U.S. patent application number 13/812210 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for target to be launched into the air for archery training.
This patent application is currently assigned to LAPORTE HOLDING. The applicant listed for this patent is Jean-Marc Fouques, Jean-Michel Laporte. Invention is credited to Jean-Marc Fouques, Jean-Michel Laporte.
Application Number | 20130154191 13/812210 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43638786 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130154191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laporte; Jean-Michel ; et
al. |
June 20, 2013 |
TARGET TO BE LAUNCHED INTO THE AIR FOR ARCHERY TRAINING
Abstract
A target (1) for archery training, which is to be launched into
the air and is suitable for being hit by an arrow, includes at
least two mutually opposing surfaces, at least one of which forms a
surface for receiving arrows, characterized in that at least one
receiving surface has at least one surface relief (3a, 3b). A
device for launching such a target, and a method for making such a
target with surface reliefs made advantageously by hot marking are
also described. Applicable to shooting at any projectile,
especially in archery, and particularly when the target is mobile,
for example by being launched into the air.
Inventors: |
Laporte; Jean-Michel; (Biot,
FR) ; Fouques; Jean-Marc; (Biot, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Laporte; Jean-Michel
Fouques; Jean-Marc |
Biot
Biot |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LAPORTE HOLDING
Biot
FR
|
Family ID: |
43638786 |
Appl. No.: |
13/812210 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/062817 |
371 Date: |
February 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/365 ; 124/56;
264/139; 264/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 3/0004 20130101;
F41J 3/00 20130101; F41J 1/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/365 ; 124/56;
264/293; 264/139 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/01 20060101
F41J001/01; F41J 3/00 20060101 F41J003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2010 |
FR |
1056196 |
Claims
1. A target (1) for use in archery, which is to be launched into
the air and is suitable for being hit by an arrow, comprising at
least two mutually opposite surfaces, at least one of which forms a
surface for receiving arrows, characterized in that each one of the
two surfaces is aligned in a main plane parallel to the other and
that each receiving surface has at least one surface relief (3a,
3b) forming a central depression arranged so that both surfaces are
symmetrical relative to a mid-plane between the two main planes of
the two surfaces.
2. The target (1) according to claim 1 is made of foam.
3. The target (1) according to claim 2 wherein the central
depression (3b) is annular shaped.
4. The target according to claim 1 wherein the depression is
between 0.2 and 1 cm deep and 6 to 7 cm in diameter.
5. The target (1) according to claim 1 on which the central
depression (3b) has a different color from the receiving
surface.
6. The target (1) according to claim 1 comprising at least one
receiving surface with a plurality of concentric depressions (3a,
3b) with equal or different depths.
7. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the edges (4) of at
least one depression (3a, 3b) form a shoulder creating an angle of
45.degree. to the receiving surface of the target (1).
8. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the surface relief
(3a, 3b) is equipped with cells.
9. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is
circular and has a diameter of between 15 and 40 cm, and
advantageously between 25 and 33 cm.
10. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is
circular and has a thickness of 3 to 15 cm.
11. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is
made of foam and has a density of 25 to 160 kg/m3.
12. The target (1) according to claim 1 comprising an inner layer
(3), surrounded by two outer layers (2), each of said outer layers
(2) forming a receiving surface of the target (1).
13. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the density of the
material used for the inner layer (3) is greater than that of the
outer layers (2).
14. The target (1) according to claim 13 wherein the density of the
material used for the inner layer (3) is approximately 65
kg/m.sup.3, and that of the outer layers is approximately 33
kg/m.sup.3.
15. The target (1) according to claim 14 wherein the density of the
material used for the inner layer (3) is greater than that used for
the outer layers (2).
16. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the inner layer
(3) is in a color, preferably blue, different from the color of the
outer layers (2), preferably orange, the two outer layers (2) being
preferably in the same color.
17. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the central
depression (3b) has an identical color to the inner layer (3).
18. A device for launching mobile targets (1) comprising a storage
device in which at least one target (1) is installed according to
claim 1 and a device for launching the target (1) in the air.
19. Method for manufacturing a target (1) according to claim 1
characterized by the step of creation of at least one surface
relief on at least one receiving surface by hot stamping or removal
of material.
20. Method according to claim 19 in which at least two surface
reliefs are made by hot stamping and/or removal of material so as
to form two depressions (3a, 3b) of different depths.
21. Method according to claim 19 wherein at least one relief is
formed in the thickness of an outer layer (3) of the target.
22. Method according to claim 19 wherein the hot stamping or
removal of material allows the color of the surface relief to be
changed relative to the color of the receiving surface.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a target for archery
training. More particularly, this target is to be launched into the
air and be--hit by arrows during target shooting practice. The
target may be launched manually or by an automatic mobile target
launcher.
[0002] Archery targets that are launched into the air, especially
manually by a partner, are already known.
[0003] However, the problem of these targets is that the arrows are
unable to penetrate them.
[0004] This is a considerable problem, especially when using moving
targets. Indeed, the applicant has observed that the collision
between an arrow and a target in flight will result in the arrow
penetrating the target in 90% of cases. The remaining 10% involve
what is commonly called a "refusal" and may have several causes: a
blunt arrow, an arrow impacting the periphery of the target (the
target rotates and the linear speed at the periphery may prevent
penetration of the arrow), an angle of collision between the arrow
and the plane defined by the surface of the receiving target being
too acute. By extension, this applies to all the other forms of
projectiles.
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to design a target with
improved projectile reception capabilities that is particularly
suitable for launching into the air by either manual or automatic
means, for use in target shooting and especially archery.
[0006] To this end, according to the invention, the target for use
in archery which is to be launched into the air and is suitable for
being hit by an arrow comprises at least two mutually opposite
surfaces, at least one of which forms a surface for receiving
arrows, is characterized in that at least one receiving surface has
at least one surface relief.
[0007] Advantageously, the two surfaces form a surface for
receiving arrows. Each one of the two faces extends in a main plane
parallel to the other and at least one, but preferably both faces,
has at least one central depression arranged so that both sides are
symmetrical one with the other relative to a plane median to the
two main planes of the two faces.
[0008] The target according to the invention may optionally contain
at least one of the following:
[0009] the target is made of foam.
[0010] each receiving surface is substantially flat and at least
one surface relief forms a discontinuity in the plane of the said
two surfaces,
[0011] the surface relief(s) is (are) arranged by adding and/or
removing material from the receiving surface,
[0012] the surface relief(s) is (are) arranged on the receiving
surface and/or configured so as to increase the aerodynamics or the
stability in flight of the target after launching,
[0013] the surface relief is a depression,
[0014] the depression is central on the receiving surface,
[0015] the central depression is annular forming preferably a
recessed cylindrical portion on the main plane faces,
[0016] the central depression is between 0.2 and 1 cm deep and 6 to
7 cm in diameter,
[0017] the central depression has a different color from the
receiving surface,
[0018] each of the two receiving surfaces comprises at least one
depression arranged symmetrically relative to the target plane,
[0019] the target includes at least one receiving surface with
multiple concentric depressions, these depressions being of equal
or different depths,
[0020] the edges of at least one depression form a shoulder
creating an angle of 45.degree. with the receiving surface,
[0021] the surface relief is formed of cells,
[0022] the target is circular and has a diameter of between 15 and
40 cm, advantageously between 25 and 33 cm,
[0023] the target is circular and between 3 and 15 cm thick,
[0024] the target is made of foam and has a density of 25 to 160
kg/m.sup.3,
[0025] the target is formed of an core layer, surrounded by two
outer layers, each of said outer layers forming a receiving surface
of the target,
[0026] the density of the material used for the inner layer is
greater than the material used for the outer layers in order to
enhance satisfactory penetration and retention of the projectile in
one of the two outer layers forming the surfaces of the target, the
projectile not penetrating deeply into the target after passing
through the outer layer due to the resistance of the inner
layer,
[0027] the density of the material used for the inner layer is
approximately 65 kg/m.sup.3, and that of the outer layers
approximately 33 kg/m.sup.3,
[0028] the inner layer is preferably from 2 to 9 cm thick, that is
to say thicker than the outer layers. The thickness of the outer
layers varies between 0.7 and 2 cm, and is preferably 1 cm,
[0029] the inner layer is a color, preferably blue, that is
different from the outer layers, which are preferably orange, the
two outer layers being preferably the same color,
[0030] the central depression has an identical color to the inner
layer.
[0031] The present invention also relates to a device for launching
mobile targets comprising a storage device in which at least one
target as described previously is stored, and a device for
launching the target in the air.
[0032] Lastly, the invention also relates to a method for
manufacturing a target, advantageously reversible, the said target
being capable of receiving the fired projectiles on at least one of
its faces forming a receiving surface for targets, characterized by
the creation of at least one surface relief on at least one
receiving surface by hot stamping or removal of the material.
[0033] According to any variants, that are not restrictive, the
process is such that:
[0034] at least two surface reliefs are made by hot stamping and/or
removal of material so as to form two depressions (3a, 3b) of
different depths,
[0035] at least one surface relief is formed in the thickness of an
outer layer 3 of the target,
[0036] at least one surface relief is produced by hot stamping so
as to form a depression, preferably peripheral,
[0037] at least one surface relief is produced by removing material
so as to form a preferably central depression.
[0038] hot stamping or removal enables the color of the surface
relief to be changed relative to the color of the receiving
surface.
[0039] The technical effect is achieved by the presence of at least
one surface relief formed on the surface of the target receiving
the projectiles, which tends to increase the probability of
projectile reception, for example, the probability of an arrow
penetrating the target even if the penetration angle is not optimal
or a target has already received several projectiles.
[0040] One advantage of the present invention is due to the fact
that the center of the target is distinguished by the presence of
surface relief. This particular shape has a different color from
the rest of the target receiving surface. This creates an aiming
point for the archer which greatly improves his chances of hitting
the target.
[0041] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the present
invention will come to light on reading the following detailed
description and taking into account the appended drawings, given as
non-exhaustive examples and on which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of a
projectile receiving surface of a reversible target according to
the present invention,
[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view in
perspective of the reversible target according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section
of the reversible target, according to the present invention,
[0045] FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the part enclosed in the circle
drawn on FIG. 3 of the reversible target according to the present
invention.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the target 1
according to the present invention is capable of receiving the
fired projectiles on at least one of its faces, one opposite the
other, each one of the faces forming a surface for receiving the
projectiles. This target is characterized in that at least one
receiving surface has a surface relief 3a, 3b.
[0047] Preferably, the two faces extend along a main plane, the two
main planes being parallel to one another.
[0048] The target has the form of a disc with two faces and an edge
corresponding to the thickness of the target, i.e. the thickness
between the two faces.
[0049] The receiving surface comprises a flat surface forming a
first level and corresponding preferably to the main plane and at
least a second surface level forming a depression relative to the
surface of the first level.
[0050] According to one possible embodiment, the surfaces of the
first level and the second level are substantially parallel.
[0051] Without limitation, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the target
1 in the present invention comprises an inner layer 3, enclosed in
two outer layers 2, at least one of the outer layers 2 forming a
receiving surface for the target 1 opposite and parallel to the
other face 1.
[0052] The target 1 shown on FIGS. 3 and 4 is reversible, that is
to say these two outer layers 2 form the receiving surfaces of the
target. In an advantageous arrangement, the two receiving surfaces
of the target are identical.
[0053] Preferably, the two receiving surfaces of the target each
comprise a central depression.
[0054] By central is meant situated in the center of the receiving
surface, for example, at its center in the case of a disc.
[0055] The central depressions on each of the sides are preferably
arranged so that the target is symmetrical, that is to say the two
receiving surfaces are symmetrical with respect to each other and
relative to the mid-plane dividing the target into two parts across
its height.
[0056] The mid-plane is defined longitudinally as a plane
intersecting the target plane and equidistant from the main
faces.
[0057] The symmetry is relative to the central depression, its
position and its shape. The symmetry does not necessarily extend to
the colors or any other reliefs.
[0058] This symmetry facilitates the reversibility of the target
and improves the regularity of its launch, thereby facilitating its
shooting by the archer.
[0059] In the figures, the surface reliefs 3a or 3b are depressions
obtained by removing material or hot stamping the receiving
surface, that is to say, at least one of the outer layers 2. This
is not limiting, and these surface reliefs can also be of another
type that creates a discontinuity in the receiving surface of the
projectiles, this surface being formed on each side by an outer
layer 2. Thus, surface reliefs 3a, 3b can be created by adding
and/or removing material from the receiving surface, the latter
being the preferred solution.
[0060] More generally, at least one projectile receiving surface of
the reversible target according to the invention may present
several surface reliefs, whether by depression and/or relief on the
plane of the receiving surface, and this with different depths
forming hollows in the receiving surface and/or projections from
the receiving surface.
[0061] Thus, it is possible to achieve different combinations of
the target with multiple reliefs with different depths and/or
different colors. For example, there could be four zones on the
targets as will be seen later or only one blue surface in the
center or without any stamping.
[0062] On the figures showing the present invention, the target 1
has a cylindrical shape, the thickness of the outer layer 2 and
inner layer 3 forming the edge of the cylinder and the surfaces for
receiving the projectile forming the circular surround. However,
this is not restrictive and the surface reliefs may also have
another surround, for example, square or rectangular, oval or
circular, but the circular shape of the receiving surfaces is
preferred, especially when the target 1 is to be launched into the
air.
[0063] On these figures, the two surface reliefs 3a and 3b shown
each take the form of a depression. These surface reliefs 3a and 3b
are preferably concentric, one being in the median part of the
target 1 and the other extending to the periphery of the projectile
receiving surface of the said target 1.
[0064] As to the outer layer 2 and inner layer 3, these are
advantageously in the form of a plastic foam. The density of the
material used for the inner layer 3 is greater than that used for
the outer layers 2 in order to enhance penetration and retention of
the projectile in one of the two outer layers 2 forming the
receiving surface of the target 1; the projectile does not
penetrate deeply into the target 1 after passing through the outer
layer 2 due to the resistance of the inner layer 3.
[0065] The target, and more precisely the two receiving surfaces,
are preferably configured in order to be impacted and to ensure
that the arrow is retained.
[0066] Thus, a projectile fired against the receiving surface
encounters firstly the outer layer 2 of this surface and penetrates
through it easily due to the relatively low density of the said
layer 2. This enables the projectile to be retained and reduces the
number of refusals. After this penetration of the outer layer 2,
the projectile then encounters the inner layer 3 which reduces its
velocity due to its greater density and impedes its progress inside
the target 1. Thus, the projectile does not penetrate deeply into
the target and, if necessary, is easier to remove from the target
1.
[0067] This is particularly advantageous when the projectile is an
arrow. During penetration by the arrow, no mechanical stress causes
its point to lose its sharpness. For example, the relative low
density of the outer layer ensures that even during intensive use,
the arrows will not suffer any damage due to multiple penetrations
through the target.
[0068] Different plastic materials can be used for the outer layers
2 on the one hand and the inner layers 3 on the other, for example
polyethylene for the outer layers 2 and another plastic such as
polyurethane for the inner layer 3. Other plastics may be used, for
example an olefin polymer. However, it is preferable to use a
polyethylene for the outer layer 2 and the inner layer 3 of the
target 1 but with different densities in order to perform the
series of effects described above.
[0069] The foam materials comprising the target withstand
advantageously ultraviolet light and are watertight, this concerns
principally the outer layers of the target, and mechanical forces,
and have advantageously the capacity to recover their original
dimensions after deformation. Moreover, the materials, especially
polyethylene, are non-toxic if swallowed or for the environment.
The target according to the present invention is relatively
lightweight. As an example, in archery, a circular reversible
target according to the present invention with a diameter of 24.5
cm and two reception surfaces weighs close to 100 g, or 200 g in
the case of a 33 cm diameter target. In the event that the target
strikes a person, its weight would lead to little or no injury.
[0070] These materials do not degrade with time and are able to
tolerate advantageously 500 or more impacts, giving the target an
extremely long life.
[0071] Advantageously, and especially concerning a projectile such
as an arrow, the density of the material used for the inner layer 3
is approximately 65 kg/m.sup.3, and that of the outer layers 2
approximately 33 kg/m.sup.3. The maximum density of 65 kg/m.sup.3
allows the archer to extract an arrow that has penetrated the
target while sufficiently impeding the penetration of the arrow
into the target whereas a density of 33 kg/m.sup.3 for the external
layer 2 facilitates the penetration of the arrow into the target 1.
Moreover, the inner layer 3 with a density of 65 kg/m.sup.3 brings
rigidity and weight to the target 1 in order, if necessary, to
withstand the mechanical forces during the launching of the said
target, the force imposed by the launching device, and the abrasion
due to friction when launching the target 1. It must be borne in
mind that these densities also vary according to the type of
projectile fired against the target.
[0072] For example, when the target 1 is circular, its diameter may
vary between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously be between 25 and 33
cm for a thickness of 3 to 15 cm, and have a density of 25 to 160
kg/m.sup.3, the density of the inner layer 3 being greater than the
density of the outer layers 2.
[0073] For example, the inner layer 3 may be 2 to 9 cm thick which
is greater than the thickness of the outer layers 2 which ranges
from 2 to 0.7 cm, and preferably 1 cm.
[0074] Advantageously, the outer layers 2 are of a color,
preferably orange, that is different from the inner layer 3, which
is preferably blue, the two outer layers 2 being preferably of the
same color in order to give the same appearance to the two
projectile receiving surfaces of the target 1.
[0075] The orange color is not only visible against all types of
backgrounds, for example the sky, the forest, etc., but also very
telegenic. The blue section at the center of the receiving surface
of the target 1 could increase significantly the success rate of
the archer since the latter would focus on this section.
[0076] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the central depression 3b,
for example with disc shape, is preferably made by removing
material from at least one of the two outer layers 2 of the target
1 crosses completely through the associated outer layer 2 for a
depth 5 and allows the inner layer 3 to appear. In this case, the
central depression 3b is the same color as the color of the inner
layer 3. However, this is not obligatory and the circular-shaped
central depression 3b may have a depth of between 0.2 to 1 cm and a
diameter of 6 to 7 cm.
[0077] In order to allow easy recognition of the central depression
3b, it is advantageously of a different color from the rest of the
receiving surface, that is to say the corresponding outer layer
2.
[0078] Advantageously, the depressions 3a, 3b are concentric as can
be seen on FIGS. 1 and 2, these depressions 3a, 3b having equal or
different depths. Thus, the peripheral depressions 3a are
preferably annular shaped.
[0079] This latter feature is particularly visible on FIG. 4 which
is an enlargement of a part of FIG. 3 enclosed in a circle
referenced B on this figure. On this figure, the peripheral
depression 3a, that is to say the depression closest to the
periphery of the receiving surface has a depth 6 that is less than
the depth 5 of the central depression 3b. Thus, the peripheral
depression 3a does not penetrate the outer layer 2 sufficiently to
reveal the inner layer 3, as may be the case for the central
depression 3b, the base of which is formed by this inner layer
3.
[0080] On FIG. 4, it can also be seen that the edges of the central
depression 3b and the peripheral depression 3a may differ. The edge
4 of a peripheral depression 3a forms a shoulder at an angle of
45.degree. to the receiving surface of the target 1, which is the
upper face of the corresponding outer layer 2. The edge 7 of the
central depression 3b may have a shoulder such that a depth
corresponding to the depth 6 of the peripheral depression 3a may be
substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the central depression
3b formed by the inner layer 3 of the target 1. These shoulders at
the edges 4 and 7 of the central depression 3b and peripheral
depression 3a have the advantage, particularly when the
projectile's angle of collision with the receiving surface of the
target 1 is too acute, of increasing the projectile's penetration.
The depressions 3a-3b trap the arrows.
[0081] Advantageously, at least one of the surface reliefs, whether
depression and/or projection from the target receiving surface, may
be provided with cells. This embodiment is particularly
advantageous when the target is launched by a clay pigeon type
launching device. With these devices, the target is positioned with
one of the two receiving surfaces in contact with a launch plate
and a launch arm that launches the target by contact with the edge
of the target. Moving the target onto the launch platform means
that there are small friction forces between these two
components.
[0082] The presence of cells on the receiving surface of the target
decreases the contact with the launch plate and thereby contributes
to reducing the friction forces.
[0083] For illustration purposes only and in a non-restrictive
manner, a target according to the present invention may be
circular, for example with a diameter of 10 to 50 cm, and
preferably approximately 24.5 cm and 33 cm. By examining the
example of a circular target of 24.5 cm diameter, four zones
defined by the periphery of the said surface and the surface
reliefs present on this surface can be identified on a reversible
target reception surface:
[0084] at the periphery of the receiving surface is a first zone of
between 24.5 cm and 18 cm, which is a zone without any relief,
[0085] a second zone of between 18 and 12 cm that may take the form
of a depression 2 mm deeper than the previous one, this zone having
been advantageously deformed by hot stamping with optionally the
addition of a deeper color, this zone corresponding to the
peripheral depression 3a shown on the figures,
[0086] a third zone of between 12 and 6 cm identical to the first
one,
[0087] a fourth zone of 6 cm diameter with 5 mm deep depression
formed by removal of material, the orange color of the outer layer
2 having been replaced by the blue color of the denser inner layer
3, this zone corresponding to the central depression 3b shown on
FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0088] This contrast of the two colors makes it easy to visualize
the projectile receiving surface when the reversible target is
launched in the air, offering the archer a reference for his
shot.
[0089] This can also be applied to a reversible target according to
the present invention, notably with a diameter of 33 cm or another
diameter with adaptation to the diameter of the four zones to the
diameter of the reversible target.
[0090] Given that this reversible target may be launched into the
air manually or by a clay pigeon target launching device as will be
seen hereafter, advantageously the surface relief(s) 3a, 3b present
on at least one target receiving surface are arranged on the
receiving surface and/or configured so as to improve the
aerodynamics and in-flight stability of the target 1 after being
launched into the air. It is noted that surprisingly, instead of
disturbing the flight, the surface relief(s) 3a, 3b stabilize the
target in flight by generating controlled movement of the air over
the surface relief(s).
[0091] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a device
for launching mobile targets 1 comprising a storage device, in
which at least one target 1 is stored according to the present
invention and a device for launching the target 1 in the air.
[0092] Conventionally, the device for launching moving targets
advantageously comprises a storage device in which is stored at
least one target, this storage device being advantageously
rotatable. The storage device generally comprises multiple targets
stacked one on the others. The or each target is pushed out of the
storage device in sequence, the latter forming an assembly for
feeding and distributing targets towards a launch plate acting as
the launch device of the machine, and the target is launched in the
air by the said device.
[0093] It is possible to increase the maximum number of impacts
that the reversible target is able to tolerate, the target being
advantageously rotationally symmetrical so that, when the target is
moving in the air, it rotates in the plane of the target according
on an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the
plane of the target. When the target is rotating, the impacts are
being evenly distributed. As a result, a maximum number of 500
impacts can be envisaged.
[0094] A possible method of manufacturing a target according to the
present invention may include the following stages:
[0095] From a first sheet of raw plastic material, for example
polyethylene-based foam, the two projectile receiving surfaces may
be cut out, as well as the inner layer that may be inserted between
these two receiving surfaces, this layer being cut advantageously
from a second sheet of plastic foam with different characteristics
to the first sheet, for example polyethylene with a higher density
than the first sheet or another plastic material with higher
density. Each of the cutting out operations can be followed by the
paring of each receiving surface in order to make it smooth, clean
and capable of being heat welded or bonded.
[0096] It can then be joined to a receiving surface on each side of
the inner layer or alternately the two sides of the receiving
surfaces without inserting an inner layer, this joining being made
either by bonding or by heat welding. This stage may be followed by
cutting the reversible target thus made to the final dimensions of
the reversible target.
[0097] The important step in such a process is the making of at
least one surface relief on at least one receiving surface, this
shape being a depression. This is made by hot stamping or by
removing material.
[0098] Advantageously, hot stamping is carried out by means of a
tool made of brass the temperature of which reaches 500.degree. C.
and which is brought into contact with the foam of the receiving
surface in order to melt it and leave the shape of this depression
on the receiving surface.
[0099] Advantageously, the material is removed using a milling
machine.
[0100] Forming at least one depression in at least one receiving
surface of the target according to the invention can help to reduce
the number of projectile refusals by the said receiving surface
since this removal of material or hot stamping generates recessed
shapes and preferably the creation of shoulders at the edge of the
said shapes.
[0101] This last step of the process may consist in the execution
of chamfers at the edges of the depressions created.
[0102] According to this method, at least one central depression 3b
is created. Preferably, the material can be removed on the outer
layer 2 of at least one receiving surface so as to remove at least
part of its thickness in order to expose, at least partially, the
color of the inner layer 3.
[0103] Advantageously, at least one peripheral depression 3a is
formed. Preferably, the material can be hot stamped on the outer
layer 2 of at least one receiving surface so as to melt at least
part of its thickness. This melting of the outer layer 2 forms a
crust of color and/or intensity that is different from the outer
layer 2.
[0104] The two depressions 3a, 3b have different depths.
[0105] The removal of material at the central depression 3b creates
a deeper depression than at the peripheral depression 3a. The
removal of material is such that it shows the color of the inner
layer 3, which is blue, at the central depression 3b, whereas hot
stamping at the peripheral depression 3a is such that part of the
outer layer 2 is still visible, the color of the peripheral
depression 3a being dark orange. When the target comprises multiple
peripheral depressions 3a, these depressions may be of different or
equal depths. Advantageously, their depth is different. They are
made by hot stamping. For a deeper peripheral depression 3a, the
hot stamping time will be increased preferably in two stages. The
color of the peripheral depressions 3a is advantageously
different.
[0106] The depressions 3a and 3b are made in the thickness of the
outer layer 2. Preferably, the depressions 3a, 3b are not formed in
the inner layer 3.
[0107] This method of execution makes it possible to produce a
target that can be recycled. Indeed, when the target reaches the
maximum number of impacts, it is possible to redesign or remove the
external layer(s) 2 in order to replace them or restore a uniform
impact-free surface. The target is not launched by throwing.
[0108] The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but
extends to any other embodiment conforming with its spirit.
REFERENCES
[0109] 1. Target [0110] 2. Outer layer [0111] 2a Remaining outer
part [0112] 2b Remaining inner part [0113] 3. Inner layer [0114] 3a
Peripheral depression [0115] 3b Central depression [0116] 4. Edge
of the peripheral depression [0117] 5. Thickness of the central
depression [0118] 6. Thickness of the peripheral depression [0119]
7. Edge of the central depression [0120] A.-A. Section axis [0121]
B. Circle
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