal target. For his Locator 201 usage, Metal Target 203 is a human silhouette. Mark 206 as shown in
The best way to describe how the Locator 201 works is as follows. Hypothetically, draw chosen standard markings on Target Front 209. Make a Locator 201 with the same standard Target Markings 205. Hold Locator 201 with both hands and direct Mark 206 toward Outline 216. Continue approaching Metal Target 203 bringing Mark 206 closer to Outline 216. Allow Mark 206 to contact Target Front 209 and cover the Outline 216 with Mark 206. While holding Locator 201, the Markings 205 on Locator 201 will coincide with target markings drawn on Target Front 209. This explanation remains the same regardless of the shape of the markings.
To make Locator 201, draw a standard target marking on Target Front 209 per tournament specification. Place Plate Aft 207 of Plate 204 against Target Front 209 of Metal Target 203. On Pate Front 208 inscribe Mark 206 by tracing Outline 216 of Metal Target 203.
The Bullet Impact Locator 201 is very simple to use. Procedure No. 2 is used for analyzing the Plurality of Bullet Imprints 202 on the Unmarked Metal Target 203. You can start analyzing the Imprints 202 once all shots are completed on Metal Target 203. This procedure is used with a Locator 201 that has the Outline Mark 206. This procedure is used when Locator 201 and Metal Target 203 is a matching set.
Locator 201 is placed against Metal Target 203 to analyze Imprints 202 as follows:
The Locator 301 allows viewing the accuracy of Imprints 302 left on Metal Target 303. Imprints 302 are the imprints previously made on metal targets from a fired weapon. To analyze the shots, the Locator 301 is placed in front and in contact with Metal Target 303. During usage,
To analyze the shots, view the location of Imprints 302 through a Transparent Predetermined Plate 304 to obtain a Scoring Value 322. Plate 304 can be constructed of any shape and size. Metal Target 303 can be any kind of existing metal target. Metal Target 303 can be any kind of prior-art. For this Locator 301 usage, Metal Target 303 is a human silhouette.
Previous embodiments in
Locator 301 is comprised of a Plate 304 with a Predetermined Target Markings 305 and a pair of aligning members. The pair of aligning members is an Aligning Left Member 317 and an Aligning Right Member 318. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 are installed on a Transparent Plate Aft 307.
For this example, Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 are placed on the neck area of the human silhouette. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 are located properly for aligning Target Markings 305. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 take a Left Path 313 and a Right Path 314 when approaching Metal Target 303.
Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 align Target Markings 305 to Metal Target 303. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 limit the downward motion of Locator 301 in relation to Metal Target 303. Limiting this motion places Locator 301 at the same location in the vertical direction every time. This restriction insures vertical repeatability of a Scoring Value 322. These aligning members can also partially limit the lateral motion between Locator 301 and Metal Target 303. This partial limitation will be explained later.
During usage Plate Aft 307 is pressed against a Metal Target Front 309. This pressing action limits the motion in the primary axis between Locator 301 and Metal Target 303. The primary axis is the perpendicular axis of Locator 301 and is coaxial to the perpendicular axis of Target Front 309. This is the primary axis of the combined Locator 301 and Metal Target 303.
Locator 301 is then aligned to the secondary axis of Metal Target 303 with Left Member 317 and Right Member 318. The alignment in the secondary axis is obtained when Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 make contact with some coplanar horizontal edge of Metal Target 303. This movement limitation ensures position repeatability in the secondary axis.
Alignment in the third axis may be obtained when Left Member 317 or Right Member 318 makes contact with some vertical edge of Metal Target 303. This movement limitation gives position repeatability in the third axis. Unfortunately there are two possible lateral directions. Unless competitors agree before the match on the required lateral direction, disagreement may arise among competitors.
Locator 301 places Target Markings 305 on Metal Target 303 where targets should have markings. The best way to describe how the Locator 301 works is as follows. Hypothetically, draw chosen standard target markings on Target Front 309. Make Locator 301 with the same standard Target Markings 305. Hold Locator 301 with both hands and direct Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 toward Target Front 309. Continue approaching Metal Target 303. Bring Left Member 317 closer to Left Contact 311. Bring Right Member 318 closer to Right Contact 312. Press down Left Member 317 against Left Contact 311. Press down Right Member 318 against Right Contact 312. Press lateral Left Member 317 against the side of Metal Target 303. Target Markings 305 on Locator 301 will coincide with target markings drawn on Target Front 309. This explanation remains the same regardless of the shape of the markings. During this procedure it should be noticed that there will be a small lateral shift differential with the target markings. This small differential location is due to manufacturing tolerances of Locator 301 and Metal Target 303. Pressing lateral Right Member 318 against the side of Metal Target 303 will show a lateral shift of Target Markings 305. This is the reason that different Value 322 can be obtained during the Locator 301 usage. Therefore it is possible not to have position repeatability in the third axis. Unfortunately this diminishes the accuracy of Locator 301. Diminishing the accuracy of Locator 301 has a disadvantage of not obtaining position repeatability in the third axis when analyzing the Imprints 302. During scoring it is important to know if Imprints 302 touch the target line. This embodiment provides better accuracy than the previous embodiments at extra expense to the customer. The user can be instructed to move the locator in the same lateral direction but it may cause disagreements between competitors.
Target Markings 305 is inscribed on either side of Plate 304. Target Markings 305 is inscribed on a Plate Aft 307 or on a Transparent Plate Front 308. Target Markings 305 may have any kind of Value 322. Plate Aft 307 is the large side of Plate 304 facing Target Front 309 of Metal Target 303. The shape of Target Markings 305 is of the kind targets would normally have. It is desirable having Target Markings 305 the same size and shape of standard substrate targets.
To analyze the location of Imprints 302, place Plate 304 in front of Metal Target 303. Plate Aft 307 has to contact Target Front 309. Plate Aft 307 and Target Front 309 have to be parallel to each other. A parallax is created when Plate Aft 307 and Target Front 309 are not parallel. The parallax affects the true accuracy of Imprints 302.
Left Member 317 is connected to a Left Attachment 319. Right Member 318 is connected to a Right Attachment 320. The method of connection of Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 is insignificant. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 can be pressed into holes in Plate 304. Another method of construction is using internal threaded shafts and screws. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 can have internal threaded shafts. For construction using an internal threaded shaft, two holes are drilled into Plate 304. The holes are at the location of Left Member 317 and Right Member 318. Screws are inserted into the holes. Thread Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 onto the screws. Another method of construction is using shafts with threaded ends screwed into Plate 304. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 can be shafts with threaded ends. The threaded ends can be screwed into threaded holes on Plate 304. Another method of construction is bonding the shaft to Plate 304. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 can be shafts bonded with adhesive to Plate Aft 307. Any joining method of Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 to Plate 304 is acceptable.
All Figures depict Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 of a round shape. However, Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 can have any shape and size. Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 align Target Markings 305 to Metal Target 303. Regardless of shape and size, Left Member 317 and Right Member 318 have to do the job. Target Markings 305 must be in position with any shape of Left Member 317 and Right Member 318.
The Bullet Impact Locator 301 is very simple to use. Procedure No. 3 is used for analyzing the Plurality of Bullet Imprints 302 on the Unmarked Metal Target 303. You can start analyzing the Plurality of Bullet Imprints 302 once all shots are completed on Metal Target 303. This procedure is used with Locator 301 that has the Aligning Left Member 317 and the Aligning Right Member 318. Locator 301 is used when Locator 301 and Metal Target 303 are matching sets.
Locator 301 is placed against Metal Target 303 to analyze Imprints 302 as follows:
The score repeatability is not affected by manufacturing tolerances with Locator 401. This embodiment gives the customer the option of paying extra to insure score repeatability.
In
Locator 301 is converted to Locator 401 by adding another aligning means to the Locator 301. This additional aligning means will make contact with an edge of Metal Target 403. This additional aligning means restricts Locator 401 movement in the third orthogonal axis.
Locator 401 is comprised of Plate 404 with a Predetermined Target Markings 405 and three aligning members. The three aligning members are an Aligning Left Member 417, an Aligning Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423. Left Member 417 is the same as Left Member 317 in Locator 301. Right Member 418 is the same as Right Member 318 in Locator 301. The third aligning member is Lower Member 423. The shape of Plate 404 is irrelevant. Plate 404 can have any shape and size. Metal Target 403 can be any kind of existing metal target. Metal Target 403 can be any kind of prior-art.
The shape of Target Markings 405 is of the kind targets would normally have. It is desirable having Target Markings 405 the same size and shape of standard substrate targets. Target Markings 405 are inscribed on Plate 404. During usage, Target Markings 405 need to be where Metal Target 403 would normally have the target markings. After installation, Target Markings 405 must line up with Metal Target 403 in a position of normal target markings.
During usage, Locator 401 is placed in front and pressed against Metal Target 403. This limits the motion in the perpendicular first orthogonal axis of a Metal Target Front 409. Left Member 417 is then pressed against a Left Contact 411 and Right Member 418 against a Right Contact 412. Left Contact 411 and Right Contact 412 are located on a Dedicated Location 410 of Plate 404. This limits the motion along the second orthogonal axis. Lower Member 423 is then pressed against a Lower Contact 426. This limits the motion along the third orthogonal axis.
Lower Member 423 is mounted to a Transparent Plate Aft 407 to one side of Lower Contact 426. Lower Member 423 limits a Lateral Inward Motion 427 of the Locator 401 with respect to Metal Target 403. In
Target Markings 405 can be of any shape that is requested by the users. For this example a oval predetermined Target Markings 405 is used. The Target Markings 405 is the same as the oval markings of human silhouette in substrate targets. Target Markings 405 can be inscribed on either side of Plate 404. Target Markings 405 can be inscribed on Plate Aft 407 or on a Transparent Plate Front 408. Target Markings 405 can have any kind of Value 422.
During usage Locator 401 takes the following steps. Left Member 417 takes a Left Path 413 and Right Member 418 takes a Right Path 414. Lower Member 423 takes a Lower Path 424 until it contacts with Lower Contact 426. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 contact the edge of Metal Target 403 to align Locator 401.
Another method of construction is using internal threaded shafts and screws. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 can have internal threaded shafts. During construction, three holes are drilled into Plate 404 using an internal threaded shaft. The holes are at the location of Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423. Screws are inserted into the holes. Thread Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 onto the screws. Another method of construction is using shafts with threaded ends screwed into Plate 404. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 can have shafts with threaded ends. The threaded ends can be screwed into threaded holes on Plate 404. Another method of construction is bonding the shaft to Plate 404. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 can be shafts bonded with adhesive to Plate Aft 407. Any joining method of Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 to Plate 404 is acceptable.
All Figures depict Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 of a round shape. However, Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 can have any shape and size. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 align Target Markings 405 to Metal Target 403. Regardless of shape and size, Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 have to do the job. Target Markings 405 must be in position with any shape of Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423.
A Hanging Means 415 are two holes used for hanging Metal Target 403 onto a structure. Shackles and pins are used on Means 415 for hanging the target. The shackles may cause interference with Plate Aft 407. Some areas of Plate 404 can be removed to prevent interference with the shackles. The shape and kind of Means 415 of Metal Target 403 is irrelevant for Locator 401. There are many kinds of Means 415 on the market. During usage, Plate 404 needs to stay clear of Means 415. Plate Aft 407 must not come in contact with Means 415 of Metal Target 403. If Plate Aft 407 contacts Means 415, Plate Aft 407 and Target Front 409 won't be parallel. A parallax is created when Plate Aft 407 and Target Front 409 are not parallel. The parallax affects the true accuracy of Imprints 402.
To analyze the location of Imprints 402, place Plate 404 in front of Metal Target 403. Plate Aft 407 have to be pressed against Target Front 409. Plate Aft 407 and Target Front 409 have to be parallel to each other.
Locator 401 places Target Markings 405 on Metal Target 403 where targets should have markings. The best way to describe how the Locator 401 works is as follows.
Hypothetically, draw chosen standard target markings on Target Front 409. Make a Locator 401 with a standard Target Markings 405. Hold Locator 401 with both hands and direct Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 toward Target Front 409. Approach Target Front 409 and align Left Member 417 with Left Contact 411 and Right Member 418 with Right Contact 412. Then align Lower Member 423 with Lower Contact 426. Press Left Member 417 against Left Contact 411, press Right Member 418 against Right Contact 412. Then press Lower Member 423 against Lower Contact 426. Press Locator 401 against Target Front 409. While holding Locator 401 manually, Markings 405 on Locator 401 will coincide with target markings drawn on Target Front 409. This explanation remains the same regardless of the shape of the markings.
For construction, place Target Markings 405 on Plate 404 at the proper location. The procedure is as follows. Obtain a Metal Target 403 to be used for a pattern. Decide what kind of markings is to be placed on the Metal Target 403. For this example the standard silhouette Target Markings 405 is used. Draw the standard Target Markings 405 at the desired location on Metal Target 403. Inscribe the same silhouette Target Markings 405 on Plate Front 408 of Plate 404. Place Plate Aft 407 against Target Front 409. Adjust Plate 404 until Target Markings 405 on Plate 404 matches up with markings on Metal Target 403. Now place Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 on Plate 404 making contact with Metal Target 403. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 are now located strategically on Plate 404. Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 must contact the edge of Plate 404. Method of joining Left Member 417, Right Member 418 and Lower Member 423 is optional.
During metal target shooting, Metal Target 403 is spray painted after a predetermined string of shots. This is customary to help marksmen find the locations of future bullet imprints. Usually not enough time is allowed for the paint to dry. A Spacer 421 is placed on Plate Aft 407. Spacer 421 prevents Plate Aft 407 from coming into contact with wet paint on Target Front 409. A stained Plate Aft 407 would make it impossible to see the Imprints 402 though the Plate 404.
Target Markings 405 can be inscribed on either side of Plate 404. Target Markings 405 can be inscribed on Plate Aft 407 or on Plate Front 408. During fabrication, keep Spacer 421 away from the lines of Target Markings 405. Viewing accuracy of Imprints 402 may be impaired if Spacer 421 are located on the lines of Target Markings 405.
Value 422 is inscribed on Plate 404 for reference. Value 422 is inscribed on Plate 404 in a straight vertical line. Value 422 is inscribed on Target Markings 405, the same as standard targets. Value 422 represents the score value of the shots.
The Bullet Impact Locator 401 is very simple to use. Procedure No. 4 is used for analyzing a Plurality of Bullet imprints 402 on Unmarked Metal Target 403. Locator 401 and Metal Target 403 are matching sets. You can start analyzing the Imprints 402 once all shots are completed on Metal Target 403.
Locator 401 is placed against Metal Target 403 to analyze Imprints 402 as follows:
The Locator 601 works in conjunction with Arc Target 603. Locator 601 is a reusable tool. Locator 601 enables users to analyze a Plurality of Bullet Imprints 602 left on Arc Target 603. Imprints 602 are the imprints previously made on metal targets from a fired weapon. Arc Target 603 requires having a locator matching the diameter of the target. Presently metal circular arc targets on the market have diameters of 3, 4, 4.5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 24 inches. Customers have the option to purchase Locator 601 for different sized targets that they own.
Locator 601 is comprised of a Transparent Predetermined Plate 604 with a Predetermined Circular Markings 605 and aligning means. The shape of Plate 604 is irrelevant. Plate 604 can have any shape and size. This embodiment has a pair of aligning members used for aligning means.
The aligning members align Circular Markings 605 to an Arc Target 603. These aligning members physically limit the motion between Locator 601 and Arc Target 603. This motion limitation keeps a Center of Arc 632 concentric with Circular Markings 605.
Locator 601 can obtain scoring repeatability because the mobility is limited in three orthogonal axes. The motion is limited when the aligning means are making contact with the edge of Arc Target 603. The two aligning means are an Aligning Left Member 617 and an Aligning Right Member 618. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 align Circular Markings 605. Locator 601 places Circular Markings 605 on Arc Target 603 where targets should have markings. The center of Circular Markings 605 must be concentric to the Center of Arc 632. The best way to describe how the Locator 601 works is as follows. Hypothetically, draw chosen standard target markings on a Metal Target Front 609. Make a Locator 601 with standard Circular Markings 605. Hold Locator 601 with both hands. Direct the Left Member 617 and the Right Member 618 toward Target Front 609. Approach Target Front 609. Align Left Member 617 with a Left Contact 611. Align Right Member 618 with a Right Contact 612. Keep Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 above a Rim 633. Allow Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 to rest on Rim 633. Press Locator 601 against Target Front 609. Holding Locator 601 manually, Circular Markings 605 on Locator 601 will coincide with target markings drawn on Target Front 609. This explanation remains the same regardless of the shape of the markings.
The shape of Circular Markings 605 is of the kind targets would normally have. Circular Markings 605 are inscribed on Plate 604. Circular Markings 605 can be inscribed on either side of Plate 604. Circular Markings 605 can be inscribed on a Transparent Plate Aft 607 or on a Transparent Plate Front 608. During usage, Circular Markings 605 are where Arc Target 603 would normally have target markings. Circular Markings 605 are required to be parallel to Arc Target 603. A Diameter 635 is the diameter of Arc Target 603. The center of Circular Markings 605 must coincide with the Center of Arc 632. This is the difference between Locator 601 and Locator 301. In
Arc Target 603 can be any kind of existing metal circular arc target. A Hanging Means 615 is used for hanging Arc Target 603 onto a structure. The shape and kind of Means 615 of Arc Target 603 is irrelevant for Locator 601. There are many kinds of Means 615 on Arc Target 603 on the market.
In order to analyze the shots in
During usage,
To score the shots, Plate Aft 607 is placed in front and pressed against Arc Target 603. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 align Locator 601 to Arc Target 603. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 are attached to Plate 604. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 need to be in proper locations for aligning Circular Markings 605. As previously stated, Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 are the aligning members. During usage these aligning members place Circular Markings 605 concentric to Center of Arc 632.
During scoring, Left Member 617 takes a Left Path 613 when approaching Arc Target 603. During scoring, Right Member 618 takes a Right Path 614 when approaching Arc Target 603. During scoring, Left Member 617 is resting on Left Contact 611 and Right Member 618 is resting on Right Contact 612. During scoring, Left Contact 611 and Right Contact 612 are shown on Rim 633. Circular shape of Arc Target 603 allows Left Contact 611 and Right Contact 612 random radial location on Arc Target 603. Locator 601 can rest with Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 on Rim 633 during usage. However hand support is needed if Left Contact 611 and Right Contact 612 are on the lower rim side. Clocking rotation of Plate 604 is irrelevant because Circular Markings 605 and Arc Target 603 are concentric.
Left Member 617 is connected at the location of a Left Attachment 619. Right Member 618 is connected at the location of a Right Attachment 620. The joining method of Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 to Plate 604 is insignificant. There are many options of attaching Left Member 617 and Right Member 618. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 can be pressed into holes in Plate 604. Another method of construction is using internal threaded shafts and screws. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 can be an internal threaded shaft. For construction using an internal threaded shaft, two holes are drilled into Plate 604. The holes are drilled on Plate 604 at Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 locations. Screws are inserted into the holes. Thread Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 onto the screws. Another method of construction is using shafts with threaded ends screwed into Plate 604. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 can be shafts with threaded ends. The threaded ends can be screwed into threaded holes on Plate 604. Another method of construction is bonding Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 to Plate Aft 607.
In constructing Locator 601, the Circular Markings 605 is inscribed on Plate 604. Calculate a Left Distance 636, which is half the Diameter 635 of Arc Target 603. Calculate a Right Distance 637, which is half the Diameter 635 of Arc Target 603. Therefore, Left Distance 636 and Right Distance 637 are the same distance. From the contact point of Left Member 617 at Left Contact 611 to the center of Circular Markings 605, is Left Distance 636. From the contact point of Right Member 618 at Right Contact 612 to the center of Circular Markings 605, is Right Distance 637. The center of the Circular Markings 605 is in the middle of Diameter 635. Left Member 617 and Right Member 618 need sufficient separation to clear the Means 615 when contacting Rim 633.
During metal target shooting, Arc Target 603 is spray painted after a predetermined string of shots. This is customary to help marksmen find the locations of future bullet imprints. Usually not enough time is allowed for the paint to dry. A Spacer 621 is placed on Plate Aft 607. Spacer 621 prevents Plate Aft 607 from coming into contact with wet paint on Target Front 609. A stained Plate Aft 607 would make it impossible to see the Imprints 602 though the Plate 604.
Circular Markings 605 can be inscribed on either side of Plate 604. During fabrication, keep all Spacer 621 away from Circular Markings 605 lines. Viewing accuracy of Imprints 602 may be impaired if Spacer 621 are located on Circular Markings 605 lines. Scoring Value 622 may be inscribed in Circular Markings 605, the same as standard targets. Value 622 represents how accurate the shot is. The shot located closes to the center, shows the greater score value on Value 622.
Arc Target 603 is not perfectly rounded due to manufacturing tolerances. Because of this, different radial positioning may affect the location of Circular Markings 605. The change in different radial positioning may prevent position repeatability when analyzing the Imprints 602. As previously explained, not obtaining position repeatability may cause score disagreements between competitors. To obtain position repeatability, the vertical column line of Value 622 needs to be vertical during usage. In case of disputes among competitors, a bobble level may be used on the column of Value 622.
The Bullet Impact Locator 601 is very simple to use. Procedure No. 5 is used for analyzing Unmarked Metal Circular Arc Target 603. You can start analyzing a Plurality of Bullet Imprints 602 once all shots are completed on Arc Target 603. This procedure is used when Locator 601 and Arc Target 603 have matching radius.
Locator 601 is placed against Metal Target 603 to analyze Imprints 602 as follows:
Following are methods of creating Spacer 421 and Spacer 621. Only Spacer 621 will be explained since the same method applies to Spacer 421.
Following are methods of creating Target Markings 105, 205, 305 and 405 for Plate 104, 204, 304 and 404. The same method is to create Circular Markings 605 for Plate 604. Only Target Markings 105 will be demonstrated.
Any means of creating target markings on Plate 104 is acceptable.
The same Bullet Impact Locator principle is used for all embodiments. However a different method of construction and operation is needed as it was explained. Locator 101, 201, 301, 401 and 601 works in conjunction with metal targets. Locator 101, 201, 301, 401 and 601 are essentially comprised of the same components. The components are transparent plate, target markings and aligning means. Spacer 421 and Spacer 621 may be included in any of the Bullet Impact Locators. Modifications of Locator 101, 201, 301, 401 and 601 can be made. Construction, arrangement and combination may be made without departing from the device's principle.
From the description above, a number of advantages of the Bullet Impact Locator become evident:
The Bullet Impact Locator enables users to analyze the shots on unmarked metal targets. It is impossible to see the accuracy of shots without target markings on metal targets. If target markings are on metal targets they get destroyed by the shots. Stickers with target markings can be used on metal targets. However, stickers are expensive and they can't be reused. Also stickers are difficult to align to the metal targets. The Locator is reusable unlike the stickers and is simple to use. The Locator can last indefinitely and it is more economical than replacing stickers. Aligning means on the Locator aligns the target markings to the metal target. The Locator positions the target markings where metal targets should have markings.
