BACKGROUND
Shooting targets are objects in various forms and shapes that are used for pistol, rifle, shotgun and other shooting sports. In certain instances, a shooting target can include a center area, commonly called a bullseye and peripheral areas extending radially therefrom.
Shooting targets can be made from various materials, including the non-limiting examples of paper, “self-healing” rubber, wood, polymer-based materials or steel. In some instances, a shooting target can include electronics configured to provide the shooter with precise feedback of the projectile placement.
Shooting targets can embody different forms. In one non-limiting example, the shooting target can be a passive structure configured as a two-dimensional flat surface. In other instances, a shooting target can be a reactive target designed to move and/or bounce along the ground when struck with a projectile. Reactive targets are often used for plinking, which refers to casual shooting practices aiming at informal target objects such as tin cans, glass bottles, steel barrels/plates, or anything else that draws the shooter's attention. In another instance, the shooting target can be explosive, that is, the shooting target is designed to explode when stuck with a projectile traveling at a suitable velocity to induce detonation.
In still another non-limiting example, the shooting target can incorporate moveable elements configured to move/rotate when struck with a projectile.
It would be advantageous to provide a shooting target with easily resettable moveable elements.
SUMMARY
It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, not is it intended to limit the scope of the resettable target system.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a resettable target system. The resettable target system includes a base member and a support framework attached to the base member. A faceplate is attached to the support framework and a shaft is supported by the support framework. A plurality of target plate assemblies is supported for rotation by the shaft. The plurality of target plate assemblies is rotatable between a first inclined orientation and a second resting orientation. A reset framework is supported for rotation by the shaft. The reset framework is configured to rotate the plurality of target plate assemblies from the second resting orientation to the first inclined orientation.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a method of using a resettable target system. The method includes the steps of attaching a support framework to a base member, attaching a faceplate to the support framework, supporting a shaft with the support framework; supporting a plurality of target plate assemblies for rotation by the shaft, the plurality of target plate assemblies rotatable between a first inclined orientation and a second resting orientation and supporting the shaft for rotation with a reset framework, the reset framework configured to rotate the plurality of target plate assemblies from the second resting orientation to the first inclined orientation.
Various objects and advantages of the resettable target system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resettable target system.
FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of the resettable target system of FIG. 1, illustrating target plate assemblies in an inclined orientation.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the resettable target system of FIG. 1, illustrating target plate assemblies in an inclined orientation.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the resettable target system of FIG. 1, illustrating target plate assemblies in a resting orientation.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the resettable target system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support framework of the resettable target system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of target plate assemblies and a reset framework of the resettable target system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the plurality of target plate assemblies and the reset framework of FIG. 8, shown in a resting orientation.
FIG. 9 is a left side view of the plurality of target plate assemblies and the reset framework of FIG. 9, shown rotating to an inclined orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The resettable target system will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The resettable target system may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of resettable target system to those skilled in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the resettable target system belongs. The terminology used in the description of the resettable target system herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the resettable target system. As used in the description of the resettable target system and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the resettable target system. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the resettable target system are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.
The description and figures disclose a resettable target system. Generally, the resettable target system provides a plurality of rotatable target plate assemblies that are initially seated against a support framework at a slight incline relative to a faceplate. The faceplate includes apertures associated with each of the target plate assemblies. As a projectile travels through an aperture and strikes a target plate assembly, the target plate assembly is free to rotate from the inclined orientation to a resting orientation. In the resting orientation, the target plate assembly is seated against a reset member. At a time desired by an operator, the reset member can actuate a rotational movement of the target plate assembly to return the target plate assembly back to the slightly inclined orientation.
The term “resettable”, as used herein, is defined to mean the capacity to be reset to a previous orientation. The term “target”, as used herein, is defined to mean an object, or place selected as the aim of a projectile.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, one non-limiting embodiment of a resettable target system (hereafter “target system”) is shown generally at 10. The target system 10 is configured to provide one or more targets that are easily reset to a viewable position after being struck by a projectile and subsequently rotating out of view. The target system 10 includes a base member 12, a faceplate 14, a support framework 16, a plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e, a shaft 20 and a reset framework 22.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the base member 12 includes a front edge 24 configured to abut a portion of the faceplate 14 and a substantially flat, horizontal top surface 26 configured to receive the support framework 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 12 has a rectangular shape and is formed from a metallic material, such as the non-limiting example of steel. However, in other embodiments, the base member 12 can have other shapes and can be formed from other materials or combinations of materials, including the non-limiting examples of wood and polymer-based materials, sufficient to abut a portion of the faceplate 14 and receive the support framework 16.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the faceplate 14 rigidly extends in a vertically upward orientation from the front edge 24 of the base member 12. The faceplate 14 includes a plurality of apertures 28a-28e (FIG. 1) extending therethrough, with each of the apertures 28a-28e configured to expose an associated target plate assembly 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are seated against the support framework 16 at a slight incline relative to the faceplate 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The apertures 28a-28e can have any desired shape and size, sufficient to expose an associated target plate assembly 18a-18e when the target plate assembly 18a-18e is in the seated and inclined orientation. It should also be appreciated that the apertures 28a-28e can have any desired relative arrangement within the faceplate 14.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, in the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate 14 has a rectangular shape and is formed from a metallic material, such as the non-limiting example of steel. The selected metallic material is configured to absorb the impact of a projectile that hits the faceplate 14 in lieu of traveling through one of the apertures 28a-28e. However, in other embodiments, the faceplate 14 can have other shapes and can be formed from other materials or combinations of materials, including the non-limiting example reinforced polymer-based materials, sufficient to absorb the impact of a projectile that hits the faceplate 14 in lieu of traveling through one of the apertures 28a-28e.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the support framework 16 includes spaced apart and opposing first and second mounts 30a, 30b. Each of the first and second mounts 30a, 30b includes a bottom edge 32, front edge 34, support segment 36 and an arcuate segment 38. The bottom edge 32 is configured to seat on the top surface 26 of the base member 12 and further configured for attachment to the base member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom edge 32 is attached to the base member 12 by welding. However, in other embodiments, the bottom edge 32 can be attached to the base member 12 by other mechanisms, structures and devices, including the non-limiting examples of clips, clamps and fasteners.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the front edge 34 extends in a substantially vertical, upward direction from the bottom edge 32. The front edge 34 includes a top end 40.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the support segment 36 extends from the front edge 34 along the bottom edge 32. The support segment 36 includes an aperture 42. As will be explained in more detail below, the aperture 42 is configured to receive the shaft 20 therethrough.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the arcuate segment 38 extends from the support segment 36 to the top end 40 of the front edge 34. The arcuate segment 38 includes a top end 44. As shown in FIG. 5, the top end 44 of the arcuate segment 38 forms a substantially flat surface 46. The flat edge 46 forms an angle α with the front edge 34. As will be explained in more detail below, the angle α allows the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e to seat in a flush arrangement against the flat surface 46 as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are seated against the support framework 16 at a slight incline relative to the faceplate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is in a range of from about 25° to about 35°. In alternate embodiments, the angle α can be less than about 25° or more than about 35°, sufficient to allow the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e to seat in a flush arrangement against the flat surface 46 as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are seated against the support framework 16 at a slight incline relative to the faceplate 14.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the first and second mounts 30a, 30b are attached to the base member 12 in a manner such that a gap 50 is formed between the front edge 34 of the first and second mounts 30a, 30b and the faceplate 14. The gap 50 is configured to prevent vibration and/or movement of the faceplate 14 from initiating movement of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e rest against the flat surface 46 of the support framework 16 and the faceplate 14 is impacted by projectiles. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 50 has a distance dl in a range of from about 0.0625 inches to about 0.125 inches. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the distance dl can be less than about 0.0625 inches or more than about 0.125 inches, sufficient to prevent vibration and/or movement of the faceplate 14 from initiating movement of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies rest against the flat surface 46 of the support framework 16 and the faceplate 14 is impacted by projectiles.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, an extension member 52 is connected to the first and second spaced apart mounts 30a, 30b. The extension member 52 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is connected to the first and second spaced apart mounts 30a, 30b in a manner such that a major surface 54 of the extension member 52 aligns with the flat surfaces 46 of the first and second spaced apart mounts 30a, 30b. In this orientation, the major surface 54 of the extension member 52 forms the same angle α with the faceplate 14 as is formed by the flat surfaces 46 of the first and second spaced apart mounts 30a, 30b. The angle α allows the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e to seat in a flush arrangement against the major surface 54 of the extension member 52 as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are seated against the support framework 16 at a slight incline relative to the faceplate 14. Without being held to the theory, it is believed the weight of each of the target plate assemblies 18a-18e, in combination with the inclined orientation, is sufficient to maintain the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e in the inclined orientation without requiring addition retention structures. However, it is further contemplated that additional retention structures could be used to maintain the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e in the inclined orientation. One non-limiting example of an additional retention structure is one or more magnets.
Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the first and second mounts 30a, 30b and the extension member 52 are each formed from a metallic material, such as the non-limiting example of steel. The selected metallic material is configured to allow attachment of the first and second mounts 30a, 30b to the base member 12 by welding. The selected metallic material is further configured to absorb the impact of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are rotated into the inclined orientation. However, in other embodiments, the first and second mounts 30a, 30b and the extension member 52 can be formed from other materials, sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the target plate assemblies 18a-18e are illustrated. Target plate assembly 18a is representative of the target plate assemblies 18b-18e and includes a paddle 56 connected to a bearing structure 58. The paddle 56 is a generally planar structure having a first major side 60, an opposing second major side 62, a first end 61 and a second end 63. In an installed position, the first major side 60 faces toward the corresponding aperture in the faceplate 14 and is impacted by a projectile. The second major side 62 faces in a direction away from the aperture in the faceplate 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the target plate assembly 18a has a thickness t. The thickness t corresponds to differing projectile impact energy. As a first non-limiting example, a target plate assembly 18a having a thinner thickness t can be used for projectiles having a lower impact energy. As a second non-limiting example, a target plate assembly 18a having a thicker thickness t can be used for projectiles having a higher impact energy. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness t of the target plate assembly 18a is in a range of from about 0.125 inches to about 0.375 inches. However, in other embodiments, the thickness t of the target plate assembly 18a can be less than about 0.125 inches or more than about 0.375 inches, depending on the impact energy of the projectile.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the bearing structure 58 is connected to the second end 63 of the second major side 62 of the paddle 56 and includes an aperture 64 extending through the bearing 58. The bearing structure 58 is configured as a conduit to receive the shaft 20 therethrough. In an installed position, the bearing structure 58 is further configured for rotation about the shaft 20. The paddle 56 and the bearing structure 58 are connected together in a manner such that rotation of the first end 61 of the paddle 56 results in rotation of the bearing 58 about the shaft 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing structure 58 has the form of a square tube. However, in other embodiments, the bearing structure 58 can have other forms, sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e are assembled on the shaft 20 as the shaft 20 is inserted through the apertures 64 of the bearing structures 58. A washer 66 is positioned on the shaft 20 between adjacent target plate assemblies 18a-18e. Each of the washers 66 includes an aperture 68 configured to receive the shaft 20 therethrough. The washers 66 are configured to space apart the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e. The washers are further configured to reduce the rotational friction of adjacent target plate assemblies 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e rotate from the inclined orientation to the resting orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the washers 66 are formed from a polymeric material, such as the non-limiting example of nylon. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the washers 66 can be formed from other materials sufficient to space apart adjacent target plate assemblies and reduce the rotational friction of adjacent target plate assemblies 18a-18e as the target plate assemblies 18a-18e rotate from the inclined orientation to the resting orientation.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the shaft 20 is configured to support the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e for rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 20 is formed as a continuous threaded element and extends across the length of the faceplate 14. In alternate embodiments, the shaft 20 can be formed from discontinuous, non-threaded elements and can extends more or less across the length of the faceplate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 20 is formed from a metallic material, such as the non-limiting example of steel. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 20 can be formed from other materials or combinations of materials, including the non-limiting example of polymer-based materials, sufficient to support the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e for rotation.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the shaft 20 and the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e are supported and bounded by the reset framework 22. The reset framework 22 is configured for several functions. First, the reset framework 22 is configured to support the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e in the resting orientation. The reset framework 22 is further configured for rotation, thereby facilitating return of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e from the resting orientation to the inclined orientation.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the reset framework 22 includes opposing reset members 70a, 70b, connected together by a cross member 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the reset members 70a, 70b and the cross member 72 are formed from a metallic material, such as the non-limiting example of steel. However, in other embodiments, the reset members 70a, 70b and the cross member 72 can be formed from other suitable materials or combinations of materials, sufficient for the functions described herein. Each of the opposing reset members 70a, 70b includes a lower segment 74, a connector segment 76 and an attachment segment 78.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the lower segments 74 includes an aperture 80 located at a first end 82. The apertures 80 are configured to receive the shaft 20 in a manner that allows rotation of the reset framework 22 about the shaft 20.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the connector segment 76 extends from the lower segment 74 in an upward direction. The connector segment 76 includes a first edge 84 oriented to face toward the faceplate 14 and an opposing second edge 86. The first edge 84 includes a projection 88 extending therefrom. The projection 88 will be discussed in more detail below.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, the attachment segment 78 extends from the connector segment 76 and includes an aperture 90. The aperture 90 is configured to secure a reset line (not shown for purposes of clarity).
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, optional opposing spacers 92a, 92b each include an aperture 94 configured to receive the shaft 20. The spacers 92a. 92b are positioned between the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e and the reset members 70a, 70b respectively. Each of the optional opposing spacers 92a, 92b has a length and the length is configured to account for differences in the accumulated length of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e and the length of the shaft 20.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, a fastener 96 is attached to each of the opposing ends of the shaft 20. The fasteners 96 are configured to retain the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e, the washers 66 and the spacers 92a 92b on the shaft 20. The fastener 96 is further configured to adjust the axial tension on the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e, the washers 66 and the spacers 92a 92b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 96 are threaded hex nuts. In alternate embodiments, the fasteners 96 can have other forms, including the non-limiting examples of clip or clamps.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 8 and 9, operation of the target system 10 will now be described. Referring first to FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e have been rotated about the shaft 20 in a manner such as to seat in the inclined orientation. In the inclined orientation, an end of the plurality of target plate assemblies 18a-18e opposite the bearing structure is seated against the major surface 54 of the extension member 52. In this position, the first major side 60 of each of the target plate assemblies 18a-18e is visible through the associated apertures 28a-28e in the faceplate 14. In a next step, as a projectile (not shown) travels through the one of the apertures 28a-28e and subsequently strikes the first major side 60 of the target plate assembly, the force of the impact of the projectile urges rotation of the target plate assembly about the shaft 20, as shown by direction arrow A. Next and referring now to FIGS. 4 and 8, rotation of the target plate assembly about the shaft 20 continues until the second major side 62 of the target plate assembly has a resting orientation on the cross member 72 of the reset framework 22. In FIG. 8, the resting target plate assembly 18a′ is shown in phantom lines.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, with the orientation of the reset member 70b as shown in FIG. 8, the axis of rotation of the shaft is arranged to be vertically above the longitudinal axis of the cross member 72. The second major side 62 of the target plate assembly forms an angle θ with the base member 12. Without being held to the theory, it is believed the weight of the target plate assembly, combined with the placement of the longitudinal axis of the cross member 72 and the angle θ combine to advantageously prevent the target plate assembly from rebounding of back to the inclined orientation against the major surface 54 of the extension member 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 1 is in a range of from about 8° to about 20°. However, in other embodiments, the angle θ can be less than 8° or more than about 20°, sufficient to prevent a rebound of the target plate assembly back to the inclined orientation when combined with the weight of the target plate assembly and the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the cross member 72.
Referring again to FIG. 8, at the discretion of a user, the user can initiate the return of the target plate assembly to the inclined orientation against the major surface 54 of the extension member 52. In a first step, the user connects an actuation line 98 to the attachment segment 78 of one of the reset members 70a, 70b. In a next step, the user creates tension in the actuation line 98 by pulling on the actuation line 98. Tension on the actuation line 98, in turn, causes rotation of the reset framework 22 about the shaft 20, as shown by direction arrow B. As the reset framework 22 rotates about the shaft 20, the target plate assembly continues to rest against the cross member 72. Accordingly, the target plate assembly rotates about the shaft 20 as the reset framework rotates about the shaft 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation line 98 is a cord. In alternate embodiments, the actuation line 98 can be other mechanisms, structures and devices sufficient to cause rotation of the reset framework 22 about the shaft 20.
Referring now to FIG. 9 in a next step, rotation of the reset framework 22 about the shaft 20, as shown by direction arrow B, continues to cause rotation of the target plate assembly about the shaft 20. Rotation continues until the target plate assembly seats in the inclined orientation against the major surface 54 of the extension member 52 as described above. In this manner, the target plate assembly is ready to be struck by another projectile.
The principle and mode of operation of the resettable target system has been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the resettable target system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.
Patent Application
20190360785
