MODULAR AND PORTABLE TARGET SHOOTING SYSTEM

Abstract

The modular target shooting system employs tubular members and fittings made from durable materials such as EMT. The members are easily secured together and broken back down by the use of simple thumb screws threaded into weld nuts. The system is based on standard target module that includes a stanchion made from a single vertical support member and a single support base. The base has at least three feet that are deployed to provide stability, but can also pivot upwardly from the deployed position to aid in portability. The module typically has at least one horizontal support member that is used to support at least one steel target rotatably coupled to the horizontal member. The standard target module also typically has a zone target that usually includes a paper depiction of an animal or a person, or a circular target. The system can then be easily expanded horizontally by adding as many target modules as desired, and coupling them together with tubular single and double T connectors to horizontal members commonly coupled between the target modules for even greater stability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/994,865 filed May 17, 2014 and entitled “SAFETY SCREEN APPARATUS AND METHOD,” and which is incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to equipment used by those practicing the discharge of firearms, and more specifically to such equipment used to provide targets for shooting practice at appropriate locations such as shooting ranges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of apparatus for providing targets for the practice of shooting projectiles have been developed since the Egyptians invented the bow. Firearms have been around since the 14^th century, and the development of targets for the practice of shooting using firearms soon followed. Target shooting provides a means for developing and measuring one's shooting accuracy as well as recreation.

Various designs have been implemented by which to provide an indication as feedback to the user that a target has been in fact, effectively hit with a shot. One such feedback is auditory in nature and provides a ring to indicate a hit. Others are designed to break, and must be replaced once all targets have been hit and broken. Dueling trees are targets that typically display targets in a vertical orientation and are designed to spin around an axis, back and forth over 180 degrees when hit to provide the desired feedback. Paper targets are also popular, and provide feedback through holes in the paper indicating the location of whether the paper target was hit.

FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate some examples of known apparatus commonly employed to provide targets for practice and competition firing ranges. The example 102 shown in FIG. 1A employs a sawhorse type of support structure 104 to which various targets such as bottles 110 and plates 108 can be attached. The legs 106 are able to swing apart to establish stability, and swing closed for moving the structure between locations. As can be seen, the number and types of targets and the height at which they may be deployed is limited by the dimensions of the structure. Replacement of destroyed targets is tedious and time-consuming.

FIG. 1B shows structure 114 providing a single target 116 that is elevated by post 118 coupled to stand 120. The portability of structure 114 is questionable and the single target is not very interesting.

Structure 150 of FIG. 1C also provides a single paper target 151, framed by four members 152 coupled together by elbow connectors 154 and T connectors 156. The paper target 151 is secured to the four members 152 using clips or fasteners 158. T connectors 156 also couple legs 160 to the members 152, which elevate target 151. Ends 162 of legs 160 are sharper and designed to be inserted into the ground to establish stability of the structure 150 in the upright position. Requiring insertion of the ends 162 of legs 160 into the ground limits the structure's use to those places where the ground can be penetrated, and limits ease of portability.

Target structure 170 of FIG. 1D has a frame 172 and legs 174 of frame 172 are also designed to be inserted into the ground. Dual target 178 is coupled to the top of the frame 172 at 178 and can be made to pivot about coupling point 178. Again, portability and site selection are limited by requiring insertion of legs 174 into the ground. Target selection is once again, limited.

Target structure 180 of FIG. 1E provides multiple dual targets 188 that are able to pivot around horizontal member 186 when hit by a projectile. Member 186 is supported by legs two sets of legs 182a and 182b, the legs of each set being adjustable about pivot adjustment mechanism 184, and each leg of both sets having feet 180 to provide stability.

FIG. 1F illustrates a dueling tree type of target structure 190 that includes a vertical structural support member 196 and an axle support member 194 to which alternating targets 192 are rotatably coupled. Stand 197 with feet 198 slideably joins with vertical member 196 to help it stand up and to increase portability.

All of the foregoing examples of known target shooting structures incorporate a single type of shooting target, but none of them are capable of being easily integrated into more complex structures, either as multiple versions of the same target type, or as an integrated system of different types of target types. Moreover, not only is not possible to easily integrate these structures into more complex target structures, it is not clear from these examples of how one could do so and maintain the ease of portability that would also be highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular and portable shooting range target system is disclosed that exploits a small number of standard components to facilitate the easy integration of a plurality of known target types to flexibly produce a target shooting system of various levels of complexity as desired. Regardless of the level of complexity produced, the system is able to remain highly portable and variable through the easy assembly, disassembly and reassembly of a standard number of interchangeable components, all of which are coupled and secured together using simple thumb screws and weld nuts to make the rendering of ever expanding target shooting systems easy to assemble and easy to re-configure, and easy to quickly transport to other locations.

The components are strong but lightweight. The targets are durable and the basic modules are made up of a single stanchion having a support base that folds upwardly for portability, and a limited number of connectors and connecting members that permit the modules to be simply interconnected to produce embodiments of increasing complexity as desired by a user.

In one aspect of the invention, a modular target shooting system is disclosed that includes at least one target module. Each target module includes a single vertical support member and a single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the vertical support member. The support base supports a distal end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests. At least one horizontal support member is removably coupled to the vertical support member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical support member and is therefore parallel to the resting surface. At least one target is removably coupled to the module.

In an embodiment, the single vertical support member and the at least one horizontal member are tubular.

In further embodiments, the at least one horizontal support member is removably coupled to the single vertical support member with a tubular T connector, the at least one horizontal support member and the single vertical support member being removably secured within the T connector by a thumb screw.

In other embodiments, the at least one target is coupled to the at least one horizontal support member, the at least one target has a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal support member, the target is constrained in the horizontal direction along the horizontal support member by locking collars secured to the at least one horizontal member on either side of the tube mount fitting.

In another embodiment, the coupled at least one target is free to rotate about the at least one horizontal member, and the weight of the at least one target causes the target to rotate away from a shooter, thereby absorbing impact of projectiles and encouraging a downward momentum of any resulting shrapnel.

In another embodiment, the single base further comprises an end cap that is removably coupled to the proximate end of the single vertical support member, and has at least three feet, a proximal end of each of the at least three feet being pivotably being coupled to the end cap, each of the at least three feet is configured to be pivoted between, and fixed at, a fully deployed supporting state and a refracted state.

In still further embodiments, the single base further includes a sliding guide through which the single vertical support member is disposed. Each of the at least three feet are in pivotal communication with the sliding guide so that raising the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into the retracted state. Lowering the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into a deployed state. The sliding guide includes a thumb screw that is capable of being brought into securing contact with the single vertical support member when tightened to prevent the guide from sliding.

In another embodiment the at least one target is a zone target

In still further embodiments the zone target is a paper target disposed between two zone target horizontal members coupled to the single vertical support member.

In other embodiments the at least one target is a dueling tree target coupled to the single vertical support member.

In an embodiment the at least one target module includes at least one target coupled to at least one horizontal support member that is coupled to the single vertical support member, and a zone target coupled to the single vertical support member.

In additional embodiments, system of the invention includes at least two target modules. The at least two target modules are coupled together by a horizontal target configuration, the horizontal target configuration including a horizontal support member and one or more targets coupled thereto.

In further embodiments, the single vertical support member and the at least one horizontal support member are made from electrical metallic tubing (EMT).

In another embodiment, the single vertical support member is made of two sub-members of equal dimensions removably held together by a tubular connector sleeve having at least two thumb screws for securing each of the sub-members within the connector sleeve.

In other embodiments, sub-members and the at least one horizontal member are of equal dimension.

In another aspect of the invention, a modular target shooting system of the invention includes at least one target module comprising a single vertical support member made from EMT, a single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the vertical support member, the support base for supporting a distal end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests at least one horizontal support member made from EMT, removably coupled to the vertical support member with a tubular T connector in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical support member and parallel to the resting surface at least one steel target rotatably coupled to the at least one horizontal member at a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal support member, the steel target constrained in a horizontal direction by a tubular locking collar secured to either side of the tube mount fitting.

In a further embodiment, the system of the invention includes at least one zone target, the at least one zone target being a paper target disposed between two zone target tubular horizontal members coupled to the tubular single vertical support member.

In another embodiment, the system has at least two target modules, and the at least two target modules are coupled together by at least one horizontal target configuration, the at least one horizontal target configuration including a tubular horizontal support member and one or more steel targets coupled thereto.

In an embodiment, the tubular single vertical support member of at least one of target modules is coupled to a dueling tree target attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1F are various examples of prior art target shooting structures;

FIG. 2A is a plan view from behind an embodiment of the target shooting module of the invention;

FIG. 2B is plan or profile view from the side of the embodiment of the target shooting module of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a plan view from the front of an alternate embodiment of the target shooting module of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a plan view from the front of an alternate embodiment of the target shooting module of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of an embodiment of a base of a stanchion of the embodiments of the target shooting module of the invention shown in FIGS. 2A-B and FIGS. 3A-B;

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the embodiment of the base of FIG. 4A with a single foot in a refracted state FOR easy transport;

FIG. 4C is a view from above the embodiment of the base of FIG. 4A, including a magnified view of an end cap guide for securing the feet of the stand to the primary vertical support member;

FIG. 4D is a plan view from above the embodiment of the base of FIG. 4A, illustrating a sliding guide for deploying the feet of the stand for use and retracting the feet for transport;

FIG. 4E is a plan view of an embodiment of the sliding guide of the base of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a foot of the base of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B is a view of the bottom of the foot of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a view from the end of the foot of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of the top of a large T connector of the invention that interconnects a horizontal member to the vertical member that is of substantially the same diameter as the single vertical support member;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of one side of the single T connector of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a large double T connector of the invention that interconnects two horizontal members to the single vertical member each having a diameters that is substantially the same as that of the single vertical member;

FIG. 7B is a plan view from one side of the large double T connector of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a plan view of the top of a large/small single T connector of the invention that interconnects a horizontal member to the single vertical member that is of a smaller diameter than that of the single vertical member;

FIG. 8B is a plan view of one side of the large/small single T connector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a large/small double T connector of the invention configured to interconnect two horizontal members to the single vertical member each having a diameter that is smaller than that of the single vertical member;

FIG. 9B is a plan view of one side of the large/small double T connector of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a plan view of the side of a locking collar of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a plan view of an end of the locking collar of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a plan view of the side of a double locking sleeve of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a plan view of an end of the double locking sleeve of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 12A is a plan view of the front of a 4 inch round target of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a plan view from the side of the 4 inch round target of FIG. 12B;

FIG. 13A is a plan view from the front of an 8 inch round target of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a plan view from the side of the 8 inch round target of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 14 is a plan view from the side of a single triangular target of the invention showing the natural angle of the target when freely hanging;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view a dual triangular target of the invention;

FIG. 15B is a plan view from the side of a dual triangular target of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 15C is a plan view from the front of a dual triangular target of FIG. 13B;

FIG. 16A is a plan view from the front of two modules of the invention integrated together through a single horizontal member to form a more complex target system of the invention;

FIG. 16B is a plan view from the front of two modules of the invention integrated together by two horizontal members to form a more complex target system of the invention;

FIG. 16C is a plan view from the front of two modules of the invention integrated together to form a more complex target system of the invention, where one of the modules includes a dueling tree attached thereto;

FIG. 16D is a plan view from the front of the two modules of FIG. 16C with a third module having a dueling tree to further enhance and expand the target shooting system of the invention in the horizontal direction; and

FIG. 16E is a plan view from the front of four modules of the invention coupled horizontally with two levels of complexity in the horizontal direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2A discloses an embodiment of a target shooting system module 200 that provides a portable and standalone target shooting system, that can be easily integrated with other such modules of the invention to easily form ever more complex target shooting systems. Module 200 includes a single stanchion formed by a single vertical support member 202 that is coupled to a single support base 206. Single vertical support member 202 can be made up of a single member, or a plurality of sub-members that are secured together to form a unitary vertical support member. Single support member 202 supports round targets 208 and 210 by way of horizontal support members 212a and 212b respectively. Targets 208 and 210 are secured to members 212a and 212b by way of locking collars 216. Members 212a and 212b are secured to single support member 202 by way of large single T-connectors 214, which have diameters that are sized to receive single vertical member 202 and horizontal support members 212a, b. Large single T-connectors 214 and locking collars 216 are configured to slide over single vertical member 202 and may be fixed at any point along member 202 that yields a desired height for targets 208 and 210. A more detailed discussion of T-connectors 214 and locking collars 216 will be presented below.

Single vertical support member 202 and horizontal support members 212a, b, connectors 214, 226 and collars 216 can be made of any suitable material having sufficient weather resistance, strength and rigidity to support metal targets. Wiring conduit such as electrical metallic tubing (EMT), which is typically manufactured from coated steel or aluminum, works well. The members and fittings can be made a drawn over mandrel (DOM) process. Plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing and fittings could also be used, provided that they have the necessary rigidity and strength to support the targets and remain upright in less than ideal weather. Targets 208, 210 can be of any size, such as 4, 6, 8 and 10 inch diameters for the round targets. Targets can be made of any durable and rigid material, but A36 ⅜″ steel is preferable for smaller velocity weapons, and AR500 ⅜″ is preferable for higher velocity targets such as rifles.

In an embodiment of module 200, single vertical support 202 can also support a paper target 220, which in combination with target 208, forms a zone target 218. Paper target 220 is attached to and disposed between horizontal members 222 by way of fastening clips 224. Members 222 may have a smaller diameter than single vertical support member 202 and horizontal support members 212a, b because it is just supporting the weight of paper target 220. Thus, smaller diameter members 222 are coupled to single vertical support member 202 using large/small single T connectors 226. Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that when one of the steel targets such as target 208, is disposed behind the paper target 220 as illustrated, this will ensure that a hit to a desired area (i.e. zone) of paper target 220 will create a sound that indicates to a shooter at a distance that a shot was accurately made to hit that zone.

Base 206 provides support and stability for the module 200. Base 206 is configured to receive the lower end of single vertical support member 202 through a sliding guide 232 and secured within end cap 240. At least three feet 234 are rotatably coupled at the end cap 240 by way of and are configured to be deployed perpendicularly to the single vertical support member when in use to be in flat contact with the surface of the ground, and are further configured to be folded upwardly into a parallel relationship with the single vertical support member 202 for easy transport to another location. The feet are moved between the fully deployed and the fully retracted positions through sliding guide 232, support blades 230 and pivot points 231a and 231b.

The feet can be locked in either the fully deployed or retracted position through a locking mechanism 205. Locking mechanism 205 can be implemented as a thumb screw (not shown) threaded into a weld nut, the end of which engages with the surface of single vertical support member 202 as the thumb screw is tightened within the weld nut to prevent the sliding guide from sliding. The locking mechanism 205 will release the sliding guide 232 by loosening the thumb screw. Another implementation could be a spring-loaded hatch pin that can engage with apertures in single vertical support member 202 and sliding guide 232 when aligned. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that locking mechanism 205 could also be implemented as a pin that is simply manually inserted into aligned apertures of the guide and support member by a user. A more detailed discussion of the base 206 and its elements will be presented below.

FIG. 2B provides a profile view of the shooting range module 200 of the invention, which illustrates that members 222 are coupled to single vertical support member 202 through a short standoff member 223 that extends from single vertical support member 202 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. Rods 222 can be coupled to standoff segments 222 through “T” connectors 227. This extends paper target 220 out away from the steel target 208 disposed behind it.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate plan views from the front of further embodiments 300 and 350 respectively of the target shooting system module 200. In the case of these embodiments, targets 308 and 374 are disposed below, rather than behind, paper targets 318 and 368 respectively. Targets 210 are raised to a higher level than that of target 210 of FIG. 2A. In addition, single vertical support members 202 are made up of two sub-members 202a and 202b, which are joined together by way of connector sleeve 370. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that forming single vertical support member 202 from sub-members 202a and 202b can make it easier to break down and transport the module 200, as well as to expand the module 200 in a single vertical direction by coupling additional sub-members to the single vertical support member 202. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that horizontal members 212a, b can be the same length and diameter as the sub-members 202a, b, thereby employing a standard sized member for expanding the module in either a single vertical or horizontal direction, or both.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that paper targets 320a and 320b can be easily replaced as they are used up, and virtually any desired design can be used. Further, different types of targets can be used as desired by simply replacing them with targets of other designs. Moreover, targets 308, 310 can be any desired shape, such as diamond shape targets 376 and 374.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of stanchion support base 206, where the lower end of single vertical support member 302b is inserted through the sliding guide 232 and into end cap 240. The lower end of single vertical support member 302b is secured in end cap 240 by way of a thumb screw/weld nut combination 203. Each of feet 234 are rotatably attached to end cap 240 at pivot point 448 formed between a foot pivot tab (441, FIG. 4B) and an end cap pivot tab (435, FIG. 4B). Each of feet 234 is coupled to sliding guide 232 through foot brace 230, which is at one end rotatably coupled at pivot point 231b to the foot 234 through brace pivot stand-off tab 440, and the other end to sliding guide 232 at pivot point 231a.

FIG. 4B illustrates operation with a single foot 234 for clarity. As the sliding guide 232 is raised upwardly along support sub-member 302b, the feet 234 will arc upwardly as illustrated in FIG. 4B for a single foot. Foot 234′ and brace standoff tab 440′ illustrate their positions prior to being retracted. Once feet 234 are brought to a fully retracted position, thumb screw/weld nut combination 205 can be tightened to hold the feet in the fully retracted position for easy transport. Likewise, when the thumb screw is loosened within weld nut 205, sliding guide 232 can slide downwardly, permitting feet 234 to rotate back to a point where the feet 234 are in contact in a substantially planar position with the ground. The thumbscrew can then be tightened once again within weld nut 205, to fix the sliding guide 232 so that it cannot move and therefore the feet 234 cannot move and remain fully deployed. The ability to fold the feet into a position in parallel with the single vertical support member 302b allows for the feet to be longer, therefore providing increased stability, but without hindering portability of the module 200, 300, 350.

FIG. 4C is a view from above the base 206 that illustrates how the feet 234 are coupled to the end cap guide 240, without the single vertical support sub-member 302b and the braces 230 for clarity. A magnified view 401 of the end cap guide 240 is provided that illustrates how the feet 234 are attached to the end cap guide 240. End cap guide 240 includes tube fitting member 490 for slideably receiving one end of single vertical support sub-member 302b. End cap pivot tabs 435 are attached to tube fitting 490 and are then rotatably joined with feet 234 by pivot means 484 at connector tabs 441, thereby forming pivot points (448, FIGS. 4A, B).

FIG. 4D is another plan view from above the base 206 that illustrates sliding guide 232, which includes tube fitting member 299 for slideably receiving single vertical support sub-member 302b. Sliding guide pivot tabs 485 are attached to tube fitting member 299 and are then rotatably joined with support braces 230 at brace pivot attachments 231a by pivot means 483, thereby forming pivot points (231a, FIGS. 4A, B). FIG. 4E is a plan view of the sliding guide 232 from the side.

FIG. 5A is a plan view from above a foot 234 showing the top surface 502 of foot 234. Foot 234 is of a triangular shape with its peak illustrated by dashed line 506. The triangular shape is more easily seen side views in FIGS. 5B and 5C. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the relationship between brace pivot standoff tab 440 and foot pivot tab 441. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the triangular shape of the feet 234 provides better stability because the space 402 created thereby accommodates variations in the terrain upon which the base rests and the edges created provide resistance against slipping along the resting surface.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate plan side and end views respectively of large single “T” connectors 214. Weld nuts 606 in combination with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy assembly and disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well as simple assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of multiple modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The diameter of tubes 602 and 604 are substantially equal, and is designed to couple tube segments of modules 200, 300 and 350 that make up the single vertical support member 202 or sub-members 302a, to horizontal support members 212a, and b, which are preferably all made from tube segments of identical dimensions to render them interchangeable for purposes of easy assembly and adaptation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate plan side and end views respectively of large double “T” connectors 700, which are not shown in illustrations of modules 200, 300 and 350, but they make it possible to permit a module that has mirrored horizontal members 212a, b extending in both horizontal directions for example, in lieu of a paper target on one side. They can also be used to interconnect tube segments between configurations of two or more modules as illustrated in FIG. 16E. Weld nuts 706 in combination with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy assembly and disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well as simple assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of multiple modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The diameter of tubes 702, 704a and 704b are substantially equal, and therefore designed to couple a single vertical (through tube 702) and two horizontal tube segments together (through 704a and 704b), which are preferably all made of identical dimensions.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate plan side and end views respectively of large/small single “T” connectors 226. Weld nuts 806 in combination with thumb screws (not shown), provide easy assembly and disassembly of the modules 200, 300, and 350, as well as simple assembly and disassembly of more complex combinations of multiple modules of the invention as will be illustrated below. The diameter of tubes 802 and 804 are of different diameters to couple the larger diameter single vertical support member 202 and/or sub-members 302a and 302b to the smaller diameter tube segments 222 used to frame the paper targets 220, 320a-b.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate plan side and end views respectively of large/small double “T” connectors 900, which are not shown in illustrations of modules 200, 300 and 350, but where it is desirable for a module to have two paper or zone targets, each coupled to the single vertical support member 202 and/or sub-members 302a and 302b. In that case, tube section 902 is of a larger diameter to accommodate the single vertical support of the module and the smaller diameter tubes 904a and 904b are of a smaller diameter to support the smaller horizontal members 222 used to frame the paper targets 220. Weld nuts 906 in combination with thumb screws (not shown), are used to secure the tube segments within the connector 900.

Target locking collars 216 are illustrated in FIG. 10A (side view) and FIG. 10B (end view). The diameter of tube connector 1002 is of a diameter to accommodate the diameter of the tube segments that are used for horizontal members 212a and 212b, and are designed for supporting the metal targets 208, 210, 376, 374 as well as other alternatively shaped metal targets. Weld nut 1004 in combination with a thumb screw (not shown), makes it easy to couple targets to the members, as well as remove or rearrange them. The targets are placed over the horizontal member tube segments 212a, b between two locking collars that keep the targets in place. A more detailed description of the targets 208, 210, 376, 374 are presented below.

FIGS. 11A and 11B present side and end views respectively of connector sleeve 370, which is used to join together single vertical sub-members 302a and 302b. Thus connector sleeve 370 is a tube segment that has a diameter that accommodates receiving the single vertical sub-members and weld nuts 1104 to receive thumb screws (not shown), serve to lock the two sub-members 302a and 302b together to make a single vertical support member for the modules 300, 350. As previously discussed, this permits the sub-members 302a and 302b to be a standardized size along with the horizontal members 212a, b. This also permits the module to expand both vertically as well as horizontally using standard tube segment sizes and permits them to be used interchangeably for either purpose.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate plan views from the front and side of round target 210. Round target 210 has a tube mount fitting 1216 attached thereto that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal member 212a, b (or any other horizontal members attached to the single vertical support member of a module). It is flanked on either side by target locking collars 216 to keep it from sliding along the horizontal member 212a, b but it is rotationally uninhibited. Target has a neck 1218 that extends to a target body 1220 that can be, for example, eight inches in diameter. The target is preferably made of either A36 steel for lower power weapons, or it can be AR500 steel for use with higher powered weapons. The targets can be plasma cut or hydro (water jet) cut to suit any desired shape or size.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plan views from the front and side of round target 208. Round target 208 has a tube mount fitting 1222 attached thereto that that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal member 212a, b (or any other horizontal members attached to the single vertical member of a module). When coupled to the module, it is flanked on either side by target locking collars 216 to keep it from sliding along the horizontal member 212a, b but it is rotationally uninhibited. Target has a neck 1224 that extends to a target body 1226 that can be, for example, 10 or 12 inches in diameter. The target is preferably made of either A36 ⅜′ steel for lower power weapons, or it can be AR500 ⅜′ steel for use with higher powered weapons. The targets can be made thinner or thicker than ⅜″ if desired. The targets can be plasma cut or hydro (water jet) cut to suit any desired shape or size.

FIG. 14 illustrates a target 374 having a diamond shape target body 1408 that extends from target neck 1406. Tube mount fitting 1404 is coupled to the backside of the target neck and is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal member 212a, b of the standard module of the invention 200, 300, 350. One benefit of the target coupling technique of the invention (in particular the use of tube members and tube fittings) is that the target, when allowed to hang freely without substantial rotational impedance, naturally rotates away from a shooter to form a target angle of about 8-15 degrees from perpendicular. This is true for all of the steel targets disclosed herein, independent of size and/or shape of the steel target. This angle causes shrapnel 1412 from a bullet 1410 to be directed mostly downward upon impact. In addition, the fact that the target is able to rotate still further away from the shooter helps to absorb the impact of the bullet as well, even further adding to the deadening of the impact and a substantial reduction in the forward axial (i.e. sidewise) scattering of the shrapnel 1412 from the bullet.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate a perspective, a side plan and a front plan view of a double diamond spinning target 1500 respectively. Double spinning target 1500 has two diamond shaped targets 1512, 1514 each coupled through set-off supports 1516 to tube fitting 1510 which slips over a horizontal member 212a, b. Again, the benefit of using tube members and fittings permits an easy implementation of a spinning target. Fitting 1510 is simply slipped over the horizontal members and surrounded by a locking collar 216. While locking collar 216 prevents horizontal movement of the target, permitting the fitting 1510 to freely rotate about tubular horizontal members 212a, b allows momentum from a bullet hitting the target bodies 1512, 1514 to impart angular momentum and spinning the target.

As previously discussed, the modularity of the invention permits a simple number of standardized components to be easily assembled into complex arrangements based on the standard module 200, 300, 350 of the invention. For example, FIG. 16A illustrates an arrangement of two modules 300a, b of the invention interconnected by a horizontal target configuration 1600 that includes a horizontal member 212a, to which a group 1602 of three sizes of round targets 208, 210 are attached. Thus, the entire target configuration has two paper targets 220a, 220b and the group of three round targets 1602. FIG. 16B illustrates a configuration similar to that illustrated in FIG. 16A, but the two modules are coupled together with two horizontal target configurations 1600a and 1600b.

FIG. 16C illustrates a configuration that further illustrates the flexibility of the modular target system of the invention. Module 200b has a paper target as previously illustrated. The single vertical support member 302a, b of module stanchion 1700 supports a dueling tree component 1700 attached thereto, which has rotating targets 174. Dueling tree component 1702 is commercially available as a kit from, for example, BullseyeMetals at www.BullseyeMetals.com. The dueling tree component 1702 is simply coupled to the single vertical support member 302a, b of a stanchion of the module of the invention to form a module modified to provide a dueling tree target. The two modules are then coupled together horizontally just as are the modules of FIG. 16B.

FIG. 16D illustrates a system configuration made up of three modules of the invention. Module 200a is a standard module with a paper target 220a to the left and coupled through a horizontal configuration 1600a to a center module stanchion 1700 to which a dueling tree 1702 is coupled. A third standard module 200b of the invention is also coupled through a second horizontal target configuration 1600b to center module stanchion 1700a. It will be appreciated that the two horizontal target configurations can be established at any height that is desirable along the vertical support members of the modules. It will be further appreciated that the modules are completely interchangeable, as are the targets attached thereto. Finally, it will be appreciated that re-configuration of the modules individually, as well as with respect to the more complex configuration, is quite easy and takes very little time, as it merely requires the loosening and tightening of thumbscrews to effectuate assembly and disassembly of the various components of the target system of the invention of the invention as previously described above.

FIG. 16E illustrates how easily complex target systems can be configured, as the system can be expanded without limit in the horizontal direction by simply coupling additional modules together through horizontal target configurations 1600a-f, and can even be expanded in the vertical direction by adding additional vertical support sub-members 302a, b to the single vertical support members 302 of the modules 200 as well. In this way, the modular target system of the invention can provide literally an unlimited number of targets, and types of targets as may be desired, ranging from a standalone module 200, 300, 350 to a target system having a virtually unlimited number of such modules interconnected with one another through horizontal target configurations 1500a-f. Horizontal target configurations 1600a-f are coupled together at modules 1700a and 1700b by large double T connectors 700.

One additional feature of an embodiment of the invention can include steel shield members that can be coupled to EMT tube members of the invention to prevent damage to the tubular members and DOM fittings from stray bullets. The shield members can include locking collars such as locking collars 216, which are welded to the backside of the shield members and may be slipped over the tubular members and held in place with the thumb screws and weld nuts as previously described for attaching targets to the tubular members, as well as attaching dueling tree targets to the stanchions of the modules of the invention. The shield members can be made from A36 angle iron or AR500 flat stock, depending upon how powerful the weapons are that will be used.

Claims

1. A modular target shooting system, comprising:

at least one target module comprising: a single vertical support member; a single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the vertical support member, the support base for supporting a distal end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests; at least one horizontal support member, removably coupled to the vertical support member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical support member and parallel to the resting surface; and

at least one target removably coupled to the module.

2. The modular target system of claim 1, wherein the single vertical support member and the at least one horizontal member are tubular.

3. The modular target system of claim 2, wherein the at least one horizontal support member is removably coupled to the single vertical support member with a tubular T connector, the at least one horizontal support member and the single vertical support member being removably secured within the T connector by a thumb screw and a weld nut.

4. The modular target system of claim 2, wherein the at least one target is coupled to the at least one horizontal support member, the at least one target having a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal support member, the target being constrained in the horizontal direction along the horizontal support member by locking collars secured to the at least one horizontal member on either side of the tube mount fitting.

5. The modular target system of claim 4, wherein the coupled at least one target is free to rotate about the at least one horizontal member, and the weight of the at least one target causes the target to rotate away from a shooter, thereby absorbing impact of projectiles and encouraging a downward momentum of any resulting shrapnel.

6. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the single base further comprises:

an end cap that is removably coupled to the proximate end of the single vertical support member; and

at least three feet, a proximal end of each of the at least three feet being pivotably coupled to the end cap, the at least three feet configured to be pivoted between, and fixed at, a fully deployed supporting state and a retracted state.

7. The modular target system of claim 6, wherein the single base further includes a sliding guide through which the single vertical support member is disposed, wherein:

each of the at least three feet are in pivotal communication with the sliding guide so that raising the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into the retracted state and lowering the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into a deployed state, and

the sliding guide includes a thumb screw that is capable of being brought into securing contact with the single vertical support member when tightened into a weld nut to prevent the guide from sliding.

8. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one target is a zone target.

9. The modular target system of claim 8, wherein the zone target includes a paper target disposed between two paper target horizontal members coupled to the single vertical support member, and a steel target coupled to a horizontal member such that the steel target is disposed behind the paper target to define a target zone.

10. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one target is a dueling tree target coupled to the single vertical support member.

11. The modular target system of claim 3, wherein the at least one target module includes at least one target coupled to at least one horizontal support member that is coupled to the single vertical support member, and a paper target coupled to the single vertical support member.

12. The modular target system of claim 3, having at least two target modules, the at least two target modules coupled together by a horizontal target configuration, the horizontal target configuration including a horizontal support member and one or more targets coupled thereto.

13. The modular target system of claim 3 wherein the single vertical support member and the at least one horizontal support member are made from electrical metallic tubing (EMT).

14. The modular target system of claim 3 wherein the single vertical support member is made of two sub-members of equal dimensions removably held together by a tubular connector sleeve having at least two thumb screws for securing each of the sub-members within the connector sleeve.

15. The modular target system of claim 14 wherein the sub-members and the at least one horizontal member are of equal dimension.

16. A modular target shooting system, comprising:

at least one target module comprising: a single vertical support member made from EMT; a single support base removably coupled to a proximal end of the vertical support member, the support base for supporting a distal end of the vertical support member in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to a surface upon which it rests; at least one horizontal support member made from EMT, removably coupled to the vertical support member with a tubular T connector in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vertical support member and parallel to the resting surface; and

at least one steel target rotatably coupled to the at least one horizontal member at a tube mount fitting that is sized to rotatably receive the horizontal support member, the steel target constrained in a horizontal direction by a tubular locking collar secured to either side of the tube mount fitting.

17. The modular target shooting system of claim 16, wherein the single support base further comprises:

a tubular end cap that is removably coupled to the proximal end of the tubular single vertical support member;

at least three feet, a proximal end of each of the at least three feet being pivotably coupled to the end cap, the at least three feet configured to be pivoted between, and fixed at, a fully deployed supporting state and a retracted state; and

a tubular sliding guide through which the tubular single vertical support member is disposed,

wherein each of the at least three feet are in pivotal communication with the sliding guide so that raising the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into the retracted state and lowering the sliding guide along the single vertical support member causes the feet to pivot into a deployed state, and

wherein the sliding guide includes a thumb screw that is capable of being brought into securing contact with the tubular single vertical support member when tightened within a weld nut to prevent the guide from sliding.

18. The modular target shooting system of claim 17, further comprising at least one zone target, the at least one zone target being a paper target disposed between two paper target tubular horizontal members coupled to the tubular single vertical support member, and a steel target coupled to a horizontal member such that the steel target is disposed behind the paper target to define a target zone.

19. The modular target system of claim 18, having at least two target modules, the at least two target modules coupled together by at least one horizontal target configuration, the at least one horizontal target configuration including a tubular horizontal support member and one or more steel targets coupled thereto.

20. The modular target system of claim 19 wherein the tubular single vertical support member of at least one of target modules is coupled to a dueling tree target attachment.