U.S. patent application number 09/997487 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-23 for biodegradable target with plant nutrients.
Invention is credited to Warren, Robert L..
Application Number | 20020060428 09/997487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26940451 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020060428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warren, Robert L. |
May 23, 2002 |
Biodegradable target with plant nutrients
Abstract
A biodegradable skeet or trap target with a body composed
principally of a composted waste material comprising sewage sludge,
composted animal manure, and/or composted plant matter suitable for
fertilizing plants, encapsulated within a substantially rigid,
frangible matrix formed of a degradable binder material, is
provided by the invention. The body of the target may also comprise
a generally inert granular filler material, preferably sand. As an
alternative to or in addition to the preferred composted waste
material, prepared plant fertilizer may be used as the principal
material in the composition of the target. A method of making a
biodegradable target with plant nutrients is also provided.
Inventors: |
Warren, Robert L.; (Tyler,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ronald B. Sefrna
Sefrna & Associates
P.O. Box 567
Tyler
TX
75710-0567
US
|
Family ID: |
26940451 |
Appl. No.: |
09/997487 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60249906 |
Nov 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/362 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 1/01 20130101; F41J
9/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/362 |
International
Class: |
F41J 009/16 |
Claims
1. A biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target comprising a
substantially rigid cohesive body with an aerodynamic
configuration, said body constructed of materials comprising in
principal part a plant fertilizing material and a biodegradable
binder material adhering said plant fertilizing material in a solid
mass to form said body.
2. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
wherein said plant fertilizing material comprises sewage
sludge.
3. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
wherein said plant fertilizing material comprises composted animal
manure.
4. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
wherein said plant fertilizing material comprises composted plant
material.
5. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 4,
wherein said composted plant material comprises one or more
materials selected from the group consisting of composted seed
hulls, composted grain hulls, composted plant stems, and composted
plant leaves.
6. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
wherein said binder material comprises sodium silicate.
7. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
wherein said material of construction of said body further
comprises a generally inert filler material.
8. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 7,
wherein said filler material comprises sand.
9. The biodegradable breakable skeet and trap target of claim 1,
further comprising a coloring material applied to the outer surface
of said body.
10. A composition for forming a biodegradable, breakable skeet and
trap target, comprising a plant fertilizing material for providing
plant nutrients to the soil upon degradation of the target; and a
biodegradable binder material for encapsulating said plant
fertilizing material in a solid matrix upon formation of the target
and releasing said plant fertilizing material upon degradation of
the target.
11. The composition of claim 10, wherein said plant fertilizing
material is of organic composition.
12. The composition of claim 10, wherein said plant fertilizing
material comprises sewage sludge.
13. The composition of claim 10, wherein said plant fertilizing
material comprises composted animal manure.
14. The composition of claim 10, wherein said plant fertilizing
material comprises composted vegetation.
15. The composition of claim 10, further comprising a generally
inert filler material.
16. The composition of claim 15, wherein said filler material
comprises sand.
17. The composition of claim 10, wherein said binder material
comprises sodium silicate.
18. A method of making a skeet and trap target containing plant
fertilizing materials, comprising the steps of mixing a quantity of
a plant fertilizer material with a smaller quantity of a generally
inert granular material; mixing with said plant fertilizing
material and said filler material a sufficient quantity of a liquid
binder material, said binder material being curable to a solid
form, to produce a moldable slurry; placing said slurry in a target
mold; leaving said slurry in said mold until said binder partially
cures to a sufficient state to maintain the shape of said target
when removed from said mold; removing said target from said mold;
and allowing said binder to fully cure.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising the additional step of
applying a non-toxic coloring agent to said target after removal of
said target from said mold.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein a non-toxic coloring agent is
mixed with said plant fertilizer and said binder prior to placing
said slurry in said mold.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application serial No. 60/249,906, filed Nov. 20, 2000
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to targets for trap
and skeet shooting, and in its preferred embodiments more
specifically relates to completely biodegradable targets that are
non-toxic and that are composed of materials which provide
nutrients for plants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shooting sports such as trap and skeet shooting are very
popular, and the number of ranges at which these sports are
practiced is significant. The number of targets used each year for
trap and skeet shooting is very large. Traditionally, skeet targets
have been constructed of clay or a similar material, using pitches,
tars, and other petroleum derivatives as binders. These binder
materials are toxic to animals and plants, and create environmental
hazards as the result of leaching into the soil and potentially
contaminating surface water and ground water sources. In addition,
targets of the traditional construction are not readily degradable,
and expended targets and shards of broken targets accumulated on
the ground until they were removed and disposed of. In more recent
years, various other approaches have been used to construct skeet
targets in an effort to alleviate the problems associated with the
traditional construction.
[0004] In one approach, illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,118, a
target construction without the toxic pitches and/or petroleum
derivatives as binders was introduced. The '118 patent discloses a
target comprising plaster, and optionally chalk, fly ash and/or
heavy spar, with non-toxic binders and other additives. The primary
improvement associated with the '118 patent is the omission of
actively toxic constituents.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,243 discloses an example of a
biodegradable target, composed of cellulose wood flour, surfactant,
and an organic binder such as a urea binder. In a somewhat similar
approach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,142 discloses a composition for a
biodegradable clay target. The target disclosed by the '142 patent
is composed of clay with a binder consisting of sodium silicate,
with or without dextrin. The '142 patent also discloses the
incidental inclusion of a small amount, less than one percent by
weight, of a mixture of plants seeds and fertilizer pellets. The
seeds and fertilizer pellets are not combined within the structure
of the target, but, if used, are adhered to a portion of the
surface after the target is formed. Although the optional inclusion
of a small quantity of seeds and fertilizer pellets as disclosed by
the '142 patent represents an increasingly environmentally friendly
philosophy, the inclusion of seeds and fertilizer to encourage
their growth is not necessarily desirable. If the seeds do
germinate and grow, the species of plant may not be desirable to
shooting range operators, especially if the seeds and resulting
plant growth is not well dispersed but produces clumps or patches
of growth. Further, inorganic fertilizers may be toxic to birds and
small animals, and the adhesion of seeds and fertilizer pellets may
encourage consumption by foraging birds and animals of the
fertilizer pellets along with the seeds.
[0006] Another approach to a biodegradable target is illustrated by
U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,998, which discloses a composition including
flour and a granular edible constituent such as birdseed or grain.
An edible and biodegradable polymer is also disclosed as an
optional filler. The '998 patent does not disclose the inclusion of
any form of fertilizer. In the target disclosed by the '998 patent,
the edible constituent comprises approximately two thirds of the
volume of the target. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,581 discloses a target
composed of a granular edible constituent such as birdseed,
legumes, or oatmeal, in a matrix of crystalized sugar. The edible
constituent is disclosed to comprise approximately one half the
volume of the target. One of the purposes of the prior art targets
comprising a substantial portion of birdseed and other edible
materials is to feed, and therefore attract, birds and other
wildlife. Since the number of targets used at a shooting range can
be large, the amount of food available from such targets is
potentially also large. The availability of such a concentrated
food source can be expected to attract large numbers of birds and
other wildlife to the shooting area. The concentration of,
especially, birds on and around a shooting range is not desirable.
Large numbers of flying birds create a significant distraction to a
shooter trying to visually follow a flying target. In addition, the
presence of birds either disrupts activity on the range if the
shooters withhold firing to avoid hitting birds, or results in the
wounding and killing of birds if the shooters do not withhold. To
the extent that seeds comprising the targets remain viable after
the process of making the targets, uneaten seeds may germinate and
create undesirable plant growth, increasing the maintenance
requirements for the operator of the shooting range.
[0007] There remains a need for a skeet target that overcomes the
problems and disadvantages of not only the traditional targets, but
also the disadvantages and problems associated with other targets
known in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is among the objects of the present invention to provide
a skeet target that is free of any materials that are toxic to
animal or plant life, or in any way detrimental to the
environment.
[0009] It is further among the objects of the invention to provide
such a skeet target that is biodegradable and comprises organic
materials that are beneficial to plants and soil, and to the
environment in general, but that will not attract birds and other
wildlife in undesirable numbers.
[0010] It is still further among the objects of the invention to
provide such a skeet target that beneficially utilizes materials
commonly considered to be and disposed of as waste.
[0011] The present invention provides a skeet and trap target that
is wholly biodegradable and that will, upon decomposition,
fertilize and condition the soil and existing plants where the
target or broken pieces thereof fall. The target of the invention
comprises principally an organic fertilizing and conditioning
component, mixed with a filler material, preferably sand, and a
liquid binder which will cure to form a matrix encapsulating the
fertilizer and filler. The target is formed into a generally
conventional saucer shape in a form or mold. The target has
sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the forces imposed by
a mechanical target throwing apparatus, but is easily breakable by
the impact of shot from a shotgun blast. The target is formed with
an aerodynamic shape, and with a size and weight so that when
thrown it will exhibit essentially the same type of flight pattern
as a conventional clay target, making the target suitable for use
in both recreational and competitive shooting.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the invention the principal
material from which the target is formed comprises a thoroughly
dried composted waste material, such as sewage sludge, composted
animal manure, or a mixture of the two. The material is effectively
sterilized by the drying process, or by other sterilization means,
and is mixed with sharp sand or other suitable filler material. The
dry ingredients are then mixed with a sufficient quantity of binder
material, in liquid form, to achieve a workable consistency,
generally as a thick slurry or dough-like mass. The slurry is
placed in a mold or form and compacted into the desired
configuration for the target. The binder is allowed to cure
sufficiently for the targets to be removed from the mold or form,
and the curing process is completed. After the targets are removed
from the mold or form, they may be sprayed on one or both sides
with a non-toxic, preferably water soluble colorant, such as a food
coloring, in any desired color. The colorant may be mixed with the
material prior to forming the targets, but the application of a
light surface coating is preferred.
[0013] The composition of the target of the invention is
susceptible to a number of variations in composition within the
scope of the object of providing beneficial nutrients to plants and
to the soil. As an alternative to the preferred sewage sludge
and/or composted animal manure, or as an additional constituent
therewith, the target of the invention may comprise composted plant
matter, including but not limited to yard wastes, seed or grain
hulls, agricultural wastes, and the like. These materials are
typically disposed of as waste, but when used in the production of
the target of the invention are put to a commercially productive
use and then returned to the environment in a beneficial manner.
Pelletized or granulated fertilizer, preferably slow-release and
more preferably also of wholly organic composition, may be utilized
as well. Other soil additives and/or conditioners, such as enzymes
or algae in inactive form, could be added in appropriate quantities
to the primary materials during the production process, if
desired.
[0014] In the preferred embodiment the binder comprises a mixed
silicate based liquid and liquid catalyst, which cures to produce a
sodium silicate matrix encapsulating the dry components of the
target. The cured sodium silicate structure is rigid and hard, but
readily breakable upon impact as when struck by shot from a
shotgun. It should be understood, however, that other binder
materials, such as a biodegradable polymer or even a sugar-based
material, could be used within the scope of the invention, so long
as they are of suitable characteristics to achieve the objects of
the invention.
[0015] When the binder is mixed with the dry component of the
target to form a moldable slurry, the binder fully permeates and
surrounds the dry material such that when the binder cures it forms
a matrix in which the dry components are encapsulated. The
resulting structure holds its shape well when dry, and is of
sufficient strength to readily withstand storage and handling
without disintegration. The target will also withstand the
acceleration force imposed by a mechanical throwing apparatus
without breaking. The structure is, however, relatively brittle, so
that it will break apart into fragments when struck by shot fired
from a shotgun. When the fragments, or whole targets if missed by a
shooter and not retrieved, become wet from rain or irrigation water
from sprinklers the cohesive structure of the target disintegrates,
the constituent material is released to the soil, increasing its
organic matter content, and the nutrients contained in it are
available to plants. The nutrients contained in the material of
construction of the target are present in relatively low
concentrations as compared to inorganic fertilizers, for example,
and are released slowly into the soil, eliminating the possibility
of fertilizer burn. The slow release of nutrients also avoids
problems with high nutrient concentrations in runoff water and
prevents nutrient pollution of surface and ground water
resources.
[0016] Sharp sand is preferred for use as a filler material in the
composition of the target of the invention, and is advantageous for
several reasons. It is desirable to produce a target that is
generally equivalent to a conventional target in dimensions and
weight, and since sand has a higher density than the composted
waste material it allows weight to be adjusted without significant
changes in dimension. In addition, sand, unlike clay or flour, for
example, which are cohesive and resist dispersion even when wet,
exhibits no cohesion when released from the binder, and facilitates
disintegration and dispersal of the target material in the
environment. Sand is also a natural constituent of soil and does
not adversely affect soil composition.
[0017] The materials of construction of the target of the invention
are not a food source for birds or other animals and will not
attract birds and other animals to the shooting range, thereby
eliminating the problem associated with target compositions
containing birdseed and/or other food sources. However, the
materials are non-toxic, and if fragments or targets are eaten by
birds or other wildlife the materials will cause no harm to them.
In addition to providing soil and plant nutrients, the materials of
construction of the target of the invention may also provide
nutrients for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms, and
thus further benefit the soil ecology. The materials of
construction also function as soil conditioners, actually improving
the structure of the soil.
[0018] The structure and composition of the target and its features
and advantages will be disclosed in more detail below, with
reference to the accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
target of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a sectioned side view of the preferred embodiment
of the target of the invention, along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to the drawing figures, the preferred embodiment
of the target of the invention, generally identified by reference
numeral 10, is configured in a domed saucer-like shape with a
relatively thin body 11. Both the outer, convex, surface and the
inner, concave, surface of body 10 are formed with a plurality of
ridges 12 for the purpose of enhancing the aerodynamic stability of
the body when it is thrown into the air by a throwing apparatus.
The specific configuration of the target is not greatly material to
the invention, and it should be understood that a variety of
configurations may be utilized.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the principal
component of the body of the target is a composted organic waste
material that contains nutrients utilized by plants in their
development and growth, and thus performs as a fertilizer when
applied to the soil. In the context of this description, the term
composted generally has its commonly understood meaning of
decomposed or digested. Such composted organic waste material also
functions as a soil conditioner, by adding organic material to soil
to which it is applied. It is particularly preferred that such
material include nitrogen compounds, phosphorous compounds, and
potassium compounds. However, the absence of one or even all of
these plant nutrient compounds does not necessarily render a
composted organic material unsuitable for use, since such a
material may still provide soil conditioning benefits.
[0023] A wide variety of such materials may be utilized in the
construction of the target of the invention. A particularly
preferred material is dried sewage sludge, from, e.g., municipal
wastewater treatment plants, which has been thoroughly composted or
digested in the course of the treatment process, and dried to
remove excess moisture. The sludge may also, in the course of
preparing it for use as a raw material for use to make targets, be
sterilized by heating or other means consistent with use of the
sludge as a fertilizer. Reasonable care should be exercised in
selecting sludge for use as a raw material to avoid sludge
containing undesirable materials such as heavy metals, viable
disease organisms, and the like. In addition to or instead of
sewage sludge, somewhat similar materials, such as composted animal
manures, are also very suitable for use in the construction of the
targets of the invention. Well composted materials from such
sources are not obnoxious in nature, and are well suited for the
contemplated use.
[0024] Composted organic waste materials from other sources, such
as almost any type of plant derived material, may also be used in
the construction of the targets of the invention. Non-limiting
examples of such materials include composted leaves, stems, seed
hulls, grain hulls, and even tree bark and other wood wastes. In
general, it is preferred that the principal material or materials
selected for construction of targets in accordance with the
invention include components useful as fertilizer for plants and/or
as a conditioner for soil, and that such material or materials be
of the nature of waste.
[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, sharp sand is
mixed with the organic material as a filler. Although other
granular filler materials could be used within the scope of the
invention, sharp sand is preferred because it is not cohesive and
is readily dispersed when the target degrades, and because sand is
a natural constituent of soils. The sand filler serves to separate
the more fibrous waste material and reduce any tendency to
agglomerate or clump, and facilitates degradation of the target and
dispersal of the fertilizer material over the soil. Because the
sand is relative dense in comparison to the dry density of the
composted waste fertilizer material, it also allows the weight of
the target of the invention to be adjusted to closely match the
weight of conventionally constructed targets while maintaining the
desired target dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, using
sewage sludge as the fertilizer material, the relative proportions
of fertilizer material and sand are generally ten parts fertilizer
material to three parts sand, by weight.
[0026] Although the benefits of the particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention include the productive utilization of
wastes and the inclusion of organic matter for soil conditioning,
the scope of the invention also encompasses the use of commercial
fertilizers as the primary material of construction of the body of
the target. In this context, organic fertilizer is preferred, but
inorganic fertilizer could be used as well. It is desirable for the
plant nutrients to be released from the material relatively slowly,
as from composted wastes or organic fertilizers, rather than
rapidly, as from water soluble inorganic fertilizers, so as to
avoid "burning" plants and creating pollution problems. Many
granular commercial fertilizers are prepared with a filler material
already incorporated into the product, and are typically of higher
density than the density of dried composted waste material. Many
commercial fertilizers are also prepared to resist clumping, so the
addition of filler material may not required for targets
constructed with commercially prepared fertilizer. It should be
understood that filler may be added as needed to achieve the
desired physical characteristics of the target of the
invention.
[0027] Although not necessary to the benefits for plants and soil
provided by the invention, the principal material of construction
may be enhanced with nutritional additives, such as trace minerals,
enzymes, soil algae, and the like, as known and used in the
horticultural field.
[0028] To produce the target of the invention, the selected
principal material of construction, whether composted waste
material or prepared fertilizer or combination thereof, is
thoroughly mixed with a liquid or liquified binder material to form
a workable slurry of appropriate consistency to be placed in a mold
or form to shape the target body. The principal material and the
binder are mixed so that the binder thoroughly coats the fibers,
particles, granules, as the case may be, of the principal material
and forms a fluid web through the resulting slurry. The consistency
of the slurry may be varied to accommodate the method used for
placing it in the mold or form, as from a thick dough-like
consistency to a looser, more pumpable slurry.
[0029] The preferred binder material for use in the construction of
the target of the invention is a silicate based, catalytically
curing binder, such as the product commercially available from J.
B. DeVenne, Inc., identified as "Binder 1". The base material and
the catalyst are initially in liquid form with a viscosity suitable
for thorough mixing with and coating of the dry components to
produce a cohesive mass having a dough-like consistency. The binder
cures to produce a hard, but brittle, sodium silicate matrix
surrounding and encapsulating the dry components. The resulting
structure is of sufficient strength to withstand handling and the
stresses imposed by mechanical throwing apparatus, but will break
into fragments when struck by shot fired from a shotgun. The
preferred binder material is readily water soluble and will quickly
degrade when exposed to the elements to release the other
components of the target from the matrix and allow them to
disperse. With the preferred composition of the target of the
invention, the binder material is used in the general proportion of
about four parts binder by weight, to the ten parts fertilizer
material and three parts sand referred to above.
[0030] Although a preferred binder material has been described, it
is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited
to the preferred binder, and any binder material with suitable
characteristics may be used. The binder selected for use should be
non-toxic to plant and animal life and benign to the environment.
The binder must be liquefiable, and cure or dry to a rigid but
frangible state, so as to impart sufficient strength to the target
to maintain its structural integrity when thrown from a mechanical
throwing device, but allow the target to fragment when struck by
shot fired from a shotgun. The binder material should also
re-liquify or dissolve in water, so as to allow the target body or
fragments thereof to disintegrate when exposed to the elements.
Suitable alternative binders include, without limitation, other
silicate based binders and biodegradable polymers. A sugar-based
could be used, but is not considered desirable because of the
propensity to attract animals and encourage consumption of
fragments and targets.
[0031] The prepared slurry of the principal material, filler (if
used) and liquified binder is placed in a mold or form to shape the
desired target body configuration, and allowed to cure or dry in
the mold or form until the target body has achieved sufficient
integrity for it to be removed without deforming or disintegrating.
In the preparation of the preferred embodiment, pressure up to
about 50,000 pounds per square inch is applied to assure the
integrity of the completed target body structure. If appropriate,
depending on the binder material used and/or to reduce the curing
or drying time, heat may be applied to the mold or form. The
partially cured or dried target is removed from the mold or form
and set aside to complete the curing or drying process. The
completed targets may then be packaged in preparation for shipment
and use.
[0032] If desired, a coloring agent may be applied to the outer
surface of the body after it is removed from the mold or form, for
the purpose of making the target more visible to a shooter. It is
preferred that any coloring agent used be non-toxic and
environmentally benign. A preferred coloring is tempera paint,
which is completely non-toxic and environmentally benign. Various
readily available food colorings are also suitable. As an
alternative to surface application, the coloring agent may be added
to the slurry before the target body is formed, so that the color
extends through the body of the target.
[0033] The foregoing description of the preferred and alternative
embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not
limiting. It is to be understood that further alternatives,
variations, and equivalents may be utilized, all within the scope
of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *