SHOOTING TARGET

Abstract

A target device for practicing shooting with live ammunition includes a target member, a support member and a connection device that secures the target member to the support member in a manner that positions the target at an acute angle to the ground and provides lateral movement of the target member about a point defined by the connection device so that the target member absorbs the shock of the ammunition strike in a realistic manner and quickly returns the target member to a starting position thereafter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/955,465, filed Mar. 19, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to devices for use in target practice exercises using ammunition, and specifically relates to targets that are structured to provide improved practice or training by providing a target that is configured to enable lateral movement and repositioning of the target with each use.

Target practice or training that involves pistols or rifles is a common activity that gun enthusiasts, police officers and military personnel engage in. Consequently, many targets have been developed and are available for use in practicing or training to fire with live ammunition. A common type of target that is used for training is a paper target that is positioned in vertical orientation on a support structure, such as a hay bale or horizontally movable hanging device. Such targets are more commonly found at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges.

Other types of target devices commonly include a surface, such as a plate-like element, that is secured to a stand of some type. Most commonly, the plate-like element is stationarily secured to a support so that the plate-like element is vertically oriented. In other devices, the plate-like surface may be pivotally connected to the stand in a manner that allows the plate-like surface to rotate about an axis defined by the stand. Examples of such targets are those commonly known as “reactive” targets and “dueling” targets. In targets of this type, the target or plate-like element will spin around the axis of connection.

In targets of the type where the plate-like element is secured to the support, the plate-like target does not move when struck by a bullet. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to determine whether the target has been struck and whether the training is accurate. In targets of the type where the plate-like element is pivotally connected to the stand or other support, the target will continue to spin once it is hit, and the user must wait for the target to resume a position where the target can be fired at again, if in fact the target returns to a position at which it can be properly aimed.

In other target devices, the plate-like element is attached to a frame having legs that are supported on the ground and a cross bar from which the plate-like element is hung, typically using one or more chains. In these devices, the plate-like element hangs from the frame in a vertical orientation by two chains. When struck, the plate-like element will move. However, the configuration of the device exposes the chains to being struck by bullets, thereby easily damaging the device, and the vertical hanging of the plate-like target exposes the user to dangerous ricocheting of bullets.

Thus, the present disclosure describes a target device that overcomes the problems associated with known targets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a target practice device comprises a target member, a support member and a connection device positioned to interconnect the target member with the support member, the connection device being structured to position the target member at an acute angle to the ground and provide lateral movement of the target member relative to a point defined by the connection device. This aspect of the invention is advantageous over known target devices in being structured so that the target member will absorb the impact of the ammunition when struck, and being able to effectively deflect the ammunition to the ground to thereby result in a movement of the target to provide a more realistic training, and to assure a quick return of the target member to a position for receiving a second round of fire. Additionally, the user can quickly determine bullet placement by observing the target reaction when hit.

In a further embodiment, the connection device comprises a retention member for receiving a suspension device in secure engagement therewith, and further comprises a fastening device secured to the target member for engaging the suspension device.

In another embodiment, the fastening device is positioned on a rear face of the target member to provide pendency of the target member from the connector device at said acute angle to the ground.

In one embodiment, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 25 degrees to 35 degrees, or at any angle therebetween.

In some embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 26 degrees and 34 degrees.

In certain other embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 27 degrees and 33 degrees.

In still other embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 28 degrees and 32 degrees.

In some embodiments, the suspension device comprises a chain having at least two interlocking links.

In other embodiments, the target member comprises a plate-like body made of armor steel having a selected thickness.

In some embodiments, the target member is configured as a substantially round shape.

In other embodiments, the target member is configured with a generally torso-like shape.

In certain embodiments, the target member is positioned, relative to the support member, to shield the connection device at a point behind the target member.

In some embodiments, the support member comprises at least two legs oriented to contact the ground or other supporting surface, and at least two upwardly extending arms structured to retain the connection device.

In yet other embodiments, the support member further comprises at least one anchoring device for anchoring the support member to the ground or other support surface.

In still other embodiments, the anchoring device is structured with at least one hole for receiving an anchoring pin therethrough to anchor the target practice device to the ground or other support surface.

In some embodiments, the at least two legs are integrally formed with the at least two upstanding arms.

In other embodiment, the at least two legs are removably secured to the at least two upstanding arms.

In certain embodiments, the target member is a plate-like body that is structured with at least one aperture formed through a thickness of the plate-like body, and further includes at least one movable paddle member that is secured to a rearward oriented surface of the plate-like body to obscure at least one aperture formed through the plate-like body.

In certain other embodiments, the target member has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and the at least one paddle member is secured to the plate-like body in a manner that allows the paddle member to move from a first position, in which the paddle member obscures a first aperture, to a second position, in which the paddle member obscures a second aperture.

These and other structural and functional aspects of the disclosure are made more evident in the description and illustrations of the various embodiments of the disclosure that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which depict what is currently considered to be the best mode of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of a rear side of an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a second embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view of a rear side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a third embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the support member of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of a rear face of a target member depicting one element of a type of connection device;

FIG. 11 is a partial view in elevation of a rear face of a target member depicting an alternative form of part of a connection device of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view in elevation of an anchor pin in one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view in elevation of the rearward oriented surface of the target member illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14; and

FIG. 16 is a partial cross section view of a paddle member, taken at line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of the target practice device of the disclosure where the device is particularly constructed to be portable and to be used at a closer range relative to the user. The embodiment comprises, however, the basic elements of the target device. In this embodiment, the target practice device 10 comprises a target member 12 and a support member 14 to which the target member 12 is movably secured by a connection device 16.

The support member 14 of the device is generally structured with at least two legs 20 that are positioned to be supported on the ground or other supporting surface. The support member 14 further includes at least two upstanding arms 22 that are connected to the legs 20. As best seen in FIG. 2, the upstanding arms 22 are directed at any angle to the legs 20, which provides stability and enhanced impact absorption when the target member 12 is struck with a round of ammunition. The angle A between the legs 20 and upstanding arms 22 may be between 55 degrees to 75 degrees.

The support member 14 may further include a cross brace member 24 that spans between the legs 20, or between the upstanding arms 22, to stabilize the configuration of the support member 14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the support member 14 may be formed as an integral unit by any suitable means. For example, each leg 20 and the corresponding upstanding arm 22 to which it is associated may be made of a single length of metal rod that is bent at a prescribed angle, and the cross brace 24 may then be bolted or welded between the legs 20 or between the upstanding arms 22. Alternatively, for example, the legs 20 may be lengths of metal rod that are permanently joined to the upstanding arms 22 by such means as bolts or welding. Any number or means of integrally forming the legs 20, upstanding arms 22 and cross brace 24 together are within the scope of the disclosure.

The support member 14 may further include at least one anchoring device 28 to secure the support member 14 to the ground or other support surface. By way of example, the anchoring device 28 may comprise one or more anchor plates 30, one each connected to an associated leg 20, preferably positioned at a forward end of each leg 20 as shown. Each anchor plate 30 may be formed with a hole 32, as depicted in FIG. 1, through which an anchoring pin 34 is positioned, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the anchor plate 30 may be positioned to extend outwardly from the associated leg 20, as depicted in FIG. 1, which is a preferable embodiment in smaller targets. Alternatively, the anchor plate 30 may be positioned to extend inwardly from the associated leg 20, as depicted in FIG. 3. The size and geometry of the anchor plate 30 may vary, but should be suitably sized and weighted to provide adequate support to the support member 14 relative to the ground or other supporting surface. The or each anchor plate 30 may be connected to the associated leg 20 by such means as welding or bolted attachment.

The upstanding arms 22 of the support member 14 are angled toward each other to join at an upper end 38 of each upstanding arm 22 at a distance from the point of attachment of each arm 22 to its associated leg 22. In one embodiment, the upper ends 38 of the upstanding arms 22 may be joined by bolts or other securement devices or, in other embodiments, the upper ends 38 may be joined together by means such as welding. In still other embodiments, it is possible to make the two legs from a single length of material that is bent at a central point to produce two legs 22 that are angled from each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the target member 12 may generally be comprised of a plate-like body 40 having opposing surface and a thickness T defined by and between the opposing surfaces. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the plate-like body 40 may be generally round, having one of the opposing surfaces defining a forward oriented face 42 and the other opposing surface defining a rearward oriented surface 44. By “forward” is meant in the direction of, or facing toward, the user. By “rearward” or “rear” is meant in a direction or orientation that is away from the user. The plate-like body 40 may have any suitable configuration or geometric shape, and need not be strictly planar in shape, although a planar surface may be preferred. The target member 12 may, for example, be slightly concave or convex.

The target member 12 is attached to the support member 14 by a connection device 16 that secures the target member 12 to the support member 14 at an acute angle B to the ground or support surface, represented by horizontal line 46. Specifically, the target member 12 is suspended from the support member 14 at an angle C which is defined by a vertical plane 48 that transects the center of the target member 12 and the plane 50 of the forward oriented face 42 of the target member 12. The angle C may be between positioned at any degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. The acute angle of the target member 12 assures that the target member 12 will better absorb the impact of the round of ammunition and will deflect the ammunition to the ground.

The connection device 16 further enables the target member 12 to move laterally, or from side-to-side, relative to the connection device, which advantageously alerts the user to the fact that the target member 12 has been hit, and provides a more real simulation of hitting a non-practice target. Also, the user can quickly determine bullet placement by observing the reaction of the target member 12 when hit. The connection device 16 is also structured and configured to enable the target member 12 to return to a forward facing position quickly so that a subsequent round can be fired at the target member 12.

By way of example, the connection device 16 may comprise a retention member 52 that is formed as part of, or secured in a suitable manner to, the upper ends 38 of the upstanding arms 22, such as by bolts or welding. The connection device 16 may also include a fastening device 56 that is secured to the rearward oriented surface 44 or rear face 44 of the target member 12 by suitable means such as welding. In one embodiment, the fastening device 56 may be a downwardly oriented hook 57, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Notably, the fastening device 56 is attached or secured to the rear face 44 of the target member 12 at a distance D below the top 58 of the target member, and the distance D will determine the acute angle at which the target member 12 is oriented. The positioning of the fastening device 56 relative to the surface dimensions of the rearward oriented surface 44 of the target member 12 also enables the target member 12 to advantageously shield the support member 14 in large part, and to shield the connection device 16, thereby preventing damage to the support member 14 and connection device 16 by errant rounds of ammunition. This is particularly advantageous in providing a hanging device or connection device 16 that is positioned behind the target member 12.

The connection device 16 further includes a suspension device 60 which is engaged by both the retention member 52 and the fastening device 56. In one exemplar embodiment, the suspension device 60 may be a chain comprising at least two interlocking links, one of which is engaged by the retention member 52 and one which is engaged by the fastening device 56. The chain may contain more links, and may suitably include three links.

The use of interlinking chains provides advantageous movement of the target member 12 about a vertex defined by the contact point between an uppermost link of the chain and the retention member 52. Movement of the target member 12 upon being struck is limited by the side of the hook binding on the chain in the link to which it is attached, thus transferring energy to the support member 14. The target member 12 is able to pivot laterally at the vertex in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on where the target member 12 was hit. The target member 12 is able to pivot or turn in other directions other than strictly laterally. The chain also provides an absorption of energy by being able to twist, and the chain's configuration also quickly resets the orientation of the target member 12 to a forward position.

Alternatively, other structures or devices may be used as a suspension device 60, such as a length of fabric or leather or rope, or any other suitable material. It is only necessary that the suspension device provide a vertex or point of contact as described previously to enable the target member 12 to be suspended relative to the support member 14, such that the target member is oriented at an acute angle to the ground, and to enable the target member 12 to move laterally, or side-to-side, relative to the support member 14, while being capable of returning rapidly to a forward facing orientation.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the target practice device of the disclosure. The target device 100 of this embodiment is constructed in a manner that allows the device 100 to be more portable and adjustable to various heights. Accordingly, the target device 100 of this embodiment comprises a target member 112, a support member 114 and a connection device 116 to attach the target member 112 to the support member 114. The support member 114 in this embodiment includes at least two legs 120 that are oriented for contacting the ground or other support surface. The support member 114 also includes at least two upstanding arms 122. Each upstanding arm 122 may be associated with a leg 120 of the support member 114.

As illustrated, the upstanding arms 122 are each connected to a leg 120 in a manner that allows the upstanding arms 122 to be removably attached to legs 120. By way of example only, this may be accomplished by providing a collar 170 that attaches to both an upstanding arm 122 and a leg 120. The collar 170 may be structured to receive the upstanding arm 122 and/or the leg 120 in friction fit engagement therewith. Alternatively, the collar 170 may be structured with threads on an internal surface of either end of the collar 170 that threadingly engages with corresponding threads formed on the ends of the legs 120 and the lower ends of the upstanding arms 122. A further form of connection and adjustment may be provided by configuring the collar 170 and legs 120 and/or arms 122 with a detent mechanism. Any manner of suitable construction may be used as long as at least one or both of either the upstanding arm 122 or the leg 120 is removable from the collar 170.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the device 100 is also structured such that the upper ends 138 of the upstanding arms 122 are structured to be removably secured to the upper end 138 of the other upstanding arm 122, such as by insertion of a bolt 174 through holes formed in the upper end 138 of each upstanding arm 122.

The support member 114 may also include a cross brace member 124 that spans between the two legs 120, as shown, or spans between the two upstanding arms 122. The cross brace member 124 may be either integrally formed to the legs 120 or upstanding arms 122 or, in the alternative, the cross brace member 124 may be removably secured to the legs 120 or to the upstanding arms 124 by any appropriate means, such as by screws, bolts or a detent mechanism (not shown).

The embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 may be structured with the elements as previously described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, including anchoring plates 130 with holes 132 formed therein for receipt of anchoring pins, as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the connection device 116 may have all of the elements as previously described, including a retaining device 152 that is positioned between the upper ends 138 of the upstanding arms 122 and held in place by insertion of a securing device, such as bolt 172, therethrough. The connection device 116 also includes a fastening device 156 and a suspension device 160 as previously described and may suitably employ a plurality of interlinked chain links.

The embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 enables the user to employ upstanding arms 122 of greater length dimension to enable the overall height of the target device 100 to be increased. In such instances, the arrangement of the connection device 116 will still maintain the target member 112 at an acute angle B to the ground, and will maintain the target member 112 at an angle C that is between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. However, the angle A between the legs 120 and the upstanding arms 122 may be greater than provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. For example, the angle A may be from 50 degrees to 80 degrees or greater.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the target device of the present disclosure where the target device 200 is sized for use at longer ranges from the user. In this embodiment, the target device 200 is comprised of a target member 212, support member 214 and connection device 214 in a manner similar to the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, the target member 212 may be a plate-like body 240 in a larger configuration, such as a torso-like shape having a selected thickness T defined between opposing surfaces that comprise a forward oriented surface 242 and a reward oriented surface 244. The target member 212 of this embodiment, as well as the previously described target members 12, 112, may preferably be made of ballistic steel, or armor steel. The use of ballistic steel in making the target member 12, 112, 212 has been found to impart greater force absorption and deflection of the ammunition than prior known targets, and also allows the target member 12, 112, 212 to be made with less thickness than prior known targets, thereby reducing construction costs and weight.

The support member 214 of this embodiment is constructed so that the device may have more portability. Therefore, the support member 214 includes at least two legs 220 and at least two upstanding arms 222 in a manner similar to the description of the previous embodiments. However, the legs 220 are removably connected to the upstanding arms 222 by screws, bolts 228 or comparable devices that allow disconnection of the arms 222 and legs 220 from each other. Additionally, the upper ends 238 of the upstanding arms 222 are structured to be removably secured to one another, such as by a screw, bolt 272, detent mechanism or other comparable device.

The construction of the support member 214 of this embodiment may best be seen in FIG. 9, which shows an exploded view of the support member 214. It can be seen that the legs 220 may be constructed of flat bar metal. Each leg 220 may preferably be structured with an anchoring plate 230 at the forward ends of each leg 220. The anchoring plates 230 are formed with a hole 232 through which an anchoring pin 234 is received to secure the support member 214 to the ground. The rearward end 280 of each leg is formed with a hole 282. A cross brace member 224 is provided which comprises a generally linear portion 284 with two upstanding ends 286. Each of the upstanding ends 286 is formed with a hole 288.

Each upstanding arm 222 is formed at a lower end 290 thereof with a hole 292. In assembly of the support member 214, the hole 292 of the upstanding arm 222 is aligned with the hole 288 of the cross brace member 224 and is also aligned with the hole 282 of the leg 220 and a securement device, such as a bolt 228 or comparable device, is positioned through all of the holes 282, 288, 292 to secure the cross brace member 224, leg 220 and upstanding arm 222 together. Each upstanding arm 222 may be structured with a stop plate 294 that, when the support member 214 is assembled, rests upon the rearward end 280 of the leg 220 to facilitate the upward orientation of the upstanding arms 222 and to stabilize the support member 214 in an upstanding position. The stop plate 294 may be formed to the upstanding arm 222 in any suitable manner, including being welded to the arm 222.

In disassembly of the support member 214 for transport or storage, the securement device or bolt 228 is loosened a sufficient amount so that the upstanding arm 222 can pivot about the bolt 228. When the bolt 228 is sufficiently loosened, the stop plate 294 will be sufficiently distanced from the leg 220 so that the upstanding arm 222 may be rotated downwardly and brought into adjacent position with the leg 220 so that the upstanding arm 222 may lay flat on the ground adjacent the leg 220.

Further, in assembling the support member 214, the upstanding arms 222 are formed, at an upper end 238 thereof, with a hole 296. The retention member 252 of this embodiment may be a hook 298 that is also structured with a hole 300. Thus, in assembly, the upper ends 238 are brought together with the hook 298 positioned therebetween, and a bolt 272 or comparable device is received through holes 296 and 300. The upper ends 238 of the upstanding arms 222 may further be provided with a support plate 302 against which the hook 298 registers when the support member 214 is assembled to help support the weight of the target member 212. In an alternative embodiment, the hook 298 may be welded to the upper end 238 of one of the upstanding arms 222, as shown in phantom in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connection device 216 of this embodiment may comprise the same or comparable elements as previously described in the other embodiments. Namely, the connection device 216 may include a retention member 252, a fastening device 256 attached to the rearward face 244 of the target member 212 and a suspension member 260, such as a chain or other comparable device or material, as previously described. This embodiment of the disclosure, as described with respect to the other embodiments, is structured to maintain the target member 212 at an acute angle to the ground, and generally angled at any appropriate degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees.

FIG. 10 illustrates one form of a fastening device 256 attached to the rearward face 244 of the target member 212 where the fastening device 256 is in the form of a downwardly facing hook member 306. The hook member 306 is oriented to engage the suspension device, such as the link of a chain, leather strap or any other comparable structure. FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative form of the connection device which comprises two fastening devices 308, such as downwardly facing hooks, that are spaced on either side of a centerline 310 of the target member 212. A suspension device 260 is thereby supported by and between the two fastening members 308, and the suspension device 260 is engaged by a retaining device of a type as previously described. This alternate form of the connection device allows the target member to be suspended at an acute angle to the ground, and to move laterally, side-to-side as indicated by arrows 314, to return quickly to a forward-facing orientation.

As with the previously described embodiments, the position of the fastening device 56, 156, 256 relative to the area of the rearward oriented surface 44, 144, 244 of the target member determines the angle C at which the target member 12 will be disposed relative to the ground or other supporting surface. Thus, the positioning of the fastening device 56, 156, 256 is dependent on the size, configuration and weight of the target member 12.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary anchoring pin 234 for use with any of the embodiments of the disclosure. The anchoring pin 234 is provided with a vertical shaft 320 having a handle 322 formed at one end. A spacer plate 324 is positioned to surround the shaft 320 and be spaced from the handle 322. When inserted in the hole 32, 132, 232 of the anchoring plate 30, 130, 230 and into the ground, the bottom surface 326 of the spacer plate 324 will come to rest on the anchoring plate 30, 130, 230, thereby leaving the handle 322 spaced above the anchoring plate and being presented for grasping by the user at time of disassembly.

FIGS. 13-16 depict a further embodiment of a target practice device 400 of the present disclosure which is configured for use as a dueling target. Dueling targets, also referred to as dueling trees, are conventionally constructed with a central rod or pole that has a plurality of pivotable targets positioned along the height of the pole. Two people who stand side-by-side take turns shooting at the targets that are positioned on their side of the pole. Striking the target will cause it to pivot to the other person's side of the pole, and points are awarded based on the number of targets that can be caused to rotate to the opponent's side of the pole by successfully striking a target. Conventional dueling trees are unable to provide an accurate training experience because if a shooter misses the target, which are small in size, the shooter cannot determine the pathway of the bullet, or other projectile, relative to the target. In other words, there is no means by which the shooter can determine whether he was anywhere close to the target at the time he missed.

The target practice device 400 of this embodiment provides the user with an understanding of where the projectile hit the target member, even though it missed the intended “bulls-eye” of the target, so that the user can determine what correction is needed to hit the appropriate place on the target member. The user is able to determine where the projectile hit by the relative movement of the target member 412 when struck by the projectile.

Referring to FIG. 13, the target member 412 of this embodiment comprises a plate-like body 440 that may be substantially planar. The plate-like body 440 has a forward oriented surface 442 and a rearward oriented surface 444 (FIG. 14) in a manner similar to the previously-described embodiments. The target member 412 is structured to be movably attached to a support member 414 by a connection device 416. The support member 414 and the connection device 416 that may be used in this embodiment have been previously described with respect to the preceding embodiments. Briefly, the support member 414 is comprised of at least two leg members 420 that are attached or are part of two upstanding arms 422, and a cross brace 424 may interconnect the leg members 420 and/or upstanding arms 422 as previously described.

As seen in FIG. 14, the upstanding arms 422 are each formed, at an upper end 438 thereof, with a hole 496. A retention member 452, which may be a hook 498, is also structured with a hole and in assembly, the upper ends 438 are brought together with the hook 498 positioned therebetween, and a bolt 472 or comparable device is received through holes 496 in a manner as previously described. The connection device 416 may include a retention member 452, a fastening device 456 attached to the rearward face 444 of the target member 412 and a suspension member 460, such as a chain or other comparable device or material, as previously described. This embodiment of the disclosure, as described with respect to the other embodiments, is structured to maintain the target member 412 at an acute angle to the ground, and generally angled at any appropriate degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees.

The target member 412 of this embodiment is further structured with at least one aperture 520, and preferably a plurality of apertures 520, that extend through the thickness T of the plate-like body 440. In a particularly suitable form, a series of apertures 520 is provided down the length of one edge 524 of the plate-like body 440 and a series of apertures 522 is provided down the length of the opposing edge 526 of the plate-like body 440, the apertures 520, 524 being arranged on either side of a centerline 530 of the plate-like body 440. In use, it is the objective of the shooter or shooters to aim for the apertures.

As best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, at least one paddle member 540, and most suitably, a plurality of paddle members 540 is positioned on the rearward oriented surface 444 of the target member 412 and is positioned to obscure an aperture in the target member 414. Further, each paddle member 540 is configured and positioned to alternately obscure laterally adjacent apertures 520, 522 down the length of the target member 412. Thus, each paddle member 540 is movably attached to the rearward oriented surface 444 by a mechanism that allows the paddle member 540 to move from a first position where the paddle member 540 obscures a first aperture 520, as shown in the upper row 546 of apertures in FIG. 15, to a second position where the paddle member 540 obscures a second, adjacent aperture 522, as depicted in the next descending row 548 of apertures in FIG. 15.

The movement of each paddle member 540 between a first position and a second position alternately obscuring laterally adjacent apertures 520, 522 may be accomplished, for example, by configuring the paddle member 540 with a hollow cylinder 560, as shown in FIG. 16, adjacent to which is a paddle body 564 that extends laterally from the hollow cylinder 560. A rod 566 is received through the cylinder 560 of the paddle member 540 and is attached at either end to a bracket 568 that is attached, such as by welding, to the target member 412. The rod 566 may be secured between the two brackets 568 by a bolt and washer 570.

As configured, each paddle member 540 is able to pivot about the rod 566 that secures the paddle member 540 to the target member 412. In use, when a projectile is correctly aimed at and received through an aperture (i.e., first aperture) which is obscured by the paddle member 540, the force of impact will cause the paddle member 540 to pivot about the rod 566 and will come to rest against the rearward oriented surface of the target member 412 to obscure the laterally adjacent aperture, or second aperture. Upon a projectile being accurately aimed at and received through the obscured second aperture, the force of impact will cause the paddle member 540 to pivot about the rod 566 to come to rest against and obscure the first aperture again. Thus, the users compete to more the paddle member(s) from the apertures on their side of the target member to the obscure the apertures of the opponent on the other side or edge of the target member.

It is to be noted that the angle at which the target member 412 hangs facilitates the paddle member 540 coming to rest against the rearward oriented surface 444 of the target member 412 when the paddle member 540 is caused to rotate by the force of impact of a projectile received against the paddle member 412. The consistent movement and repositioning of the paddle member 540 is also facilitated by the placement of the brackets 568 and rod 566 at a distance X from the rearward oriented surface 444 of the target member, as shown in FIG. 16, so that the paddle member 540 is positioned at a slight angle to the linear surface of the rearward oriented surface 444.

Other arrangements for attaching the paddle members 540 to the rearward oriented surface 444 of the target member 412 are possible, such as inserting a single length of a rod through all brackets rather than employing individual rods for each paddle member 540 as shown. In such an arrangement, the rod would be sized in length to extend a substantial length of the target member. It may also be appreciated from FIGS. 14 and 15 that the fastening devices 456 and suspension device 460 (shown as a discontinued chain link for ease of viewing in FIG. 15) are arranged in a manner that allows the paddle members 540 to freely pivot when struck. In this embodiment, the target member 412 and paddle members 540 may preferably be made of ballistic steel.

The foregoing embodiments vary in height and may be used at any number of varying distances as measured from the user. Thus, for example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6 can be used at a distance of from about seven feet to about 24 feet from the user. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be used at a distance of from 20 feet to 34 feet or greater from the user. Further, the devices shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be structured to stand in height from between two feet in height to about six feet in height, while the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be constructed to stand from between about four feet in height to about seven feet in height.

The size, shapes and dimensions of the embodiments described herein are by way of example and are not intended to limit the invention. Other structures and configurations of the device may be employed in construction and will fall within the scope of the inventions as claimed herein.

Claims

1. A target practice device, comprising:

a target member;

a support member; and

a connection device positioned to interconnect the target member with the support member, the connection device being structured to position the target member at an acute angle to the ground and to provide lateral movement of the target member relative to a vertex point defined by the connection device.

2. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the connection device comprises a retention member for receiving a suspension device in engagement therewith, and further comprising a fastening device secured to the target member for engaging the suspension device.

3. The target practice device of claim 2, wherein the fastening device is positioned on a rear face of the target member to provide pendency of the target member from the connection device at said acute angle to the ground.

4. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 20 degrees and 35 degrees.

5. The target practice device of claim 2, wherein the suspension device comprises a chain having at least two interlocking links.

6. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the target member comprises a plate-like body made of ballistic steel.

7. The target practice device of claim 6, wherein the target member is configured as a substantially round shape.

8. The target practice device of claim 6, wherein the target member is configured with a generally torso-like shape.

9. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the target member is positioned, relative to the support member, to shield the connection device at a point behind the target member.

10. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises at least two legs oriented to contact the ground or other supporting surface, and at least two upwardly extending arms structured to retain the connection device.

11. The target practice device of claim 10, wherein the support member further comprises at least one anchoring device for anchoring the support member to the ground or other supporting surface.

12. The target practice device of claim 11, wherein the anchoring device is structured with at least one hole for receiving an anchoring pin therethrough to anchor the target practice device to the ground or other supporting surface.

13. The target practice device of claim 10, wherein the at least two legs are integrally formed with the at least two upstanding arms.

14. The target practice device of claim 10, wherein the at least two legs are removably secured to the at least two upstanding arms.

15. The target practice device of claims 14, wherein the at least two arms are adjustable relative to the at least two legs to provide adjustable height of the target practice device relative to the ground or other supporting surface.

16. The target practice device of claim 1, wherein the target member is a plate-like body that is structured with at least one aperture formed through a thickness of the plate-like body, and further wherein at least one movable paddle member is secured to a rearward oriented surface of the plate-like body to obscure the said at least one aperture.

17. The target practice device of claim 16, wherein the target member has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and wherein the at least one paddle member is secured to the plate-like body in a manner that allows the paddle member to move from a first position in which the paddle member obscures a first aperture to a second position in which the paddle member obscures a second aperture.