Patent Application
20240401916
The present invention relates generally to targets for firearm sport shooting and training and, more particularly to a reusable apparatus for holding a target for firearm sport shooting.
A multitude of different target shooting systems are known in the art. The details of these target shooting systems depend largely on the specific requirements or training practices of a shooter.
Targets used in the target shooting systems can range from paper targets to metal targets. These targets are generally arranged at a distant end of a shooting range. Each of the targets can generally be moved around and positioned within the range depending on, for example, a particular training drill or practice need for a shooter.
Commercially available target shooting products typically include a target and a means of holding or supporting the target. The means of holding these targets may vary, but they often include some structural mechanism to both support the target. However, safety is always of paramount concern regarding any firearm or tool for use with the same. Thus, what is needed in the art is a safer target hanging system.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a target hanging system, said system comprising: a first hanging bracket, said first bracket comprising a vertical base having a first end and a second end, said first end of said base having a first extension member connected to said first end of said base and disposed at an obtuse angle from base, said first extension member having a curved end opposite said base, said curved end terminating in a hanging post disposed in parallel to said base such that a hanging slot is disposed in said interior of said bracket, said second end of said base comprising a curve terminating in a connecting post, said connecting post disposed opposite said hanging post and in parallel to said base, said second end of said base further comprising a second extension member connected to said second end of said base, said second extension member disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base; a second hanging bracket, said second bracket comprising a vertical base having a first end and a second end, said first end of said base having a first extension member connected to said first end of said base and disposed at an obtuse angle from base, said first extension member having a curved end opposite said base, said curved end terminating in a hanging post disposed in parallel to said base such that a hanging slot is disposed in said interior of said bracket, said second end of said base comprising a curve terminating in a connecting post, said connecting post disposed opposite said hanging post and in parallel to said base, said second end of said base further comprising a second extension member connected to said second end of said base, said second extension member disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base; and a target comprising a generally flat shape having a pair of hanging post receiving holes.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a target hanging apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a rod; a first hanging bracket, said first bracket comprising a vertical base having a first end and a second end, said first end of said base having a first extension member connected to said first end of said base and disposed at an obtuse angle from base, said first extension member having a curved end opposite said base, said curved end terminating in a hanging post disposed in parallel to said base such that a hanging slot is disposed in said interior of said bracket, said rod disposed in said slot perpendicularly to said base, said second end of said base comprising a curve terminating in a connecting post, said connecting post disposed opposite said hanging post and in parallel to said base, said second end of said base further comprising a second extension member connected to said second end of said base, said second extension member disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base; a second hanging bracket, said second bracket comprising a vertical base having a first end and a second end, said first end of said base having a first extension member connected to said first end of said base and disposed at an obtuse angle from base, said first extension member having a curved end opposite said base, said curved end terminating in a hanging post disposed in parallel to said base such that a hanging slot is disposed in said interior of said bracket, said rod disposed in said slot perpendicularly to said base such that said first bracket and said second bracket are disposed in parallel to each other, said second end of said base comprising a curve terminating in a connecting post, said connecting post disposed opposite said hanging post and in parallel to said base, said second end of said base further comprising a second extension member connected to said second end of said base, said second extension member disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base; and a target plate, said plate comprising a generally flat shape having a pair of connecting post receiving holes, said plate disposed on said bracket such that said connecting posts extend through said receiving holes such that said backing plate is disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a flat surface parallel to said rod.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a target hanging apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a rod; a hanging bracket, said bracket comprising a vertical base having a first end and a second end, said first end of said base having a first extension member connected to said first end of said base and disposed at an obtuse angle from base, said first extension member having a curved end opposite said base, said curved end terminating in a hanging post disposed in parallel to said base such that a hanging slot is disposed in said interior of said bracket, said rod disposed in said slot perpendicularly to said base, a support beam, said support beam connected to said second end of said base, said beam disposed perpendicularly to said bracket, said beam having a first side and a second side with said bracket disposed between said first side and said second side of said beam; first and second plate connecting members, each of said connecting members connected to one of said sides of said beam, said connecting members each having a curved end opposite said beam terminating in a connecting post, each said connecting member further comprising an extension member connected tangentially to said curve, said second extension member disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base; and a backing plate, said plate comprising a generally flat shape having a pair of connecting post receiving holes, said plate disposed on said bracket such that said connecting posts extend through said receiving holes such that said backing plate is disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a flat surface parallel to said rod.
The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.
In the drawings:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.
Thus, all the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Referring still to
Referring now to
Referring again to
Returning to
As illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the brackets 100 and 200 allow the targets to be hung at an angle of slightly greater than 20 degrees (approximately 22 degrees) to the ground. The present invention thus differs from the prior art in enabling a target plate 300 to be hung off of a horizontal cross bar supporting rod 400 and achieve this angled disposition. This angled disposition allows for enhanced safety as bullet fragmentation will be directed downward instead of back at the shooter. Additionally, the leading edge of our targets hanger brackets 100 and 200 are beveled at a 20-degree angle so that there are no flat surfaces facing toward the shooter, thus making the chances of a ricochet directly back at the shooter highly unlikely and therefore enhancing safety.
With reference to
Hanger 500 of system 3000 comprises means 510 for removably placing system 3000 on support rod 400. In a preferred embodiment, means 510 and support rod 400 comprises the same configuration as discussed herein regarding system 1000.
Referring again to
Referring still to
While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
