U.S. patent application number 12/846543 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for firearm targets with reinforcing features for enhanced durability and associated methods of use and manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Birk, Michael E. Cottrell, Brian S. Graybill, Russell A. Potterfield, Robert J. Zara.
Application Number | 20110024985 12/846543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43526253 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110024985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potterfield; Russell A. ; et
al. |
February 3, 2011 |
FIREARM TARGETS WITH REINFORCING FEATURES FOR ENHANCED DURABILITY
AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to target assemblies and
targets with reinforcing features for improved durability. One
example of such a target can include a target portion that is
configured to be struck by a projectile, and a connector portion
configured to movably couple the target portion to a support
structure. The target also includes a neck portion extending
between the target portion and the connector portion, and a
reinforcing portion proximate to the neck portion. The reinforcing
portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is at
least partially deformed to reinforce or otherwise strengthen the
neck portion.
Inventors: |
Potterfield; Russell A.;
(Columbia, MO) ; Birk; Adam; (Lohman, MO) ;
Cottrell; Michael E.; (Columbia, MO) ; Graybill;
Brian S.; (Liberty, MO) ; Zara; Robert J.;
(Rocheport, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Assignee: |
Battenfeld Technologies,
Inc.
Columbia
MO
|
Family ID: |
43526253 |
Appl. No.: |
12/846543 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61229440 |
Jul 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/348 ;
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 1/01 20130101; F41J
1/10 20130101; F41J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/348 ;
273/407 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/01 20060101
F41J001/01; F41J 1/10 20060101 F41J001/10 |
Claims
1. A target configured to move relative to a support structure when
the target is struck by a projectile, the target comprising: a
target portion configured to be struck by a projectile; a connector
portion configured to movably couple the target portion to a
support structure; a neck portion extending between the target
portion and the connector portion; and a reinforcing portion
proximate to the neck portion, wherein the reinforcing portion
comprises an integral portion of the target that is at least
partially deformed.
2. The target of claim 1 wherein the neck portion includes a front
side opposite a back side, and wherein the reinforcing portion
further comprises an integral extension of the connector portion
that is at least partially deformed to be positioned proximate to
the back side of the neck portion.
3. The target of claim 1 wherein the neck portion has a first
thickness and wherein the neck portion and the reinforcing portion
have a combined second thickness that is approximately double the
first thickness.
4. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises
a first reinforcing portion extending laterally from the neck
portion in a first direction and a second reinforcing portion
extending laterally from the neck portion in a second direction
opposite the first direction, and wherein each of the first and
second reinforcing portions is deformed inwardly towards a central
portion of the neck portion.
5. The target of claim 4 wherein the reinforcing portion further
comprises a third reinforcing portion comprising an extension of
the connector portion that is positioned proximate to the neck
portion, and wherein the first and second reinforcing portions at
least partially surround the third reinforcing portion.
6. The target of claim 5 wherein the neck portion has a first
thickness and wherein the neck portion and the first, second, and
third reinforcing portions have a combined second thickness that is
approximately triple the first thickness.
7. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises
a protrusion extending away from the neck portion, wherein the
protrusion is an at least partially deformed and integral portion
of the neck portion.
8. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion is
integral with the neck portion and includes a first reinforcing
portion extending at an inclined angle away from a second
reinforcing portion.
9. The target of claim 1 wherein the target portion extends at an
inclined angle away from the neck portion.
10. The target of claim 1 wherein the target portion includes a
first target region and a second target region, and wherein the
first target region extends at an inclined angle away from the
second target region.
11. The target of claim 1, further comprising an energy absorbing
portion positioned between the neck portion and the reinforcing
portion, wherein the energy absorbing portion is made from an
elastomeric material.
12. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion is a work
hardened portion of the target that is configured to at least
partially strengthen the neck portion of the target.
13. A target configured to be coupled to a frame, the target
comprising: a target portion; a neck portion extending from the
target portion; a connecting portion extending from the neck
portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be
pivotally coupled to a frame; and a reinforcing portion configured
to strengthen the neck portion and at least partially resist
deformation of the neck portion.
14. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion
comprises an integral portion of the target that is deformed and
positioned adjacent to the neck portion.
15. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion
comprises a deformed peripheral edge portion extending partially
around at least one of the target portion and the neck portion.
16. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion
comprises a welded bead extending along a section of the neck
portion.
17. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion
comprises a rod separate from the neck portion and positioned
adjacent to the neck portion.
18. A target assembly comprising: a support structure; and a target
movably coupled to the support structure, the target comprising-- a
target portion configured to be struck by a projectile; a neck
portion extending from the target portion; a connecting portion
extending from the neck portion, wherein the connecting portion is
configured to be movably coupled to the support structure; and
means for resisting deformation of the neck portion when the target
is struck by the projectile.
19. The target of claim 18 wherein the means for resisting
deformation comprises an integral extension of at least one of the
connecting portion and the neck portion, and wherein the integral
extension is positioned proximate to the neck portion.
20. The target of claim 18 wherein the means for resisting
deformation comprises a deformed portion of the target that is
positioned adjacent to the neck portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/229,440, entitled "FIREARM TARGETS WITH
REINFORCING FEATURES FOR ENHANCED DURABILITY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
OF USE AND MANUFACTURE," filed Jul. 29, 2009, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to target assemblies and
associated targets, and more specifically, to targets having
reinforcing and durability enhancing features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Shooters often engage in target shooting to improve their
shooting skills, for enjoyment, as competition, etc. For example,
shooters often attempt to hit stationary or moving targets from a
specified distance to improve their accuracy or test their shooting
skills. One type of target shooting involves shooting hanging or
swinging targets. Such conventional swinging targets are typically
stamped or cut out of a steel sheet. The thickness of the sheet,
along with the tensile strength and hardness of the steel, are
generally selected for a specific range of projectile energies. For
example, it is common to see different thicknesses for an air gun,
a rimfire rifle, handguns, high-powered rifles, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a front view of a target assembly configured in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view of a
target configured in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a rear view and FIG. 3B is a side view of a
target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosure. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional top view taken
substantially along lines 3C-3C of FIG. 3A.
[0007] FIG. 4A is a side view of a target configured in accordance
with a further embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4B is a
cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 4B-4B of
FIG. 4A.
[0008] FIG. 5A is a front isometric view, FIG. 5B is a rear
isometric view, and FIG. 5C is a side view of a target configured
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5D is a front view of a target configured in accordance
with a further embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5E is a
cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 5E-5E of
FIG. 5D.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a target configured in accordance
with another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7A is a rear view of a target configured in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7B is a
cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 7B-7B of
FIG. 7A.
[0012] FIG. 8A is a rear view of a target configured in accordance
with still another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8B is a
cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 8B-8B of
FIG. 8A.
[0013] FIG. 9A is a front isometric view and FIG. 9B is a side view
of a target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 9C is a front isometric view of a target configured in
accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 10A is a front isometric view, FIG. 10B is a side view,
and
[0016] FIG. 10C is a bottom view of a target configured in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of a target configured in accordance
with another embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following disclosure describes several embodiments of
target assemblies and targets, as well as associated methods of use
and manufacture. Certain embodiments of the disclosure, for
example, are directed to targets having reinforcing portions that
are designed to strengthen at least a stem or neck portion of a
target. More specifically, the targets are configured with
reinforcing portions that are attached to, integral with, or
otherwise associated with each target to resist bending and/or
twisting of the target at the neck portion. In still further
embodiments, the targets can also include reinforcing geometries
that also enhance the durability and longevity of the targets.
[0019] Certain details are set forth in the following description
and in FIGS. 1-11 to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the disclosure. Other details describing well-known
structures and systems often associated with targets and target
assemblies, and methods for forming such components and assemblies
are not set forth in the following disclosure to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0020] Many of the details, dimensions, angles and/or other
portions shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular
embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can
have other details, dimensions, angles and/or portions without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, further embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced
without several of the details described below, while still other
embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional
details and/or portions.
[0021] In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify
identical or at least generally similar elements. To facilitate the
discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or
digits of any reference number refers to the Figure in which that
element is first introduced. For example, element 110 is first
introduced and discussed with reference to FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a target assembly 100 configured
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the
illustrated embodiment, the target assembly 100 includes a support
structure or frame 102 carrying a plurality of hanging or swinging
targets 110 (identified individually as a first through third
targets 110a-110c). Each target 110 includes a target portion 112
that is configured to be hit by a projectile (e.g., a bullet). In
the illustrated embodiment, each target portion 112 has a generally
circular shape. In other embodiments, however, the target portion
112 can include other desired shapes or forms, including, for
example, animal or human shapes, bull-eye targets, concentric
rings, regulation sized targets for competitive shooting, or any
other suitable shape for target shooting or sport. Moreover,
although the targets 110 can be made from metallic materials,
including alloyed metals such as steel, in certain embodiments the
targets 110 can be made from non-metallic materials or any
combination of metallic and non-metallic materials.
[0023] Each target 110 also includes a stem or neck portion 114
extending from the target portion 112 to a connecting portion 116.
The neck portion 114 spaces the targets 110 away from an upper
portion of the frame 102. The connecting portion 116 movably or
pivotally couples each target 110 to the frame 102 to allow the
targets 110 to independently pivot, rotate, or otherwise move about
the frame 102 when a projectile strikes each target 110. In the
illustrated embodiment, each neck portion 114 is twisted
approximately 90 degrees with reference to the neck portion 114 to
allow each target 110 to swing in a direction normal to the face of
the target portion 112. A user can accordingly see when they
successfully hit a target 110 by the swinging or rotational
movement of the target 110. Each connecting portion 116 also
includes an opening to receive a portion of the frame 102 to couple
the target 110 to the frame 102. As described below, however, in
other embodiments the connecting portion 116 can include other
configurations suitable for coupling the targets 110 to the frame
102.
[0024] Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes three
targets 110, in other embodiments the target assembly 100 can
include a greater or lesser number of targets 110. The targets 110
can also include different sizes or shapes. Moreover, the target
assembly 100 and associated targets 110 can be configured to be
used with any projectile source, including, for example, firearms
such as rifles, handguns, air guns, paintball guns, or any other
projectile source, such as bows and arrows, slingshots, etc.
[0025] One problem associated with conventional hanging targets
that are similar to the targets 110 in the illustrated target
assembly 100 is that conventional targets are not adequately
durable for user satisfaction. For example, conventional targets
often quickly become deformed and unsuitable for target shooting
after limited use. More specifically, conventional targets are
typically susceptible to deformation or failure at the neck
portion, due to the twisting or bending of the target portion with
reference to the neck portion. Because the target portion has a
greater mass than the neck portion, when a projectile strikes the
target portion, the target frequently bends at the neck portion.
Increasing the overall thickness of the target material to avoid
this deformation, however, will increase material costs as well as
shipping costs. Moreover, targets made from higher quality or
higher strength materials can also be cost-prohibitive.
[0026] As explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-11,
however, several embodiments of the disclosure are directed to
target configurations and designs that improve the durability and
longevity of the targets 110. More specifically, the embodiments
described below are designed to include reinforcing features,
reinforcing portions, and/or reinforcing geometries that enhance
the durability of the targets 110 and specifically resist failure
at the neck portion 114 of the targets 110. For example, the
reinforcing portions and geometries of the embodiments disclosed
herein can at least partially resist the bending and twisting of
the targets 110 at the neck portion 114 after repeated use. The
reinforcing features and geometries disclosed herein can also at
least partially prevent the cratering or discrete areas of
deformation that occur on a target due to repeated impacts from
projectiles.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view of a
target 210 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the illustrated
target 210 (as well as the targets described below with reference
to FIGS. 3A-11) is generally similar in structure and function to
the targets 110 described above with reference to FIG. 1. For
example, the target 210 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a
neck portion 214 extending between a target portion 212 and a
connecting portion 216. The connecting portion 216 is configured to
movably couple the target 210 to a frame (not shown) or other
support structure. According to one feature of the illustrated
embodiment, however, the connecting portion 216 is not twisted with
reference to the neck portion 214. Rather, the connecting portion
216 is an integral extension of the neck portion 214 and forms a
looped opening 217. The opening 217 is configured to wrap around a
frame to pivotally couple the target 210 to the frame.
[0028] According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment,
the target 210 also includes a reinforcing portion 218 (FIG. 2B).
The reinforcing portion 218 extends along the back side of the
target 210 from the connecting portion 216 to the target portion
212 (e.g., adjacent to a back side of the neck portion 214). For
example, the target 210 can be made from a single elongate piece of
material that is bent or otherwise formed so that the reinforcing
portion 218 is positioned proximate to the back side of the neck
portion 214. The illustrated reinforcing portion 218 is an integral
extension of the connecting portion 216 and is configured to
strengthen the neck portion 214 of the target 210. For example, the
reinforcing portion 218 effectively doubles the thickness of the
neck portion 214 of the target 210, which is the region of the
target 210 that is most susceptible to deformation.
[0029] Although the illustrated embodiment shows a relatively small
gap 219 between the reinforcing portion 218 and the neck portion
214, in certain embodiments the gap 219 can be at least partially
eliminated. For example, the reinforcing portion 218 can be welded
or otherwise attached to the neck portion 214 or the target portion
212. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing portion 218 can be
spot or tack welded at specific locations, or the reinforcing
portion 218 can be welded to the neck portion 214 and target
portion 212 along the entire length of the reinforcing portion
218.
[0030] FIG. 3A is a rear view of a target 310 configured in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3B is a
side view of the target 310, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional top
view of the target 310 taken substantially along lines 3C-3C of
FIG. 3A. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C together, the illustrated target
310 includes a neck portion 314 extending from a target portion 312
to a connecting portion 316, in a manner generally similar to the
embodiments described above. According to one feature of the
illustrated embodiment, however, the target 310 also includes
folded reinforcing portions 320 (identified individually as a first
reinforcing portion 320a and a second reinforcing portion 320b).
Each reinforcing portion 320 is formed from an integral segment of
the neck portion 314 that is folded or bent toward the center
region of the neck portion 314. For example, the broken lines shown
in FIGS. 3A and 3C represent the reinforcing portions 320 before
each reinforcing portion 320 is folded inwardly toward the neck
portion 314. Rather than removing (e.g., stamping or cutting) the
reinforcing portions 320 when manufacturing the target 310 (as
would normally be done with a conventional target), the reinforcing
portions 320 are folded back against the neck portion 314 to
increase the overall thickness and strength of the neck portion
314.
[0031] In addition, folding or deforming the reinforcing portions
320 toward the neck portion 314 also at least partially work
hardens the target material at the interface between the
reinforcing portions 320 and the neck portion 314. Such work
hardening can strengthen the target material at the neck portion
314 to resist deformation of the target 310 at the neck portion
314. Moreover, although the reinforcing portions 320 are integrally
formed with the target 310 in the illustrated embodiment, in other
embodiments the reinforcing portions 320 can be attached (e.g.,
welded) to the back side of the neck portion 314 or the target
portion 312.
[0032] FIG. 4A is a side view of a target 410 configured in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG.
4B is a cross-sectional top view of the target 410 taken
substantially along lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. Referring to FIGS. 4A
and 4B together, the illustrated target 410 includes a neck portion
414 extending from a target portion 412 to a looped connecting
portion 416. The illustrated embodiment, however, includes a
combination of several of the features described above with
reference to FIGS. 2A-3C. For example, the target 410 illustrated
in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes a first reinforcing portion 418 (shown
in broken lines in FIG. 4A) extending from the connecting portion
416 behind the neck portion 414 and the target portion 412. The
target 410 also includes a second reinforcing portion 420a and a
third reinforcing portion 420b, each of which extends from the neck
portion 414 and is folded or bent back toward the center region of
the neck portion 414 around the first reinforcing portion 418. The
illustrated embodiment accordingly triples the thickness of the
neck portion 414 to resist deformation.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first reinforcing portion
418 and the second and third reinforcing portions 420a, 420b can
each be formed from integral portions of the target 410. For
example, these reinforcing portions can be formed from segments of
the target 410 that are bent or folded into the illustrated
configuration. In other embodiments, however, one or more of these
reinforcing portions can be formed from material that is attached
(e.g., welded) to the target 410. In certain embodiments, for
example, the first reinforcing portion 418 can be welded to the
back side of the neck portion 414, and the second and third
reinforcing portions 420a, 420b can be folded around the first
reinforcing portion 418 from the neck portion 414.
[0034] FIG. 5A is a front isometric view of a target assembly 510
configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 5B is a rear isometric view, and FIG. 5C is a side view of the
target 510. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C together, the illustrated
target 510 includes a neck portion 514 extending from a target
portion 512 to a connecting portion 516 in a manner generally
similar to the targets described above. According to one feature of
the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 510 also includes a
deformed reinforcing portion 522 formed in a region of the neck
portion 514 and/or the target portion 512. More specifically, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the reinforcing portion
522 protrudes from the front of the target (FIGS. 5A and 5C), and
forms a corresponding recess in the rear side of the target (FIG.
5B). In certain embodiments, the reinforcing portion 522 can be
formed by stamping, punching, pressing, etc. a rib in a portion of
the target 510, such as, for example, in the neck portion 514.
Although the reinforcing portion 522 in the illustrated embodiment
protrudes from the front side of the target 510, in other
embodiments the reinforcing portion 522 can protrude from the rear
side of the target 510 and create a corresponding recess or cavity
in the front side. Forming the reinforcing portion 522 also at
least partially work hardens the neck portion 514 and thereby
increases the durability and strength in that area of the target
510.
[0035] Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C includes
a reinforcing portion 522 that is stamped or otherwise formed in a
relatively small region of the neck portion 514 and target portion
512, in other embodiments the reinforcing portion 522 can encompass
a larger region or segment of the neck portion 514 or target
portion 512. For example, FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate the target 510
with a completely deformed and reinforced neck portion 514. More
specifically, FIG. 5D is a front view of the target 510, and FIG.
5E is a cross-sectional top view of the target 510 taken
substantially along lines 5E-5E of FIG. 5D. Referring to FIGS. 5D
and 5E together, the entire neck portion 514 includes a generally
V-shaped configuration having a first reinforced portion 524a
extending from a second reinforced portion 524b. The V-shape can be
formed by pressing, stamping, punching, etc. the neck portion 514,
which also work hardens the neck portion 514. The first reinforced
portion 524a is offset from the second reinforced portion 524b by
an angle "A." In certain embodiments, the angle A can be
approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle
A can be greater than or less than approximately 90 degrees.
Moreover, although the first and second reinforcing portions 524a,
524b are illustrated as extending along the length of the neck
portion 514, in other embodiments the first and second reinforcing
portions 524a, 524b can extend along only a partial segment of the
neck portion 514 between the target portion 512 and a connecting
portion (not shown). In addition, although the illustrated
reinforced neck portion 514 has a generally V-shaped configuration,
in other embodiments the neck portion can include a U-shape, curved
shape, irregular shape, non-planar shape, etc.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a target 610 configured in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The
illustrated target 610 includes a neck portion 614 extending from a
target portion 612 to a connecting portion 616. According to one
feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 610 also
includes a reinforcing portion 626 that is attached to the target
610. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 626 can be extra
material that is attached (e.g., welded) to the target 610 to
strengthen and reinforce the neck portion 614. Accordingly, the
reinforcing portion 626 protrudes from the side of the target 610
that it is attached to. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,
the reinforcing portion 626 includes a welded bead that extends
along a segment of the neck portion 614 and the target portion 612.
In other embodiments, the target 610 can include multiple
reinforcing portions in addition to the reinforcing portion 626
extending along the center region of the neck portion 614. For
example, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 6, the target 610 can
also include a peripheral reinforcing portion 627 extending around
a peripheral edge portion of the target portion 612. Similar to the
reinforcing portion 626, the peripheral reinforcing portion 627 can
be formed by welding material to the peripheral region of the
target portion 612.
[0037] Another feature of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, as
well as other embodiments disclosed herein, welding portions of the
target 610 can enhance the durability of the target by at least
partially heat treating the portions of the target 610. For
example, welding portions of the target 610 can toughen or
strengthen the target material by tempering, case hardening,
annealing, etc. the heated portions of the target material.
[0038] FIG. 7A is a rear view of a target 710 configured in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 7B
is a cross-sectional top view of the target 710 taken substantially
along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B
together, the illustrated target 710 includes a neck portion 714
extending from a target portion 712. According to one feature of
the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 710 also includes a
deformed reinforcing portion 728 extending around a peripheral
portion of the target 710. In the illustrated embodiment, the
reinforcing portion 728 is an integral portion of the target 710
that is formed when the target 710 is stamped or punched from a
parent material. For example, the reinforcing portion 728 can be a
lip or ridge of the target 710 that is bent or otherwise deformed
in the illustrated shape. In other embodiments, however, and as
described above, the reinforcing portion 728 can be formed by
attaching (e.g., welding) a separate material to at least a portion
of the outer periphery of the target 710. Moreover, although the
illustrated embodiment shows the reinforcing portion 728 extending
around the entire neck portion 714 and the entire target portion
712, in other embodiments, the reinforcing portion 728 can extend
along only a segment of the neck portion 714 or a segment of the
target portion 712. For example, the reinforcing portion 728 can be
configured to extend along only the neck portion 714, at the
interface between the neck portion 714 and the target portion 712,
or around only the target portion 712.
[0039] FIG. 8A is a rear view of a target 810 configured in
accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure, and
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional top view of the target 810 taken
substantially along lines 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. Referring to FIGS. 8A
and 8B together, the illustrated target 810 includes a neck portion
814 extending from a target portion 812. According to one feature
of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 810 also
includes a reinforcing member 830 extending adjacent to the target
830. More specifically, the reinforcing member is an elongate
stiffening member that is coupled to the neck portion 814 and the
target portion 812. The reinforcing member 830 can be a metal rod,
such a hardened steel rod, bar stock, etc. Although the illustrated
reinforcing member 830 has a generally circular cross-sectional
area, in other embodiments the reinforcing member 830 can have
other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectilinear, irregular,
etc.).
[0040] The illustrated target 810 also includes a plurality of
retaining members 832 (identified individually as a first through
fifth retaining members 832a-832e) that hold the reinforcing member
830 in position. The retaining members 832 can be integral portions
of the target 810 or separate components that are attached to the
target 810. According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment,
for example, the retaining members 832 can be integral portions of
the target 810 that are bent or otherwise deformed to retain the
reinforcing member 830 against the target 810. In this manner, the
retaining members 832 can secure the reinforcing member 830 to the
target 810 without welding the reinforcing member to the target
810. In other embodiments, however, the reinforcing member 830 can
be welded (e.g., spot welded, welded along the entire length of the
reinforcing member 830, etc.) to the target 810 to secure the
reinforcing member 830 in place. In still further embodiments, the
reinforcing member 830 can be held in place with the retaining
members 832 in addition to welds in specific locations along the
reinforcing member 830.
[0041] FIG. 9A is a front isometric view and FIG. 9B is a side view
of a target 910 configured in accordance with another embodiment of
the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B together, the
illustrated target 910 includes a neck portion 914 extending from a
target portion 912 to a connecting portion 916. According to one
feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target portion
912 is oriented at a non-planar angle with reference to the neck
portion 914. More specifically, the target portion 912 is oriented
at an angle "B" (FIG. 9B) with reference to the rear side of the
neck portion 914. In certain embodiments, the angle B can be
approximately 135 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle
B can be greater than or less than approximately 135 degrees. The
bent or angled configuration of the target 910 can at least
partially dissipate the impact energy from a projectile. For
example, a projectile traveling toward the target 910 (e.g., as
indicated by arrow 934 in FIG. 9B) strikes the target portion 912
at an angle that is not perpendicular to the target portion 912. In
this manner, the target portion 912 can at least partially deflect
the projectile and the energy associated with the projectile that
the target 910 absorbs to thereby reduce the amount of deformation
of the target 910. In a specific embodiment, for example, the angle
B can be set to be the angle at which the energy absorbed by the
target 910 from a projectile will not exceed the material yield
strength of the target 910 so that the target 910 does not
deform.
[0042] FIG. 9C is a front isometric view of a target 911 configured
in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. The
target 911 is generally similar in structure and function to the
target 910 described above with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9C, however, the target 911
includes a reinforcing portion 922 in a region of each of the neck
portion 914 and the target portion 912. The reinforcing portion 922
can be generally similar to the embodiments described above. For
example, the reinforcing portion 922 can be a stamped portion of
the target 911, a welded bead, a reinforcing rod attached to the
target 911, folded or bent portions, etc., that are combined with
the angled geometry of the target 911. Moreover, although the
reinforcing portion 922 is positioned at generally planar regions
of the neck portion 914 and the target portion 912, in other
embodiments the reinforcing portion 922 can extend through the bent
or angled portion of the neck portion 914.
[0043] FIG. 10A is a front isometric view, FIG. 10B is a side view,
and FIG. 10C is a bottom view of a target 1010 configured in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. Referring
to FIGS. 10A-10C together, the illustrated target 1010 includes a
neck portion 1014 extending from a target portion 1012 to a
connecting portion 1016. Similar to the target 910 described above
with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, the target portion 1010 illustrated
in FIGS. 10A-10C includes a target portion 1012 that is oriented at
an angle with reference to a neck portion 1014. The target 1010
also includes a connecting portion 1016 to couple the target 1010
to a frame. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment,
however, the target portion 1012 includes multiple surfaces that
are not in the same plane. More specifically, the target portion
1012 includes first angled target region 1036a that is oriented at
an angle "C" (FIG. 10C) with reference to a second angled target
region 1036b. In one embodiment, the angle C between the first and
second angled target regions 1036a, 1036b can be approximately 205
degrees (measured from the front surfaces of the target 1010). In
other embodiments, however, the angle C can be greater than or less
than approximately 205 degrees. During use, a projectile traveling
toward the target 1010 (indicated by arrow 1034 in FIG. 10B)
strikes the target portion 1012 at an angle that is not
perpendicular to the target portion 1012. More specifically, the
target portion 1012 angled with reference to the neck portion 1014
can deflect a projectile in a downward direction, and the angled
target regions 1036 can deflect the projectile in lateral
directions with reference to the target 1010, to at least partially
disperse the projectile energy striking the target 1010 and prevent
deformation of the target 1010.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a side view of a target 1110 configured in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. Similar to
the targets described above, the target 1110 includes a neck
portion 1114 extending from a target portion 1112 to a connecting
portion 1116. According to one feature of the illustrated
embodiment, however, the target 1110 also includes an energy
absorbing portion 1138 positioned between a reinforcing portion
1118 and the neck and target portions 1114, 1112. More
specifically, the reinforcing portion 1118 extends along the back
side of the target 1110 from the connecting portion 1116 to the
target portion 1112 (e.g., in a manner generally similar to the
target 210 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B). The
reinforcing portion 1118 is spaced apart from the neck portion 1114
and the target portion 1112 to accommodate the energy absorbing
portion 1138. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing portion
1138, as well as the reinforcing portion 1118, can have the same
general shape of the neck portion 1114 and target portion 1112 when
the target 1110 is viewed from the front. In other embodiments,
however, the energy absorbing portion 1138, as well as the
reinforcing portion 1118, can form a strip or segment extending
along the back side of the target 1110. Moreover, in certain
embodiments the energy absorbing portion 1138 does not have to
extend along the full length of the target 1110 from the connecting
portion 1116 to the lower region of the target portion 1112. For
example, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be positioned only
at the target portion 1112 or at the neck portion 1114, or at
specific regions in either of the target or neck portions 1112,
1114. In addition, in certain embodiments the reinforcing portion
1118 can be omitted and the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be
attached to the target 1110. Moreover, the energy absorbing portion
1138 can also be directly attached (e.g., glued, adhered, fastened,
etc.) to the target portion 1112, the neck portion 1114, the
connecting portion 1116, and/or the reinforcing portion 1118.
[0045] The energy absorbing portion 1138 is configured to at least
partially absorb and dissipate energy from a projectile that
strikes the target 1110. In this manner, the energy absorbing
portion 1138 can at least partially prevent the target 1110 from
deforming during use. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing
portion 1138 can be made from an elastomeric material or any other
material having generally elastic properties. For example, the
energy absorbing portion can be made from elastomeric materials
such as rubber, plastic, thermosets, thermoplastics, polymers, or
any other suitable energy absorbing material. In other embodiments,
however, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be made from any
other material suitable for at least partially absorbing projectile
energy, such as plastic, wood, metal, etc.
[0046] The embodiments of the targets and target assemblies
described herein provide several advantages over conventional
swinging or hanging targets. For example, the targets described
herein include reinforcing features and reinforcing geometries that
enhance the durability and longevity of the targets. Moreover,
several of these embodiments include reinforcing features that do
not significantly increase the manufacturing time or cost of the
targets, nor the target weight. These embodiments can accordingly
provide long-lasting, durable, and affordable targets.
[0047] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications can be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
For example, the targets described herein can be configured for
different velocity firearms, including, for example, air guns,
rimfire rifles, handguns, high velocity firearms, etc. Moreover,
the features or elements described with reference to a specific
embodiment can be combined or substituted with other embodiments of
the targets described herein. Furthermore, while advantages
associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been
described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments
may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need
necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure are not
limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *