U.S. patent application number 15/711106 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for metal shooting targets.
The applicant listed for this patent is Greg Bickel. Invention is credited to Greg Bickel.
Application Number | 20180087881 15/711106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61685211 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180087881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bickel; Greg |
March 29, 2018 |
METAL SHOOTING TARGETS
Abstract
A metal shooting target is provided. The target is a modular
metal shooting target including a base assembly, a post, and a
target member. The post is coupled between the base assembly and
the target member. The base assembly, the post and the target
member may be assembled and disassembled into component parts. The
base assembly for a modular metal shooting target includes a first
side member having slots; a second side member having slots; and a
cross member having hooks on each end of the cross member. The
hooks are coupled to the first side member and the second side
member through the slots in the first side member and the second
side member.
Inventors: |
Bickel; Greg; (Gilbert,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bickel; Greg |
Gilbert |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61685211 |
Appl. No.: |
15/711106 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62401047 |
Sep 28, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0204 20130101;
F41J 5/18 20130101; F41J 1/10 20130101; F41J 7/04 20130101; F41J
9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41J 7/04 20060101
F41J007/04 |
Claims
1. A modular metal shooting target comprising: a base assembly
comprising: a first side member comprising slots; a second side
member comprising slots; and a cross member comprising hooks on
each end of the cross member, wherein the hooks are coupled to the
first side member and the second side member through the slots in
the first side member and the second side member; a post; and a
target member, wherein the post is coupled between the base
assembly and the target member, and wherein the base assembly, the
post and the target member are assembled and disassembled into
component parts.
2. The target of claim 1, wherein the cross member is a C-shaped
member with a top surface, a front surface and a bottom
surface.
3. The target of claim 2, wherein the C-shaped member comprises a
post slot extending through the top surface.
4. The target of claim 3, wherein the post is coupled to the post
slot of the cross member.
5. The target of claim 4, wherein the post is an elongate V-shaped
post and the post clot in the C-shaped cross member is a V-shaped
slot.
6. The target of claim 4, wherein the target member is coupled to
the post at a predetermined angle with respect to a line
perpendicular to the top surface of the cross member.
7. A base assembly for a modular metal shooting target comprising:
a first side member comprising slots; a second side member
comprising slots; and a cross member comprising hooks on each end
of the cross member, wherein the hooks are coupled to the first
side member and the second side member through the slots in the
first side member and the second side member.
8. The base assembly of claim 7, wherein the cross member is a
C-shaped member with a top surface, a front surface and a bottom
surface.
9. The base assembly of claim 8, wherein the C-shaped member
comprises a post slot extending through the top surface.
10. The base assembly of claim 9, wherein the post slot of the
cross member is configured to receive a post therethrough.
11. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the post slot in the
C-shaped cross member is a V-shaped configured to receive an
elongate V-shaped post therethrough.
12. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the post slot is an
angled slot, wherein the angled post slot is configured to hold the
post at a predetermined angle.
13. The base assembly of claim 7, wherein the hooks are L-shaped
hooks.
14. The base assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second side
members each comprise feet that extend downward and away from a
center portion, wherein the center portion is coupled to the cross
member.
15. A modular metal shooting target comprising: a base assembly
comprising: a first side member comprising slots; a second side
member comprising slots; and a C-shaped member with a top surface,
a front surface and a bottom surface, the C-shaped member
comprising hooks on each end of the cross member, wherein the hooks
are coupled to the first side member and the second side member
through the slots in the first side member and the second side
member; a post; and a target member, wherein: the post is coupled
between the base assembly and the target member; the target member
is coupled to the post and held at a predetermined angle with
respect to a line perpendicular to the top surface of the cross
member; and the base assembly, the post and the target member are
assembled and disassembled into component parts.
16. The target of claim 15, wherein the C-shaped member comprises a
post slot extending through the top surface.
17. The target of claim 16, wherein the post is coupled to the post
slot of the cross member.
18. The target of claim 17, wherein the post is an elongate
V-shaped post and the post slot in the C-shaped cross member is a
V-shaped slot.
19. The target of claim 17, wherein the post slot of the cross
member is an angled slot, wherein the angled post slot is
configured to hold the post at a predetermined angle.
20. The target of claim 7, wherein the first and second side
members each comprise feet that extend downward and away from a
center portion, wherein the center portion is coupled to the cross
member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent
application entitled "METAL SHOOTING TARGETS," Ser. No. 62/401,047,
filed Sep. 28, 2016, now pending, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated entirely herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to metal shooting targets
and more particularly to modular metal shooting targets.
State of the Art
[0003] The use of metal shooting targets provides many different
benefits. For example and without limitation, a shooter receives
visual and audio feedback that a target has been hit by his or her
shot. This allows the shooter to identify whether the intended
target was hit or not. The real time visual and audio feedback
provided by metal targets allows for a shooter to increase accuracy
and assists in the programming of muscle memory. This is
accomplished by the shooter's muscles working to repeat the same
result previously achieved in the real time feedback. This real
time feedback can enhance training, speed, and accuracy. Having
multiple senses invoked during this training process conditions the
shooter to become a more powerful and effective shooter.
Additionally, metal targets provide significant entertainment for
all skill levels of shooters.
[0004] The existing metal targets do have their limitations. The
targets are difficult to transport because of their size, they are
difficult to setup, and repair requires tools that are not readily
available at a range or shooting location. These existing metal
targets require significant setup and take down time in order to
shoot at and lack a base that can be setup on uneven ground.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved metal shooting
target.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a modular metal shooting
target, wherein the metal shooting target can be assembled and
disassembled, wherein the disassembled condition, the metal
shooting target is separated into component parts, and in the
assembled condition, the component parts are assembled to for the
metal shooting target. This allows for easy transportation of the
metal shooting target by reducing the amount of space required to
transport the metal shooting target. Further, assembling the metal
shooting target does not require use of any bolts.
[0007] An embodiment includes a modular metal shooting target
comprising: a base assembly; a post; and a target member, wherein
the post is coupled between the base assembly and the target
member, and wherein the base assembly, the post and the target
member may be assembled and disassembled into component parts.
[0008] Another embodiment includes a base assembly for a modular
metal shooting target comprising: a first side member comprising
slots; a second side member comprising slots; and a cross member
comprising hooks on each end of the cross member, wherein the hooks
are coupled to the first side member and the second side member
through the slots in the first side member and the second side
member.
[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference
numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a center mass
silhouette metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a center mass
silhouette metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a center mass
silhouette metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a center mass
silhouette metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a dueling tree metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a dueling tree metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a dueling tree metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dueling tree
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a hanging gong metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a hanging gong metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a hanging gong metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a hanging gong
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a silhouette hostage
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a silhouette hostage
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a silhouette hostage
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a silhouette
hostage metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a silhouette metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a silhouette metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of a silhouette metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a silhouette
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a swinger metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of a swinger metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a swinger metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a swinger metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a paper target stand
according to an embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a paper target stand
according to an embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a paper target stand
according to an embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a paper target
stand according to an embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a plate rack metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of a plate rack metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of a plate rack metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of a plate rack
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 34 is a side perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of a Texas star metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of a Texas star metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of a Texas star metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a Texas star
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a school bell metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of a school bell metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of a school bell metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view of a school bell
metal shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment; and
[0058] FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of a popper metal
shooting target according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0059] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a modular metal shooting target, wherein the metal
shooting target can be assembled and disassembled, wherein the
disassembled condition, the meat shooting target is separated into
component parts, and in the assembled condition, the component
parts are assembled to form the metal shooting target. This allows
for easy transportation of the metal shooting target by reducing
the amount of space required to transport the metal shooting
target. Further, assembling the metal shooting target does not
require use of any bolts.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment includes a metal
shooting target 10. Target 10 includes a base assembly 20, a post
12 and a target assembly 30. The base assembly 20 may be formed of
a first side member 22, a second side member 24 and a cross member
26, wherein the cross member 26 is coupled between the first side
member 22 and the second side member 24 to form the base assembly
20. The first side member 22 and the second side member 24 may
include slots 23. Cross member 26 may include hooks 27, that may
be, without limitation, L-shaped hooks. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4,
the hooks 27 correspond in location to the slots 23 in the first
and second side members 22 and 24 respectively. The hooks 27 may be
inserted through the slots 23 and hooked over a bottom of the slots
23 in order to couple the cross member 26 between the first side
member 22 and the second side member 24. Further, first and second
side members 22 and 24 have feet that extend downward and away from
a center portion, wherein the center portion is coupled to the
cross member 26. This provides four points of contact and thereby
allows the base assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and
provide a stable base even if there are rocks or other debris in
the way. The feet may include an aperture for further securing to a
ground surface with hardware, such as but not limited to
stakes.
[0061] The cross member 26 is coupled to the post 12, wherein the
base assembly 20 supports the post 12 in a vertical position
extending from to a top surface of the cross member 26. Cross
member 26 may be a C-shaped member with a post slot formed through
a top surface of the cross member 26. The post slot, according to
particular embodiments, may have a shape that corresponds to the
shape of post 12. For example and without limitation, post slot may
be V-shaped to correspond to an elongate V-shaped post 12. This
allows the post 12 to be coupled to the cross member.
[0062] The target assembly 30 may include a fixed target member 32
and a first moveable target members 35 and a second moveable target
member 36. Moveable target member 36 may be coupled to fixed target
member 32 using brackets 34, wherein each bracket 34 include a hook
and an aperture, wherein the hook extends through corresponding
slots in the fixed target member 32 and protrusions of the first
moveable target member 35 engage the apertures of the brackets 34.
This allows the first moveable target member 35 to rotate with
respect to the brackets 34 and therefore with respect to the fixed
target member 32. The first moveable target member 35 may be
coupled to the fixed target member 32 wherein the first moveable
target 35 is located at an aperture 31 of the fixed target member
32. The first moveable target member 35 operates as a center mass
target of the fixed target member 32 that operates as a silhouette.
The second moveable target member 36 may be coupled to the fixed
target member 32 using bracket 37, wherein bracket 37 include a
hook that engages a corresponding slot in the fixed target member
32 and further includes a hook upon which a slot formed in second
moveable target member 36 engages and hangs from. It will be
understood that more than one second moveable target member 36 may
be coupled to the fixed target member 32, wherein each second
moveable target member 36 is coupled to the fixed target member 32
using a bracket 37.
[0063] Fixed target member 32 may be coupled to post 12 using
attachment system 38, wherein attachment system 38 comprises
brackets 230, a first mounting plate 231 and a second mounting
plate 232. Each bracket 230 includes a body portion with a hook
member on an end and two slots on a side of the body portion,
wherein the hook member extends to one side of the body portion and
the slots are formed in a side of the body portion opposite the
side the hook member extends. The hook member of each bracket 230
engages a slot on a bottom edge of the fixed target member 32 and
the body portion of the bracket 230 engages the fixed target member
32, wherein the brackets 230 are located in parallel position to
each other. The first mounting plate 231 includes two slots that
engage a lower slot in each bracket 230 that are horizontally
aligned, and the second mounting plate 232 includes two slots that
engage an upper slot in each bracket 230 that are horizontally
aligned. The first mounting plate 231 includes a recess that
engages and secures to the post 12. The mounting recess may include
an edge that corresponds to the profile of the post 12, such as,
but not limited to a V-shaped recess. The second mounting plate 232
includes an aperture that corresponds to the shape of the post 12,
wherein the post 12 may be inserted through the aperture of the
second mounting plate 232. The post 12 may include a protrusion
that retains the attachment system 38 in a fixed location on the
post 12.
[0064] Further, the mounting plates are sized and shaped to engage
the brackets 230 to hold the fixed target member 32 at a
predetermined angle 14 with respect to a line 16 perpendicular to
the top surface of the cross member 26. The fixed target member 32
held at predetermined angle 14 operates to direct the bullet fired
at an angle toward a ground surface upon hitting the fixed target
member 32. This operates to reduce ricochet of the bullet toward
the shooter and provides a safer target 10.
[0065] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 5-8 depict a metal
shooting target 40. As depicted, target 40 is a dueling tree metal
target. Target 40 includes a base assembly 20, a post 12 and a
target assembly 50. The base assembly 20 includes the components as
described above. However, the slots 23 formed in the first side
member 22 and the second side member 24 are angled, wherein the
cross member 26 is coupled between the first side member 22 and the
second side member 24 at an angle. This angles the post 12 at a
predetermined angle 14 with respect to a line 16 perpendicular to a
ground surface on which the target 40 is assembled and supported
by.
[0066] The target assembly 50 includes a plurality of target
members 52 with a plurality of upper brackets 54 and a plurality of
lower brackets 56. Each target member 52 is coupled to an upper
bracket 54 and a lower bracket 56, wherein each target member 52
includes a hook or protrusion or extension that extends through
apertures in the upper bracket and the lower bracket 54. The upper
brackets 54 and the lower brackets 56 are coupled to the post 12 on
a back surface and are substantially aligned. The extension of the
target member 52 engages the apertures of one upper bracket 54 and
one lower bracket 56, wherein the target member 52 is rotatable
from one side of the post 12 to the other. In operation the target
member 52 rotates from one side to the other of the post in
response to being shot by a bullet. The angle of the post 12 at
predetermined angle 14 operates to direct the bullet fired at an
angle toward a ground surface. This operates to reduce ricochet of
the bullet toward the shooter and provides a safer target 40.
[0067] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 9-12 depict a metal
shooting target 60. The target 60 includes a horizontal support 62
and four legs 64. The support 62 is coupled to the four legs 64
through slot engagements. The target 60 further includes a first
hanger 66 and a second hanger 68 that include a hook and a T-shaped
section. The T-shaped sections are inserted through respective
slots and allow the hook to extend below the horizontal support 62.
A target member 70 includes apertures that engage the hooks to hang
the target member 70 below the horizontal support 62. The target
member 70 forms a "gong" as part of a hanging gong target.
[0068] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 13-16 depict a metal
shooting target 10 in accordance with an embodiment. The target 10
comprises a base assembly 20, a post 12, a first target member 30,
and a second target member 80. The base assembly, post and first
target member 30 are similar to the base assembly 20, post 12 and
target member 30 described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. The second
target member 80 includes a horizontal member 82 that is coupled to
the post 12 utilizing an attachment system 38, similar to the
attachment system 38 described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. The
attachment system 38 with includes hangers 86 utilized to hang
first targets 84 and second target 88. Additionally, first target
member 32 further includes a rotatable target member 85 that is
coupled to the fixed target member 32 by use of brackets 83 and
brackets 87. Brackets 83 include apertures for receiving
protrusions of target member 35 as described with respect to FIGS.
1-4. Further, brackets 87 are coupled between brackets 83. Brackets
87 comprise apertures that receive and extension of target member
85, wherein target member 85 is rotatable from one side of the
fixed target member 32 to the other side of fixed target member 32.
This operates in similar fashion to the dueling tree target
described in FIGS. 5-8. Target 10 as depicted in FIGS. 13-16 is
commonly referred to as a silhouette hostage target.
[0069] Another embodiment of metal shooting target 10 is depicted
in FIGS. 17-20. The target 10 includes a base assembly 20, a post
12 and a fixed target member 32. The base assembly 20 and the post
12 identical to that as described with regard to FIGS. 1-4. Further
the fixed target member 32 is the same as that described with
regard to FIGS. 1-4 without an aperture there through. Fixed target
member 32 is coupled to the post 12 through attachment system 38.
This embodiment is referred to as a silhouette target.
[0070] An embodiment includes a target 90, such as a swinger target
as shown in FIGS. 21-24. Target 90 comprises a base assembly 100, a
post 128, a fixed silhouette frame, and a swinger target member
120. The base assembly 100 comprises a first side member 102, a
second side member 104, a first cross member 106, and a second
cross member 108. Cross members 106 and 108 may include hooks 111,
that may be, without limitation, L-shaped hooks. As depicted in
FIGS. 21-24, the hooks 111 correspond in location to the slots 109
in the first and second side members 102 and 104 respectively. The
hooks 111 may be inserted through the slots 109 and hooked over a
bottom of the slots 109 in order to couple the cross members 106
and 108 between the first side member 102 and the second side
member 104. Further, first and second side members 102 and 104 have
feet that extend downward and away from a center portion. This
provides four points of contact and thereby allows the base
assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stable
base even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet
may include an aperture for further securing to a ground surface
with hardware, such as but not limited to stakes.
[0071] The first cross member 106 comprises apertures in a top
surface of the first cross member 106, wherein the apertures may
receive vertical members 92. Typically, vertical members 92 are
formed of wood and are utilized to couple a silhouette to, such as
a paper silhouette.
[0072] The second cross member 108 is coupled to the post 128,
wherein the base assembly 100 supports the post 128 in a vertical
position extending from to a top surface of the second cross member
108. Second cross member 108 may be a C-shaped member with a post
slot formed through a top surface of the second cross member 108.
The post slot, according to particular embodiments, may have a
shape that corresponds to the shape of post 128. For example and
without limitation, post slot may be V-shaped to correspond to the
V-shaped post 128. This allows the post 128 to be coupled to the
second cross member 108.
[0073] The post 128 is coupled to and supports a swinger target
member 120. Swinger target member 120 comprises body portion 122,
wherein two support members 94 are coupled to body portion 122. The
support members 90 operate to couple a silhouette to. The body
portion includes a counter weight 124 adjustably coupled to weight
support 130. The swinger target member 120 comprises a rotation
device 126, wherein the body portion 122 is coupled to the rotation
device 126 through a shaft or axle. The rotation device 126
includes a hub and spindle. The hub may include races, inner
bearing, outer bearing, grease seal and connectors. In some
embodiments, the hub may be a trailer hub, such as a four bolt
trailer hub. The swinger target member 120 comprises a stop target
132, wherein stop target 132 prevents the swinger target member 120
from rotating. In order to activate the swinger target member 120,
the stop target 132 must be shot away, thereby allowing the swinger
target member 120 to rotate and swing.
[0074] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 25-28 depicts a metal
shooting target 140 according to an embodiment. Target 140 includes
a base assembly 100. The base assembly 100 comprises a first side
member 102, a second side member 104, and a cross member 106. Cross
member 106 may include hooks 111, that may be, without limitation,
L-shaped hooks. As depicted in FIGS. 21-24, the hooks 111
correspond in location to the slots 109 in the first and second
side members 102 and 104 respectively. The hooks 111 may be
inserted through the slots 109 and hooked over a bottom of the
slots 109 in order to couple the cross member 106 between the first
side member 102 and the second side member 104. Further, first and
second side members 102 and 104 have feet that extend downward and
away from a center portion. This provides four points of contact
and thereby allows the base assembly to rest on uneven ground
surfaces and provide a stable base even if there are rocks or other
debris in the way. The feet may include an aperture for further
securing to a ground surface with hardware, such as but not limited
to stakes.
[0075] The cross member 106 comprises apertures in a top surface of
the cross member 106, wherein the apertures may receive vertical
members 142. Typically, vertical members 142 are formed of wood and
are utilized to couple a silhouette to, such as a paper silhouette.
Vertical members 142 may be secured by securing device 144.
Securing device 144 may be a threaded securing device, such as, but
not limited to a bolt.
[0076] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 29-32 depict a metal
shooting target 150 in accordance with an embodiment. Target 150
may be referred to as a plate rack and may comprise at least two
base assemblies 20, a post 157 corresponding to each base assembly
20, a front plate 154, a target support 155, a target reset
assembly 152, a target resetting arms 159, a plurality of target
members 156 and a plurality of target brackets 158. The base
assemblies 20 comprise the same components as described previously
with regard to base assembly 20. The post 157 extends from the
cross member 26. The posts 157 support brackets, upon which the
front plate 154 and target support 155 are coupled using a
combination of hooks and slots to couple these components together.
Further target reset assembly 152 is coupled to the front plate 154
and target support 155. The target members 156 are operatively
coupled to the target support 155 with brackets 158. The brackets
158 allow the target members to rotate backward in response to
being shot by a bullet. The target reset assembly 152 allows for a
quick reset of all of the target members 156, wherein the target
reset assembly 152 comprises components that engage target
resetting arms 159, wherein the target resetting arms 159 engage
the target members 156 and move them back into their original
position in response to operation of the target reset assembly
152.
[0077] Another embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 33-36 as metal
shooting target 160, which may be referred to as a knock down
popper target. Target 160 comprises a first side plate 162, a
second side plate 164, a first cross member 163 and a second cross
member 165. First cross member 163 and second cross member 165 are
coupled between the first side member 162 and the second side
member 164. Further, first and second side members 162 and 164 have
feet that extend downward and away from a center portion. This
provides four points of contact and thereby allows the base
assembly to rest on uneven ground surfaces and provide a stable
base even if there are rocks or other debris in the way. The feet
may include an aperture for further securing to a ground surface
with hardware, such as but not limited to stakes. A popper device
180 may be operatively coupled between the first side member 162
and the second side member 164. The popper device 180 includes an
axis 182, an angle adjustment device 178, a stopping device 184, a
bracket 186, and a rubber stop device 179. The bracket 186 couples
the target member 170 to the axis 182. The angle adjustment device
178 is operated by extending or retracting and extension member,
such as but not limited to a bolt or rod that is operatively
coupled to the stopping device 184. The angle adjustment device 178
controls the angle at which the target member 170 rests so that the
deflection of bullet fragments can be guided. The target member 170
rotates backward in response to being shot by a bullet until
engaging the rubber stop device 179 The stop device 184 operates as
a stop of the rotation of the popper device 180 to set the target
member 170 in its original position.
[0078] Referring to the drawings again, FIGS. 37-40 depict a metal
shooting target 200 according to an embodiment. Target 200 may be
referred to as a revolution target or a Texas star target. The
target 200 comprises a base assembly 20, a post 12, a target
assembly 210 and a rotation device 126. The base assembly 20, the
post 12 and the rotation device 126 have been previously described
in this disclosure and operate the same with the same components as
previously described. The target assembly 210 comprises a plurality
of target members 202, arms 204 corresponding to each target member
202, lock mechanisms 206 corresponding to each target member 202,
and a body portion 212. The arms 204 are coupled to the body
portion 212 on one end of the arms 204 and the target members 202
are operatively coupled to the arms 204 on an opposing end of the
arms 204 from the body portion 212. The lock devices 206 operate to
hold or lock the target members 202 in a position to be shot until
the target members 202 are shot. The body portion 212 is
operatively coupled to the rotation device 126 with the shaft or
axle of the rotation device 126. The target 200 further comprises a
reset lock 214 to temporarily lock the body portion 212 in a fixed
position for assembly or resetting of the target members 202 to
prevent injury and to make assembly and disassembly easier.
[0079] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 41-44 depict a metal
shooting target 10 according to an embodiment. Target 10 may be
referred to as a school bell target. The target 10 comprises a base
assembly 20, a post 12, a fixed target member 220, and an
attachment system 38. The base assembly 20, post 12, and attachment
system 38 have been previously described and are the same
structures as depicted in FIGS. 41-44. Fixed target member 220 is
similar to fixed target member 32. Fixed target member 220
comprises an aperture 221. The target 10 further includes a
moveable target member 226 coupled to a bracket ringer 224 and bell
222. Moveable target member 226 is coupled to the fixed target
member 220 in a manner similar to other moveable target members as
described herein. When moveable target member 226 is shot, it moves
and activates the ringer 224 that rings school bell 222.
[0080] Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 45-48 includes metal
shooting target 250, that may be referred to as a resetting popper
target. Target 250 comprises a first side plate 162, a second side
plate 164, a first cross member 163 and a second cross member 165.
First cross member 163 and second cross member 165 are coupled
between the first side member 162 and the second side member 164.
Further, first and second side members 162 and 164 have feet that
extend downward and away from a center portion. This provides four
points of contact and thereby allows the base assembly to rest on
uneven ground surfaces and provide a stable base even if there are
rocks or other debris in the way. The feet may include an aperture
for further securing to a ground surface with hardware, such as but
not limited to stakes.
[0081] Each side plate 162 and 164 may further include an
adjustment slot 240 having stepped slot portions. The target 250
includes a rod 242 that hold a spring 244 on one side of the spring
and the rod engages each adjustment slot 240 in the first and
second side members 162 and 164. A bracket 172 couples the target
member 170 to the side members 162 and 164 and allows the target
member 170 to rotate. The end of the spring 244 not coupled to the
rod 240 is coupled to a bottom portion 171 of the target member
170. The target member 170 rotates backward in response to being
shot by a bullet and the spring 244 returns or pops the target
member 170 back up. The tension and of the spring 244 may be
adjusted by locating the rod 242 in a different stepped slot
portion of the adjustment slot to preload the spring 244 by
stretching the spring 244. This can adjust the force required to
rotate the target back, thereby requiring a more direct hit to
rotate the target member 170 backward. Additionally, the tension of
the spring 244 may also determine the speed at which the target
member 170 rotates back up to its original position.
[0082] It will be understood that all of the targets shown in the
figures may be assembled and disassembled. Each target is assembled
without the need for bolts and the like. The components may be
generally coupled together using hooks and slots. While coupling
using hooks and slots is shown, it will be understood that other
types of coupling may be utilized in order to assemble the target,
so long as it does not include the use of bolts and the like.
[0083] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
forthcoming claims.
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