U.S. patent application number 14/205490 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for portable shooting target.
The applicant listed for this patent is NEELY MARIE BURKS. Invention is credited to NEELY MARIE BURKS.
Application Number | 20140284880 14/205490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568610 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BURKS; NEELY MARIE |
September 25, 2014 |
PORTABLE SHOOTING TARGET
Abstract
A collapsible, portable target shooting apparatus that is easily
transported and constructed in the field, backyard, or other
location for shooters to use for training and recreation. When
collapsed, the apparatus lies generally flat. When expanded and
assembled, portions of the apparatus comprise graphics for target
shooting. A shelving system supports a variety of targets,
including, but not limited to, three-dimensional targets such as
fruit, cans, bottles, or any similar item. The apparatus may be
made of cardboard, stiff paper, plastic, Kevlar, wood, metal,
Styrofoam, or similar materials, or combinations thereof.
Inventors: |
BURKS; NEELY MARIE;
(NASHVILLE, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BURKS; NEELY MARIE |
NASHVILLE |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51568610 |
Appl. No.: |
14/205490 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61783079 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/407 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20060101
F41J001/10 |
Claims
1. A shooting target, comprising: a collapsible base support with a
top, a bottom, a front, a back, a right side, and a left side; one
or more side panels, each with a top, a bottom, a front and a back,
each side panel hingedly attached along a side edge to an edge of
the front of the base support, wherein the one or more side panels
can be moved from a closed position covering some or all of the
front of the base support to an open position extending to the side
of the base support; a plurality of shooting target graphics
displayed on the front of the base support and the front of the one
or more side panels.
2. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of tabs extending from the bottom of the one or more side panels
and the base support, said tabs adapted to secure the shooting
target to the ground.
3. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising a collapsible
shelf unit with two support legs adapted to be affixed to the top
of the base support.
4. The shooting target of claim 3, wherein the shelf unit comprises
at least one shelf.
5. The shooting target of claim 4, wherein the shelf unit comprises
two shelves.
6. The shooting target of claim 3, further comprising tabs
extending from the support legs, said tabs adapted to be inserted
into corresponding slots or holes in the top of the base
support.
7. The shooting target of claim 4, wherein the shelf unit comprises
one or more hooks or holes to support a suspended target.
8. The shooting target of claim 4, wherein the shelf unit supports
one or more three-dimensional targets.
9. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the shooting target can
be collapsed and folded substantially flat.
10. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the shooting target is
single-use.
11. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the shooting target is
multiple-use.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/783,079, filed Mar. 14, 2013, by
Neely Burks, and is entitled to that filing date for priority. The
specification, figures and complete disclosure of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/783,079 are incorporated herein by specific
reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a portable shooting target that
can be easily transported and constructed in the field. More
particularly, this invention relates to a portable shooting target
with a shelving system to support a variety of three-dimensional
targets.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] In various exemplary embodiments, the present system
comprises a portable target shooting apparatus that is easily
transported and constructed in the field, backyard, or other
location for shooters to use for training and recreation. Portions
of the apparatus comprise graphics for target shooting. In one
embodiment, the invention further comprises a shelving system to
support a variety of targets, including, but not limited to,
three-dimensional targets such as fruit, cans, bottles, clay discs,
or any similar item. The apparatus may be made of cardboard, stiff
paper, plastic, Kevlar, wood, metal, Styrofoam, or similar
materials, or combinations thereof.
[0004] In collapsed form the apparatus is a relatively flat,
lightweight package, easily carried by a single individual. It may
be shrink wrapped, secured by packaging straps, or otherwise
fastened so as not to prematurely open. The apparatus may be
self-merchandised in its collapsed state or in a partially
assembled state, and thus can easily be displayed on a store shelf,
gondola, or display apparatus.
[0005] The user transports the apparatus in collapsed form to the
site, and begins assembly or construction. In one embodiment,
assembly or construction comprises unfolding the side panels (or
wings), and unfolding the reinforced support box (which forms the
base of the apparatus). A reinforcement component is contained in
the box itself which folds into an X-shape and is inserted into the
support box to reinforce it. In alternative embodiments, a
reinforcement component is not provided. Tabs, which may or may not
have pre-cut slots or holes, extend from the bottom of the side
panels and the support box (and may extend from front, back, or
sides), and stakes can be inserted through one or more of said tabs
to secure the apparatus to the ground. Where no holes are provided,
the stakes are driven through the tabs directly. Alternatively, the
apparatus may be weighted with stones, bricks, sand, or the like
placed on the tabs or in the interior of the support box.
[0006] The support box generally comprises a front face, a top, a
back face, and a bottom, contiguously attached along their
respective edges, which fold and allow the box to collapse. In this
embodiment, the side panels are foldingly attached to the right and
left edges of the front face. The right face and left face of the
box (when assembled) are contiguously attached along one edge to
the right and left edges of the back face. The right and left faces
each comprise a folding insert along the edge opposite the edge
attached to the back face. Flaps extend from the ends of the top
face and bottom face, and during assembly, these are folded inward,
the corresponding right or left face is folded over the flaps, and
the folding insert is inserted into the space behind the front face
to form the side of the box.
[0007] An optional shelf unit may be unfolded, and tabs at the
bottom of the side supports inserted into matching tabs, holes or
slots in the top of the support box so that the shelf is secured on
top of the support box. In one embodiment, shelf inserts may be
used with the shelving unit. Three-dimensional targets or objects
(e.g., cans, fruit, clay discs, or the like) may be placed thereon.
In several embodiments, one or more hooks or holes are provided to
allow targets (such as cans, and the like) to be suspended by
hanging toggles, string or wire. The top of a shelf also may
comprise one or more holes or slots to support clay discs, targets,
or similar objects.
[0008] A variety of shooting target graphics are displayed on the
front of the support box and the side panels, as shown. Graphics
may be pre-printed on the apparatus. Alternatively, adhesive
graphics or the like may be placed (or re-placed) on the apparatus.
In one embodiment, replaceable graphics on a heavy card stock or
similar material is slid or inserted into place on the apparatus
and fastened in place.
[0009] By offering a variety of components for target shooting, the
user is able to shoot multiple rounds of ammunition at the target
apparatus without pausing for target resetting or reloading.
Depending on the material used for construction of the apparatus, a
variety of firearms may be used. For example, where paper or
cardboard or similar material is used, recommended firearms include
rifles, handguns, BB-guns, and pellet guns. Depending on the
material used for construction, and the amount of use, the
apparatus may be single-use or multiple-use.
[0010] After use, the product can moved in an assembled form, or
may be collapsed, in whole or in part, for re-use, or it may be
disposed of. In one embodiment, the side panels or wings can be
folded inward to the front face, and secured thereto by the custom
cutouts on the bottom of the box (by insertion of the stake tabs on
the side panels in the cutouts), thereby allow the product to be
moved in a convenient fashion while substantially assembled.
Accordingly, the apparatus provides a simple, flexible, portable,
easy-to-assemble target shooting system for recreational shooting
and training.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows front and back views of the portable shooting
target in collapsed form.
[0012] FIGS. 2A-D show the portable shooting target being
assembled.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the assembled portable shooting target.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows front and back views of another embodiment of
the portable shooting target in collapsed form.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a front view of another embodiment of the
portable shooting target in a partially unfolded state.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a back view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a base in a partially
assembled state.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the assembled base with
side panels partially closed.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the assembled base with
side panels open.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a front view of another embodiment of a shelf
unit in a partially unfolded state.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a back view of the shelf unit of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the assembled shelf
unit.
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of
the assembled portable shooting target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In various exemplary embodiments, the present system
comprises a portable target shooting apparatus that is easily
transported and constructed in the field, backyard, or other
location for shooters to use for training and recreation. Portions
of the apparatus comprise graphics for target shooting. In one
embodiment, the invention further comprises a shelving system to
support a variety of targets, including, but not limited to,
three-dimensional targets such as fruit, cans, bottles, clay discs,
or any similar item. The apparatus may be made of cardboard, stiff
paper, plastic, Kevlar, wood, metal, Styrofoam, or similar
materials, or combinations thereof.
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 4 show various embodiments of the apparatus in
collapsed form 10. In collapsed form the apparatus is a relatively
flat, lightweight package, easily carried by a single individual.
It may be shrink wrapped, secured by packaging straps, or otherwise
fastened so as not to prematurely open.
[0026] The apparatus may be self-merchandised in its collapsed
state or in a partially assembled state, and thus can easily be
displayed on a store shelf, gondola, or display apparatus. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the back panel 12 of the box is the
consumer-facing side when collapsed. The target and related
graphics are substantially located on the interior faces.
Additional components, such as, but not limited to, shelving,
reinforcements, instructions, stakes, and toggles, may be folded
into the back or interior of the product, and enclosed by the side
panels.
[0027] The user transports the apparatus in collapsed form to the
site, and begins assembly or construction. In one embodiment, as
seen in FIGS. 2A-D, assembly or construction comprises unfolding
the side panels (or wings) 20, and unfolding the reinforced support
box 30 (which forms the base of the apparatus) (FIG. 2A). A
reinforcement component 32 is contained in the box itself which
folds into an X-shape and is inserted into the support box to
reinforce it (FIG. 2B). In alternative embodiments, a reinforcement
component is not provided. Tabs 22, which may or may not have
pre-cut slots or holes, extend from the bottom of the side panels
and the support box (and may extend from front, back, or sides),
and stakes 24 can be inserted through one or more of said tabs to
secure the apparatus to the ground (FIG. 2C). Where no holes are
provided, the stakes are driven through the tabs directly.
Alternatively, the apparatus may be weighted with stones, bricks,
sand, or the like placed on the tabs or in the interior of the
support box. A handle, hole, or grip 34 may be provided to assist
in carrying the apparatus when assembled, as seen in FIG. 8.
[0028] FIGS. 5-9 show the unfolding and assembly of another
embodiment of the support box or base 30. The support box generally
comprises a front face 36a, a top 36b, a back face 36c, and a
bottom 36d, contiguously attached along their respective edges,
which fold and allow the box to collapse. In this embodiment, the
side panels 20 are foldingly attached to the right and left edges
of the front face 36a. The right face 36e and left face 36f of the
box (when assembled) are contiguously attached along one edge to
the right and left edges of the back face 36c. The right and left
faces each comprise a folding insert 36g along the edge opposite
the edge attached to the back face. Flaps 36h extend from the ends
of the top face and bottom face, and during assembly, these are
folded inward, the corresponding right or left face is folded over
the flaps, and the folding insert is inserted into the space behind
the front face to form the side of the box.
[0029] If desired, the shelf unit 40 may be unfolded, and tabs 44a
at the bottom of the side supports 42 inserted into matching tabs,
holes or slots 44b in the top of the support box so that the shelf
is secured on top of the support box (as seen in FIG. 2D). In one
embodiment, shelf inserts 46 may be used with the shelving unit.
FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of the shelf unit
when folded, where the shelf tops are folding attached to the front
of crosspieces between the side supports, and are folded back with
tabs inserted into matching slots on back crosspieces. FIG. 12
shows the shelf unit when assembled. In this embodiment, there are
two tabs 44c on one end of the shelf unit with an elongated end
(for more secure fastening) to be inserted first, with three
straighter tabs 44d on the other end of the shelf unit.
[0030] FIGS. 3 and 13 show two embodiments of the apparatus fully
constructed, complete with shelving unit 40 and three-dimensional
targets or objects 50 (e.g., cans, fruit) placed thereon. In
several embodiments, one or more hooks or holes 60 are provided to
allow targets 62 (such as cans, and the like) to be suspended by
hanging toggles, string or wire. As seen in FIG. 13, the top of a
shelf also may comprise one or more holes or slots 64 to support
clay discs, targets, or similar objects.
[0031] A variety of shooting target graphics 70 are displayed on
the front of the support box and the side panels, as shown.
Graphics may be pre-printed on the apparatus. Alternatively,
adhesive graphics or the like may be placed (or re-placed) on the
apparatus. In one embodiment, replaceable graphics on a heavy card
stock or similar material is slid or inserted into place on the
apparatus and fastened in place.
[0032] By offering a variety of components for target shooting, the
user is able to shoot multiple rounds of ammunition at the target
apparatus without pausing for target resetting or reloading.
Depending on the material used for construction of the apparatus, a
variety of firearms may be used. For example, where paper or
cardboard or similar material is used, recommended firearms include
rifles, handguns, BB-guns, and pellet guns. Depending on the
material used for construction, and the amount of use, the
apparatus may be single-use or multiple-use.
[0033] After use, the product can moved in an assembled form, or
may be collapsed, in whole or in part, for re-use, or it may be
disposed of. In one embodiment, the side panels or wings can be
folded inward to the front face, and secured thereto by the custom
cutouts on the bottom of the box (by insertion of the stake tabs on
the side panels in the cutouts), thereby allow the product to be
moved in a convenient fashion while substantially assembled.
Accordingly, the apparatus provides a simple, flexible, portable,
easy-to-assemble target shooting system for recreational shooting
and training.
[0034] Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and
examples described herein have been chosen and described in order
to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its
practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited for particular uses
contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention
have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There
are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in
the art.
* * * * *