DURABLE BALLISTICS TARGET

Abstract

A target apparatus comprises a plurality of cables and a rigid frame wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame at least one end of the cable. The plurality of cables is attached to the frame in staggered orientation to one another, and each of the plurality of cables is interchangeable with any other cable of congruent dimension. The plurality of cables is attached to the frame in zigzag orientation to one another. The impact of bullets, mortars, and varying other ammunition rounds upon the plurality of cables is dampened in the loose hanging cables, thereby resulting in a less violent blow to the overall target apparatus. The target apparatus is capable of multiple uses before total destruction of the target apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/767,931 filed Feb. 22, 2013. The content of United States Provisional Application No. 61/767,931 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of target devices which are particularly adapted for use as a point of aim for an aerial projectile or target devices at which an aerial projectile is projected or thrown. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of target devices comprising a penetrable layer having a structure particularly adapted to be pierced or ruptured upon impact of a projectile thereon so as to allow the entire projectile to pass through the penetrable layer or to allow at least a portion of the projectile to pass through the penetrable layer with another portion of the projectile remaining embedded within the penetrable layer; and wherein the target device includes means or is provided with means to enable replacement of a portion of the penetrable layer.

(b) Background Art

Various types of targets are used in ballistic training practices. Mostly training may be performed with traditional bullseye targets or paper, plastic or metallic silhouette targets. These targets are useful to train police, soldiers, hunters or other citizens to aim and shoot. Some of the targets which are used presently have unrealistic two dimensional or three dimensional appearances and permit little variation in positioning, posturing and external visual characteristics. Other targets which are used may be provided with a balloon suspension system used to signal when the target has been hit. The useful life of these targets is limited by their tendency to disintegrate, crumble or shred under repeated impacts.

Styrofoam targets are frequently used, but these targets are not very durable and easily fragment after being hit with bullets or other projectiles and, thus, are not reusable or deformable during use. The major drawback of the currently used styrofoam targets is their lack of durability. Stated with more specificity, the primary drawback with the existing target is that, with extended use, the high impact area, such as the region having the bullseye or other target region, deteriorates thereby limiting the useful life of the target. Another drawback is the time wasted in fabrication and repair of these targets.

Also known in the prior art is an intelligent target comprising a target body suspended from a support structure, at least one sensor affixed to the target body that detects a hit in an area of the target body, a controller, in communication with each sensor, that records the hits detected by the sensor and the area of the target body that was hit and issues a release command when a predetermined number of hits has been reached, and a release mechanism operatively connected with the controller and which releases the target body and allows the body to fall from the support structure on receipt of the release command from the controller. However, this known apparatus is neither durable or cost efficient.

Another existing prior art discloses a heatable long range metal target capable of providing acoustic feedback to the user on impact and is durable to withstand the repeated vibration stress that occurs during repeated use. In a preferred embodiment, target includes a reactive target body for generating an audible feedback signal on impact by a firearm round (such as a metal gong), a heating element and a fastening structure connectable to the target body for mounting of the heating element to the target body. The target body has a front, impact surface and a rear surface and is constructed of hardened steel for withstanding repeated impact by high velocity rounds on the impact surface without penetration. The heating element heats a target region of the target and the fastening structure connects the heating element to the target body away from the impact surface. The fastening structure includes a vibration dampening portion. Although more durable, the construction of the apparatus is not cost efficient, and the apparatus must be replaced in its entirety upon sustaining damage.

Yet another existing prior art discloses a tank-target silhouette for use in tank gunnery practice with the main gun of a tank. The new target employs lightweight sheet material that is corrugated in the manner of an accordion-door (or pleated) configuration to produce a self-supporting, rigid target silhouette which can be raised and lowered, and which can sustain multiple hits without collapsing. The corrugation configuration, when clamped along the bottom edge of the ridges and grooves, provides the necessary rigidity for the target to stand upright without other vertical structural members which could be hit and destroyed. However, the apparatus does not provide durability and does not allow multiple uses. The apparatus is not replaceable and reusable.

As evident in the shortcomings known in the prior art, there is a clear need for an improved target apparatus that would provide enhanced durability of target structure allowing multiple uses. Such a needed apparatus would provide longer lifespan of the target in ballistic training. In addition, the target apparatus would allow replacement of components of the target as opposed to the entire target after each use. By increasing the overall lifespan of the target apparatus the overall cost efficiencies of the apparatus are bolstered. The now disclosed invention seeks to address the cited shortcomings in the prior art, particularly the enhanced durability objective.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of this specification, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a target apparatus which is sufficiently durable to withstand repeated blows from varying rounds of ammunition, thereby increasing the overall lifespan of the target apparatus.

In its broadest contemplated form, the present invention is a target apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of cables and a rigid frame wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame at one or more ends of the cable.

The preferred embodiment is a target apparatus comprising a plurality of cables and a rigid frame wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame at one or more ends of the cable. The plurality of cables is attached to the frame in staggered orientation to one another, and each cable is interchangeable with any other cable of congruent dimension. Still more specifically, the plurality of cables is attached to the frame in zigzag orientation to one another. Further, the cables themselves may be formed of any material sufficiently durable to sustain the extraordinary abuse of repeated ballistic strikes, including without limitation steel cable and steel wire rope.

While the disclosed invention is largely envisioned to comprise a rigid frame standing vertical and having the aforementioned plurality of cables hanging vertically within the interior of the frame yielding the appearance of a solid silhouette target, the inventor appreciates that the durability and cost efficiencies introduced with this invention could just as easily be applied in the context of a horizontally oriented target apparatus designed for air strike training and viewable from a position above the target as opposed to a position down range from the target.

The inventor further contemplates that the now disclosed target apparatus may further comprise a pulley and cable system engendering movement of the apparatus relative to a user. The cable and pulley system would enable the target apparatus to move laterally, left or right, at a user's selection and is intended to simulate a movement as may be encountered in non-training scenarios (i.e., in an active military offensive, etc.). To further simulate active combat circumstances, the rigid frame itself may be configured in a variety of shapes, including without limitation human shapes, tank shapes, aircraft shapes, and the like.

As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a target apparatus of the type now disclosed has advantages over the prior art in that the impact of bullets, mortars, and varying other ammunition rounds upon the plurality of cables is dampened in the loose hanging cables thereby resulting in a less violent blow to the overall target apparatus. In this way, the target apparatus is capable of multiple uses before total destruction of the apparatus.

These and other advantages and features of the present embodiment are described with specificity below so as to make the present disclosure understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a target apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the target apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of the target apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a side-on view of a third embodiment illustrating a target frame shaped as a generic tank silhouette; and

FIG. 5 is a front-on view of a third embodiment illustrating a target frame shaped as a generic tank silhouette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and, in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a target apparatus 10 and FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the target apparatus. The target apparatus 10 comprises a rigid frame constructed from a first left vertical post 14, a second left vertical post 16, an upper crossbeam 18, a first right vertical post 24, a second right vertical post 22, and a lower crossbeam 28. A plurality of cables 20 are suspended from the upper crossbeam 18 of the apparatus. A left base member 12, a right base member 26; and a plurality of left brackets 30 attaches the left base member 12 to the first left vertical post 14 and second left vertical post 16, and a plurality of right brackets 32 attaches the right base member 26 to the first right vertical post 24 and the second right vertical post 22. The orientation of the attached plurality of cables 20 along the upper crossbeam 18 vis-a-vis one another is linear.

In more detail, still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the target apparatus 10 comprises a rigid frame and a plurality of cables 20 that create the illusion of a solid surface when viewed from a distance. It is contemplated that the impact of bullets, mortars, and varying other ammunition rounds upon the plurality of cables 20 will be dampened in the loose hanging cables 20, thereby resulting in a less violent blow to the overall target apparatus and the projection that the target apparatus 10 will be capable of multiple uses before total destruction of the target apparatus 10. To the extent that any of the plurality of cables 20 are damaged or broken during use, the individual cable is easily replaced by detachment of the damaged cable 20 from the upper crossbeam 18 and reattachment of a replacement cable 20 to the upper crossbeam 18 in place of the broken or damaged cable 20. The left base member 12 and right base member 26 afford the overall frame elements, including the first left vertical post 14, the second left vertical post 16, the upper crossbeam 18, the first right vertical post 24, the second right vertical post 22, and the lower crossbeam 28, sufficient stability to sustain repeated impacts from varying ammunition rounds while remaining in an upright and vertical configuration. With the above contemplated use in mind, it is further important that the frame elements themselves be sufficiently durable to withstand repeated blows from varying rounds of ammunition, thereby increasing the overall lifespan of the target apparatus.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the target apparatus 10 comprises a rigid frame constructed from 6″ steel I-beams, the contemplated I-beams forming the first left vertical post 14, the second left vertical post 16, the first right vertical post 24, the second right vertical post 22, the upper crossbeam 18, and the lower crossbeam 28 of the frame. Further, the left base member 12 and right base member 26 are formed of 6″ angle iron, the respective base members 30, 32 being riveted to the lower terminus of the first left vertical post 14, the second left vertical post 16, the first right vertical post 24, and the second right vertical post 22, through the left brackets 30 and the right brackets 32, all brackets also formed of 6″ angle iron. As for the construction of the plurality of cables 20, the upper crossbeam 18 is perforated with a series of holes through which the plurality of cables 20 are inserted and attached to the upper crossbeam 18. In this preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that the holes in the upper crossbeam 18 containing the plurality of cables 20 will be 1.5″ in circumference and that plurality of cables 20 utilized will likewise be 1.5″ in gauge.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 refer to the preferred embodiment of the target apparatus frame which is largely constructed of steel I-beams and the base elements from angle iron. The plurality of cables 20 is depicted as constructed of 1.5″ gauge steel cable, however the cables 20 may be constructed from any strong and durable material or composition, including steel wire rope or other synthetic rope.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of a second embodiment of the target apparatus 10 is illustrated. Of particular note in FIG. 3 is the orientation of the attached plurality of cables 20 along the upper crossbeam 18 vis-a-vis one another. The orientation is staggered into two offset linear rows thus forming a first and second layer of suspended plurality of cables 20.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3, the second preferred embodiment of the target apparatus 10, it is contemplated that the impact of bullets, mortars, and varying other ammunition rounds upon the plurality of cables 20 will be dampened in the loose hanging plurality of cables 20, thereby resulting in a less violent blow to the overall target apparatus and the projection that the target apparatus will be capable of multiple uses before total destruction of the apparatus. To the extent that any of the plurality of cables 20 are damaged or broken during use, the individual capable is easily replaced by detachment of the damaged cable from the upper crossbeam 18 and reattachment of a replacement cable to the upper crossbeam 18 in place of the broken or damaged cable. The second preferred embodiment is that the orientation of the plurality of cables 20 vis-à-vis one another as attached to the upper crossbeam 18, is such that the plurality of cables 20 in a first layer of the plurality of cables 20 and a second layer of the plurality of cables 20, thus resulting in a more durable overall plurality of cables 20. Further and as with the first disclosed embodiment, it is important that the left base member 12 and right base member 26 afford the overall frame elements, including the first left vertical post 14, the second left vertical post 16, the upper crossbeam 18, the first right vertical post 24, the second right vertical post 22, and the lower crossbeam 28, sufficient stability to sustain repeated impacts from varying ammunition rounds while remaining in an upright and vertical configuration. With the above contemplated use in mind, it is further important that the frame elements themselves be sufficiently durable to withstand repeated blows from varying rounds of ammunition, thereby increasing the overall lifespan of the target apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 4 is a side-on view of a target frame shaped as a generic tank silhouette 44. The target frame 44 shaped in the form of a generic tank silhouette comprising a plurality of cables 42 wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame 44 at one or more ends of the cable. The plurality of cables 42 may be constructed from any strong and durable material or composition, including steel wire rope or other synthetic rope. In the event any of the plurality of cables 42 is damaged during use, the damaged cable is replaced by detaching the individual cable and replacing the same with a replacement cable in the place where the broken or damaged cable was formerly attached to the frame.

Referring to FIG. 5 is a front-on view a target frame shaped as the generic tank silhouette 44. The target apparatus 40 comprises a penetrable layer formed of a plurality of cables 42. The frame element of the target frame 44 has sufficient stability to sustain repeated impacts of varying ammunition rounds while remaining in an upright and vertical configuration. The frame 44 material and composition is sufficiently durable to withstand repeated blows from varying rounds of ammunition. Moreover, the collision of bullets, mortars, etc. upon the plurality of cables 42 is dampened by the loose hanging cables causing a less violent blow to the target apparatus 40. The target apparatus 40 is capable of multiple uses before the total destruction.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, an enhanced durability of target structure allowing multiple uses and longer lifespan of the target in ballistics training; and cost savings provided in the ability to replace single cables rather than an entire target during or after each use.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a target apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of cables and a rigid frame wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame at one or more ends of the cable.

Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

It is understood that the above described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It 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 above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A target apparatus, the apparatus comprising a rigid frame and a plurality of cables, each cable having a first end and a second end, and each cable being attached to the frame at one or more ends of the cable.

2. The target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cables are steel cables or formed of wire rope.

3. The target apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cables are detachable from the frame and interchangeable with cables of like dimension.

4. The target apparatus of claim 3 wherein the attachment of the cables to the frame is in a staggered configuration along the frame.

5. The target apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stable base affixed to the frame, the frame oriented vertically and perpendicular to the stable base.

6. The target apparatus of claim 5 wherein the frame is a steel or steel composite frame.

7. The target apparatus of claim 6 wherein the cables are steel cables or formed of wire rope.

8. The target apparatus of claim 7 wherein the cables are detachable from the rigid frame and interchangeable with cables of like dimension.

9. The target apparatus of claim 8 wherein the attachment of the cables to the frame is in a staggered configuration along the frame.

10. The target apparatus of claim 5 wherein the cables are steel cables or formed of wire rope.

11. The target apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cables are detachable from the frame and interchangeable with cables of like dimension.

12. The target apparatus of claim 11 wherein the attachment of the cables to the frame is in a staggered configuration along the frame.

13. The target apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means to engender movement of the apparatus.

14. The target apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means to engender movement of the apparatus is a pulley and cable system.

15. The target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame is a steel or steel composite frame.

16. The target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment of the cables to the frame is in a staggered configuration along the frame.

17. A target apparatus, the apparatus comprising a steel or steel composite frame and a plurality of steel or wire rope cables, each cable having a first end and a second end, and each cable being attached to the frame at one or more ends of the cable and each cable being detachable from the frame and interchangeable with a cable of like dimension; and a stable base affixed to the frame, the frame oriented vertically and perpendicular to the stable base.

18. The target apparatus of claim 17 wherein the attachment of the cables to the frame is in a staggered configuration along the frame.

19. The target apparatus of claim 17 further comprising means to engender movement of the apparatus.

20. The target apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means to engender movement of the apparatus is a pulley and cable system.