Projectile Material Reclamation Platform with Integrated Paper and Digital Targeting Systems

Abstract

A projectile collection system that includes slanted and vertical surfaces made of coated mesh fiberglass materials to decelerate projectiles in a manner where the projectile material suffers no deformation, allowing for reuse or recycling of the projectile material. Six impact deflection element panels are situated to deflect, decelerate, reflect, suppress and collect the projectile material as it travels into the opening of the system and finally rests at the bottom using only gravity. A continuous scrolling paper target system with each successive target face being scrolled remotely by the shooter may be attached to the top entry area of the system for use. The target faces may be printed on rolls of paper that scroll to the next target image on the paper roll to allow the shooter to shoot continuously without having to return to the target area to manually replace flesh individual targets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a projectile collection system that comprises slanted and vertical surfaces that in one embodiment are made of a coated mesh fiberglass material that can be used to decelerate projectiles in a manner where the projectile material suffers no deformation, allowing for reuse and/or recycling of the projectile material. In one embodiment, six impact panels are situated to deflect, decelerate, reflect, suppress and collect the projectile material as it travels into the opening of the system. In an embodiment, the projectile material can be collected from the bottom of the system after it has fallen there due to gravity. In an embodiment, the present invention may include a continuous scrolling paper target system with a plurality of targets wherein each successive target face can be scrolled remotely by the shooter. In an embodiment, the target(s) can be attached to the top entry area of the system for use. In an embodiment, the target faces are printed on rolls of paper that scroll to the next target image on the paper roll to allow the shooter to shoot continuously without having to return to the target area to manually replace fresh individual targets. In another aspect, a video panel monitor can be attached at the rear of the entryway for paperless targeting capabilities. In an embodiment, transparent ballistic resistant panels allow for ballistic simulations using any of a plurality of digital media sources, which in an embodiment allows the use and view of video projection through the entryway of the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A great number of targets and traps for BB gun-type use have been designed over the years, but very few have entered mass usage around the world. The designs have been rudimentary, and for those that have existed, they have been made of heavy materials making them not portable. Further, because of the heavy materials used in these systems, these systems tend to leave projectile material deformed when reclaimed. The projectile material is deformed particularly in the case where plastic projectiles, or ‘BBs are used. Moreover, the collection of the plastic projectiles or BBs for their re-use has, in the past, been problematic.

In the last several years, new BB Gun Technology has garnered world-wide appeal in countries where governments do not allow their citizens to own real firearms. In these countries, the new classes of BB guns are so realistic that the citizens that own these guns have a reasonable facsimile of real guns. Even in countries where guns are allowed, people that are real gun owners are buying BB gun type reproductions of guns that are too expensive, or take special licensing to own (such as for example, automatic weapons type guns). As the technology of these guns has advanced, the guns even have the “feel” of the real guns that they are intended to replicate.

One class of BB guns fire 6MM plastic and Metallic ‘BBs’ or ‘pellets’ ranging in weight from about 0.12 grams to 0.30 grams per BB. This class of BB Guns is designed to fire plastic BBs in an energy range of 0.08-2.5 Joules. However, prior to the present invention, users world-wide generally fired these plastic BBs, or pellets into the open environment. This was because available BB Trap type units tended to be small, and consequently could not handle the velocity associated with BBs that generate energy in the range of 0.08-2.5 Joules. Moreover, because the trapping compartments were small, they were not designed as deceleration and reclamation devices. Furthermore, the limited design scope of these traps caused deformation of the BB material, and the resulting material failure precluded reuse of the BBs because the deformed material jammed the gun mechanism, causing harm to the gun and/or the possibility of injury to the shooter. Accordingly, the gun users for this class of BBs are left little recourse but to fire the BBs into the outside environment, never to be reclaimed or reused, which not only increases the gun user's cost but also causes pollution to the environment, and harms wildlife that mistakes the plastic waste material for food.

The indoor use of BBs has grown in popularity around the world for a number of reasons including a desire to try to recycle the BBs. However, due to the newer guns that attempt to mimic actual firearms, the guns expel BBs at rates that were previously not attained. Accordingly, the targets that might catch BBs results in BB material that is greatly deformed when contacting the systems designed to catch them at these high velocities. Moreover, without a well-designed capture device, it takes great effort to locate and reclaim the wasted material.

Another problem is that the currently available targeting, systems have been unsatisfactory. The targeting systems have generally not changed in many decades, requiring the shooter to walk back and forth to and from the target to manually refresh the target with a new one, and then to return to the shooting area to start over. This interruption greatly disturbs the concentration of the shooter, and limits the overall time and quality of the experience. Thus, there is a need for being able to remotely scroll a target to a fresh target face in a continuous manner (on demand), and also to capture the BB material with no deformation so that the BB material is ready to immediately reuse, or recycle.

In other words, there is a need for a continuous scrolling target assembly which is remotely controlled and resemble by the shooter up to hundreds of feet away from the target system during the course of his shooting by striking one or more of the targets themselves, or using the system to safely aim at static or moving digital media images e.g., video games, or other static or moving images of any kind that limit paper waste and replace human and animal digital images for the real thing.

Not only can savings be made by not using paper in the targeting systems, but users of BB guns can reduce costs by attempting to recapture the BB material. However, in the past the deformation of the BB material that resulted from the BBs striking the target made these attempts futile. If systems were available that resulted in little deformation of the BB material, they tended to be systems that were fixed permanently in one position, thereby precluding the shooter from changing locales. Thus, there is a need for the users of these :BB Guns to benefit from a multi-functional and portable system that uses the latest lightweight ballistics resistant fabrics and composite frame materials that allows for a system that can be used for either indoor or outdoor shooting practice, yet at the same time increases the re-use of BB material by limiting spoil of material. Moreover, there is a need for a system that at the same time as providing an enhanced shooting practice, it allows for safe use in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Furthermore, there is a need for enhancing the BB gun user shooting experience by having an ability to replace a rear panel deflection element with other elements of different material types, such as transparent ballistic resistant material.

It is to be appreciated that such targets, for use with this class of new 0.08-2.5 joule BB guns, must be rugged in order that repeated impact by the BB projectile does not cause deformation and or failure of both the BB material or of the deflection elements. Accordingly, there is a need for a system that can handle repeated impacts.

To the inventor's knowledge, there exists a paucity of targeting systems that are available that can handle the desired traits of deceleration of BB materials, material deformation avoidance, as well as BB material preservation for reuse and recycling. New materials and the advances in material science provide an avenue for advancing system designs that employ a new top down approach that results in inexpensive integrated systems. It is with these considerations in mind that the present system was invented.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the present invention solves the problems noted above by providing a projectile capturing system. In an embodiment, the projectile capturing system has specifically angled, high tensile, fine coated mesh deflection elements that absorb the initial bow shock wave energy from a fired projectile. Through a stepped process of deflection, the deflection elements gently terminate the progression of a fired projectile without leaving any damage to the projectile itself.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a target attachment housing and material collection device which is economical to produce with five basic materials. In an embodiment., the present invention relates to a system that is simple to construct and/or operate and highly mobile because it is lightweight.

In an embodiment, there is a scrolling target assembly that can be attached to the face of the housing. Additionally, in an embodiment, the housing assembly, in accordance with the present invention, may be utilized as a holder for a conventional-type paper target and provide the same functionality of decelerating the projectile for reuse and recycling with no deformation after passing through the paper-type target.

In an aspect of the present invention, a projectile suppression and reclamation device is provided that includes a target housing with follow on dependent deceleration deflection elements configured of flexible light weight shock wave energy absorbing materials that are angled in a downward direction behind the target face. In an embodiment, the deflection elements made of flexible fiberglass mesh or Kevlar material acts as the housing back wall so that the flexible mesh material absorbs and deflects the projectile downward to the next deflection element of the process when struck by a projectile.

In an embodiment, the materials used in this integrated system are lightweight fiberglass or Kevlar mesh fabrics, and lightweight plastic, composite or metallic frame materials. The system is portable, durable, and scalable in size to accommodate as many shooting applications as possible per customer specification. The scrolling target system is scalable in width, height, depth, as well as paper roll size and target face size per customer specification. The continuous scrolling target system is powered by either AC and/or DC power for indoor use and/or outdoor use. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the system can either run off the power in a socket or use battery power to run remote control motors to turn paper rolls to the next target face per customer specification. Moreover, it is contemplated and therefore within the scope of the invention that an alternative source of power may be used such as solar power, wind power, or some other power source to allow the target to scroll. In an embodiment, the target scrolling is controlled by the shooter remotely with a hand held remote control device at distances specified by the customer.

A single replaceable deflection element acts to absorb, deflect, the projectile downward as it is angled rearwardly, downwardly as a sloping housing back wall and at the same time forms the rear impact area for the target face opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the housing assembly and specifically, the frame supports as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 2 is a front prospective view of projectile deflection elements as they would appear assembled separate from the other housing elements as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side isometric view of the projectile deflection elements describing the deceleration process of the projectile suppression and reclamation system shown in shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view taken along plane of FIG. 8;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the composite mesh fabric deflection elements constituting the interior of the projectile material reclamation platform housing of FIG. 8:

FIG. 6 is A) a front elevated view of the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly, B) hand held remote controller and C) continuous roll of joined target faces, embodying the present invention and used in the assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly with the target face roll mounting units, shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a projectile material reclamation platform assembly embodying the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the invention will be described with reference to the figures. It should be understood, that this description is in no way meant to limit the invention but merely describes many of the features of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the invention with many of the features that are described herein and comprises man of the aspects that are described in FIGS. 1 to 7.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that all of the elements that are shown in FIG. 1 are known generically as frame supports, however, when a particular frame support number is identified, it may be given further modifiers to identify the position where the frame support is in the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. With this in mind, the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 includes vertical frame supports 1 and horizontal bottom frame supports 2, 3, and 4 and horizontal top frame supports 5, 6, and 7, top angular frame supports 8, and back horizontal frame support 9. Frame supports 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are held together and form the shape of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 by frame corner supports 11. In an embodiment, the front of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 is made up of frame supports 4, 1, 11, and 7 and the back of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 is made up of frame supports 3, 1, 11, 5, and 9.

In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, all, of the frame supports are made of PVC pipe and frame supports 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may be male PVC pipe that fits into female PVC pipe frame corner supports 11. In an embodiment, the PVC pipe comprised of the frame supports may be left unglued so that the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 can be easily assembled and disassembled as necessary. Alternatively, glue may be used so as to create a more permanent projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 that cannot be easily disassembled. It should be readily understood that other frame support materials can be used such as metal, other plastics, hard rubber, wood or any other material that provides sufficient structural stability so that the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 can be used for its intended purpose of reclaiming projectiles.

As shown in FIG. 1, the angle 12, which is made by the intersection of top angular frame supports 8 and two of the vertical frame supports 1 should be on the order of about 115° to 160°. Alternatively and/or preferably, the angle 12 should be on the order of about 120° to 155°. Alternatively and/or preferably, the angle 12 should be on the order of about 125° to 140°. Alternatively and/or preferably, the angle 12 should be on the order of about 140° to 160°. The angle will be discussed more in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 1, frame support joining means 13 provides a means of attaching top angular frame supports 8 and two of the vertical frame supports 1. In an embodiment, joining means 13 may comprise a hole and a screw or bolt to be inserted through each of top angular frame supports 8 into the back vertical frame support 1. The joining means 13 may comprise an accompanying nut or thread, and washers that allow the connection of top angular frame supports 8 and two of the vertical frame supports 1. Alternatively, in other embodiments, male and female parts may allow the connection of top angular frame supports 8 and two of the vertical frame supports 1. The use of bolts and/or screws, nuts and washers or of male and female parts allows the rapid and easy disassembly and reassembly of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. Alternatively, other embodiments allow a more permanent connection of top angular frame supports 8 and two of the vertical frame supports 1such as by glue, by welding, soldering, by fusing plastics, rubbers, metals or by any other means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 1, it should be understood that hook and loop fastener material (VELCRO®, Manchester, N.H.) may be present on some or all of the frame supports shown in FIG. 1 allowing the attachment of deflection panels (discussed below). Hook and loop fastener material may be placed strategically on the frame supports so as to allow deflection panels to be attached so that they can be easily attached and detached yet at the same time be attached sufficiently strongly so that the deflection panels have sufficient structural stability and at the same time sufficiently pliability so that the deflection panels are able to deflect the projectiles without deformation.

In FIG. 2, deflection panels platform assembly 20 is shown. It should be understood that many of the elements that are shown in FIG. 2 are known generically as deflection panel, however, when a particular deflection panel number is identified, it may be given further modifiers to identify the position where the deflection panel is in the deflection panels platform assembly 20. The deflection panels, in an embodiment, are made from coated mesh fiberglass or Kevlar fabric materials. Generally, it is desired that the deflection panels be largely transparent allowing on to see through the deflection panels platform assembly 20.

In one embodiment, deflection panels platform assembly 20 is designed so that it is slightly smaller than projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 and can fit inside of projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. Note that the shape of deflection panels platform assembly 20 (in FIG. 2) is designed so that it fits inside of certain of the frame supports of projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 (in FIG. 1). Seems 24 are designed to fit on the inside of vertical frame supports 1 with front deflection panel 21 designed to fit in the space that is defined by horizontal bottom frame support 4, two of the vertical frame supports 1 and horizontal top frame support 7.

In an embodiment, deflection panels platform assembly 20 may be designed so that it is slightly larger than projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 and can fit over projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. In this embodiment, the shape of deflection panels platform assembly 20 (in FIG. 2) is designed so that it fits over certain of the frame supports of projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 (in FIG. 1). Seems 24 can be designed to fit over vertical frame supports 1 with front deflection panel 21 designed to fit in the space that is defined by horizontal bottom frame support 4, two of the vertical frame supports 1 and horizontal top frame support 7.

Front deflection panel 21 has an opening 23 that is the entrance point for projectiles. Side panel 22 and the corresponding side panel (on the opposite side of the deflection panels platform assembly 20, which is not shown in FIG. 2) are not rectangular in shape but are designed to fit over the frame supports that are defined by horizontal bottom frame support 2, two vertical frame supports 1, and top angular frame support 8. Opening 23 is of a size that allows projectiles that enter the system to hit the back top deflection panel 31 (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, angle 12 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) is of an angle that allows back top deflection panel 31 to be at a position that all projectiles that enter the system through opening 23 hit back top deflection panel 31.

In FIG. 3, the path of a projectile is shown as paths 32, 33, 35, 37, and 38. In particular, a projectile (and in this example, a BB) that is fired from a gun enters through opening 23 hitting top back deflection panel 31 causing the projectile to deflect to path 33, which then hits back deflection panel 34, causing the BB to deflect to path 35, wherein the BB subsequently hits bottom deflection panel 36 causing the BB to deflect to path 37, wherein it subsequently hits front deflection panel 21, deflecting the BB on path 38, wherein it subsequently hits interior deflection panel 39. After hitting interior deflection panel 39, the BB eventually rests by gravity on bottom deflection panel 36. In an embodiment, bottom deflection panel might be sloped downwardly to an optional center drain 26 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) so that the BBs are able to be collected through conduit 25. In an alternate embodiment, drain 26 and conduit 25 may not be present and the BBs can be collected from bottom deflection panel 36 simply be disassembling some of the hook and loop fastener material (or alternatively, a zipper, buttons, cloth ties or other method of fastening), collecting the projectiles, reattaching the hook and loop fastener material to seal the system and consequently, re-tiring projectiles into the system. In one embodiment, the conduit 25 may go to a container that collects the projectiles in a container.

Angle 12 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is not only ideally suited to allow the deflection of the BB to the back deflection panel 34, but it has also been designed so that projectiles that hit the top deflection panel 31 are not deformed when the projectile encounters the top deflection panel 31. By careful study and a plurality of iterations, the ideal angle was found that allows projectiles that hit the top deflection panel 31 to not be deformed when the projectile encounters the top deflection panel 31

It should be understood that the deflection panels described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 contain hook and loop fastener material at seems 24 so that they can be attached to the hook and loop fastener material that is present on the frame supports (as shown in FIG. 1). The amount of hook and loop material can be determined by the energy of the incoming projectile (which is determined by the mass and velocity of the incoming projectile). If larger projectiles at higher velocities are used, more hook and loop fastener material is required to maintain the integrity of the deflection panels platform assembly 20. Slower and lesser mass projectiles will require less hook and loop fastener material. In any event, one embodiment has sufficient hook and loop fastener material to handle the vast, majority of projectiles to be fired at the system. Other configurations may provide more strength such as single bags that are sewed together. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a single bag may be used that is seem-less. When the deflection element material is made from Kevlar, the strength is such that most common projectiles from weapons systems will be stopped.

In one embodiment, the system is designed for projectile particles that are moving at velocities of 100 ft./sec to 600 ft./sec or alternatively at velocities of 150 ft./sec to 550 ft./sec or alternatively at velocities of 200 ft./sec to 500 ft./sec or alternatively at velocities of 300 ft./sec to 450 ft./sec.

It should be noted that the interior deflection panel 39 prevents the projectile when it is traveling on path 38 from hitting top deflection panel 31 again preventing the projectile from being expelled from deflection panels platform assembly 20 through opening 23 (and returning in a direction that is directly opposite path 32 to the shooter). If angle 301 is less than about 90°, the projectile is deflected downwards an eventually the projectile with rest on bottom deflection panel 36. If angle 301 is more than about 90°, the projectile will be deflected on an upwardly moving trajectory and may again be expelled from deflection panels platform assembly 20 through opening 23. The size (both the length and width) of the interior deflection panel 39 is sufficient so as to minimize the risk of the projectile that is on path 38 from missing interior deflection panel 39 and be expelled from the system through opening 23. In an embodiment, the width of the interior deflection panel 39 is substantially the same as the width of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 the same as horizontal bottom frame support 4 in FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, opening 23 is designed to be of a size to accommodate a target (discussed later). Opening 23 should be sufficiently large so that there is little risk of a shooter missing the opening 23. Accordingly, the size of opening 23 should be dependent upon the distance from which the shooter is to fire projectiles at the system (i.e., the further the distance from the target, the larger the opening 23 should be). Other factors that may be used to determine the size include the size and velocity of the projectiles that are being propelled at the system.

The size of the system can be any of a plurality of sizes to suit the shooting application for which the system is to be used. For example, in one embodiment, the vertical frame supports may be on the order of about tour to eight feet in length, with the horizontal frame supports on the order of two to six feet. In a variation, the vertical frame supports may be on the order of about five to seven feet in length, with the horizontal frame supports on the order of two to five feet. In a variation, the vertical frame supports may be on the order of about six feet in length, with the horizontal frame supports on the order of two to three feet.

In an embodiment, the size of the system may he such that it is able to accommodate a plurality of shooters. This embodiment may prove to be particularly useful at shooting ranges, particularly, if there is limited, amount of space and/or there are products nearby that one wants to avoid hitting.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of the system where the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 from FIG. 1 can be seen as well as some of the hook and loop fastener material. Moreover, both the center drain 26 and the conduit 25 for collection of BBs is shown. Hook and loop attachment points 41 allows the attachment of interior deflection element 39 to the side deflection panels (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 4, it is sometimes desired that interior deflection panel 39 be somewhat droopy so that it has some give to it when projectiles hit interior deflection panel 39, thereby facilitating the projectiles path to the bottom of the system (e.g., for example in center drain 26 and subsequently passing through conduit 25). In one embodiment, conduit 25 might be sufficiently long on length and situated at the correct angle so that the projectiles will pass back to the shooter where the projectiles can be easily recouped. In an embodiment, the other deflection panels may also be sufficiently taut yet sufficiently droopy so that the ideal deflection and deceleration of the projectiles occurs.

It should be noted that in FIG. 4, top angular frame support 8 is set back 42 a few inches from the very front of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 so that it does not rest flush with the front frame corner support 11. This set back 42 ensures that a projectile entering the system encounters the top deflection panel 31 later preventing the projectile from being expelled from the system. It should be noted that FIG. 3 shows a different embodiment wherein the setback 42 shown in FIG. 4 is not present. In an embodiment, the height of the opening 23 can be adjusted downwardly so that a projectile entering the system encounters the top deflection panel 31 later preventing the projectile from being expelled from the system upon striking the top deflection panel.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the various deflection elements. Front deflection panel is 21 with target opening 23 can be combined with side deflection panels 22 and rear deflection panels 51 and/or 53 as well as center drain 26 and interior deflection panel 39. The rear deflection panel 51 is shown with composite mesh and rear deflection panel 53 has a plastic transparent material 54 that serves as the top deflection panel, it should be noted that either one of rear deflection panels 51 or 53 can be used. In an embodiment, the plastic transparent material 54 is soft enough but also strong enough so as to maintain its integrity, yet at the same time the angle is ideally suited (i.e., angle 12 as best shown in FIG. 3) so that the projectiles that hit the top deflection panel are not damaged. All of the deflection elements in FIG. 5 are shown with hook and loop fastener material 55 that allows the attachment of the deflection elements to the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. In an embodiment, the deflection elements are attached to the interior of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 so that the frame supports occur on the outside. When the frame supports are on the outside, the chances of damage of the projectiles is reduced because they will not encounter the frame supports. In an alternate embodiment, the deflection panels may be attached to the outside of the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. In an alternate embodiment, although a plurality of deflection panels are shown that can be attached to the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10, it should be understood that the number of deflection panels can be reduced to as few as one panel and can have any number from one to seven deflection panels. In an embodiment where there is one panel, it may be similar to a mesh bag that will attach to the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10.

In an embodiment, 20×20 nominal mesh count coated fiberglass ‘no see um’ screen can be used. This mesh generally is woven from permanent glass yarn and coated with a protective vinyl to ensure strength flexibility and durability. Other coated composite Kevlar mesh materials for supersonic ballistic applications can be used per customer specification. For application of material involving 0.12-0.30 gram 6MM plastic or metallic projectile materials operating at 0.08-2.5 joules at a minimum distance from the target of 3 meters, this material application has a burst strength of 216 psi, a percentage of elongation of 45%. Accordingly, it is desired that this material be sufficiently impact resistant to absorb the impact of fired projectiles without cracking or a penetrating deflection.

FIG. 6A-C show a A) a front elevated view of a remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64, B) a hand held remote controller 63 and C) a continuous roll of joined target faces 62. In FIG. 6A, remote controlled roller cylinder motor shaft 60 fits into the center of the paper rolls 61 from the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 allowing the remote control 63 to control the remote controlled roller cylinder motor shaft 60 thereby rotating to the next target on the continuous roll of joined target faces 62. As shown in FIG. 6A, one or two remote controlled motors 66 are mounted vertically on each end of panel 67. The one or two remote controlled motors 66 may work independently or in unison to move the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 to the next target. In an embodiment in addition to the one or two remote controlled motors 66 working together or independently, the remote controlled roller cylinder motor shafts 60 may move in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on which side of the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 is pulled per customer specification. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 can move in either direction getting a target from either side of the continuous roll of joined target faces 62.

Another embodiment of the scrolling target system is that it may be enclosed in a housing of ABS plastic with all components the scrolling target system positioned within the housing to limit the risk of projectiles striking those externally mourned components yet at the same time providing protection from weather elements,. The front of the housing may in one embodiment be opened to replace paper rolls and closed again or to replace other components. The housing may also optionally be detached from the platform to increase its portability for any sport shooting, application. The removability of the housing allows the use of either BBs or supersonic projectiles at most typical indoor or outdoor shooting range venues, or any other venue. It is contemplated that other materials beyond plastics may he used depending on the situation. For example, if one is simply trying to protect the scrolling target system, various metals such as titanium, plastics, hard rubbers, polymeric or various composite materials may he used.

The remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 is designed so that the remote controller can be at quite a distance from the target assembly yet successful move anew target in from of opening 23 from either side of the continuous roll of joined target faces 62. In an embodiment, the distance should work from at least the distance that the shooter is from the target and preferably from a further distance. Thus, depending on the velocity of the projectiles, the remote control device should work from more than 100 feet and preferably more than 200 feet. In the case of real bullets, the range of the remote control might be significantly longer per customer specification.

In an embodiment, the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 is designed to fit so that each target fits in opening 23 (see FIGS. 2 and 8). When a shooter propels a projectile at the target, the projectile pierces the target and then follows the path as shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 6A, the platform 65 containing the one of two remote controlled motors 66 comprises holes 65 that allow the attachment of the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 to he mounted on the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. Any of a plurality of known methods may be used to attach the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 to the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 including nuts and bolts, screws, nails, glue, or any other method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, nuts and bolts are used allowing the continuous roll of joined target these 62 and remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 to be easily assembled and disassembled from the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10. In an embodiment, the projectile reclamation platform assembly 10 contains holes in it that are lined up with the holes 65 on the platform 67 that are designed to allow the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 and remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 to fit. The platform 65 may also contain either or both of to battery pack 69 and/or an outlet 68 allowing the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 to run off of either DC or AC power (or both). In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that solar panels and a storage means (for example a battery) might be used allowing the targeting assembly to work. Other forms of renewable energy may also be used (for example, wind power) to store energy and allow the targeting assembly to work.

Although the remote is shown as an independent element in FIG. 6B, it should be understood that the remote may be associated with the shooter's gun. In one embodiment, the remote may be easily fixed to the gun and also just as easily removed allowing maximal flexibility to the shooter.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of how the remote controlled continuous scrolling target assembly 64 and the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 might be joined together. Of note in FIG. 7 are the roller guides 71 which ideally fit into the center of the paper rolls 61 and in turn fit into the remote controlled roller cylinder motor shafts 60. After a target has received a plurality of hits, when the remote controlled roller cylinder motor shafts 60 rotate, the roller guides 71 also turn which consequently turns the target, allowing the next target to be presented to the shooter. Clamps 72 are of a size that they can be secured to vertical frame supports 1 (see, for example, FIG. 8). It should be noted although that other means of attaching the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 to the vertical frame supports 1 are contemplated and therefore within the scope of the invention. For example, a simple nut and bolt system or screws or other means known to those of ordinary skill of attaching the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 to the vertical frame supports 1 are contemplated.

FIG. 8 shows many of the embodiments that are discussed in FIGS. 1-7. It should be noted that in lieu of the target from the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 that appears in front of opening 23, one might instead have a video screen (television or monitor) 83 disposed behind the top part of rear deflection panels 51 and/or 53. In an embodiment, rear deflection panel 53 may have a plastic associated with it that is able to discern the location of a BB that hits it (for example, it may have a technology similar to a smart phone that is able to discern positionally where a BB that is propelled at it has contacted the plastic surface). Accordingly, when a video screen 83 is disposed behind the top part of the rear deflection panel, a video game or other digital media may be present on the video screen 83 that is able to discern whether or not an object (either stationary or moving) in the video game is hit. For example, war-type video games, police type video games, hunting-type video games, or other shooting-type video games may he present on the video screen 83.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an application where electronic components (and sensors) from the gun of a ‘first person shooter video game’ are integrated into the housing of a live fire plastic BB Gun, where the trigger mechanism is directly linked, to the trigger on the BB gun. The plastic projectiles fire in synchronization with the virtual bullets but are deflected downward within the system, while the video game registers the continuance of the projectile into the game providing a closed loop simulation between virtual game and live fire realism.

In all cases, the projectiles are recycled with minimal damage to them.

The video screen 83 can be attached to the system by any of a plurality of means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, nuts and bolts, clamps and/or screws can be used to secure the video screen 83 to the system.

Although the continuous roll of joined target faces 62 shows a standard target, it should be understood that other types of targets can he used. For example, a target with the profile of an animal or human or any other target may be used. In one embodiment, the target may be a single target with the profile of an animal or human or any other target that may be manually attached over the target opening 23. In an embodiment, the scrolling target system can be any size so as to accommodate any type of munitions.

The mount on the system housing for a video screen or monitor 83 is scalable to fit any size monitor fixed in either horizontal or vertical position per customer specification, and to project digital images from any source the monitor can project those images per customer specification, as for example, tactical training use for military or police forces to practice fire into the opening of the system at images and in configurations per customer specification.

In an embodiment, a computer may be associated, with the monitor 83 that allows the one to keep track of the number of “hits” of an object a shooter has. The computer may also store information so that a shooter can ascertain if he is improving (for example, a graph may be created showing the shooters “tally” over time for the shooter's “hits” on a target.

In an embodiment the system may be placed on wheels and made either motorized or un-motorized for easy portability. Thus, when either motorized or un-motorized wheels are added, in one embodiment, the system may be modified slightly so as to allow VIPs to move around dangerous war zones without the danger of getting hit by projectiles. For example, if a president or VIP is at an airport where the enemy may have 360° access to targeting the president or VIP, the system would provide protection when the president or VIP moves. In an embodiment, the opening could be modified so that no projectiles can enter the system. The system may also be modified to allow the barrel of a soldier's weapon to protrude from the system to allow the soldier to fire his weapon while at the same time eliminating or severely limiting the ability of projectiles from entering the system. In a variation, the system may be increased in size as necessary so as to provide protection for motorcycles, bicycles, cars, jeeps, tanks, or other vehicles.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, the present invention relates to a projectile collection and/or recycling device comprising: a projectile reclamation platform assembly having one or more frame supports, and a deflection panels platform assembly having one or more deflection elements, wherein the one or more deflection elements are attached to and supported by the one or more frame supports. In one variation, the projectile collection and/or recycling device comprises at least 3 frame support elements and at least 3 deflection elements. In a variation, the projectile collection and/or recycling device further comprises an interior deflection element that is disposed on the interior of the deflection panels platform assembly.

In a variation, the projectile collection and/or recycling device has one or more deflection elements that are comprised of a composite mesh and/or Kevlar. In a variation, the projectile collection and/or recycling device having one or more deflection elements are attached to the one or more frame supports by hook and loop fastener material. In a variation, the projectile collection and/or recycling device comprising the one or more frame supports is made of one or more of plastic, wood, metal, or rubber. In one embodiment, the one or more frame supports comprise pvc (polyvinyl chloride).

In one variation, the one or more deflection elements comprise a composite mesh, the one or more frame supports comprise pvc, and the one or more deflection elements are attached to the one or more frame supports by hook and loop fastener material.

In an embodiment, the projectile is a BB, or a bullet. In an alternate embodiment, the projectile is a BB.

In an embodiment, the projectile collection and/or recycling device comprises one or more of a target and a video monitor. In an embodiment, the target is part of a continuous roll of joined target faces.

In an embodiment, the projectile collection and/or recycling device comprise(s) six deflection elements that are attached to and supported by the one or more frame supports, the six deflection elements comprising a top and rear deflection element, two side deflection elements, a front deflection element having an opening through which projectiles can be propelled, a bottom deflection element, and an interior deflection element, wherein the top and rear deflection element are disposed at the top and rear of the projectile collection and/or recycling device, the two side deflection elements are disposed on each side of the projectile collection and/or recycling device, the bottom deflection element is disposed on the bottom of the projectile collection and/or recycling device and the interior deflection element is present on the interior of the projectile collection and/or recycling device.

In an alternate embodiment, the projectile collection and/or recycling device comprises fifteen frame supports, the fifteen frame support being four vertical frame supports and four horizontal bottom frame supports, four horizontal top frame supports, two top angular frame supports, and one back horizontal frame support. In one variation, the fifteen frame supports are operationally connected to and held in place by frame corner supports. In one variation, the four vertical frame supports, the four horizontal bottom frame supports, and the four horizontal top frame supports form a substantially cubic or rectangular cubic structure. In a variation, the two angular frame supports are attached on opposite faces of the substantially cubic or rectangular cubic structure, with one end of the two angular frame supports attached to two separate back vertical frame supports at a position that forms an angle in a downwards direction with the back vertical support of between about 140=20 to about 160° and the other end of the two angular frame supports attached to two separate side horizontal top frame supports. In a variation, the back horizontal frame support is attached to the two separate back vertical frame supports at a position close to the position where the two angular frame supports are attached to the two separate back vertical frame supports.

In a variation, the deflection elements are joined to the fifteen frame supports by hook and loop fastener material. In a variation, the bottom deflection element further comprises either a drain or a conduit, or both a drain and a conduit that allows for easy collection of projectiles.

In an embodiment, the invention relates to a continuous scrolling target system comprising a plurality of targets on one or more rolls. The continuous scrolling target system may be powered by AC and/or DC. The continuous scrolling target system may also be optionally powered by remote control.

In a variation, the continuous scrolling target system comprises two rolls, the two rolls being at a distance from each other that allows the presentation to a shooter of a single target. In an embodiment, at least one of the two rolls has a plurality of targets that when the rolls are rotated in the same direction, they present a new target to the shooter. In a variation, the two rolls can be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In one variation, the rolls are rotated by remote controlled roller cylinder motor shafts that are operationally connected to the rolls.

In one embodiment, the target is a traditional bulls-eye target. In a variation, other targets may be present such as a profile of an animal or human.

In an embodiment, the system may be about 2 to 50 lbs. in weight, or about 5 to 35 lbs. in weight or about 6 to 20 lbs. in weight or about 7 lbs. to 10 lbs. total. It should be noted that the weight in some embodiments may be significantly higher if a very large system is made (for example, one that could be used around a tank or an any hospital (like a MASH unit).

In an embodiment, the projectiles bow shock wave may be dispersed through the breathable mesh material and due to the color of the material may leave a fingerprint of the mesh material patterning on the projectile so projectiles can be easily identified as having been used but not being deformed. Accordingly, one can quickly identify if the projectiles can be recycled and/or reused. In an embodiment, this would deter users of the system from passing projectile material to other users as never having been used before.

It is to be understood that the above is merely a description of the preferred embodiment and that various modifications could be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the concept of the invention disclosed therein. Moreover, it should be understood that it is contemplated that any feature that is described above can be combined with any other feature. When ranges are discussed, any number that may not be explicitly disclosed but fits within the range is contemplated as an endpoint for the range. The scope of protection to be afforded is to be determined by the claims which follow and the breadth of interpretation which the law allows.

Claims

1. A projectile collection and/or recycling device comprising:

a projectile reclamation platform assembly having one or more frame supports, and a deflection panels platform assembly having one or more deflection elements;

wherein the one or more deflection elements are attached to and supported by the one or more frame supports.

2. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, wherein the one or more deflection elements are comprised of a composite mesh and/or Kevlar,

3. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, wherein the one or more frame supports comprise one or more of plastic, wood, metal, or rubber.

4. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 3, wherein the one or more frame supports comprise pvc.

5. The projectile collection and/or recycling, device of claim 1, wherein the one or more deflection elements are attached to the one or more frame supports by book and loop fastener material.

6. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, wherein the projectile is a BB.

7. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, comprising at least 3 frame support elements and at least 3 deflection elements.

8. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 7, further comprising an interior deflection element that is disposed on the interior of the deflection panels platform assembly.

9. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a target and a video monitor.

10. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 9, wherein the target is part of continuous roll of joined target faces.

11. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, wherein the one or more deflection elements comprise a composite mesh, the one or more frame supports comprise pvc, and the one or more deflection elements are attached to the one or more frame supports by hook and loop fastener material.

12. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 1, wherein six deflection elements are attached to and supported by the one or more frame supports,

the six deflection elements comprising a top and rear deflection element, two side deflection elements, a front deflection element having an opening through which projectiles can be propelled, a bottom deflection element, and an interior deflection element,

wherein the top and rear deflection element being disposed at the top and rear of projectile collection and/or recycling device, the two side deflection elements being, disposed on each side of the projectile collection and/or recycling device, the bottom deflection element being disposed on the bottom of the projectile collection and/or recycling device and the interior deflection element being present on the interior of the projectile collection and/or recycling device.

13. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 12, comprising fifteen frame supports;

four vertical frame supports and four horizontal bottom frame supports, four horizontal top frame supports, two top angular frame supports, and one back horizontal, frame support:, the fifteen frame supports being operationally connected by and held in place by frame corner supports,

wherein the four vertical frame supports, the four horizontal bottom frame supports, and the four horizontal top frame supports form a substantially cubic or rectangular cubic structure,

wherein the two angular frame supports are attached on opposite faces of the substantially cubic or rectangular cubic structure, with one end of the two angular frame supports attached to two separate back vertical frame supports at a position that forms an angle in a downwards direction with the back vertical support of between about 140° to about 160° and the other end of the two angular frame supports attached to two separate side horizontal top frame supports,

wherein the back horizontal frame support is attached to the two separate back vertical frame supports at a position close to the position where the two angular frame supports are attached to the two separate hack vertical frame supports.

14. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 13, wherein the deflection elements are joined to the fifteen frame supports by hook and loop fastener material.

15. The projectile collection and/or recycling device of claim 14, wherein the bottom deflection element further comprises either a drain or a conduit, or both a drain and a conduit that allows for easy collection of the projectiles.

16. A continuous scrolling target system comprising a plurality of targets on one or more rolls, wherein the continuous scrolling target system is powered by AC and/or DC, wherein the continuous scrolling target system is powered by remote control.

17. The continuous scrolling target system of claim 16, wherein the continuous scrolling target system comprises two rolls, the two rolls held at a distance from each other that allows the presentation to a shooter of a single target, wherein at least one of the two rolls having a plurality of targets that when the rolls are rotated in the same direction present a new target to the shooter.

18. The continuous scrolling target system of claim 17, wherein the two rolls can be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

19. The continuous scrolling target system of claim 18, wherein the rolls are rotated by remote controlled roller cylinder motor shafts that are operationally connected to the rolls.

20. The continuous scrolling target system of claim 17, wherein the target is a traditional bulls-eye target.