U.S. patent application number 13/088565 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for target for archery made of polymer foam intended to be thrown into the air.
This patent application is currently assigned to LAPORTE HOLDING (SAS). Invention is credited to Jean-Marc FOUQUES, Jean-Michel LAPORTE.
Application Number | 20110260404 13/088565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44314198 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110260404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAPORTE; Jean-Michel ; et
al. |
October 27, 2011 |
TARGET FOR ARCHERY MADE OF POLYMER FOAM INTENDED TO BE THROWN INTO
THE AIR
Abstract
A target (2) for archery intended to be thrown into the air and
capable of being impacted by an arrow is characterized in that the
target (2) includes at least three layers (12, 13) of polymer foam.
The target will find an application in sports training and/or game
in archery.
Inventors: |
LAPORTE; Jean-Michel; (BIOT,
FR) ; FOUQUES; Jean-Marc; (Claviers, FR) |
Assignee: |
LAPORTE HOLDING (SAS)
Biot
FR
|
Family ID: |
44314198 |
Appl. No.: |
13/088565 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61326378 |
Apr 21, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/362 ;
273/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 9/30 20130101; F41J
1/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/362 ;
273/408 |
International
Class: |
F41J 3/00 20060101
F41J003/00; F41J 9/08 20060101 F41J009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 27, 2010 |
EP |
10305919.2 |
Claims
1. A target (2) for archery intended to be thrown into the air and
capable of being impacted by an arrow characterized in that the
target (2) includes at least three layers (12, 13) of polymer
foam.
2. A target (2) according to claim 1, including at least two
peripheral layers (13) and at least a central layer (12) interposed
between the peripheral layers (13).
3. A target (2) according claim 2, wherein the central layer (12)
has a density higher than the density of the peripheral layers
(13).
4. A target (2) according to the preceding claim 3, wherein the
density of the material of the central layer (12) is approximately
65 kg/m3, that of the peripheral layers (13) being approximately 33
kg/m3.
5. A target (2) according to claim 2, wherein each peripheral layer
(13) forms an arrow catching surface.
6. A target (2) according to claim 2, wherein both peripheral
layers (13) are flat and parallel.
7. A target (2) according to claim 2, wherein the central layer
(12) has a thickness greater than that of the peripheral layers
(13).
8. A target (2) according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the
central layer (12) is between 20 and 90 millimetres.
9. A target (2) according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the
peripheral layers (13) is between 7 and 20 millimetres.
10. A target (2) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
target (2) is between 30 millimetres and 150 millimetres.
11. A target (2) according to claim 10, wherein the polymer foam
forming the target (2) includes at least materials among polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and/or polyethylene and/or polyvinyl and/or
polyolefin.
12. A target (2) according to claim 1, wherein the target (2) is
rotationally symmetrical.
13. A target (2) according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the
target (2) is between 15 millimetres and 400 millimetres.
14. A target (2) according to claim 1, wherein the target (2) has a
diameter of 246 millimetres or 330 millimetres and a thickness of
50 millimetres.
15. A system including a device for automatically throwing targets,
according to claim 1, characterized in that said device includes a
cylinder (3) receiving at least one target (2), a plate (4) for
throwing a target (2) coming from a cylinder (3), an arm throwing
the target (2) placed on the throwing plate (4), a motor providing
rotation of the cylinder (3) and of the throwing arm.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a target for archery and a
system including at least a target for archery and a device
intended to throw targets.
[0002] The invention will find an application in sports training
and/or game in archery.
[0003] Conventionally, archery uses fixed targets positioned at
some distance from the bowman. Such targets, which are often made
of packed straw, are of sufficient dimensions to rest on a tripod
support and to be visible from a certain distance.
[0004] Even though several sports exist indoors, outdoors, on
courses, the opportunities of different shootings are limited and
not very dynamic.
[0005] The need exists for a target making it possible to
dynamically practice archery.
[0006] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a target
for archery intended to be thrown into the air and capable of being
impacted by an arrow, characterized in that the target includes at
least three layers formed of polymer foam.
[0007] Preferably, the target is made of polymer foam such as
polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyvinyl, and/or polyolefin.
[0008] The target is capable of being perforated by an arrow for
archery. Archery then becomes dynamic and the bowman must aim at a
target which is mobile in various directions.
[0009] The polymer foam target is adapted for archery and can thus
be, at least partially, gone through by an arrow, while being
re-usable.
[0010] The target can also be manually or preferably thrown by an
automatic mobile targets throwing device.
[0011] Throwing polymer foam targets with the device according to
the invention is particularly efficient.
[0012] Other aims and advantages will appear during the following
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is not
a limitation thereof, though.
[0013] According to preferred, but not limitative alternative
solutions, the target according to the invention is such that:
[0014] the target includes at least two peripheral layers and at
least a central layer interposed between the peripheral layers,
[0015] the central layer has a density higher than the density of
the peripheral layers, [0016] the density of the material of the
central layer is approximately 65 kg/m3, that of the peripheral
layers being approximately 33 kg/m3, [0017] the central layer has a
thickness greater than that of the peripheral layers, [0018] the
thickness of the central layer is between 20 and 90 millimetres,
[0019] the thickness of the peripheral layers is between 7 and 20
millimetres, [0020] the thickness of the target is between 30
millimetres and 150 millimetres, [0021] the polymer foam forming
the target includes at least materials among polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) and/or polyethylene and/or polyvinyl and/or polyolefin,
[0022] the target is rotationally symmetrical, [0023] the diameter
of the target is between 15 millimetres and 400 millimetres, [0024]
the target has a diameter of 246 millimetres or 330 millimetres and
a thickness of 50 millimetres. [0025] the target has a diameter of
330 millimetres and a thickness of 50 millimetres [0026] each
peripheral layer forms an arrow catching surface, [0027] both
peripheral layers (13) are flat and parallel.
[0028] Eventually the invention relates to a system including a
device for automatically throwing targets, characterized in that
said device includes [0029] a cylinder receiving at least one
target, [0030] a plate for throwing a target coming from a
cylinder, [0031] an arm throwing the target placed on the throwing
plate, [0032] a motor providing rotation of the cylinder and of the
throwing arm.
[0033] The appended drawings are given as examples only and are not
aiming at limiting the invention. They only represent an exemplary
embodiment of the invention and will make it possible to understand
it easily.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view of the device according to the
invention equipped with a target in a first position.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the device according
to FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a side view of the target according to the
invention
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the target as per FIG.
3.
[0038] The system according to the invention includes targets 2
intended for archery and a device intended to throw the targets
2.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the device is mounted on a base
11 which is mounted on a base of a carriage 1, and can be moved as
shown in all the figures, or fixed.
[0040] The device according to the invention enables an automatic
throwing of the targets 2. Automatic throwing means that throwing
is carried out without any human action, except for the possible
command to actuate the machine.
[0041] The device includes a cylinder 3 receiving at least a target
2, a plate 4 throwing the target 2 when it is removed from the
cylinder 3, an arm throwing the target 2 on the throwing plate 4
and a motor 9 providing the rotation of the cylinder 3 and of the
throwing arm. When the motor 9 is running, a target 2 is
automatically extracted from the cylinder 3 and is placed on the
throwing plate 4. The motor 9 provides the arming of the throwing
arm to throw the target 2 on the throwing plate 4.
[0042] In the system according to the invention, the target 2 is
adapted to the automatic throwing for a device according to the
invention.
[0043] The target 2 is made of polymer foam selected among
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene and/or polyvinyl and/or
polyolefin etc. The target 2 is advantageously made of a polymer
foam, the properties of which enable a sufficient density to have a
correct resistance to throwing, a satisfactory perforation by
various types of arrows conventionally used in archery, while being
re-usable, i.e. the perforation by the arrow must not damage the
structure of the target; the target is not deformed.
[0044] Advantageously, the target is also not water-deformable, and
thus the polymer foam is selected among polymers with low water
absorption. The foam materials which the target is made of
advantageously resist ultra-violets. The system according to the
invention can then be used under any weather conditions and more
particularly for outdoor competitions or courses.
[0045] The density of the target is preferably selected within the
range of 25 Kg/m.sup.3 to 160 Kg/m.sup.3.
[0046] To give you an idea, for archery, a preferably circular
target according to the present invention having a diameter of 24.5
cm with two catching surfaces represents a weight of approximately
100 g or 200 g for a diameter of 33 cm. With such a weight, in case
of a collision with a person, the resulting damage would be
insignificant, or even there would be none.
[0047] Such materials do not advantageously deteriorate over time
and resist 400 impacts or more, which gives the target an extremely
long service life.
[0048] The target 2 is advantageously made of a plurality of layers
of polymer foam stuck together successively in the thickness of the
target 2.
[0049] Preferably, the target 2 includes at least a central layer
12 surrounded with at least a peripheral layer 13 on each face.
[0050] Characteristically, the target 2 is made of polymer
foam.
[0051] A different plastic material may be used for the peripheral
layers 13 on the one hand and the central layer 12 on the other
hand, for example polyethylene for the peripheral layers 13 and
another plastic material such as polyurethane for the central layer
12. Other plastic materials may be used, for example, an olefin
polymer. However, it is preferred to use polyethylene for the
external layers 2 and the internal layer 3 of the target 2, having
different densities however, to execute the above-mentioned
succession of effects.
[0052] The various layers of polymer foam advantageously have
different densities. The most central layer must then preferably
have the higher density, whereas the more peripheral layers have
the lower density. Such a provision of density gradient offers
several advantages. Firstly, the fixing of the arrow is optimized.
The arrow penetrates into the first layers, having a lower density.
Secondly, the resistance of the target 2 over time is improved,
since it has a correct mechanical behaviour relative to the central
layer 12, having a higher density. The risks of deformation of the
target upon the coming of the arrow therethrough or when it is
removed are very low. Thirdly, the central layer 12, having a
higher density enables a better cooperation with the throwing
device according to the invention.
[0053] Advantageously, and more particularly in the case of a
projectile like an arrow, the density of the material of the
central layer 12 is approximately 65 kg/m3, whereas that of the
peripheral layers 13 is approximately 33 kg/m3. The maximum density
of 65 kg/m3 enables an extraction by the bowman of an arrow having
penetrated into the target, while having sufficiently slowed the
arrow upon the penetration thereof into the target, whereas the
density of 33 kg/m3 for the peripheral layer 13 facilitates the
retaining of the arrow in the target 2. Additionally, the central
layer 12 with a density of 65 kg/m3 adds rigidity and weight to the
target 2 in order to resist mechanical stress during the phase of
projection of said target, if need be, the pressure exerted by the
throwing device and the abrasion resulting from the friction upon
the throwing of the target 2.
[0054] As a matter of fact, as described hereinunder, the target 2
is thrown using a throwing arm which thus exerts a force on the
target. Advantageously, this throwing force must not deform the
target and must not be absorbed by the latter. The central layer 12
having a high density makes it possible for the target to resist
the thrust exerted by the throwing arm.
[0055] Preferentially, the central layer 12 has a thickness between
20 and 90 millimetres and more particularly of the order of 30
millimetres, so that the throwing arm mainly cooperates with the
central layer 12.
[0056] As for the peripheral layers 13, a thickness of the order of
7 to 20 millimetres, and in particular 10 millimetres, showed
particularly efficient for holding an arrow without the latter
going too deep into the target.
[0057] Whereas an average technician would have searched for a
material providing a compromise between mechanical resistance and
arrow penetration capacity, the invention makes a distinction
between these two aspects and is interesting in that it provides
layers having different functionalities.
[0058] Preferably, the target 2 has a circular section, and is
rotationally symmetrical. Its diameter is preferably between 15
millimetres and 400 millimetres. It advantageously has the shape of
a solid cylinder.
[0059] Other forms can be considered, such as an ovoid one for
example.
[0060] The thickness of the target 2 is between 30 millimetres and
150 millimetres.
[0061] Competition targets preferably have a thickness of the order
of 50 millimetres and a diameter of the order of 246
millimetres.
[0062] The target 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is reversible, i.e. both
peripheral layers 13 form a surface catching a target 2, opposite
and parallel to each other.
[0063] The device of the system according to the invention is
adapted to the automatic throwing of the targets 2, as previously
described. For this purpose, the device is configured to enable a
sufficiently dynamic throwing of the target 2 without damaging it,
however. The density must then be precisely selected to limit the
compression of the polymer foam during the throwing operation.
[0064] Firstly, the cylinder 3 is adapted to the shape of the
target 2 to be caught. The cylinder 3 is capable to catch a
plurality of stacked targets 2. The cylinder 3 is mounted on the
throwing plate 4. The cylinder 3 according to the invention
includes at least an internal volume for receiving a stack of
targets 2. This receiving internal volume is defined by parallel
stops. Such stops are used as guides 5 for each stack of stacked
targets 2. According to one embodiment shown in the figures, the
cylinder 3 includes five internal volumes for five stacks of
stacked targets 2.
[0065] According to one alternative solution, the diameter and the
shape of the internal volume receiving the stacked targets 2 varies
when the position of the guides 5 changes.
[0066] The device according to the invention advantageously enables
to unload the targets 2 out of the cylinder 3 so that they can be
positioned on the throwing plate 4 by gravity only. I.e. the
cylinder 3 is placed on the upper face of the throwing plate 4,
preferably substantially perpendicular thereto. Then, when the
throwing plate 4 is in horizontal position, substantially parallel
to the ground, the cylinder 3 is positioned substantially
vertically with respect to the ground and the targets 2 are
substantially parallel to the throwing plate 4 and can be extracted
from the cylinder 3 through the lower end thereof, by gravity only
and because of the weight of the target 2.
[0067] Advantageously, the device according to the invention
includes means for holding the next target 2. Then, when the target
2, i.e. the lowest one in the stack, is ejected onto the upper
surface of the throwing plate 4 to be thrown by the throwing arm,
the holding means enable the next target 2 to be held in the
cylinder 3 and prevent it from falling, also by gravity onto the
throwing plate 4.
[0068] With the system according to the invention, it is thus
essential for the throwing plate 4 to be positioned substantially
horizontally when the target 2 is changed on the throwing plate
4.
[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is
configured to enable the throwing of the target along a trajectory
including a component forming an angle between 0 and 90 degrees and
advantageously between 0 and 30 degrees with respect to the
vertical. The device according to the invention advantageously
includes tipping means 6, 7, 8 for orienting the throwing arm and
also preferably the throwing plate 4, so that it is positioned so
as to form an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the
vertical.
[0070] In order to enable this change in the position upon each
change in the target 2 and thus upon each throwing, the system
according to the invention includes tipping means. The tipping
means are fixed, on the one hand on the system base and on the
other hand on the device. The tipping means are coupled to the
motor 9 so that the tipping is automatic upon each throwing.
[0071] Advantageously, the motor 9 is located at the lower part of
the throwing plate 4. Similarly, the throwing arm includes a spring
10 positioned at the lower part of the throwing plate 4 and is
linked to the motor 9.
[0072] The tipping means of the device according to the invention
can be made of various elements. A preferred possibility is
represented on all the figures. The motor 9 which is fixed at the
lower part of the throwing plate 4 is linked to a coupling arm 8
which is in turn linked to the means providing articulation 7 with
the tipping arm 6 mounted on the fixed base of the carriage 1.
[0073] The throwing plate 4 and the throwing arm are configured to
give the target 2 a gyroscopic motion. The trajectory of the target
is then homogenous.
[0074] The operating steps of the system according to the invention
are described hereunder:
[0075] The throwing plate 4 is positioned substantially
horizontally, and the cylinder 3 is positioned substantially
vertically. The target is extracted from the cylinder 3, preferably
only for gravity. The target 2 is positioned on the throwing plate
4. The motor 9 enables the tightening of the throwing arm spring 10
as well as the tipping of the throwing plate 4 and of the throwing
arm for the tipping means 6, 7, 8 so as to position the throwing
plate 4 and the throwing arm in a substantially vertical position
or at least forming an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect
to the vertical. The spring 10 of the throwing arm is released,
which causes the throwing of the target 2 in front of the throwing
arm. The motor 9 then makes it possible to actuate tipping means so
as to return the plate 4 and the cylinder 3 to their initial
position, i.e. with the throwing plate 4 substantially horizontal
and the cylinder 3 substantially vertical. At the same time, the
motor 9 enables the rotation of the cylinder 3 and thus the falling
of a new target 2 onto the throwing plate 4; a new target throwing
cycle can then be triggered.
REFERENCES
[0076] 1. Carriage [0077] 2. Target [0078] 3. Cylinder [0079] 4.
Throwing plate [0080] 5. Guide [0081] 6. Tipping arm [0082] 7. Off
articulation [0083] 8. Coupling arm [0084] 9. Motor [0085] 10.
Spring of the throwing arm [0086] 11. Base [0087] 12. Central layer
[0088] 13. Peripheral layer
* * * * *