TARGET STAND
A target stand includes a first base member, a second base member spaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together. The first base member, the second base member, and the brace member are physically discrete and easily separable components. The target stand is lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble and transport.
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/773,029, titled “Target Stand,” filed on 5 Mar. 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this document. In the event of a conflict, the subject matter explicitly recited or shown in this document controls over any subject matter incorporated by reference. The incorporated subject matter should not be used to limit or narrow the scope of the explicitly recited or depicted subject matter.
BACKGROUNDA target stand is a device that holds a target so a user can shoot at it. It can be used to hold a variety of targets such as firearm targets, archery targets, and so forth. The target stand is typically made of durable materials so that it can be used over and over again. In contrast, the target is intended to be repeatedly shot so it is typically made of less durable, inexpensive materials that can be easily replaced when it reaches the end of its useful life.
Conventional target stands suffer from a number of problems. One of the biggest problems is that they are heavy and bulky, which makes them difficult to handle and transport. They are typically made of heavy steel tubing or thick wood beams, both of which make the target stands relatively heavy.
The target stands are also shaped in a way that makes them bulky. One of the most common designs includes a base shaped like a capital H when viewed from above with vertical support members extending upward from the base. Although this design provides adequate support for the target, it is difficult to get it into the back seat or trunk of a car or the bed of a pickup truck. A single target stand can take up most of the available space making it difficult to transport more than one target stand.
The excessive weight and bulk of conventional target stands makes it difficult and time consuming to set them up and/or take them down. The required effort just to get them ready and take them down detracts from the user's overall shooting experience and, in some cases, can deter the user from even going target shooting.
Another problem with conventional target stands is that they present a large profile in the direction of incoming fire. This makes it more likely that the target stand will be hit and damaged by a poor shot or stray bullet. The result being that the useful lifespan of the target stand is reduced.
Another problem with conventional target stands is that if they do get damaged by, for example, a poorly aimed shot, the entire target stand must be replaced. With most designs, it is not possible to replace only the damaged portion.
SUMMARYA target stand is described that is lightweight, modular, and portable. The target stand can be made of a lightweight material that makes it easy to lift and carry, even for long distances. The target stand can also be made of a minimal amount of material to further reduce the weight.
The target stand is easy to set up and take down. The target stand includes a number of physically discrete and easily separable components that make it easy to set up and take down. The ability to separate the components of the target stand makes it easy to transport and handle.
The target stand includes the following physically discrete and easily separable components: a first base member, a second base member that is spaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member that extends between the first base member and the second base member and couples them together. The components can be assembled and disassembled without using tools or removing fasteners.
The first base member and the second base member are capable of being nested together when not in use. The base members are designed to allow an unlimited number of base members to fit together in a nested relationship. Nesting the base members together allows them to be stored and transported without taking up large amounts of space.
In one embodiment, the first base member and the second base member are identical or substantially identical. This makes it easy to manufacture the target stand by reducing the number of unique components. It also makes it easy to repair the target stand because any base member can be substituted for another base member.
The target stand includes a relatively small frontal profile facing the direction of incoming fire. The reduced profile makes it less likely that the target stand will get damaged due to poorly aimed shots. Also, if the target stand does get hit, the smaller profile makes it less likely to be seriously damaged.
The target stand can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the target stand is made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, plastic, composites (e.g., carbon fiber). However, it should be appreciated that the target stand can be made of other materials such as steel or wood. The target stand can also be made of any combination of these materials.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary and the Background are not intended to identify key concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in the Summary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the Background.
The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in association with the accompanying drawings as follows.
The target stand 20 includes a first base member 22, a second base member 24, and a brace member 26. These components are physically discrete and separable from each other. The brace member 26 extends between and is coupled to the first base member 22 and the second base member 24. The brace member 26 holds the base members 22, 24 together in a spaced apart relationship. The brace member 26 also provides support to hold the base members 22, 24 upright. Without the brace member 26 in place, the base members 22, 24 would be unable to stay upright on their own.
It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
It should be appreciated that the brace member 26 can be configured to space the base members 22, 24 apart any desired distance. In general, the length of the brace member 26 is roughly the same as the distance between the base members 22, 24. Thus, it should be appreciated that the following lengths also apply to and provide support for reciting the distance between the base members 22, 24.
The brace member 26 can have any suitable length. In one embodiment, the length of the brace member 26 is at least approximately 12 inches, at least approximately 15 inches, or at least approximately 21 inches. In another embodiment, the length of the brace member 26 is no more than approximately 98 inches, no more than approximately 74 inches, or no more than approximately 50 inches. In another embodiment, the length of the brace member 26 is approximately 12 inches to approximately 98 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 50 inches, approximately 15 inches to approximately 38 inches.
In some embodiments, the length of the brace member 26 can correspond to standard target sizes such as the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) standard target (45 cm×75 cm) or the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) official target (18 inches×30 inches). For example, the length of the brace member 26 can be approximately 15 inches to approximately 21 inches to correspond to the widths of these targets. The length of the brace member 26 can also be approximately 21 inches to approximately 27 inches to correspond to larger targets.
The base members 22, 24 can be identical or substantially identical. It is preferable for the base members 22, 24 to be sufficiently similar that they can be made and inventoried as a single part. This reduces the number of unique parts that must be produced, tracked, and handled. This creates a number of significant advantages that extend from manufacturing all the way to the end user.
Production of the base members 22, 24 is made easier because the number of base members 22, 24 that need to be produced is double the number of finished target stands 20. There is no need to tally separate right and left base members and try to make production of them equal.
The end user can experience similar advantages. The user does not need to worry about having equal numbers of right and left base members when heading to the shooting range. Instead, the user needs only to make sure to take double the number of base members 22, 24 as target stands 20 that the user intends to set up.
The brace member 26 and base members 22, 24 are configured to allow them to be easily assembled and disassembled. It should be noted that easily assembled and disassembled refers to the ability of the brace member 26 and base members 22, 24 to be coupled together and separated from each other without the use of tools or with only widely available, common hand tools such as a screwdriver. It does not refer to coupling the components together using specialty tools and/or techniques such as welding, blowtorches, metal chop saws, and the like.
In one embodiment, the brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 can be assembled and disassembled without the use of any tools and without undoing any fasteners. For example, the components can be shaped to fit together in a corresponding and interlocking fashion to the hold them together. An example of one configuration is shown in the Figs. and described as follows.
The brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 are configured to be coupled together and taken apart by rotating one or more of the components relative to the other components. This is done using the tabs 28 located at each end of the brace member 26 and the corresponding holes 30 in the base members 22, 24.
Each end of the brace member 26 includes two tabs 28 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brace member 26. The tabs 28 on both ends all face the same direction, though it should be appreciated that the tabs 28 on different ends can face different directions. The holes 30 in the base members 22, 24 are shaped to correspond to and receive the tabs 28. In the embodiment shown in the Figs., the holes 30 have a rectangular shape that corresponds to the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the tabs 28.
The brace member 26 is coupled to one of the base members 22, 24 using the following process. The brace member 26 is positioned adjacent to the base member 22, 24 so that the tabs 28 are aligned with and can pass through the holes 30. The brace member 26 faces downward from the base member 22, 24 in this position.
The tabs 28 are inserted into the holes 30 and then one of the brace member 26 or the base member 22, 24 is rotated relative to the other one of the brace member 26 or the base member 22, 24 until the brace member 26 reaches the position shown in
In one embodiment the tabs 28 can be secured to the base member 22, 24 using fasteners. For example, the tabs 28 include a hole 36 that corresponds to a hole 38 in the base member 22, 24. The hole 38 is threaded to receive a fastener such as a screw or bolt that extends through the hole 36 in the tab 28. It should be appreciated that the tabs 28 or the brace member 26 can be secured to the base member 22, 24 using any suitable type fastener or fastening method.
The other end of brace member 26 is coupled to the other base member 22, 24 by repeating the same process for the other base member 22, 24. When the brace member 26 is coupled to both base members 22, 24 as shown in
The base members 22, 24 each include a first side or inward side 32 and a second side or outward side 34. The first sides 32 of the base members 22, 24 are identical or substantially identical to each other and the second sides 34 are also identical or substantially identical to each other. When the target stand 20 is assembled, as shown in
The base members 22, 24 each include a lower vertical section 40, a lower horizontal section 42, an upper vertical section 44, and an upper horizontal section 46. The lower vertical section 40 is configured to rest on the ground and even be pushed into the ground to some extent. The lower horizontal section 42 extends outward from the top of the lower vertical section 40 towards the center of the target stand 20. The upper vertical section 44 extends upward from the lower horizontal section 42. The upper horizontal section 46 extends outward from the top of the upper vertical section 44 towards the center of the target stand 20.
In the embodiment shown in the Figs., the lower horizontal section 42 and the upper horizontal section 46 extend outward from the upper vertical section 44 in opposite directions. The lower horizontal section 42 extends outward from the bottom of the upper vertical section 44 away from the center of the target stand 20. The upper horizontal section 46 extends outward from the top of the upper vertical section 44 towards the center of the target stand 20.
It should be noted that the holes 30 are located in the upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24. Thus, the brace member 26 extends between and is coupled to the upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the brace member 26 can be coupled to any other suitable section 40, 42, 44, 46 of the base members 22, 24.
Each section 40, 42, 44, 46 includes a corresponding surface on both sides 32, 34 of each base member 22, 24. For example, the lower vertical section 40 includes a corresponding lower vertical surface on the first side 32 and the second side 34 of each base member 22, 24. Likewise, the lower horizontal section 42 includes a corresponding lower horizontal surface on each side 32, 34; the upper vertical section 44 includes a corresponding upper vertical surface on each side 32, 34; and the upper horizontal section 46 includes a corresponding upper horizontal surface on each side 32, 34.
In one embodiment, the sections 40, 42, 44, 46 are flat and oriented at approximately right angles to each other. The angle between each section 40, 42, 44, 46 can be approximately 70° to approximately 110°. The sections 40, 42, 44, 46 can be formed by cutting and/or bending a flat plate of material such as metal at the appropriate angle to form the sections 40, 42, 44, 46.
The base members 22, 24 can have the shape of a flat plate that includes at least one, two, three, or more bends. As already mentioned, the bends can be approximately right angle bends or any bend that is between approximately 70° to approximately 110°.
The base members 22, 24 include holes 48 sized to receive a stake to hold the base members 22, 24 to the ground. The stakes are inserted downward through the holes 48 and into the ground. The stakes are used to hold the target stand 20 to the ground in windy conditions or during other types of adverse weather. If the ground is too hard for stakes, then small sandbags or other heavy objects can be used to hold the target stand 20 in place.
The base members 22, 24 can be any suitable size. In one embodiment, the height of the base members 22, 24 is no more than approximately 12 inches, no more than approximately 8 inches, no more than approximately 6 inches, or no more than approximately 5 inches. In another embodiment, the length of the base members 22, 24 is approximately 11 inches to approximately 50 inches, at least approximately 11 inches, or no more than approximately 50 inches. In another embodiment, the width of the base members 22, 24 is at least approximately 2 inches or at least approximately 3 inches. The width can also be no more than approximately 7 inches, no more than 5 inches, or no more than 4 inches.
The brace member 26 includes a horizontal section 50 and vertical sections 52, 54 that extend upward from each side of the horizontal section 50 as shown in
It should be appreciated that although the vertical sections 52, 54 extend outward from the horizontal section 50 in the same direction, they can be configured to extend outward in opposite directions, e.g., one down, one up. Numerous other configurations are also possible.
The brace member 26 can be formed by cutting and/or bending a flat plate of material such as metal to form the tabs 28 and the vertical sections 52, 54. It should be appreciated that the brace member 26 can numerous other configurations beyond what is depicted in the FIGS.
The brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the material is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. In one embodiment, these components are all made of 100% aluminum. This makes the target stand 20 lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to manufacture. In other embodiments, the components can be made of other metals such as steel, composites, or plastics.
The target stand 20 provides a small profile in the direction of incoming fire or the direction that the target faces. The small profile makes it less likely that the target stand 20 will get hit and damaged by a poorly aimed shot.
The small frontal profile of the target stand 20 is largely due to the small profile provided by the base members 22, 24 and the brace member 26. The bent flat plate shape of the base members 22, 24 makes it so the frontal profile is roughly the same as the thickness of the material used to make the base members 22, 24.
In one embodiment, the base members 22, 24 each include a leading edge 51 that faces the incoming direction of fire and faces the same direction as the face of the target. The thickness of the leading edge is no more than approximately 0.5 inches, no more than approximately 0.375 inches, no more than approximately 0.25 inches, or no more than approximately 0.1875 inches.
In another embodiment, the base members 22, 24 have a relatively thin cross-section thickness over most or all of the surface of the base members 22, 24. The cross sectional thickness of the base members 22, 24 at any point does not exceed approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 0.375 inches, approximately 0.25 inches, or approximately 0.1875 inches.
The target stand 20 includes openings or holes that are configured to receive and hold a target apparatus 62 (
The target support posts 64 can be made from any suitable material and have any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the target support posts 64 are 1 inch by 2 inch wood furring strips that have a rectangular cross sectional that is approximately 0.75 inches by approximately 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the target support posts 64 have different sizes and/or are made of other materials such as metal, composites, or plastics.
The target support posts 64 are received by upper openings or holes 58 in the base members 22, 24 and corresponding lower openings or holes 60 formed by the combination of the base members 22, 24 and the brace member 26. The upper openings 58 are vertically aligned and vertically spaced apart from the lower openings 60 so that the target support posts 64 extend downward through both openings 58, 60. The openings 58, 60 are configured to hold the target apparatus 62 in a fixed, static position during use.
The upper openings 58 are positioned in the upper horizontal sections 46 of the base members 22, 24. The upper openings 58 have a rectangular shape that corresponds to the shape of the furring strips. It should be appreciated, however, that the upper openings 58 can have any suitable size or shape.
The lower openings 60 are positioned at the ends of the brace member 26. The upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24 form at least a portion of the boundary of each lower opening 60. It should be appreciated, however, that the lower openings 60 can be formed entirely in the brace member 26. Additional modifications can be made as well.
The openings 58, 60 on one side of the target stand 20 are vertically aligned and form a first set of openings. The openings 58, 60 on the other side of the target stand 20 are vertically aligned and form a second set of openings. Each set of openings includes at least two openings, but could include more.
The target apparatus 62 can be held in place using any suitable fastener. For example, the target support posts 64 can be coupled to the base members 22, 24 using a fastener, e.g., screw, that extends through a hole 62 in the upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24 and into the target support posts 64. It should be appreciated that the target apparatus 62 can be coupled to the target stand 20 in any of a number of additional ways.
Turning to
The ability to nest the base members 22, 24 together makes it so the target stands 20 take up a minimum amount of space during transport and storage. It also makes it easy for the user to carry multiple target stands 20 from, for example, the user's vehicle to the shooting range.
The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure the term shall mean,” etc.).
References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.
The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the meaning of the claim terms.
As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.
Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).
The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or “or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
All numerical ranges must be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).
Claims
1. A target stand comprising:
- a first base member;
- a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and
- a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;
- wherein each one of the first base member, the second base member, and the brace member is a physically discrete and easily separable component; and
- wherein the first base member and the second base member are identical or substantially identical and capable of being nested together when separated from the brace member.
2. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, and wherein the vertical surface and the horizontal surface from the first base member overlap the vertical surface and the horizontal surface from the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together.
3. The target stand of claim 1 wherein a first side of the first base member corresponds in shape and fits closely together with a second side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together.
4. The target stand of claim 3 wherein the first base member includes a second side and the second base member includes a first side, and wherein the first side of the first base member is identical or substantially identical to the first side of the second base member and the second side of the first base member is identical or substantially identical to the second side of the second base member.
5. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member includes a first side and a second side and the second base member includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side of the first base member faces the first side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are coupled together with the brace member and the first side of the first base member faces the second side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together.
6. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the second base member have the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends.
7. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a lower flat horizontal section, a flat vertical section that extends upward from the lower flat horizontal section, and an upper flat horizontal section that extends outward from the top of the flat vertical section.
8. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire, wherein the leading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick.
9. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the brace member includes tabs that extend through corresponding holes in the first base member and the second base member.
10. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the second base member are made of aluminum.
11. The target stand of claim 1 comprising at least two vertically spaced apart and vertically aligned openings configured to receive and support a target support post.
12. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first brace member and the second brace member each include an upper opening configured to receive a target support post, and wherein the brace member forms at least part of a lower opening that is vertically aligned with each upper opening so that each set of upper and lower openings is configured to receive and support a target support post.
13. A target stand comprising:
- a first base member;
- a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and
- a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;
- wherein the first base member has the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends.
14. The target stand of claim 13 wherein the second base member has the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends.
15. The target stand of claim 13 wherein the first base member and the second base member are capable of being nested together when separated from the brace member.
16. The target stand of claim 13 wherein the first base member includes a flat vertical section and two flat horizontal sections.
17. The target stand of claim 13 wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a lower flat horizontal section, a flat vertical section that extends upward from the lower flat horizontal section, and an upper flat horizontal section that extends outward from the top of the flat vertical section.
18. A target stand comprising:
- a first base member including a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire;
- a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and
- a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;
- wherein the leading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick.
19. The target stand of claim 18 wherein the second base member includes a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire and is no more than 0.5 inches thick.
20. The target stand of claim 18 comprising a target supported in an upright position by the target stand, the target including a face, wherein the leading edge faces the same direction as the face of the target.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 11, 2014
Inventor: Chad Johnson (Kaysville, UT)
Application Number: 14/196,367
International Classification: F41J 1/10 (20060101);
