U.S. patent application number 11/398471 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for turn-swing target adapter.
Invention is credited to Kyle E. Bateman, Kyle C. Burdette, Thomas Marshall.
Application Number | 20060240388 11/398471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37187370 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060240388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marshall; Thomas ; et
al. |
October 26, 2006 |
Turn-swing target adapter
Abstract
A turn-swing target adapter allows increased flexibility in
moving and controlling a target for use in shooting ranges and
ballistic training areas. In particular, the adapter allows an
operator to rotate the target, swing the target forwards and
backwards, or any combination thereof. The adapter allows for
convenient mounting to a separate base or to an existing target
mounting system.
Inventors: |
Marshall; Thomas; (Lake
Shore, UT) ; Bateman; Kyle E.; (Provo, UT) ;
Burdette; Kyle C.; (Eagle Mountain, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANDALL B. BATEMAN;BATEMAN IP LAW GROUP
8 EAST BROADWAY, SUITE 550
PO BOX 1319
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
37187370 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398471 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60670303 |
Apr 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/019 |
International
Class: |
F41G 3/26 20060101
F41G003/26 |
Claims
1. A target adapter configured for attachment to a target stand and
a bullet target, the adapter comprising: a base configured for
attachment to a target stand; a target mount configured for
attachment to a shooting target, wherein the target mount may be
independently pivoted about a vertical axis and swung about a
horizontal axis relative to the base responsive to inputs from a
user.
2. The target adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
levers for pivoting the target mount relative to the base.
3. The target adapter of claim 1, further comprising at least one
spring to bias the target mount in a fixed position relative to the
base.
4. The target adapter of claim 1, wherein the target mount is
pivotal between a first position and a second position and wherein
the target mount may be swung between a first position and a second
position.
5. The target adapter of claim 4, wherein the adapter further
comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into the first
pivotal position.
6. The target adapter of claim 4, wherein the adapter further
comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into the first
swing position.
7. The target adapter of claim 4, wherein the adapter further
comprises at least one stop for limiting the motion of the target
mount relative to the base.
8. The target adapter of claim 4, wherein the target adapter
further comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into a
swinging position between the first and second swing positions.
9. The target adapter of claim 7, wherein the stop is
adjustable.
10. The target adapter of claim 1 further comprising a bullet
deflection plate.
11. The target adapter of claim 2, further comprising a plurality
of cables attached to the plurality of levers and configured such
that pulling on the plurality of cables moves the target mount, and
wherein the plurality of levers are configured such that the
plurality of cables extend from the plurality of levers in a common
direction.
12. The target adapter of claim 11, wherein the plurality of cables
extend generally horizontally from the target adapter.
13. A method of forming an actuatable target comprising: selecting
a target stand; selecting a target; selecting a target adapter, the
target adapter configured for attachment to the target stand and
configured for attachment to the target, and further configured to
allow pivoting of the target about a vertical axis and rotation of
the target about a horizontal axis; attaching the target adapter to
the target stand; and attaching the target to the target
adapter.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the target adapter further
comprises a first lever configured for pivoting the target about
the vertical axis and a first cable attached to the first lever,
and a second lever for rotating the target about a horizontal axis
and a second cable attached to the second lever, and wherein the
first and second cables are substantially parallel to the ground
adjacent the first and second levers.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the target stand comprises an
existing shooting range target mount.
16. A method of adapting a target comprising: selecting a bullet
target; selecting a target stand configured for receiving a bullet
target; selecting an adapter, the adapter having a stand mount
configured for attachment to the target stand and a target mount
configured for attachment to the bullet target, and the adapter
having a first lever configured for rotation of the target mount
about a horizontal axis and a second lever configured for pivoting
of the target mount about a vertical axis; attaching the stand
mount to the stand; and attaching the target mount to the bullet
target.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises
moving the first lever to thereby rotate the bullet target about a
horizontal axis relative to the stand and moving the second lever
to thereby pivot the bullet target about a vertical axis relative
to the stand.
18. A bullet target system comprising: a bullet target; a target
adapter, the adapter having a first mount configured for attachment
to a target stand and having a second mount configured for
attachment to a bullet target, the adapter being further configured
for pivoting the second mount relative to the first mount and about
a vertical axis and for rotating the second mount relative to the
first mount and about a horizontal axis; a target stand, the stand
having a third mount being configured for attachment to either the
bullet target or the first mount of the target adapter.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first mount is connected to
the third mount.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/670,303, filed Apr. 12, 2005, which
is incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device used for targets
for shooting and ballistic training. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a turn-swing target adapter for moving a
target during a shooting or ballistic training exercise.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] In conducting shooting exercises or ballistic training it is
often desirable to move the target. Moving targets can increase the
challenge presented to the shooter as he or she must aim accurately
at the target and track its movement.
[0006] Likewise, a target can be moved between a position where the
target is not presented to the shooter (i.e. extending generally
parallel to the line of fire) and a position where the target is
presented to the shooter (i.e. generally perpendicular to the line
of fire). The sudden presenting and withdrawing of the target tests
the shooter's reaction time and may simulate the appearance of a
sudden threat.
[0007] The movement not only increases the shooter's skills
generally, but may be made to simulate various scenarios which
increase the shooter's specific skills. For example, the target may
be made to resemble an animal and to move like an animal which is
standing up or otherwise moving. Alternatively, the target may be
made to represent a person, such as an armed criminal, and made to
move similar to a person exiting a door, popping up from behind
something, etc. It will be appreciated that the target may be made
to represent many different objects and scenarios. It is thus
desirable to have increased flexibility in moving a particular
target. It is often desirable to have multiple directions of
movement, and to be able to thus vary the movement of a particular
target.
[0008] In addition to providing valuable training, a movable target
system often increases the enjoyment of the shooters. Individual
shooters often grow tired of shooting at stationary targets,
especially as this skill is mastered. Thus, a moving target system
provides new challenges which are more difficult to master, and
provides increased incentive and enjoyment for continued
shooting.
[0009] While movement in one direction is an improvement over a
stationary target, targets which move only in one direction are
often somewhat predictable. These targets offer less of a challenge
to a shooter than a target which moves in multiple directions.
[0010] While movable target mounts are available, target mounts or
systems with movement in multiple directions, i.e. multiple types
of movement, are often quite costly. These mounts are also
typically not portable, and as such can not be taken to different
areas. These target systems are thus not well suited for purchase
by individuals. Available target mounts which are portable and
relatively inexpensive are typically limited in the ways that they
may be made to move. Many movable targets will only move in one
direction, such as turning or swinging forwards and backwards. Many
individual shooters, however, desire a target mount which is
capable of moving the target in a way which is not easily
predictable, and which is also portable and relatively
inexpensive.
[0011] There is thus a need for a target mount or target adapter
which is both portable and relatively inexpensive, and which allows
a shooter to move the target in multiple directions to provide the
desired shooting enjoyment and complexity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved turn-swing target adapter for shooting and ballistic
training. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a target adapter which is relatively inexpensive, portable,
and easy to operate.
[0013] According to some aspects of the present invention, a target
adapter is provided which allows a user to move a target in a
variety of directions. A target adapter is provided with multiple
pivot points such that a user may turn a target back and forth,
swing a target side to side, or any combination thereof.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
target adapter is provided which is portable. The adapter may be
made so as to be compact and relatively lightweight, allowing a
user to take the target adapter to a variety of locations for
use.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
target adapter is provided which is both durable and relatively
inexpensive. The target adapter may be made from steel plate which
is formed and welded as needed to create the adapter. The adapter
is thus resilient to the impacts and associated shock and
vibrations which are associated with target shooting. Additionally,
the adapter is relatively inexpensive as it does not require
expensive machining or expensive parts, such as motors or
electronic parts. The target adapter is typically operated by
levers which may be connected to strings or cables.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and
described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a target adapter
according to aspects of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2a-2b show top and side views of a base portion of the
target adapter of FIG. 1, and according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the body and base portion of the
target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the body and base portion of the
target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a target mount portion of the
target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a target mount portion of the
target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a side view of another target mount portion of
the target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a side view of another target mount portion of
the target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of the target adapter
of FIG. 1 and according to the present invention.
[0026] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by
the appended claims. The various embodiments shown accomplish
various aspects and objects of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The drawings will now be discussed in reference to the
numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to
practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are
exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended
to narrow the scope of the appended claims.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a turn-swing target
adapter according to the present invention is shown. The adapter,
indicated generally at 10, is formed from a base 14, a body 18, and
a target mount 22. The body 18 may be pivoted about a horizontal
axis by lever 26 to thereby pivot target 30. A spring 34 is
typically attached to the base 14 and body 18 and used to bias the
target into a predetermined pivotal orientation. Depending on how
the target adapter 10 is oriented to the user, the adapter 10 may
be made to present the target 30 to the user and turn away from the
user when the lever 26 is moved, or as is more common, remain with
the target 30 turned away from the user and present the target 30
to the user when the lever 26 is moved.
[0029] The target mount 22 may be swung from vertical as shown to
the right by moving lever 38. Spring 42 is attached to the target
mount 22 via arm 46 and to the base 14 to bias the target 30
upright as shown. Typically, levers 26, 38 are moved by cords or
cables (not shown) which are attached to holes 50, 54. The cables
may extend along the ground towards the shooter, or may extend
sideways or away from the user, pass through a pulley, eyelet, etc.
to change the direction of the cable and direct the cable towards
the user, to a shooting range operating location, or any location
that is desired. The target adapter 10 may also be provided with a
deflection plate 58 to prevent bullets from hitting the pivoting or
bending mechanism of the target adapter 10. The deflection plate 58
may be made from angle steel as shown so that a bullet is not
deflected towards a shooter. Additionally, semicircular or even
flat pieces of steel work as deflection plates. Various deflection
plates may be mounted to the target adapter 10 as is necessary to
prevent damage to the various parts of the adapter 10.
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 2a, a side view of the target adapter
base of the adapter of FIG. 1 is shown. The base 62 is attached to
a vertical pivot member 66 which forms a pivot for the body of the
target adapter (not shown). The base 62 is shown with holes 70
which may be used to attach the base to legs or to an existing
stand (not shown) and thereby stabilize the adapter for use. The
base may also be formed with a stop 74 which can be used to limit
the rotation of the body of the target adapter. The base is also
formed with a mounting location for a spring. For the embodiment
shown, the flange 78 and hole 82 are used to mount the spring (not
shown).
[0031] Turning to FIG. 2b, a top view of the base of FIG. 2a is
shown. Of particular interest, the flange 78 and hole 82 are more
clearly shown. It will be appreciated that while the pivot member
66 is shown as a cylindrical rod, a square pivot member will also
work, as the body will typically have a round hole or tube which is
placed over the pivot 66 to form a hinge. The stop 74 may also be
replaced with a larger flange, and may be provided with an
adjustable bolt which contacts a flange on the adapter body to
limit rotation of the body and allow the amount of rotation to be
adjusted.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 3, a top view of a target adapter body
86 of the adapter of FIG. 1 is shown. The body 86 is shown mounted
on the base 62 of FIG. 2. The body 86 is formed with a plate 90
which has a pivot hole, indicated at 94. The plate 90 is attached
to a tube 98, the bore of the tube being aligned with the hole 94
and placed over pivot 66 forming a hinge. The plate 90 has an arm
102 and hole 106 for attaching a spring 110 to the base 62 at hole
82. The spring 110 urges the plate 90 to rotate in a clockwise
direction. The plate 90 is also formed with lever 114 and hole 118
to which a cord or cable may be attached. The cord would be used to
rotate the plate 90 in a counterclockwise direction and thereby
rotate the target. Plate 90 is also formed with a semicircular
section 122. Section 122 is formed with a semicircular slot
indicated at 126. Slot 126 fits over stop 74 and is used to limit
the rotation of the adapter body 86. As shown, the slot allows the
adapter body 86 to rotate within a 90 degree range relative to the
base 62. It will be appreciated that the slot 126 may be formed in
a variety of sizes so as to allow for different amounts of rotation
of the adapter body 86. However, 90 degrees is a preferred amount
of rotation as it allows a target to be rotated such that it is
fully presented to or directly sideways to a user. The edge of
plate section 122 has a hole 130 formed therein. The hole 130 is
used to mount another spring which connects the plate 90 to the
target mount assembly.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 4, a side view of the target adapter
body 86 of FIG. 3 is shown. It can be seen with greater clarity how
slot 126 fits over stop 74, and how the plate 90 and tube 98 fit
over the pivot member 66 to form a pivotal hinge. Also shown is a
bracket 134 which is mounted to the top of tube 98. The bracket 134
is typically formed with holes 138 which are used to attach the
target mount assembly. The base 62 may also be formed with a flange
136 having holes 140 formed therein, allowing the target adapter to
be mounted onto a stand. Similarly, the flange 136 and holes 140
may be used to mount the adapter onto an existing target stand or
target system, converting a conventional target to a target which
is capable of turning and swinging. Thus, an existing target may be
unbolted from the existing stand, and the target adapter attached
to the stand and target to make a moving target system.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 5, a front view of a target mount
assembly of the adapter of FIG. 1, indicated generally at 142, is
shown. The target mount 142 is shown attached to bracket 134 via
holes 138. The target mount 142 has a shaft 146 which extends
through holes 138 and forms a pivot which allows a target to be
pivoted forward and backward. A mounting plate 150 is attached to
the shaft 146 to which a target is mounted. The target may be a
paper target attached to a frame, or may be a sturdier target such
as one made from cardboard. It is, however, advantageous for the
target to be attached to a frame to provide a strong and secure
attachment as the target is moved during operation of the target
adapter. The mounting plate 150 is typically provided with holes
154 to thereby attach a target.
[0035] The mounting plate and other components of the target
adapter may typically be constructed by welding the metal pieces
together. While welding weakens the metal somewhat, it is not
anticipated that the target adapter will receive too many direct
hits by bullets because the target is held apart somewhat from the
target adapter. A lever 158 having a hole 162 is attached to the
shaft 146 and used to pivot the shaft and thereby swing the target
forward and backward, or side to side depending on orientation. The
hole 162 is typically used to attach a cord or cable that a user
may pull on to swing the target, but may also be used to connect
the adapter to a mechanized target moving apparatus or a pushrod or
lever extending from such an apparatus or another target control
system.
[0036] The shaft 146 is also connected to an arm 166 which extends
sideways from the shaft 146 and has a hole 170 formed in the end of
the arm. The hole 170 is typically used to connect a spring to the
hole 130 formed in the plate 90. This spring biases the shaft 146
to swing a particular direction. Thus, a user may pull on a cable
attached to lever 158 and thereby swing the target mount 142 in one
direction, and the spring will swing the target mount 142 back upon
releasing the cable. The arm may also have a flange 174 which is
used to limit the motion of the target, in particular to limit how
far the spring may pull the target in one direction. The bolt 178
passes through a threaded hole in the bracket 134, stopping the
rotation of the target mount 142 when the flange 174 contacts the
bolt 178. Adjusting the amount of the bolt 178 passing through the
bracket 134 will adjust where the target mount 142 stops moving. If
desired, a nut 182 may be used to fix the position of the bolt
178.
[0037] It will also be appreciated that the holes 154 may be sized
and spaced similarly to holes 140 in the base flange shown in FIG.
4. Furthermore, the target mounting holes 154 and the base flange
holes 140 may be formed of a predetermined size and position so as
to attach to currently existing target systems. Thus, where a
shooting range has a target line, individual targets may be removed
from the line and a target adapter according to the present
invention may be attached in their place, with the target being
reattached to the upper target mount of the target adapter. Thus,
many targets may be adapted for use as a turn/swing target by using
the target adapter of the present invention.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 6, a side view of the target mount 142
of FIG. 5 is shown. It can more clearly be seen how the lever 158
is oriented relative to the mount 142, and how rotation of the
lever 158 will swing the mount 142 side to side. The hole 162 in
the lever 158 is also more clearly seen. The arm 166, spring
mounting hole 170, and flange 174 may also be more clearly seen.
The flange 174 is shown in contact with bolt 178, limiting the
movement of the target mount 142. It will be appreciated that the
mounting plate 150 may be made a variety of different sizes and the
holes 154 may be placed in different locations as may be suitable
to mounting various targets.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternate side view of the target
mount of FIG. 5, indicated generally at 186 is shown. The target
mount 186 is formed similar to the mount of FIG. 5 and 6, having a
bracket 190 attached to a tube 194 (which is attached to a base
plate similar to that of FIG. 3). The bracket has holes formed
therein to allow a shaft 198 to be mounted, forming a hinge. One
end of the shaft is attached to a lever 202 having a hole 106,
which allows for swinging of a target. As discussed before, the
hole 206 is typically used to attach a cable or thin rope to the
lever 202 for movement of the target. The target mount 186 is also
shown with an arm 210 having a hole 214 for attaching a spring to
thereby bias the target mount 186 in the orientation shown. A
flange 218 is used in combination with a bolt 222 and nut 226 to
limit the rotation of the target mount 186. Also shown is a second
flange 230 shown attached to the arm 210 and shaft 198 which may be
used to limit the rotation of the target mount 186 to the left. The
flange 230 may be designed to contact a part of the bracket 190 as
shown, or may also use an adjustment bolt similar to bolt 222. A
user may thus select how far the target will swing to each
side.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 8, a side view of another target mount
of the adapter of FIG. 1, indicated generally at 234 is shown. The
target mount is constructed with a bracket 238 similar to those
previously discussed, the bracket 238 having holes formed therein
for receiving a shaft 242. The shaft has a lever 246 attached to
the far end, the lever 246 having a hole 250 for attaching a rope
or cable to swing the target. An arm 254 is attached to the near
end of the shaft 242 and a hole 258 is formed in the arm 254 to
attach a spring 262. The spring extends downwardly from the shaft
242 and attaches to the plate (such as plate 90 of FIG. 3). A
mounting plate 266 having holes 270 formed therein is attached to
the top of the shaft 242, and used to attach a target, usually via
a frame. In operation, a user will pull a rope or cable attached to
lever 250, causing the target to swing to the right. The movement
of the target to the right also moves arm 254 and thereby stretches
the spring 262. The restorative force of the spring 262 causes the
target to swing back to the left, and, if the spring is not used to
stop the target, an oscillatory motion is established where the
target swings forward and backward, or side to side, depending on
how the target adapter is oriented relative to the user.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 9, another perspective view of the
target adapter of FIG. 1 and according to the present invention is
shown. While FIG. 1 shows a view generally from the front of the
adapter, FIG. 9 shows a view generally from the rear of the adapter
and as such details structures not clearly visible from FIG. 1. As
such, FIG. 9 shows the various subassemblies and structures of the
adapter as shown in FIGS. 1-8 in an assembled form so as to present
the relationships therebetween. The target adapter 274 has a base
278 to which a body plate 282, tube 286, bracket 290, and mount 294
have been attached, as previously discussed. From the present view,
it is more apparent how a spring 298 may be attached to the target
mount arm 302 and body plate 282. Also shown are feet 306 which may
be attached to the base 278 to secure and stabilize the target
adapter 274. The feet may be formed with flanges 310 having holes
314 to allow the target to be staked to the ground if used outside,
or bolted to a fixed object such as a mounting rail or the floor if
used in an inside shooting range. It will also be appreciated that
different types of support structures may be attached to the base
278 to secure the apparatus in many different shooting
environments. Two ropes or cables 318 are shown attached to the
rotational lever 322 and swing lever 326. Pulling on the cables
allows a user to operate the target adapter and move the target. As
previously discussed, however, the levers may be connected to
various other control structures such as control motors or levers
which may already exist at a shooting range. Additionally, multiple
target adapters may be connected to a single cable or control
device.
[0042] One advantage of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is
that the ropes or cables that actuate the rotational lever 322 and
the swing lever 326 function generally parallel to each other. This
makes it easier to gang a number of the adapters together at a
shooting range.
[0043] There is thus disclosed an improved turn-swing target
adapter. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications may be
made to the present invention without departing from the scope of
the invention. The preceding examples are illustrative of the
invention, and do not define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *