U.S. patent application number 11/703547 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for triple tap target system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blackwater Manufacturing. Invention is credited to Carrie T. Loveland, David H. Williams.
Application Number | 20080185786 11/703547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39675500 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080185786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loveland; Carrie T. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
Triple tap target system
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an triple tap target system including: a
target section including: a steel silhouette plate with an aperture
in a center portion; a first and second chest plates mounted to the
center portion of a rear of the steel silhouette plate; and a head
plate mounted to a top portion of the rear of the steel silhouette
plate; a reset mechanism operable affixed to the steel silhouette
plate operable to position first and second chest plates and the
head plate into a position substantially coplanar with the steel
silhouette plate; and a base section comprising one or more steel
angle legs, wherein the target section is affixed to the base
section.
Inventors: |
Loveland; Carrie T.;
(Elizabeth City, NC) ; Williams; David H.;
(Chesapeake, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
600 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30308
US
|
Assignee: |
Blackwater Manufacturing
Elizabeth City
NC
|
Family ID: |
39675500 |
Appl. No.: |
11/703547 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/391 ;
273/317; 273/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/391 ;
273/317; 273/348 |
International
Class: |
F41J 5/18 20060101
F41J005/18 |
Claims
1. An triple tap target system comprising: a target section
comprising: a steel silhouette plate with an aperture in a center
portion; first and second chest plates mounted adjacent the center
portion the steel silhouette plate; and a head plate mounted to a
top portion of the steel silhouette plate.
2. The triple tap target system of claim 1, further comprising a
reset operable to position the first and second chest plates and
the head plate into a first position, the first position
substantially parallel to the steel silhouette plate.
3. The triple tap target system of claim 1, a base section
comprising one or more steel angle legs, wherein the target section
is affixed to the base section.
4. The triple tap target system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second chest plates are in direct surface to surface contact when
the position substantially coplanar within the steel silhouette
plate.
5. The triple tap target system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second chest plates are rotationally affixed to the steel
silhouette plate about a common axis.
6. The triple tap target system of claim 1, wherein the head plate
is rotationally affixed to the steel silhouette plate.
7. The triple tap target system of claim 2, wherein the reset
mechanism comprises one or more reset bars designed to engage the
head plate and the second chest plate.
8. The triple tap target system of claim 2, wherein the reset
mechanism is pneumatically powered.
9. A method for using a triple tap target system comprising:
causing a first ballistic impact with a first chest plate in a
first position, wherein the first ballistic impact causes a second
chest plate to change position from a first position to a second
position; causing a second ballistic impact with the first chest
plate, wherein the second ballistic impact causes the first chest
plate to move to a second position; and causing a third ballistic
impact with a head plate in a first position, wherein the third
ballistic impact causes the head plate to move to a second
position.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising resetting the triple
tap target system by returning the first chest plate, the second
chest plate, and the head plate to their respective first positions
from their second positions.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein resetting the triple tap target
system includes activating a pneumatic cylinder.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second chest
plates are in direct surface-to-surface contact when they are in
their first positions.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second chest
plates and the head plate are substantially parallel to the
silhouette plate when in their first position.
14. A triple tap target system comprising: a first chest plate
rotationally affixed to a silhouette plate about a first axis; a
second chest plate rotationally affixed to the silhouette plate
about a second axis; and a head plate rotationally affixed to the
silhouette plate about a third axis.
15. The triple tap target system of claim 14, further comprising a
reset mechanism affixed to the silhouette plate operable for
rotating the first and second chest plates about the first and
second axis and the head plate about the third axis.
16. The triple tap target system of claim 14, wherein the first
chest plate and the second chest plate are in direct surface to
surface contact.
17. The triple tap target system of claim 14, wherein the
silhouette plate includes an aperture in a center portion and the
first chest plate and the second chest plate are located behind the
aperture.
18. The triple tap target system of claim 14, wherein the first
axis and the second axis are coaxial.
19. The triple tap target system of claim 15, wherein a ballistic
impact on the first chest plate causes the second chest plate to
rotate about the second axis.
20. The triple tap target system of claim 18, wherein a second
ballistic impact on the first chest plate causes the first chest
plate to rotate about the first axis.
21. The triple tap target system of claim 14, wherein a ballistic
impact on the head plate causes the head plate to rotate about the
third axis.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention generally relates to target systems. In
particular, the invention relates to a target system having
multiple targets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The objective of defensive shooting is to immediately
incapacitate a target so as to render that person unable to attack.
Contrary to popular belief, gunshot wounds rarely kill the target
instantly. Rather, the incapacitation caused by gunshots is the
result of a neurocirculatory shock resulting from the gunshot. For
example, the trauma resulting from impact and wound channel after
two shots to a target's center of mass will produce a reflexive
nervous system collapse in about 96% of cases. In the other 4% of
cases, either an adrenaline rush or the effect of stimulant drugs
will override the reflexive nervous system collapse, and further
shots to the targets center mass will not produce this
instantly-incapacitating shock.
[0003] A popular shooting technique, know as the Mozambique Drill
was developed to take into consideration the deficiency of the
pistol round in stopping an adversary. For example, many times it
is the case that after absorbing the trauma of the first shots, the
enemy will disregard further ballistic insult and simply "more
shots" are not the answer. The Mozambique Drill instructs the
shooter to place a double-tap in the center of mass, followed by a
carefully aimed headshot. Or in other words, to successfully hit
the center of a target twice and then the head of the target once.
The third shot of the Mozambique Drill is aimed to destroy the
brain, ensuring that the target's nervous system will shut down and
leave the target unable to attack. The third shot is most effective
when placed between a target's eyes as a higher shot is more likely
to deflect off of hard bone and a lower shot is unlikely to produce
the nervous system damage required to instantly stop an
attacker.
[0004] The Mozambique Drill, also known as the `failure to stop
drill` or `2+1 drill`, is commonly part of the U.S. National Guard
Combat Pistol and other military combat pistol competitions and is
frequently a discriminator between the average shooter and the
gifted shooter, especially in a timed competition.
[0005] A variety of different types of targets are currently
available for shooting drills, various targets have been developed
based on specific requirements or training practices of specific
drills. These targets can range from paper targets, to static
targets, such as steel or paper, to moving steel, paper targets, or
the like, and are generally arranged at a distant end of a shooting
range. Each of the targets can generally be moved around and
configured within the range depending on, for example, a particular
training drill for a shooter.
[0006] Currently, shooters typically use paper silhouette targets
for the Mozambique Drill. The paper silhouette targets have several
drawbacks that limit their effectiveness for use with the
Mozambique Drill. For example, the paper silhouette targets are
limited to a single effective use and it can be difficult to
quickly and accurately determine if the paper target was hit in the
proper location from a distance.
[0007] Accordingly, what is needed is an improved target that is
designed for use with the Mozambique Drill.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Disclosed herein is an triple tap target system including: a
target section including: a steel silhouette plate with an aperture
in a center portion; a first and second chest plates mounted to the
center portion of a rear of the steel silhouette plate; and a head
plate mounted to a top portion of the rear of the steel silhouette
plate; a reset mechanism operable affixed to the steel silhouette
plate operable to position first and second chest plates and the
head plate into a position substantially coplanar with the steel
silhouette plate; and a base section comprising one or more steel
angle legs, wherein the target section is affixed to the base
section.
[0009] Also disclosed herein is a method for using a triple tap
target system including: causing a first ballistic impact with a
first chest plate in an first position, wherein the first ballistic
impact causes a second chest plate to change position from an first
position to a secondary position; causing a second ballistic impact
with the first chest plate, wherein the second ballistic impact
causes the first chest plate to change from its first position to a
secondary position; causing a third ballistic impact with a head
plate in an first position, wherein the third ballistic impact
causes the head plate to change position from its first position to
a secondary position; and resetting the triple tap target system by
returning the first chest plate, the second chest plate, and the
head plate to their respective first positions from their secondary
positions.
[0010] Further disclosed herein is a triple tap target system
including: a first chest plate rotationally affixed to a silhouette
plate about a first axis; a second chest plate rotationally affixed
to the silhouette plate about the first axis; a head plate
rotationally affixed to the silhouette plate about a second axis;
one or more steel angle legs affixed to a bottom portion of the
silhouette plate; and a reset mechanism affixed to the silhouette
plate operable for rotating the first and second chest plates about
the first axis and the head plate about the second axis.
[0011] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon reading the
following specification in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a portion of a triple tap
target system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of a
triple tap target system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of a
triple tap target system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the rear of a
triple tap target system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the rear of a
triple tap target system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrate a perspective view of a triple tap target
system including a automated reset device in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrate a perspective view of a triple tap target
system including a manual reset device in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the invention; and
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of a
triple tap target system in accordance with exemplary embodiments
of the invention.
[0021] The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments
of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of
example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a front view of a target section 50
of a triple tap target system 100 is depicted. The target section
50 includes a silhouette shaped steel plate 52 that has a center
section cutout. The target section 50 also includes two chest
plates 54 that are located behind the center cutout portion of the
silhouette shaped steel plate 52. Furthermore, the target section
50 includes a single head plate 56 mounted at the top of the
silhouette shaped steel plate 52. The two chest plates 54 are
pivotally mounted to the silhouette shaped steel plate 52 and are
in direct surface-to-surface contact with each other. In exemplary
embodiments, for clarity purposes, the steel silhouette plate 52
may be painted black and the chest plates 54 and head plates 56 are
white. The target section 50 of the triple tap target system 100 is
constructed such that after two shots hit the chest plates 52 they
both fall out of sight and after a single shot hit the head plate
56 it falls out of sight.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the two chest plates 52 are
mounted such that prior to impact of a bullet the chest plates 54
are in direct surface-to-surface contact with one another. In
another exemplary embodiment, the two chest plates 54 are mounted
such that prior to impact of a bullet the chest plates 54 are both
in a upright position in close proximity to one another. Once a
first shot impacts the front chest plate 54 the energy from the
impact is transferred to the rear chest plate 54 and the rear chest
plate falls while the front face plate remains in its first
position. After the front chest plate 54 is shot a second time, the
front chest plate 54 time falls rearward. The shooter then would
take a third shot at the head plate 56 knocking it rearward when it
is struck. The head plate 56 may extend above the silhouette plate
52, however, it is also contemplated that the head plate 56 may be
located behind an aperture in an upper portion of the silhouette
plate 52.
[0024] The triple tap target system 100 also includes a base
section 10. The base section 10 is constructed of a structural
steel channel 12 and one or more steel angle legs 14 and provides a
steady platform for which to mount the target section 50. The steel
angle legs 14 are welded vertically on top of the steel channel 12
and provide ballistic protection for the different reset mechanisms
that are located behind the steel angle legs 14. In an exemplary
embodiment, at the top of the steel angle legs 14, there are
threaded studs 16 that are used to locate and secure the target
section 50 with flat washers and nuts.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5 which illustrate
perspective views of a portion of the triple tap target system 100
during various stages of use. FIG. 2 illustrates the triple tap
target system 100 after it has been reset and no ballistic impact
has occurred. Accordingly, both chest plates 54 and the head plate
56 are in their first position, which is substantially parallel
with the silhouette plate 52. For example, in their first position
the plates 54 and the head plate 56 may be within twenty degrees of
the silhouette plate 52. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2 the two
chest plates 54 may be in direct surface-to-surface contact with
one another when in their first position. FIG. 3 illustrates the
triple tap target system 100 after a first ballistic impact has
occurred with the first chest plate 54. Accordingly, the first
chest plate 54a and the head plate 56 are substantially near their
first position, which is substantially parallel to the silhouette
plate 52, and the second chest plate 54b is in a second position.
FIG. 4 illustrates the triple tap target system 100 after a second
ballistic impact has occurred with the first chest plate 54.
Accordingly, only the head plate 56 is substantially near its first
position and both of the chest plates 54 are in a second position.
FIG. 4 also illustrates the center cut out portion of the
silhouette plate 52. FIG. 5 illustrates the triple tap target
system 100 after a first ballistic impact has occurred with the
head plate 56. Accordingly, both chest plates 54 and the head plate
56 are in a second position, which is substantially non-coplanar
with the silhouette plate 52. Once the head plate 56 and the two
chest plates 54 are in their second position the triple tap target
system 100 is reset and the head plate 56 and the two chest plates
54 are returned to their first positions as illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0026] The resetting of the triple tap target system 100 may be
accomplished by an automated or manual process, as illustrated in
FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The automated reset mechanism 58 may
be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric motor,
or the like. The manual reset mechanism 60 may be a lever that is
connected to a rope or cord. The automated reset mechanism 58 may
be activated by pressing a button or switch located on a control
box and the manual reset mechanism 60 may be activated by pulling
the rope towards you (the shooter). The resetting of the triple tap
target system 100, be either an automated or manual process,
includes actuating a vertical reset bar 62, which is connected to a
head reset bar 64 and a chest reset bar 66. The head reset bar 64
is designed to contact the head plate 56 and reposition the chest
plate 56 from its second position to its first position. Likewise,
the chest reset bar 66 is designed to contact the second chest
plate 54b and reposition both of the chest plates 54 from their
second positions to their first positions.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, multiple triple tap target
systems 100 that have automated reset mechanisms 58 can be operated
from a single control box. Also, the reset mechanism of the triple
tap target systems 100 may optionally be converted to/from a manual
reset mechanism 60 from/to an automated reset mechanism 58 due to
the design of the triple tap target system 100. The conversion from
a manual reset mechanism 60 from/to an automated reset mechanism 58
allows a single triple tap target system 100 to be used in a wide
variety of environments including outdoors and in an existing
shooting range.
[0028] Turning now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the rear of the
triple tap target system 100 in accordance with exemplary
embodiment is illustrated. The chest plates 54 and head plate 56
may include bushings 68 designed to keep the rotational and falling
motion smooth and consistent. In an exemplary embodiment, the
bushings 68 may be constructed of bronze or another suitable
material. Furthermore, the target section 50 of the triple tap
target system 100 can include one or more spring loaded
ball-detents 70 that are in contact with the rotating portion of
the chest plates 54 and the head plate 56. The ball-detents 70 keep
the chest plates 54 and head plate 56 from moving as the target
section 50 is shot at. Without the ball-detents 70, the chest
plates 54 and the head plate 56 may move due to any excess
vibration of the silhouette area that can result from being hit by
misplaced rounds. The ball-detents 70 are used to ensure that the
vibrations do not cause the chest plates 54 and the head plate 56,
that were not hit directly, to fall. Additionally, when the chest
plates 54 and the head plate 56 are shot at by a larger caliber
handgun, the higher force may cause the plate to slam rearward so
hard that it bounces back to an upright position. The ball-detents
58 are designed to prevent such bounce back of the chest plates 54
and the head plate 56.
[0029] Whereas the present invention has been described in detail
it is understood that variations and modifications can be effected
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as described herein
before and as defined in the appended claims. The corresponding
structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all
mean-plus-function elements, if any, in the claims below are
intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing
the functions in combination with other claimed elements as
specifically claimed.
* * * * *