The present invention relates generally to a target clamping device.
A variety of target clamps are used to support targets for live action training. One clamp utilizes a simple pinching action accomplished by utilizing the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane in the form of a screw. It allows the user to place any target that fits between the jaws of the target holder and then clamp it in. The shape of the target near the target head is then defined by the target head. Another concept also utilizes mounting holes corresponding to the Department of Defense target system. It holds the target in place with two hooks and a screw through the front cutout of the target. The target has to be put on to the head with a tool in order for it to snap onto the hooks. The method used to hold the
While these target clamps are able to secure a specific stationary infantry target designed for the clamp, they fail to hold more than one type of target, which limits the user to a single stationary infantry target to be used.
a-3c are views of a three-dimensional stationary infantry target;
Referring to the drawings, a target clamp assembly 10 is illustrated that is able to securely support a variety of stationary infantry targets 12 for use at a firing range. As a result, the target clamp assembly 10 allows a range master to choose from the various different types of targets 12, namely, two-dimensional or three-dimensional targets, to present to the user. For example, the target clamp assembly 10 allows the user to select a substantially two-dimensional target 12a, such as an “E-Target” (as shown in
The target clamp assembly 10 includes a target holder 14 that is secured to a target presentation device or base member 16. The target holder 14 includes a frame 18 for rigidly supporting both the three-dimensional target 12c and also the two-dimensional E-target 12b by utilizing cutouts in the respective target 12 (as predefined in each target 12 according to set guidelines). The frame 18 includes two arms 20, 22 that support a cross arm member 24 connected between the two tube arms 20, 22. The two arms 20, 22 are connected to the base member 16 using mount bearings 21 that are affixed to the target presentation device 16 and cylindrical arms 19 that are connected to the two tube arms 20, 22 (see
The cross arm member 24 also includes a third or front protrusion 26. In the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
Looking to
In operation, the user will move the adjust the locking handle 34 of the clamps 28, 30 so that the clamping plates 32 are slid into an open position. The user will then position the target 12 so that the front protrusion 26 traverses the central aperture 40 or engages the target 12 itself. The distal apertures 42, 44 or slots 43 are then placed about the respective two rear protrusions 24l, 24r of the target 12. The user will then adjust the locking handle 34 of the clamps 28, 30 to draw the clamping plates 32 toward the cross arm 24b to thereby secure the target 12 to the target holder 14. By the time the target 12 is engaged by the clamping plates 32, a hit sensor 50 will engage the target 12 for a central processor 11 to monitor the target 12 as discussed below.
The target holder assembly 10 utilizes a different method to support two dimensional targets 12, such as
In operation, the user will move the adjust the locking handle 34 of the clamps 28, 30 so that the clamping plates 32 are slid into an open position. The user will then position the target 12 so that the front protrusion 26 traverses the central aperture 40. At substantially the same time, the target 12 will slide into the receiving grooves 27. The user will then adjust the locking handle 34 of the clamps 28, 30 to draw the clamping plates 32 toward the cross arm 24b to thereby secure the target 12 to the target holder 14. By the time the target 12 is engaged by the clamping plates 32, the hit sensor 50 will engage the target 12 for the central processor 11 to monitor the target 12 as discussed below.
As previously noted, a hit sensor 50 may additionally be attached to the cross arm member 24. The hit sensor 50 will engage the target 12 when the target 12 is drawn toward the cross arm member 24 to engage the third protrusion 26 into the middle cutout of the target 12. The hit sensor 50 is able to monitor the status of the target 12 during use and generates a corresponding signal. The hit sensor 50 is connected to the central processor 11, which is a type known in the art. The central processor 11 may be housed in the enclosure or base member 16 and connected to the hit sensor 50 via an electrical connection that may be made through conduit 52.
The target holder 14 can be attached to a stationary infantry target (SIT) enclosure for the target presentation device 16 to hold the targets 12. Various targets 12 that can be buttressed by the target holder assembly 10 include, but are not limited to, the 3D Personnel Target NSN 6920-01-164-9625, plastic E-Target NSN 6920-00-071-4780, and any other target having mounting holes corresponding with the Department of Defense target system featured on the two aforementioned targets. Another target 12 that can be held is the Ministry of Defense FIG. 11/59 target NH/6920-99-792-394-2, and likewise targets 12 having the same mounting features.
No tools are needed to change the target 12, and the replacement of targets 12 can be performed quickly and efficiently. Testing by various persons shows that it takes less than 30 seconds to place a target 12 into the frame 18 and clamp it into place. It allows the three-dimensional target 12a to retain its natural shape to maintain rigidity. Further, it produces a curve in the two dimensional “waffle” target 12b to increase the rigidity of the target 12.
Cycle testing was done with the target 12 completing 14,000 cycles in the target holder assembly 10. It was performed with the target 12 subjected to its normal environmental aspects such as wind, rain, sun, snow, and cold. The target 12 showed slight wear at the point the rear hooks contacted the target 12 and some stress marks where the edge of the clamp contacted the target 12. Neither one of the aspects affected the ability of the cross arm 24 to hold the target 12 or caused the target 12 to become weak and not function properly.
Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of this disclosure as described herein and as described in the appended claims.
This non-provisional patent application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/953,465, filed on Aug. 1, 2007, said application relied upon and incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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60953465 | Aug 2007 | US |