Patent Application
20200018577
The present disclosure relates to the fields of materials and mechanical engineering. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a reusable shooting target and various embodiments thereof.
Some embodiments described herein relate to a reusable shooting target having one or more crossbars with rotary targets that spin around an axis perpendicular to the line of sight of the shooter, providing the shooter or others with a visual indication of where the bullet passed. In some embodiments, the distance between individual rotary targets on a specific crossbar is less than the width of common bullets to prevent bullets from passing between the rotary targets. In some embodiments, the distance between any of crossbars is large enough so that when an individual rotary target spins, it does not collide with another rotary target or crossbar.
In one aspect, a reusable shooting target is disclosed. The reusable shooting target includes, for example, a plurality of rotary targets, each individual rotary target having a target plate section having a bottom end, a top end, a front end, and a back end, and a pivot section. In some embodiments, the top end of the target plate section is fixedly or removably attached to the pivot section; and wherein the front end and the back end of the target plate section are substantially flat. In some embodiments, the reusable shooting target further includes a plurality of crossbars, each crossbar having a first end, a body portion, and a second end, two or more front legs, each individual front leg a bar including a bottom end; a body portion; and a top end, and a plurality of back legs, each individual back leg a bar including a back end; a body portion; and a front end. In some embodiments, the body portion or top end of each individual front leg is fixedly attached to the front end of one of the back legs, the first end of each individual crossbar is fixedly or removably attached to the body portion of one of the back legs, the second end of each individual crossbar is fixedly or removably attached to the body portion of another one of the back legs. In some embodiments, the pivot section of each individual rotary target is fixedly or removably attached to the body section of one of the crossbars, such that the target plate section of the rotary target is positioned below the crossbar to which the pivot section is attached. In some embodiments, the pivot section of each individual rotary target and the crossbar to which the pivot section is attached are together adapted such that when hit with a bullet the rotary target spins around an axis aligned with the respective crossbar to which the rotary target is attached. In some embodiments, the individual rotary targets adjacent to each other on an individual crossbar are separated from one another by a distance d1, and d1 is less than 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the individual crossbars adjacent to each other are separated by a distance d2, and d2 is a value large enough so that an individual spinning rotary target will not collide with another rotary target or crossbar. In some embodiments, each of the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets are include or are formed of at least one bullet-resistant material.
In some embodiments, the d1 is less than 0.200 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is less than 0.100 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is 0.04 inches to 0.370 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is 0.04 inches to 0.320 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is 0.04 inches to 0.280 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is 0.04 inches to 0.215 inches. In some embodiments, the d1 is 0.04 inches to 0.165 inches. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, or the rotary targets include or are formed of mild steel. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 400 to 500 HB. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 500 to 700 HB. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets include or are formed of steel with Brinell value of about 505 to 600 HB. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 510 to 575 HB. In some embodiments, the front legs, the back legs, the crossbars, and the rotary targets include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 515 to 540 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate sections are attached to the pivot sections by tungsten inert gas welds or other weld processes. In some embodiments, the target plate sections comprise at least one weather-resistant coating or decorative paint.
In some embodiments, the body portion of the back legs comprise a plurality of holes configured to receive the first ends or the second ends of the crossbars. In some embodiments, the first end of each crossbar is mated with one of the holes of a back leg and extends through the crossbar to the opposite side. In some embodiments, the second end of each crossbar is mated with one of the holes of a back leg and extends through the crossbar to the opposite side. In some embodiments, each first end and second end of the crossbars is secured to a nut. In some embodiments, the rotary targets are separated the back legs by thread and nuts. In some embodiments, the rotary targets are separated the back legs by washers or bolts.
In some embodiments, the bottom end of each of the two or more front legs is configured to rest upon a support surface. In some embodiments, the bottom end of each of the two or more front legs is configured to be fixedly or removably attached to a support surface. In some embodiments, the bottom end of each of the two or more front legs is configured to be fixedly or removably inserted into a support surface. In some embodiments, the back end of each individual back leg a bar of the plurality of back legs is configured to rest upon the support surface. In some embodiments, the back end of each individual back leg a bar of the plurality of back legs is configured to be fixedly or removably attached to the support surface. In some embodiments, the back end of each individual back leg a bar of the plurality of back legs is configured to be fixedly or removably inserted into the support surface.
In another aspect, a shooting target system is provided. The system may include, for example, a reusable shooting target, including a plurality of rotary targets, each individual rotary target comprising a target plate section having a bottom end, a top end, a front end, and a back end, and a pivot section, the top end of the target plate section fixedly or removably attached to the pivot section, and the front end and the back end of the target plate section are substantially flat. The system may include, for example, a plurality of crossbars, each crossbar comprising a first end, a body portion, and a second end, two front legs, each individual front leg a bar comprising a bottom end, a body portion, and a top end, and a plurality of back legs, each individual back leg a bar comprising a back end, a body portion, and a front end. The system may include, for example, a shield attached to the reusable shooting target and configured to protect the two front legs.
In some embodiments, the shield includes a body and two support rods, each of the two support rods connected to the body by a plate. In some embodiments, the two support rods are removably attached to the shooting target by each fitting within a hollow space at the corresponding top of the two front legs.
The features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The drawings may not be drawn to scale.
“Front” as used herein indicates than an element holds a position closer to shooter 103 than the corresponding “back” element. The two front legs 105 include bars oriented substantially parallel to one another, wherein each bar is configured to connect to one of the two back legs 110. When the shooting target 100 is positioned appropriately for operation, front legs 105 are substantially vertical. Moreover, when shooting target 100 is positioned appropriately for operation, the angles 125 between front legs 105 and back legs 110 are valued between 40 and 70 degrees, more preferably between 50 and 60 degrees, and most preferably between 53 and 57 degrees. Front legs 105 can be secured to back legs 110 through any suitable means. For example, front legs 105 can include threaded openings to interlock with threaded sections of back legs 110. Alternatively, front legs 105 can be secured to back legs 110 by welding or by one or more fasteners. In regard to composition, front legs 105 and back legs 110 can include any material suitable for a shooting target. For example, front legs 105 and back legs 110 can include a polycarbonate polymer such as Lexan®, a para-aramid synthetic fiber such as Kevlar®, a carbon fiber composite material, titanium, and/or a hardened steel resistant to plastic deformation, such as martensite. In some embodiments, front and back legs 110 include or are formed of a mild steel. In some embodiments, front and back legs 110 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 400 to 550 HB. In some embodiments, front and back legs 110 include steel with a Brinell value of about 500 to 900 HB. In some embodiments, front and back legs 100 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 500 to 700 HB. In some embodiments, front and back legs 110 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 505 to 600 HB. In some embodiments, front and back legs 110 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 510 to 575 HB. In preferred embodiments, front and back legs 110 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 515 to 540 HB. In some embodiments, the lengths of front legs 105 and back legs 110 are adjustable to account for uneven support surfaces 120. In other embodiments, front legs 105 and back legs 110 also include one or more weather-resistant coatings such as coatings including polyurethane, zinc, molybdenum disulfide, polyphenylene sulfide, epoxy, phenol, manganese phosphate, zinc phosphate, or fluorinated polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers. In other embodiments, front legs 105 and back legs 110 also include a decorative paint.
Back legs 110 are configured to connect to each other via one or more crossbars 115.
Secured to each of crossbars 115 are rotary targets 130.
Each target plate section 135 is secured to a pivot section 140, which is attached to the respective crossbar 115 to which the rotary target 130 is attached, typically in the form of a loop. Both the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 can include any material suitable for a shooting target. For example, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 can include a polycarbonate polymer such as Lexan®, a para-aramid synthetic fiber such as Kevlar®, a carbon fiber composite material, titanium, and/or a hardened steel resistant to plastic deformation, such as martensite or a mild steel. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include or are formed of a mild steel. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include or are formed of steel with a Brinell value of about 400 to 550 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include steel with a Brinell value of about 500 to 900 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include steel with a Brinell value of about 500 to 700 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include steel with a Brinell value of about 505 to 600 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include steel with a Brinell value of about 510 to 575 HB. In preferred embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include steel with a Brinell value of about 515 to 540 HB. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 and the pivot section 140 of each rotary target 130 include different bullet-resistant materials.
Moreover, the target plate section 135 can be secured to the pivot section 140 through any suitable means. In some embodiments, the target plate section 135 is secured to the pivot section 140 by a weld. In preferred embodiments, the weld securing target plate section 135 to pivot section 140 is a tungsten inert gas weld. In other embodiments, the weld securing target plate section 135 to pivot section 140 is a plasma arc weld or other weld process. In some embodiments, target plate section 135 and pivot section 140 include one continuous metal sheet, wherein the metal sheet is bent or otherwise shaped into a loop around the respective crossbar 115, and the metal sheet is welded onto itself to secure the rotary target 130 to its respective crossbar 115. In some embodiments, that weld onto itself is on the backside of the rotary target 130, so that the weld is shielded from approaching bullets.
As shown in
Referring back to
b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of how crossbars 115 and back legs 105 can be configured to connect to one another. In embodiments of this kind, crossbars 115 at each end extend through one or the other of back legs 110, which contain holes 155 (illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the plate 206 can detachably connect to the body 201 using common mechanical fasteners (e.g. nuts and bolts). In some of these embodiments, the fasteners are installed in countersunk holes, so as not to expose the fasteners to bullets. In other embodiments, more permanent methods (e.g. welding, bonding) are used to connect the plate 206 to the body 201. In other embodiments, the plate 206 and body 201 are formed from the same material. In some embodiments, each plate 206 has a width (measured in a direction parallel to the top side 208) of approximately 1 inch and a depth (measured in a direction perpendicular to its width) of approximately 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, each plate 206 is formed of mild steel. In some embodiments, a top portion of the plate 206 is a 1 inch by 1 inch square portion welded approximately an ⅛ inch below the top of the body 201 (on the rear portion 204). In some embodiments, the support rods 212 connects to the plate 206 by a common mechanical fastener. In other embodiments, the support rods 212 are connected to the plate through a more permanent method (e.g. welding, bonding). The support rods 212 are sized to be narrower than the opening of a modified leg 205 so that the support rod 212 can extend through the opening of the modified leg 205. In some embodiments, the support rods 212 are each about 3 inches in length (as measured from the attachment to the plate 206 to the tip furthest therefrom). In some embodiments, the support rods 212 each have an approximately cylindrical body approximately ½ inch in diameter. In some embodiments, the support rods 212 are formed of rod mild steel and are each welded to a center of a 1 inch by 1 inch plate 206 formed of mild steel. In some embodiments, a gap of approximately ¼ inch is created between the support rods 212 and the rear portion 204 of the body 201.
As can be seen in
The body 201, plate 206, and support rods 212 can be manufactured using a variety of different materials and methods. For example, the body 201, plate 206, and support rods 212 may be made of any suitably strong and durable material, such as, for instance, metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), metal alloy (e.g., aluminum alloys), reinforced plastic, a plastic material, or other materials described herein. The body 201, plate 206, and support rods 212 may be made by any suitable process, such as, for instance, machining, milling, water jet cutting, laser cutting, stamping, pressing, sheet metal drawing, molding, casting, rapid prototyping using additive manufacturing techniques, or any combination thereof.
Although the foregoing has been described in some detail by way of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the forms disclosed herein are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming with the true scope and spirit of the invention.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62695957 | Jul 2018 | US |
