U.S. patent application number 11/525500 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-27 for asphalt-containing projectable targets.
Invention is credited to Jason D. Guerra, David R. Jones, Jay W. Keating, Robert E. Quinn.
Application Number | 20080073849 11/525500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39224106 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080073849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quinn; Robert E. ; et
al. |
March 27, 2008 |
Asphalt-containing projectable targets
Abstract
A projectable target is made from a composition including a
filler material and a binder for the filler material. The binder
includes a mixture of asphalt and an asphalt modifier selected from
polymers, waxes, asphaltites, and combinations thereof. In one
embodiment, the asphalt modifier is a combination of polymer and
wax, and the binder has a penetration from 0 dmm to 5 dmm at
25.degree. C., a softening point from 80.degree. C. to 175.degree.
C., and a viscosity from 1000 centipoise to 25,000 centipoise at
163.degree. C. The composition is formed into the shape of the
projectable target and hardened.
Inventors: |
Quinn; Robert E.;
(Planefield, IL) ; Jones; David R.; (Tampa,
FL) ; Keating; Jay W.; (Tinley Park, IL) ;
Guerra; Jason D.; (Tinley Park, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OWENS CORNING
2790 COLUMBUS ROAD
GRANVILLE
OH
43023
US
|
Family ID: |
39224106 |
Appl. No.: |
11/525500 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/362 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 9/16 20130101; F41J
1/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/362 |
International
Class: |
F41J 9/16 20060101
F41J009/16 |
Claims
1. A projectable target made from a composition comprising a filler
material and a binder for the filler material, the binder
comprising a mixture of asphalt and an asphalt modifier selected
from the group consisting of polymers, waxes, asphaltites, and
combinations thereof, the composition being formed into the shape
of the projectable target and hardened.
2. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the binder has
physical properties including at least one of a penetration within
a range of from 0 dmm to about 5 dmm at 25.degree. C., a softening
point within a range of from about 80.degree. C. to about
175.degree. C., and a viscosity within a range of from about 1000
centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise at 163.degree. C.
3. The projectable target defined in claim 2 wherein the
penetration, viscosity and softening point of the binder are all
within the defined ranges.
4. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the
penetration of the binder is within a range of from about 0 dmm to
about 3 dmm at 25.degree. C.
5. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the softening
point of the binder is within a range of from about 90.degree. C.
to about 150.degree. C.
6. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the viscosity
of the binder is within a range of from about 1,500 centipoise to
about 10,000 centipoise at 163.degree. C.
7. The projectable target defined in claim 1 which has a
brittleness enabling the target to disintegrate when hit by shotgun
pellets.
8. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the asphalt is
a solvent extracted asphalt.
9. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the asphalt
modifier comprises a combination of polymer and wax.
10. The projectable target defined in claim 9 wherein the polymer
is a hydrocarbon resin.
11. The projectable target defined in claim 9 wherein the binder
comprises from about 50 wt % to about 90 wt % asphalt, from about 5
wt % to about 30 wt % polymer and from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt
% wax.
12. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the asphalt
modifier comprises wax.
13. The projectable target defined in claim 12 wherein the wax has
a softening point within a range of from about 50.degree. C. to
about 170.degree. C.
14. The projectable target defined in claim 12 wherein the binder
comprises from about 60 wt % to about 95 wt % asphalt and from
about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % wax.
15. The projectable target defined in claim 1 wherein the asphalt
modifier comprises asphaltite.
16. The projectable target defined in claim 15 wherein the binder
comprises from about 60 wt % to about 95 wt % asphalt and from
about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % asphaltite.
17. A projectable target made from a composition comprising a
filler material and a binder for the filler material, the binder
comprising a mixture of asphalt, polymer and wax, the binder having
a penetration within a range of from 0 dmm to about 5 dmm at
25.degree. C., a softening point within a range of from about
80.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C., and a viscosity within a
range of from about 1000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise at
163.degree. C., the composition being formed into the shape of the
projectable target and hardened.
18. A projectable target made from a composition comprising a
filler material and a binder for the filler material, the binder
comprising a mixture of: solvent extracted asphalt which is
oxidized to a softening point within a range of from about
140.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C., the asphalt having a
penetration of about 0 dmm at 25.degree. C.; hydrocarbon resin
having a softening point within a range of from about 120.degree.
C. to about 175.degree. C.; and wax; the composition being formed
into the shape of the projectable target and hardened.
19. The projectable target defined in claim 18 wherein the
hydrocarbon resin is included in an amount within a range of from
about 5% to about 40% by weight of the binder.
20. The projectable target defined in claim 18 wherein the wax is
included in an amount within a range of from about 1% to about 10%
by weight of the binder.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to projectable shooting
targets of the type commonly referred to as clay pigeons, and in
particular to compositions for use in manufacturing the
targets.
[0002] In trap and skeet shooting, saucer-shaped targets are
projected into the air by means of an ejection device past the
location of the marksmen. The marksman's intention is to hit the
flying target by a shot from a shotgun causing it to disintegrate.
In addition to being able to disintegrate when hit by shotgun
pellets, the targets are also manufactured to withstand
transportation and handling, and to withstand the strain they are
subjected to when projected.
[0003] The properties of the shooting targets have typically been
achieved by using as starting material a mass consisting of pitch
(coal tar or a petroleum pitch) and a filler material such as
limestone powder or clay. In this mixture, the pitch acts as a
binder for the filler material.
[0004] Certain pitches have undesirable properties and are
unsuitable for clay pigeons. Currently available supplies of
acceptable pitch are becoming scarce and inadequate to meet demand.
Prior efforts to find alternate materials have produced
unsatisfactory results, such as the pigeons being too brittle, not
acceptably frangible, too expensive, or otherwise failing to meet
consumer requirements.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improved compositions for
making projectable targets such as clay pigeons and alternative
sources for binders, which meet all functional requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention relates to a projectable target made from a
composition comprising a filler material and an improved binder for
the filler material. The binder comprises a mixture of asphalt and
an asphalt modifier selected from polymers, waxes, asphaltites, and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the asphalt modifier is a
combination of polymer and wax, and the binder has a penetration
within a range of from 0 dmm to about 5 dmm at 25.degree. C., a
softening point within a range of from about 80.degree. C. to about
175.degree. C., and a viscosity within a range of from about 1000
centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise at 163.degree. C. The
composition is formed into the shape of the projectable target and
hardened.
[0007] In a particular example, the projectable target is made from
a composition comprising a filler material and a binder for the
filler material. The binder comprises a mixture of solvent
extracted asphalt, hydrocarbon resin and wax. The solvent extracted
asphalt is oxidized to a softening point within a range of from
about 140.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C., and the asphalt has a
penetration of about 0 dmm at 25.degree. C. The hydrocarbon resin
has a softening point within a range of from about 120.degree. C.
to about 175.degree. C.
[0008] Various aspects of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments along with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a clay pigeon
that can be made from a composition according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The projectable targets of the invention are made from a
composition comprising a filler material and a binder for the
filler material as described below.
[0011] Filler Material
[0012] The composition can include any suitable filler material or
combinations of different filler materials. Some examples include
clay, calcium carbonate (limestone), other ground rocks such as
mica powder, asbestos powder or pumice powder, metal powders, in
particular metal sulfates or sulfites, non-metallic sulfates or
sulfites, metal oxides, talc, silicates such as sand, gypsum, fly
ash, glass powder, magnesium carbonate, and titanium oxide. The
filler may be in any suitable form, such as powdered or
granulated.
[0013] The filler material can be included in any suitable amount
in the composition. In one embodiment, the composition includes
from about 20 wt % to about 65 wt % filler material and from about
35 wt % to about 80 wt % binder.
[0014] Binder
[0015] The binder for use in the composition is a mixture of
asphalt and an asphalt modifier selected from polymers, waxes,
asphaltites, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the
asphalt modifier is a combination of polymer and wax. In another
embodiment, the asphalt modifier is wax or asphaltite. In a further
embodiment, the binder is substantially free of pitch.
[0016] The binder has physical properties that in combination with
the filler allow the production of a projectable target having
desirable properties. For example, these properties may include the
hardness (penetration), softening point and viscosity of the
binder. In one embodiment, the binder has physical properties
including at least one of a penetration within a range of from 0
dmm to about 5 dmm at 25.degree. C., a softening point within a
range of from about 80.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C., and a
viscosity within a range of from about 1,000 centipoise to about
25,000 centipoise at 163.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
penetration, viscosity and softening point of the binder are all
within the defined ranges.
[0017] In a particular example, the penetration of the binder is
within a range of from 0 dmm to about 3 dmm at 25.degree. C., or
more particularly from 0 dmm to about 1 dmm at 25.degree. C. The
penetration can be measured by any suitable method, such as ASTM
D-5.
[0018] In another example, the softening point of the binder is
within a range of from about 90.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.,
or more particularly from about 100.degree. C. to about 120.degree.
C. The softening point of the binder can be measured by any
suitable method, such as the ring and ball method, ASTM D-36
[0019] In a further example, the viscosity of the binder is within
a range of from about 1,500 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise
at 163.degree. C., or more particularly from about 2,000 centipoise
to about 5,000 centipoise at 163.degree. C. The viscosity of the
binder can be measured by any suitable method, such as ASTM
D4402.
[0020] Asphalt
[0021] The asphalt can be a naturally occurring asphalt or a
manufactured asphalt, for example, a petroleum-derived asphalt
produced by a petroleum refining operation. Any type of asphalt can
be used, such as a straight run asphalt, an oxidized asphalt, or an
asphalt cement.
[0022] In some embodiments, the asphalt is a relatively hard
asphalt, e.g., an asphalt having a penetration of not greater than
about 15 dmm at 25.degree. C., not greater than about 5 dmm, not
greater than about 2 dmm, or about 0 dmm depending on the
particular embodiment. The penetration can be measured by any
suitable method, such as ASTM D-5. A hardened asphalt can be
obtained by oxidizing the asphalt and/or by the selection of the
starting asphalt.
[0023] The oxidizing process comprises blowing air, oxygen or an
oxygen-inert gas mixture through the asphalt at an elevated
temperature for a time sufficient to increase the softening point
and thereby harden the asphalt to the desired properties. In some
embodiments, the oxidized asphalt has a softening point of at least
about 100.degree. C., at least about 120.degree. C., at least about
140.degree. C., or at least about 150.degree. C. depending on the
particular embodiment. The softening point of the asphalt can be
measured by any suitable method, such as the ring and ball method,
ASTM D-36.
[0024] In some embodiments, the asphalt is a solvent extracted
asphalt. Solvent extraction techniques are well-known in the art
and typically employ the use of a C3-C5 alkane, usually propane.
These techniques are variously referred to in the art as
deasphalting or as producing a propane deasphalted asphalt (PDA), a
propane washed asphalt (PWA), or a propane extracted asphalt (PEA).
Typically such techniques involve treating normal crude oil and/or
vacuum residue feedstock with such alkanes whereby a treated
asphalt is obtained in which the percentages of asphaltenes and
resins are increased. Any suitable solvent extracted asphalt can be
used in the invention. Exemplary of the solvent extracted asphalts
are PDA's sold by Alon USA Energy, Inc., Dallas, Tex., by Cenex
Asphalt, Laurel, Mont., and by Murphy Refining, Meraux, La.
[0025] Polymer
[0026] The asphalt modifier in the binder can include any suitable
polymer, or a combination of different polymers. For example, a
wide variety of different thermoplastic polymers known in the art
may be suitable for use in the binder.
[0027] In some embodiments, the polymer is a hydrocarbon resin. The
hydrocarbon resins are low molecular weight thermoplastic polymers
synthesized via the thermal or catalytic polymerization of cracked
petroleum distillates, coal-tar fractions, terpenes, or pure
olefinic monomers. The hydrocarbon resins include aliphatic,
aromatic and alicyclic resins.
[0028] Some examples of hydrocarbon resins include the LX.RTM.
series of petroleum hydrocarbon resins sold by Neville Chemical
Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. These hydrocarbon resins are mixed
aromatic/alicyclic in content. For example, LX.RTM.-1035 has a
softening point of about 170.degree. C., an iodine number (Wijs) of
about 170, a molecular weight (GPC) of about 605, and a viscosity
(Gardner) at 25.degree. C. of about 35 (70% in toluene).
[0029] Other examples of hydrocarbon resins include the modified
hydrocarbon resins sold by Neville Chemical Co. These are aromatic
hydrocarbon resins. For example, AG-12-28 has a softening point of
about 150.degree. C., an iodine number (Wijs) of about 145, a
molecular weight (GPC) of about 710, and a viscosity (Gardner) at
25.degree. C. of about 52 (70% in toluene).
[0030] In some embodiments, the polymer used in the binder has a
relatively high softening point. For example, the softening point
may be greater than about 100.degree. C., greater than about
120.degree. C., or within a range of from about 120.degree. C. to
about 180.degree. C. depending on the particular embodiment.
[0031] Wax
[0032] The asphalt modifier in the binder can include any suitable
wax, or a combination of different waxes. Some examples include
synthetic waxes, petroleum waxes such as microcrystalline waxes and
paraffin waxes, and polyolefin waxes such as polyethylene
waxes.
[0033] For example, Fischer-Tropsch waxes are examples of suitable
synthetic waxes. The Fischer-Tropsch waxes are polymethylenes made
by polymerizing carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen, using
high pressure and unique catalysts. Any suitable Fischer-Tropsch
wax can be used, for example, a BARECO.RTM. PX-105 Polymer sold by
Baker Petrolite Corp., Sugar Land, Tex. This wax has a softening
point of about 105.degree. C., a penetration of about 1 dmm
(25.degree. C., a viscosity of about 110 SUS@ 99.degree. C., and a
white color.
[0034] Petroleum waxes consist of mixtures of paraffinic,
isoparaffinic and naphthenic hydrocarbons. The physical differences
between various types of petroleum wax are due to the relative
extent of the three types of hydrocarbons present and the molecular
weight of the hydrocarbons. Microcrystalline waxes contain higher
amounts of isoparaffinic hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons
than do paraffin waxes. Typical microcrystalline wax crystal
structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than
paraffin wax. Any suitable microcrystalline wax can be used, for
example, any of the BARECO.RTM. microcrystalline waxes sold by
Baker Petrolite Corp. Low melt brands of BARECO.RTM. Wax include BE
SQUARE.RTM., STARWAX.RTM., VICTORY.RTM. AND ULTRAFLEX.RTM. Waxes.
These waxes have softening points within a range of about
66.degree. C. to about 93.degree. C., a penetration.gtoreq.6 dmm
(25.degree. C., 30-60% normal paraffins, and a dark brown to off
white color. A particular example is a BE SQUARE.RTM. 185, Amber
Wax having a softening point of about 91.degree. C. and a
penetration of about 10 dmm@ 25.degree. C.
[0035] The wax can have any suitable physical properties. In some
embodiments the wax has a softening point within a range of from
about 65.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. and a penetration
within a range of from about 1 dmm to about 15 dmm@ 25.degree.
C.
[0036] The wax can be included in any suitable amount in the
binder. When the binder includes asphalt and wax, in one embodiment
the binder comprises from about 60 wt % to about 95 wt % asphalt
and from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % wax. When the binder
includes asphalt, polymer and wax, in one embodiment the binder
comprises from about 50 wt % to about 90 wt % asphalt, from about 5
wt % to about 30 wt % polymer and from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt
% wax.
[0037] Asphaltite
[0038] The asphalt modifier in the binder can include any suitable
asphaltite, or a combination of different asphaltites. The
asphaltites are gilsonite, grahamite and glance pitch. These are
naturally occurring hydrocarbon substances characterized by a high
softening point (above 110.degree. C.). They are mined much like
other minerals and sold essentially in their native state. They are
fully compatible with asphalt. In some embodiments of the
invention, gilsonite is used as the asphalt modifier. Gilsonite is
currently sold in the form of a dry bulk solid granular powder.
[0039] The asphaltite can be included in any suitable amount in the
binder. In one embodiment, the binder comprises from about 60 wt %
to about 95 wt % asphalt and from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt %
asphaltite.
[0040] Other Additives
[0041] In addition to the above-described materials, the
composition for making the projectable targets may also optionally
include one or more additives. For example, such additives may
include sulfur, surfactants, release agents, set-controlling
agents, antioxidants, pigments, lubricants and/or fire
retardants.
[0042] Projectable Target
[0043] The projectable target may be useful for trap or skeet
shooting, for competition or sport shooting, or for any other type
of activity using a projectable target.
[0044] The projectable target can have any shape and size suitable
for its intended use. As known in the art, clay pigeons include
various shapes and sizes, including standard clay pigeons, a
slightly different set of dimensions for "Olympic" targets, both of
which are generally saucer-shaped, and a "running rabbit" target
which has much different dimensions and shape (essentially a
flat-disc). The projectable target is usually shaped so that its
trajectory is stable when it is propelled, and is manufactured to a
specified size and weight.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows an example of a clay pigeon 10 that can be made
from a composition according to the invention. It is recognized
that the clay pigeon and other types of projectable targets can
have other suitable shapes and sizes, and that the invention is not
limited to any particular form.
[0046] After the projectable target has been formed and hardened,
the outside of the targets may optionally be coated with any
suitable coating. In some embodiments, the coating is a colored
coating such as a paint, finish or stain. Any suitable type of
paint can be used, such as an enamel or lacquer paint.
[0047] Properties of the Projectable Target
[0048] The projectable target is strong enough to avoid breaking
apart when it is launched into the air and also during normal
transportation and handling. At the same time, the target has
sufficient brittleness enabling it to disintegrate when hit by
shotgun pellets. The brittleness can be measured by any suitable
method. For example, the target may have sufficient brittleness and
dimensions such that when shot at with bird shot from a twelve
gauge shotgun from a distance of 25 meters by shooters skilled
enough to hit about 98% of the targets from that distance, less
than about 10% of targets hit by at least one pellet will remain
unbroken.
[0049] Method of Manufacture
[0050] The projectable target can be manufactured by any suitable
method. Some examples of manufacturing methods that may be used,
depending on the particular composition, include molding, casting
or pressing. Clay pigeons are often formed by mixing together the
materials of the composition and then molding the mixture into the
desired shape. For example, the materials may be mixed by using
machines such as mixers, mixing rolls or kneaders. The materials
may be mixed under heated conditions to facilitate the mixing, for
example by using a mixer having a heating device. The mixed
materials may then be molded using any suitable molding method,
such as injection molding or compression molding. The mixed
materials may be powdered, granulated or pelletized before it is
fed into the molding machine. Further, the heating and blending
step may be accomplished in the molding process by using an
injection molding machine having a premixing-preplasticizing device
such as an injection molding machine with a blend-feeder. After the
projectable targets have been formed and hardened, the outside of
the targets may be coated with any suitable coloring material.
EXAMPLES
[0051] A projectable target is made by molding a composition
including a filler material and a binder. The binder is a mixture
of asphalt, hydrocarbon resin and wax. The asphalt is a solvent
extracted asphalt which is oxidized to a softening point within a
range of from about 140.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C., and
more particularly from about 140.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.
The asphalt has a penetration of about 0 dmm at 25.degree. C. The
hydrocarbon resin has a softening point within a range of from
about 120.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C. The hydrocarbon resin
is included in an amount within a range of from about 5% to about
40% by weight of the binder, more particularly from about 10% to
about 30%. The wax is included in an amount within a range of from
about 1% to about 10% by weight of the binder, more particularly
about 5%.
[0052] A projectable target is made by molding a composition
containing 45 wt % bentonite clay and 55 wt % binder. The binder
contains 75 wt % PDA asphalt (from Alon) oxidized to a softening
point of 149.degree. C., 20 wt % hydrocarbon resin (LX-1035.RTM.
from Neville), and 5 wt % Fischer-Tropsch wax (BARECO.RTM. PX-105
from Baker Petrolite).
[0053] Another projectable target is made by molding compositions
containing 45 wt % bentonite clay and 55 wt % binder. The binder
contains 90 wt % PDA asphalt and 10 wt % Fischer-Tropsch wax.
[0054] Another projectable targets is made by molding compositions
containing 45 wt % bentonite clay and 55 wt % binder. The binder
contains 90 wt % PDA asphalt and 10 wt % gilsonite.
[0055] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes,
the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been
explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it
must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing
from its spirit or scope.
* * * * *