U.S. patent application number 14/712883 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for modular and portable target shooting system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Anzalone. Invention is credited to Peter Anzalone.
Application Number | 20150330748 14/712883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54538236 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150330748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anzalone; Peter |
November 19, 2015 |
MODULAR AND PORTABLE TARGET SHOOTING SYSTEM
Abstract
The modular target shooting system employs tubular members and
fittings made from durable materials such as EMT. The members are
easily secured together and broken back down by the use of simple
thumb screws threaded into weld nuts. The system is based on
standard target module that includes a stanchion made from a single
vertical support member and a single support base. The base has at
least three feet that are deployed to provide stability, but can
also pivot upwardly from the deployed position to aid in
portability. The module typically has at least one horizontal
support member that is used to support at least one steel target
rotatably coupled to the horizontal member. The standard target
module also typically has a zone target that usually includes a
paper depiction of an animal or a person, or a circular target. The
system can then be easily expanded horizontally by adding as many
target modules as desired, and coupling them together with tubular
single and double T connectors to horizontal members commonly
coupled between the target modules for even greater stability.
Inventors: |
Anzalone; Peter; (Hampton,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anzalone; Peter |
Hampton |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54538236 |
Appl. No.: |
14/712883 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61994865 |
May 17, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/390 ;
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 7/04 20130101; F41J
1/10 20130101; F41J 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20060101
F41J001/10; F41J 7/00 20060101 F41J007/00 |
Claims
1. A modular target shooting system, comprising: at least one
target module comprising: a single vertical support member; a
single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the
vertical support member, the support base for supporting a distal
end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical
orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests; at least
one horizontal support member, removably coupled to the vertical
support member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the
vertical support member and parallel to the resting surface; and at
least one target removably coupled to the module.
2. The modular target system of claim 1, wherein the single
vertical support member and the at least one horizontal member are
tubular.
3. The modular target system of claim 2, wherein the at least one
horizontal support member is removably coupled to the single
vertical support member with a tubular T connector, the at least
one horizontal support member and the single vertical support
member being removably secured within the T connector by a thumb
screw and a weld nut.
4. The modular target system of claim 2, wherein the at least one
target is coupled to the at least one horizontal support member,
the at least one target having a tube mount fitting that is sized
to rotatably receive the horizontal support member, the target
being constrained in the horizontal direction along the horizontal
support member by locking collars secured to the at least one
horizontal member on either side of the tube mount fitting.
5. The modular target system of claim 4, wherein the coupled at
least one target is free to rotate about the at least one
horizontal member, and the weight of the at least one target causes
the target to rotate away from a shooter, thereby absorbing impact
of projectiles and encouraging a downward momentum of any resulting
shrapnel.
6. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the single base
further comprises: an end cap that is removably coupled to the
proximate end of the single vertical support member; and at least
three feet, a proximal end of each of the at least three feet being
pivotably coupled to the end cap, the at least three feet
configured to be pivoted between, and fixed at, a fully deployed
supporting state and a retracted state.
7. The modular target system of claim 6, wherein the single base
further includes a sliding guide through which the single vertical
support member is disposed, wherein: each of the at least three
feet are in pivotal communication with the sliding guide so that
raising the sliding guide along the single vertical support member
causes the feet to pivot into the retracted state and lowering the
sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the
feet to pivot into a deployed state, and the sliding guide includes
a thumb screw that is capable of being brought into securing
contact with the single vertical support member when tightened into
a weld nut to prevent the guide from sliding.
8. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
target is a zone target.
9. The modular target system of claim 8, wherein the zone target
includes a paper target disposed between two paper target
horizontal members coupled to the single vertical support member,
and a steel target coupled to a horizontal member such that the
steel target is disposed behind the paper target to define a target
zone.
10. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
target is a dueling tree target coupled to the single vertical
support member.
11. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
target module includes at least one target coupled to at least one
horizontal support member that is coupled to the single vertical
support member, and a paper target coupled to the single vertical
support member.
12. The modular target system of claim 3, having at least two
target modules, the at least two target modules coupled together by
a horizontal target configuration, the horizontal target
configuration including a horizontal support member and one or more
targets coupled thereto.
13. The modular target system of claim 3 wherein the single
vertical support member and the at least one horizontal support
member are made from electrical metallic tubing (EMT).
14. The modular target system of claim 3 wherein the single
vertical support member is made of two sub-members of equal
dimensions removably held together by a tubular connector sleeve
having at least two thumb screws for securing each of the
sub-members within the connector sleeve.
15. The modular target system of claim 14 wherein the sub-members
and the at least one horizontal member are of equal dimension.
16. A modular target shooting system, comprising: at least one
target module comprising: a single vertical support member made
from EMT; a single support base removably coupled to a proximal end
of the vertical support member, the support base for supporting a
distal end of the vertical support member in a substantially
vertical orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests;
at least one horizontal support member made from EMT, removably
coupled to the vertical support member with a tubular T connector
in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical
support member and parallel to the resting surface; and at least
one steel target rotatably coupled to the at least one horizontal
member at a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive
the horizontal support member, the steel target constrained in a
horizontal direction by a tubular locking collar secured to either
side of the tube mount fitting.
17. The modular target shooting system of claim 16, wherein the
single support base further comprises: a tubular end cap that is
removably coupled to the proximal end of the tubular single
vertical support member; at least three feet, a proximal end of
each of the at least three feet being pivotably coupled to the end
cap, the at least three feet configured to be pivoted between, and
fixed at, a fully deployed supporting state and a retracted state;
and a tubular sliding guide through which the tubular single
vertical support member is disposed, wherein each of the at least
three feet are in pivotal communication with the sliding guide so
that raising the sliding guide along the single vertical support
member causes the feet to pivot into the retracted state and
lowering the sliding guide along the single vertical support member
causes the feet to pivot into a deployed state, and wherein the
sliding guide includes a thumb screw that is capable of being
brought into securing contact with the tubular single vertical
support member when tightened within a weld nut to prevent the
guide from sliding.
18. The modular target shooting system of claim 17, further
comprising at least one zone target, the at least one zone target
being a paper target disposed between two paper target tubular
horizontal members coupled to the tubular single vertical support
member, and a steel target coupled to a horizontal member such that
the steel target is disposed behind the paper target to define a
target zone.
19. The modular target system of claim 18, having at least two
target modules, the at least two target modules coupled together by
at least one horizontal target configuration, the at least one
horizontal target configuration including a tubular horizontal
support member and one or more steel targets coupled thereto.
20. The modular target system of claim 19 wherein the tubular
single vertical support member of at least one of target modules is
coupled to a dueling tree target attachment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/994,865 filed May 17, 2014 and entitled
"SAFETY SCREEN APPARATUS AND METHOD," and which is incorporated in
its entirety herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to equipment used by those
practicing the discharge of firearms, and more specifically to such
equipment used to provide targets for shooting practice at
appropriate locations such as shooting ranges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various embodiments of apparatus for providing targets for
the practice of shooting projectiles have been developed since the
Egyptians invented the bow. Firearms have been around since the
14.sup.th century, and the development of targets for the practice
of shooting using firearms soon followed. Target shooting provides
a means for developing and measuring one's shooting accuracy as
well as recreation.
[0004] Various designs have been implemented by which to provide an
indication as feedback to the user that a target has been in fact,
effectively hit with a shot. One such feedback is auditory in
nature and provides a ring to indicate a hit. Others are designed
to break, and must be replaced once all targets have been hit and
broken. Dueling trees are targets that typically display targets in
a vertical orientation and are designed to spin around an axis,
back and forth over 180 degrees when hit to provide the desired
feedback. Paper targets are also popular, and provide feedback
through holes in the paper indicating the location of whether the
paper target was hit.
[0005] FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate some examples of known
apparatus commonly employed to provide targets for practice and
competition firing ranges. The example 102 shown in FIG. 1A employs
a sawhorse type of support structure 104 to which various targets
such as bottles 110 and plates 108 can be attached. The legs 106
are able to swing apart to establish stability, and swing closed
for moving the structure between locations. As can be seen, the
number and types of targets and the height at which they may be
deployed is limited by the dimensions of the structure. Replacement
of destroyed targets is tedious and time-consuming.
[0006] FIG. 1B shows structure 114 providing a single target 116
that is elevated by post 118 coupled to stand 120. The portability
of structure 114 is questionable and the single target is not very
interesting.
[0007] Structure 150 of FIG. 1C also provides a single paper target
151, framed by four members 152 coupled together by elbow
connectors 154 and T connectors 156. The paper target 151 is
secured to the four members 152 using clips or fasteners 158. T
connectors 156 also couple legs 160 to the members 152, which
elevate target 151. Ends 162 of legs 160 are sharper and designed
to be inserted into the ground to establish stability of the
structure 150 in the upright position. Requiring insertion of the
ends 162 of legs 160 into the ground limits the structure's use to
those places where the ground can be penetrated, and limits ease of
portability.
[0008] Target structure 170 of FIG. 1D has a frame 172 and legs 174
of frame 172 are also designed to be inserted into the ground. Dual
target 178 is coupled to the top of the frame 172 at 178 and can be
made to pivot about coupling point 178. Again, portability and site
selection are limited by requiring insertion of legs 174 into the
ground. Target selection is once again, limited.
[0009] Target structure 180 of FIG. 1E provides multiple dual
targets 188 that are able to pivot around horizontal member 186
when hit by a projectile. Member 186 is supported by legs two sets
of legs 182a and 182b, the legs of each set being adjustable about
pivot adjustment mechanism 184, and each leg of both sets having
feet 180 to provide stability.
[0010] FIG. 1F illustrates a dueling tree type of target structure
190 that includes a vertical structural support member 196 and an
axle support member 194 to which alternating targets 192 are
rotatably coupled. Stand 197 with feet 198 slideably joins with
vertical member 196 to help it stand up and to increase
portability.
[0011] All of the foregoing examples of known target shooting
structures incorporate a single type of shooting target, but none
of them are capable of being easily integrated into more complex
structures, either as multiple versions of the same target type, or
as an integrated system of different types of target types.
Moreover, not only is not possible to easily integrate these
structures into more complex target structures, it is not clear
from these examples of how one could do so and maintain the ease of
portability that would also be highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A modular and portable shooting range target system is
disclosed that exploits a small number of standard components to
facilitate the easy integration of a plurality of known target
types to flexibly produce a target shooting system of various
levels of complexity as desired. Regardless of the level of
complexity produced, the system is able to remain highly portable
and variable through the easy assembly, disassembly and reassembly
of a standard number of interchangeable components, all of which
are coupled and secured together using simple thumb screws and weld
nuts to make the rendering of ever expanding target shooting
systems easy to assemble and easy to re-configure, and easy to
quickly transport to other locations.
[0013] The components are strong but lightweight. The targets are
durable and the basic modules are made up of a single stanchion
having a support base that folds upwardly for portability, and a
limited number of connectors and connecting members that permit the
modules to be simply interconnected to produce embodiments of
increasing complexity as desired by a user.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, a modular target shooting
system is disclosed that includes at least one target module. Each
target module includes a single vertical support member and a
single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the
vertical support member. The support base supports a distal end of
the vertical support member in a substantially vertical orientation
with respect to a surface upon which it rests. At least one
horizontal support member is removably coupled to the vertical
support member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the
vertical support member and is therefore parallel to the resting
surface. At least one target is removably coupled to the
module.
[0015] In an embodiment, the single vertical support member and the
at least one horizontal member are tubular.
[0016] In further embodiments, the at least one horizontal support
member is removably coupled to the single vertical support member
with a tubular T connector, the at least one horizontal support
member and the single vertical support member being removably
secured within the T connector by a thumb screw.
[0017] In other embodiments, the at least one target is coupled to
the at least one horizontal support member, the at least one target
has a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the
horizontal support member, the target is constrained in the
horizontal direction along the horizontal support member by locking
collars secured to the at least one horizontal member on either
side of the tube mount fitting.
[0018] In another embodiment, the coupled at least one target is
free to rotate about the at least one horizontal member, and the
weight of the at least one target causes the target to rotate away
from a shooter, thereby absorbing impact of projectiles and
encouraging a downward momentum of any resulting shrapnel.
[0019] In another embodiment, the single base further comprises an
end cap that is removably coupled to the proximate end of the
single vertical support member, and has at least three feet, a
proximal end of each of the at least three feet being pivotably
being coupled to the end cap, each of the at least three feet is
configured to be pivoted between, and fixed at, a fully deployed
supporting state and a refracted state.
[0020] In still further embodiments, the single base further
includes a sliding guide through which the single vertical support
member is disposed. Each of the at least three feet are in pivotal
communication with the sliding guide so that raising the sliding
guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to
pivot into the retracted state. Lowering the sliding guide along
the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into a
deployed state. The sliding guide includes a thumb screw that is
capable of being brought into securing contact with the single
vertical support member when tightened to prevent the guide from
sliding.
[0021] In another embodiment the at least one target is a zone
target
[0022] In still further embodiments the zone target is a paper
target disposed between two zone target horizontal members coupled
to the single vertical support member.
[0023] In other embodiments the at least one target is a dueling
tree target coupled to the single vertical support member.
[0024] In an embodiment the at least one target module includes at
least one target coupled to at least one horizontal support member
that is coupled to the single vertical support member, and a zone
target coupled to the single vertical support member.
[0025] In additional embodiments, system of the invention includes
at least two target modules. The at least two target modules are
coupled together by a horizontal target configuration, the
horizontal target configuration including a horizontal support
member and one or more targets coupled thereto.
[0026] In further embodiments, the single vertical support member
and the at least one horizontal support member are made from
electrical metallic tubing (EMT).
[0027] In another embodiment, the single vertical support member is
made of two sub-members of equal dimensions removably held together
by a tubular connector sleeve having at least two thumb screws for
securing each of the sub-members within the connector sleeve.
[0028] In other embodiments, sub-members and the at least one
horizontal member are of equal dimension.
[0029] In another aspect of the invention, a modular target
shooting system of the invention includes at least one target
module comprising a single vertical support member made from EMT, a
single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the
vertical support member, the support base for supporting a distal
end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical
orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests at least
one horizontal support member made from EMT, removably coupled to
the vertical support member with a tubular T connector in a
substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical support
member and parallel to the resting surface at least one steel
target rotatably coupled to the at least one horizontal member at a
tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the
horizontal support member, the steel target constrained in a
horizontal direction by a tubular locking collar secured to either
side of the tube mount fitting.
[0030] In a further embodiment, the system of the invention
includes at least one zone target, the at least one zone target
being a paper target disposed between two zone target tubular
horizontal members coupled to the tubular single vertical support
member.
[0031] In another embodiment, the system has at least two target
modules, and the at least two target modules are coupled together
by at least one horizontal target configuration, the at least one
horizontal target configuration including a tubular horizontal
support member and one or more steel targets coupled thereto.
[0032] In an embodiment, the tubular single vertical support member
of at least one of target modules is coupled to a dueling tree
target attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1F are various examples of prior art target
shooting structures;
[0034] FIG. 2A is a plan view from behind an embodiment of the
target shooting module of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2B is plan or profile view from the side of the
embodiment of the target shooting module of FIG. 2A;
[0036] FIG. 3A is a plan view from the front of an alternate
embodiment of the target shooting module of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 3B is a plan view from the front of an alternate
embodiment of the target shooting module of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an embodiment of a base of a
stanchion of the embodiments of the target shooting module of the
invention shown in FIGS. 2A-B and FIGS. 3A-B;
[0039] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the embodiment of the base of FIG.
4A with a single foot in a refracted state FOR easy transport;
[0040] FIG. 4C is a view from above the embodiment of the base of
FIG. 4A, including a magnified view of an end cap guide for
securing the feet of the stand to the primary vertical support
member;
[0041] FIG. 4D is a plan view from above the embodiment of the base
of FIG. 4A, illustrating a sliding guide for deploying the feet of
the stand for use and retracting the feet for transport;
[0042] FIG. 4E is a plan view of an embodiment of the sliding guide
of the base of FIG. 4A;
[0043] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a foot of the base of FIG.
4A;
[0044] FIG. 5B is a view of the bottom of the foot of FIG. 5A;
[0045] FIG. 5C is a view from the end of the foot of FIG. 5A;
[0046] FIG. 6A is a plan view of the top of a large T connector of
the invention that interconnects a horizontal member to the
vertical member that is of substantially the same diameter as the
single vertical support member;
[0047] FIG. 6B is a plan view of one side of the single T connector
of FIG. 6A;
[0048] FIG. 7A is a plan view of a large double T connector of the
invention that interconnects two horizontal members to the single
vertical member each having a diameters that is substantially the
same as that of the single vertical member;
[0049] FIG. 7B is a plan view from one side of the large double T
connector of FIG. 7A;
[0050] FIG. 8A is a plan view of the top of a large/small single T
connector of the invention that interconnects a horizontal member
to the single vertical member that is of a smaller diameter than
that of the single vertical member;
[0051] FIG. 8B is a plan view of one side of the large/small single
T connector of FIG. 8A;
[0052] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a large/small double T connector
of the invention configured to interconnect two horizontal members
to the single vertical member each having a diameter that is
smaller than that of the single vertical member;
[0053] FIG. 9B is a plan view of one side of the large/small double
T connector of FIG. 9A;
[0054] FIG. 10A is a plan view of the side of a locking collar of
the invention;
[0055] FIG. 10B is a plan view of an end of the locking collar of
FIG. 10A;
[0056] FIG. 11A is a plan view of the side of a double locking
sleeve of the invention;
[0057] FIG. 11B is a plan view of an end of the double locking
sleeve of FIG. 10A;
[0058] FIG. 12A is a plan view of the front of a 4 inch round
target of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 12B is a plan view from the side of the 4 inch round
target of FIG. 12B;
[0060] FIG. 13A is a plan view from the front of an 8 inch round
target of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 13B is a plan view from the side of the 8 inch round
target of FIG. 12A;
[0062] FIG. 14 is a plan view from the side of a single triangular
target of the invention showing the natural angle of the target
when freely hanging;
[0063] FIG. 15A is a perspective view a dual triangular target of
the invention;
[0064] FIG. 15B is a plan view from the side of a dual triangular
target of FIG. 13A;
[0065] FIG. 15C is a plan view from the front of a dual triangular
target of FIG. 13B;
[0066] FIG. 16A is a plan view from the front of two modules of the
invention integrated together through a single horizontal member to
form a more complex target system of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 16B is a plan view from the front of two modules of the
invention integrated together by two horizontal members to form a
more complex target system of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 16C is a plan view from the front of two modules of the
invention integrated together to form a more complex target system
of the invention, where one of the modules includes a dueling tree
attached thereto;
[0069] FIG. 16D is a plan view from the front of the two modules of
FIG. 16C with a third module having a dueling tree to further
enhance and expand the target shooting system of the invention in
the horizontal direction; and
[0070] FIG. 16E is a plan view from the front of four modules of
the invention coupled horizontally with two levels of complexity in
the horizontal direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] FIG. 2A discloses an embodiment of a target shooting system
module 200 that provides a portable and standalone target shooting
system, that can be easily integrated with other such modules of
the invention to easily form ever more complex target shooting
systems. Module 200 includes a single stanchion formed by a single
vertical support member 202 that is coupled to a single support
base 206. Single vertical support member 202 can be made up of a
single member, or a plurality of sub-members that are secured
together to form a unitary vertical support member. Single support
member 202 supports round targets 208 and 210 by way of horizontal
support members 212a and 212b respectively. Targets 208 and 210 are
secured to members 212a and 212b by way of locking collars 216.
Members 212a and 212b are secured to single support member 202 by
way of large single T-connectors 214, which have diameters that are
sized to receive single vertical member 202 and horizontal support
members 212a, b. Large single T-connectors 214 and locking collars
216 are configured to slide over single vertical member 202 and may
be fixed at any point along member 202 that yields a desired height
for targets 208 and 210. A more detailed discussion of T-connectors
214 and locking collars 216 will be presented below.
[0072] Single vertical support member 202 and horizontal support
members 212a, b, connectors 214, 226 and collars 216 can be made of
any suitable material having sufficient weather resistance,
strength and rigidity to support metal targets. Wiring conduit such
as electrical metallic tubing (EMT), which is typically
manufactured from coated steel or aluminum, works well. The members
and fittings can be made a drawn over mandrel (DOM) process.
Plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing and
fittings could also be used, provided that they have the necessary
rigidity and strength to support the targets and remain upright in
less than ideal weather. Targets 208, 210 can be of any size, such
as 4, 6, 8 and 10 inch diameters for the round targets. Targets can
be made of any durable and rigid material, but A36 3/8'' steel is
preferable for smaller velocity weapons, and AR500 3/8'' is
preferable for higher velocity targets such as rifles.
[0073] In an embodiment of module 200, single vertical support 202
can also support a paper target 220, which in combination with
target 208, forms a zone target 218. Paper target 220 is attached
to and disposed between horizontal members 222 by way of fastening
clips 224. Members 222 may have a smaller diameter than single
vertical support member 202 and horizontal support members 212a, b
because it is just supporting the weight of paper target 220. Thus,
smaller diameter members 222 are coupled to single vertical support
member 202 using large/small single T connectors 226. Those of
skill in the art will further appreciate that when one of the steel
targets such as target 208, is disposed behind the paper target 220
as illustrated, this will ensure that a hit to a desired area (i.e.
zone) of paper target 220 will create a sound that indicates to a
shooter at a distance that a shot was accurately made to hit that
zone.
[0074] Base 206 provides support and stability for the module 200.
Base 206 is configured to receive the lower end of single vertical
support member 202 through a sliding guide 232 and secured within
end cap 240. At least three feet 234 are rotatably coupled at the
end cap 240 by way of and are configured to be deployed
perpendicularly to the single vertical support member when in use
to be in flat contact with the surface of the ground, and are
further configured to be folded upwardly into a parallel
relationship with the single vertical support member 202 for easy
transport to another location. The feet are moved between the fully
deployed and the fully retracted positions through sliding guide
232, support blades 230 and pivot points 231a and 231b.
[0075] The feet can be locked in either the fully deployed or
retracted position through a locking mechanism 205. Locking
mechanism 205 can be implemented as a thumb screw (not shown)
threaded into a weld nut, the end of which engages with the surface
of single vertical support member 202 as the thumb screw is
tightened within the weld nut to prevent the sliding guide from
sliding. The locking mechanism 205 will release the sliding guide
232 by loosening the thumb screw. Another implementation could be a
spring-loaded hatch pin that can engage with apertures in single
vertical support member 202 and sliding guide 232 when aligned.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that locking mechanism
205 could also be implemented as a pin that is simply manually
inserted into aligned apertures of the guide and support member by
a user. A more detailed discussion of the base 206 and its elements
will be presented below.
[0076] FIG. 2B provides a profile view of the shooting range module
200 of the invention, which illustrates that members 222 are
coupled to single vertical support member 202 through a short
standoff member 223 that extends from single vertical support
member 202 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. Rods 222 can
be coupled to standoff segments 222 through "T" connectors 227.
This extends paper target 220 out away from the steel target 208
disposed behind it.
[0077] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate plan views from the front of
further embodiments 300 and 350 respectively of the target shooting
system module 200. In the case of these embodiments, targets 308
and 374 are disposed below, rather than behind, paper targets 318
and 368 respectively. Targets 210 are raised to a higher level than
that of target 210 of FIG. 2A. In addition, single vertical support
members 202 are made up of two sub-members 202a and 202b, which are
joined together by way of connector sleeve 370. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that forming single vertical support member
202 from sub-members 202a and 202b can make it easier to break down
and transport the module 200, as well as to expand the module 200
in a single vertical direction by coupling additional sub-members
to the single vertical support member 202. Those of skill in the
art will appreciate that horizontal members 212a, b can be the same
length and diameter as the sub-members 202a, b, thereby employing a
standard sized member for expanding the module in either a single
vertical or horizontal direction, or both.
[0078] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that paper targets
320a and 320b can be easily replaced as they are used up, and
virtually any desired design can be used. Further, different types
of targets can be used as desired by simply replacing them with
targets of other designs. Moreover, targets 308, 310 can be any
desired shape, such as diamond shape targets 376 and 374.
[0079] FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of stanchion support base
206, where the lower end of single vertical support member 302b is
inserted through the sliding guide 232 and into end cap 240. The
lower end of single vertical support member 302b is secured in end
cap 240 by way of a thumb screw/weld nut combination 203. Each of
feet 234 are rotatably attached to end cap 240 at pivot point 448
formed between a foot pivot tab (441, FIG. 4B) and an end cap pivot
tab (435, FIG. 4B). Each of feet 234 is coupled to sliding guide
232 through foot brace 230, which is at one end rotatably coupled
at pivot point 231b to the foot 234 through brace pivot stand-off
tab 440, and the other end to sliding guide 232 at pivot point
231a.
[0080] FIG. 4B illustrates operation with a single foot 234 for
clarity. As the sliding guide 232 is raised upwardly along support
sub-member 302b, the feet 234 will arc upwardly as illustrated in
FIG. 4B for a single foot. Foot 234' and brace standoff tab 440'
illustrate their positions prior to being retracted. Once feet 234
are brought to a fully retracted position, thumb screw/weld nut
combination 205 can be tightened to hold the feet in the fully
retracted position for easy transport. Likewise, when the thumb
screw is loosened within weld nut 205, sliding guide 232 can slide
downwardly, permitting feet 234 to rotate back to a point where the
feet 234 are in contact in a substantially planar position with the
ground. The thumbscrew can then be tightened once again within weld
nut 205, to fix the sliding guide 232 so that it cannot move and
therefore the feet 234 cannot move and remain fully deployed. The
ability to fold the feet into a position in parallel with the
single vertical support member 302b allows for the feet to be
longer, therefore providing increased stability, but without
hindering portability of the module 200, 300, 350.
[0081] FIG. 4C is a view from above the base 206 that illustrates
how the feet 234 are coupled to the end cap guide 240, without the
single vertical support sub-member 302b and the braces 230 for
clarity. A magnified view 401 of the end cap guide 240 is provided
that illustrates how the feet 234 are attached to the end cap guide
240. End cap guide 240 includes tube fitting member 490 for
slideably receiving one end of single vertical support sub-member
302b. End cap pivot tabs 435 are attached to tube fitting 490 and
are then rotatably joined with feet 234 by pivot means 484 at
connector tabs 441, thereby forming pivot points (448, FIGS. 4A,
B).
[0082] FIG. 4D is another plan view from above the base 206 that
illustrates sliding guide 232, which includes tube fitting member
299 for slideably receiving single vertical support sub-member
302b. Sliding guide pivot tabs 485 are attached to tube fitting
member 299 and are then rotatably joined with support braces 230 at
brace pivot attachments 231a by pivot means 483, thereby forming
pivot points (231a, FIGS. 4A, B). FIG. 4E is a plan view of the
sliding guide 232 from the side.
[0083] FIG. 5A is a plan view from above a foot 234 showing the top
surface 502 of foot 234. Foot 234 is of a triangular shape with its
peak illustrated by dashed line 506. The triangular shape is more
easily seen side views in FIGS. 5B and 5C. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C
illustrate the relationship between brace pivot standoff tab 440
and foot pivot tab 441. Those of skill in the art will appreciate
that the triangular shape of the feet 234 provides better stability
because the space 402 created thereby accommodates variations in
the terrain upon which the base rests and the edges created provide
resistance against slipping along the resting surface.
[0084] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate plan side and end views
respectively of large single "T" connectors 214. Weld nuts 606 in
combination with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy assembly
and disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well as simple
assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of multiple
modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The diameter
of tubes 602 and 604 are substantially equal, and is designed to
couple tube segments of modules 200, 300 and 350 that make up the
single vertical support member 202 or sub-members 302a, to
horizontal support members 212a, and b, which are preferably all
made from tube segments of identical dimensions to render them
interchangeable for purposes of easy assembly and adaptation.
[0085] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate plan side and end views
respectively of large double "T" connectors 700, which are not
shown in illustrations of modules 200, 300 and 350, but they make
it possible to permit a module that has mirrored horizontal members
212a, b extending in both horizontal directions for example, in
lieu of a paper target on one side. They can also be used to
interconnect tube segments between configurations of two or more
modules as illustrated in FIG. 16E. Weld nuts 706 in combination
with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy assembly and
disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well as simple
assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of multiple
modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The diameter
of tubes 702, 704a and 704b are substantially equal, and therefore
designed to couple a single vertical (through tube 702) and two
horizontal tube segments together (through 704a and 704b), which
are preferably all made of identical dimensions.
[0086] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate plan side and end views
respectively of large/small single "T" connectors 226. Weld nuts
806 in combination with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy
assembly and disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well
as simple assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of
multiple modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The
diameter of tubes 802 and 804 are of different diameters to couple
the larger diameter single vertical support member 202 and/or
sub-members 302a and 302b to the smaller diameter tube segments 222
used to frame the paper targets 220, 320a-b.
[0087] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate plan side and end views
respectively of large/small double "T" connectors 900, which are
not shown in illustrations of modules 200, 300 and 350, but where
it is desirable for a module to have two paper or zone targets,
each coupled to the single vertical support member 202 and/or
sub-members 302a and 302b. In that case, tube section 902 is of a
larger diameter to accommodate the single vertical support of the
module and the smaller diameter tubes 904a and 904b are of a
smaller diameter to support the smaller horizontal members 222 used
to frame the paper targets 220. Weld nuts 906 in combination with
thumb screws (not shown), are used to secure the tube segments
within the connector 900.
[0088] Target locking collars 216 are illustrated in FIG. 10A (side
view) and FIG. 10B (end view). The diameter of tube connector 1002
is of a diameter to accommodate the diameter of the tube segments
that are used for horizontal members 212a and 212b, and are
designed for supporting the metal targets 208, 210, 376, 374 as
well as other alternatively shaped metal targets. Weld nut 1004 in
combination with a thumb screw (not shown), makes it easy to couple
targets to the members, as well as remove or rearrange them. The
targets are placed over the horizontal member tube segments 212a, b
between two locking collars that keep the targets in place. A more
detailed description of the targets 208, 210, 376, 374 are
presented below.
[0089] FIGS. 11A and 11B present side and end views respectively of
connector sleeve 370, which is used to join together single
vertical sub-members 302a and 302b. Thus connector sleeve 370 is a
tube segment that has a diameter that accommodates receiving the
single vertical sub-members and weld nuts 1104 to receive thumb
screws (not shown), serve to lock the two sub-members 302a and 302b
together to make a single vertical support member for the modules
300, 350. As previously discussed, this permits the sub-members
302a and 302b to be a standardized size along with the horizontal
members 212a, b. This also permits the module to expand both
vertically as well as horizontally using standard tube segment
sizes and permits them to be used interchangeably for either
purpose.
[0090] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate plan views from the front and
side of round target 210. Round target 210 has a tube mount fitting
1216 attached thereto that is sized to rotatably receive the
horizontal member 212a, b (or any other horizontal members attached
to the single vertical support member of a module). It is flanked
on either side by target locking collars 216 to keep it from
sliding along the horizontal member 212a, b but it is rotationally
uninhibited. Target has a neck 1218 that extends to a target body
1220 that can be, for example, eight inches in diameter. The target
is preferably made of either A36 steel for lower power weapons, or
it can be AR500 steel for use with higher powered weapons. The
targets can be plasma cut or hydro (water jet) cut to suit any
desired shape or size.
[0091] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plan views from the front and
side of round target 208. Round target 208 has a tube mount fitting
1222 attached thereto that that is sized to rotatably receive the
horizontal member 212a, b (or any other horizontal members attached
to the single vertical member of a module). When coupled to the
module, it is flanked on either side by target locking collars 216
to keep it from sliding along the horizontal member 212a, b but it
is rotationally uninhibited. Target has a neck 1224 that extends to
a target body 1226 that can be, for example, 10 or 12 inches in
diameter. The target is preferably made of either A36 3/8' steel
for lower power weapons, or it can be AR500 3/8' steel for use with
higher powered weapons. The targets can be made thinner or thicker
than 3/8'' if desired. The targets can be plasma cut or hydro
(water jet) cut to suit any desired shape or size.
[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates a target 374 having a diamond shape
target body 1408 that extends from target neck 1406. Tube mount
fitting 1404 is coupled to the backside of the target neck and is
sized to rotatably receive the horizontal member 212a, b of the
standard module of the invention 200, 300, 350. One benefit of the
target coupling technique of the invention (in particular the use
of tube members and tube fittings) is that the target, when allowed
to hang freely without substantial rotational impedance, naturally
rotates away from a shooter to form a target angle of about 8-15
degrees from perpendicular. This is true for all of the steel
targets disclosed herein, independent of size and/or shape of the
steel target. This angle causes shrapnel 1412 from a bullet 1410 to
be directed mostly downward upon impact. In addition, the fact that
the target is able to rotate still further away from the shooter
helps to absorb the impact of the bullet as well, even further
adding to the deadening of the impact and a substantial reduction
in the forward axial (i.e. sidewise) scattering of the shrapnel
1412 from the bullet.
[0093] FIGS. 15A-C illustrate a perspective, a side plan and a
front plan view of a double diamond spinning target 1500
respectively. Double spinning target 1500 has two diamond shaped
targets 1512, 1514 each coupled through set-off supports 1516 to
tube fitting 1510 which slips over a horizontal member 212a, b.
Again, the benefit of using tube members and fittings permits an
easy implementation of a spinning target. Fitting 1510 is simply
slipped over the horizontal members and surrounded by a locking
collar 216. While locking collar 216 prevents horizontal movement
of the target, permitting the fitting 1510 to freely rotate about
tubular horizontal members 212a, b allows momentum from a bullet
hitting the target bodies 1512, 1514 to impart angular momentum and
spinning the target.
[0094] As previously discussed, the modularity of the invention
permits a simple number of standardized components to be easily
assembled into complex arrangements based on the standard module
200, 300, 350 of the invention. For example, FIG. 16A illustrates
an arrangement of two modules 300a, b of the invention
interconnected by a horizontal target configuration 1600 that
includes a horizontal member 212a, to which a group 1602 of three
sizes of round targets 208, 210 are attached. Thus, the entire
target configuration has two paper targets 220a, 220b and the group
of three round targets 1602. FIG. 16B illustrates a configuration
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 16A, but the two modules are
coupled together with two horizontal target configurations 1600a
and 1600b.
[0095] FIG. 16C illustrates a configuration that further
illustrates the flexibility of the modular target system of the
invention. Module 200b has a paper target as previously
illustrated. The single vertical support member 302a, b of module
stanchion 1700 supports a dueling tree component 1700 attached
thereto, which has rotating targets 174. Dueling tree component
1702 is commercially available as a kit from, for example,
BullseyeMetals at www.BullseyeMetals.com. The dueling tree
component 1702 is simply coupled to the single vertical support
member 302a, b of a stanchion of the module of the invention to
form a module modified to provide a dueling tree target. The two
modules are then coupled together horizontally just as are the
modules of FIG. 16B.
[0096] FIG. 16D illustrates a system configuration made up of three
modules of the invention. Module 200a is a standard module with a
paper target 220a to the left and coupled through a horizontal
configuration 1600a to a center module stanchion 1700 to which a
dueling tree 1702 is coupled. A third standard module 200b of the
invention is also coupled through a second horizontal target
configuration 1600b to center module stanchion 1700a. It will be
appreciated that the two horizontal target configurations can be
established at any height that is desirable along the vertical
support members of the modules. It will be further appreciated that
the modules are completely interchangeable, as are the targets
attached thereto. Finally, it will be appreciated that
re-configuration of the modules individually, as well as with
respect to the more complex configuration, is quite easy and takes
very little time, as it merely requires the loosening and
tightening of thumbscrews to effectuate assembly and disassembly of
the various components of the target system of the invention of the
invention as previously described above.
[0097] FIG. 16E illustrates how easily complex target systems can
be configured, as the system can be expanded without limit in the
horizontal direction by simply coupling additional modules together
through horizontal target configurations 1600a-f, and can even be
expanded in the vertical direction by adding additional vertical
support sub-members 302a, b to the single vertical support members
302 of the modules 200 as well. In this way, the modular target
system of the invention can provide literally an unlimited number
of targets, and types of targets as may be desired, ranging from a
standalone module 200, 300, 350 to a target system having a
virtually unlimited number of such modules interconnected with one
another through horizontal target configurations 1500a-f.
Horizontal target configurations 1600a-f are coupled together at
modules 1700a and 1700b by large double T connectors 700.
[0098] One additional feature of an embodiment of the invention can
include steel shield members that can be coupled to EMT tube
members of the invention to prevent damage to the tubular members
and DOM fittings from stray bullets. The shield members can include
locking collars such as locking collars 216, which are welded to
the backside of the shield members and may be slipped over the
tubular members and held in place with the thumb screws and weld
nuts as previously described for attaching targets to the tubular
members, as well as attaching dueling tree targets to the
stanchions of the modules of the invention. The shield members can
be made from A36 angle iron or AR500 flat stock, depending upon how
powerful the weapons are that will be used.
* * * * *
References