IMPRESSION DEVICE

Abstract

A target stand has a generally level bottom surface having at least one protrusion or cavity sized and shaped to leave an impression in an impressionable surface and a top surface having a plurality of wells configured to receive target supports. The plurality of wells may be configured to receive wooden stakes. The one or more protrusions or cavities may be shaped like animals or animal feet, such as pig's feet. The one or more protrusions may be sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters in the impressionable surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally related to devices to make impression on a surface, such as target stands and mats.

Description of the Related Art

Gun enthusiasts and archers often practice their skills at a target shooting range. Typical shooting range targets include printed paper targets, tin cans, swinging metal targets, and the like. Paper targets are typically mounted to a backing in the form of a rigid support structure such as a wooden crate, plywood, or a cardboard box such as a standard size apple box that farms use for shipping fruit. The rigid support structure can include wooden or metal stakes or posts that are secured to a stand or dug into the ground. Sportsmen are thus required to carry hardware, supplies, and tools such as a hammer and nails, duct tape, a cardboard box, a box cutter and the like, to set up their targets prior to beginning a shooting session. Target setup is tedious and is a source of frustration for many sportsmen, especially beginners.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a target stand comprises: a generally level bottom surface having at least one protrusion or cavity sized and shaped to leave an impression in an impressionable surface and a top surface having a plurality of wells configured to receive target supports. In an embodiment, the plurality of wells are configured to receive wooden stakes. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more protrusions shaped like pigs feet. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more cavities shaped like pigs feet. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters. In an embodiment, the protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters are shaped like reversed letters. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more cavities sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters. In an embodiment, the target stand comprises a detachable frame configured to house the one or more of a protrusion and a cavity.

In an embodiment, a method comprises manufacturing a target stand by: forming a mold shaped and sized to form the target stand; filling the mold shaped and sized to form the target stand with a moldable material; and curing the moldable material to form the target stand. In an embodiment, the moldable material is rubber or plastic or other moldable material.

In an embodiment, a mat comprises: a generally level bottom surface having at least one protrusion or cavity sized and shaped to leave an impression in an impressionable surface and a top surface sized and shaped to allow a human to stand on the top surface. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more protrusions sized and shaped like a face peering over a wall. In an embodiment, the top surface has one or more protrusions sized and shaped like a face peering over a wall. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters. In an embodiment, the top surface has one or more protrusions shaped like letters. In an embodiment, the bottom surface has one or more cavities sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a detachable frame configured to house the one or more of a protrusion and a cavity.

In an embodiment, a method comprises manufacturing a mat by: forming a mold shaped and sized to form the target stand; filling the mold shaped and sized to form the target stand with a moldable material; and curing the moldable material to form the mat. In an embodiment, the moldable material is rubber or plastic or other moldable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of an impression device and target stand.

FIG. 2 is a partial bottom view of the embodiment of an impression device and target stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mold for forming the embodiment of an impression device and target stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top partial view of an embodiment of an impression device and target stand.

FIG. 5 is a bottom partial view of the embodiment of the impression device and target stand of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a conformable target or conformable target mount.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of an impression device and target stand with stakes inserted to accept a conformable target or conformable target mount.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a conformable target or conformable target mount.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of an impression device and target stand with stakes inserted and an embodiment of a conformable target or conformable target mount positioned on the stakes.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of an impression device and mat.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the impression device and mat of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter. However, the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and methods comprising embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the descriptions of other aspects of the present disclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts unless the context indicates otherwise. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Specific embodiments are described herein with reference to targeting systems that have been produced; however, the present disclosure and the reference to certain materials, dimensions, and the details and ordering of processing steps are exemplary and should not be limited to those shown.

The present disclosure relates to an impression device, such as a target stand for holding a target, such as a target sheet, or a mat. A bottom surface of the impression device rests on an impressionable supporting surface, such as an outdoor surface (e.g., sand, mud or dirt). For ease of illustration, the impression device will be described herein with reference to a target stand and with reference to a mat. The target stand may be used, for example, in connection with projectile targeting sports such as gun shooting, archery, paint ball, or darts. The bottom surface of the target stand is sized and shaped to leave marks in an impressionable supporting surface (e.g., a fungible, engraveable or malleable surface) after target stand is removed. For example, the bottom of the target stand may have protrusions or cavities or combinations thereof (e.g., protrusions within a cavity). The bottom of the impression device may leave an image of a frame in the impressionable surface. A user may write messages inside the impression of the frame. The weight of the target stand or downward pressure on the target stand or mat causes the surface to deform in accordance with the protrusions or cavities, leaving an impression in the surface after the target stand or mat is removed. The bottom surface of the target stand or mat may be sized and shaped so as to be level and stable when the supporting surface in not impressionable (e.g., to be level and stable on a concrete surface). In an embodiment, the protrusions and/or cavities may be designed to leave shapes, such as shapes of hooves, letters, or words (e.g., shapes of pig feet or other animal feet, the phrase “LEAVE YOUR TRACKS!”, “KILROY WAS HERE,” etc., and various combinations thereof) on or in the impressionable supporting surface. A photo may be taking of the impressionable surface with the impression cause by the target stand and posted, for example, to social media. A target stand and impression device may be used to leave multiple impressions as a guide for participants in a target practice or hunting group (e.g., as trail markings). Advertisements or trademarks may be placed on the impression device and target stand and/or on target mount mounted to the target stand (e.g., CARDBOARD TARGETS-QUICK DETACHABLE™, CARDBOARD TARGETS-QUICK RELEASE™, WUNDERPIG™, etc.).

In an embodiment, the protrusions and cavities on the bottom surface are modifiable. For example, protrusions in a cavity larger than the protrusions may be removeable and/or replaceable with other protrusions. For example, protrusions shaped like letters may be detachably mountable to the bottom surface of the target stand. A detachable frame configured to hold protrusions or cavities (e.g., shaped like letters, hooves, etc.), may be mountable to the bottom surface of the target stand. The desired protrusions or cavities may be loaded into the detachable frame. The loaded frame may then be attached to a body of the target stand to form the bottom surface of the target stand. In some embodiments, protrusions on the bottom surface of the target stand or mat may be configured to receive ink, paint, or stain, which may be transferred to a surface upon which the target stand or mat is positioned. The ink, paint or stain may be relatively permanent or temporary and easily removed.

In an embodiment, a top surface of the target stand has two or more wells or towers configured to receive target supports, such as wooden stakes. The target supports may hold a paper target used for target practice. In an embodiment, the target stand may be made of rubber, plastic or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, the target stand has one or more lateral protrusions to support the target stand on a supporting surface. In an embodiment, the target stand may be formed via a machining process (e.g., machined metal), molding process (e.g., injection molding process, impression molding process, etc.).

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top-side perspective view of an embodiment of an impression device and target stand 100. The target stand 100 comprises a main body 102 having a top surface 108 and a bottom surface 106, lateral protrusions 104 sized and shaped to support the target stand 100 on a supporting surface, and pair of wells or towers 110 each having a cavity 112 sized and shaped to receive a target support, such as a wooden stake.

FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of a bottom surface 106 of a target stand 100 of an embodiment. As illustrated, FIG. 2 shows two cavities 114 shaped like hooves. In some embodiments, protrusions shaped like hooves may be employed instead of cavities. Hoof-shaped protrusions or other protrusions may be in positioned in each corner of the bottom surface 106 to facilitate the target stand 100 remaining stable on a non-impressionable surface. A border (not shown) may be formed around the perimeter of the stand 100 to facilitate the target stand 100 remaining stable on a non-impressionable surface.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a mold 300 that may be used to form an embodiment of a target stand, such as the target stand 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a portion of an embodiment of an impression device and target stand 100. The top surface 108 of the main body of the target stand 100 has protruding letters 116 extending out of the top surface 108.

FIG. 5 show a bottom view of a portion of an embodiment of an impression device and target stand 100. The bottom surface 106 has protrusions 114 extending therefrom which are sized and shaped to resemble hooves and to form hoof-shaped impressions in an impressionable surface. As illustrated, the protrusions also are sized and shaped to support the target stand 100 in a stable manner on a non-impressionable surface. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 106 may have cavities formed therein which are sized and shaped to resemble hooves and to form hoof-shaped impressions in an impressionable surface.

FIG. 6 shows a conformable target mount 600 according to an embodiment. The conformable target mount 600, along with other embodiments, may be part of a universal target system suitable for use at a shooting range for archery, firearms, or other activities involving targeted projectiles. The conformable target mount 600 includes a front target area 602, sides 607, a handle or grip-hole 604, fold lines 610, printed circles 606, glue strips 608 (which may be covered with a peel-off protective cover), and glue tabs 612 which are sized and shaped to adhere to glue of the glue strips 608 when the target mount 600 is in a folded position (see FIG. 8). The front target area 602 bears a target pattern 606. The target pattern 606 may be printed on, or attached to, the front target area 602. The sides 607 are each folded along a fold line 610 so as to extend in a transverse direction relative to the front target area 602. The sides 607 can then be removeably attached to a support, such as stakes mounted in a target stand (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

In an embodiment, the conformable target mount 600 is made of a commercially available reinforced weather-resistant matte white cardboard, e.g., #200 stock. The conformable target mount 600 is designed for easy setup and does not require tools to assemble. The fold lines 610 may be indicated during manufacturing, e.g., the fold lines 610 may be printed, pre-scored, perforated, or pre-folded at the factory. The sides 607 optionally may be attached to the supports by hardware, e.g., tacks or pins, at locations indicated by the printed marks. In an embodiment, peel-off tapes are also provided to avoid tools and hardware that may otherwise be needed to fold the target mount into a folded shape. Assembly by the user simply requires peeling a cover off the pre-attached tape strips, and then pressing the glue tabs 612 of the folded sides into place on the glue strips 608. In some embodiments, positions of the glue tabs 612 and glue strips 608 may be reversed.

Pre-manufactured target patterns 606 can be printed directly on the front target area 602, offering a clear presentation on a white background. Target patterns 606 can be used for any variety of targeting sports including, for example, short or long-range pistol or rifle shooting, bow and arrow, paintball or darts. Alternatively, the target pattern 606 can be provided on a separate paper that is then affixed to the front target area 602. A logo or an advertisement may be printed on the front target area 602 in addition to or instead of the target pattern. A target pattern printed on the conformable target mount 600 may outlast conventional stand-alone paper targets. In the past, it has been a common practice to staple paper targets to a backing that provides support but also will allow bullets to penetrate or pass through the target and the backing. Typically, cardboard or wire mesh is used as a backing. The conformable target mount 600 can easily be removed from the support structure and replaced to change to a different target pattern 606. Meanwhile, the conformable target mount 600 maintains simplicity of use and can be manufactured and sold at a low cost.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system or target stand kit 700 comprising an impression device and target stand 100 and a pair of stakes 702 according to an embodiment. The wells (see wells 112 of FIG. 1) are positioned, sized and shaped to receive the pair of stakes so that a conformable target mount can be mounted on the stakes (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The posts 702 are supported in an upright position by a target stand 100. The posts 702 may be 1×2-inch furrows separated by a standardized distance such as, for example, 18 inches, center-to-center. Accordingly, the width of a conformable target mount may be made to match the post separation distance. In an embodiment, the height of the conformable target mount 600 when positioned on the stakes 702 may be about 36 inches.

FIG. 8 show a close-up view of the front target area 602 of an exemplary conformable target mount 800. Vertical pockets are formed by folding the cardboard along fold lines 610 (see FIG. 6), the vertical pockets are secured to the back of the conformable target mount 800 using the glue strips and glue tabs (see FIG. 6). After sliding the vertical pockets over the posts 702 (see FIG. 9), the vertical pockets may be further secured to the posts by hardware, e.g., tacks or pins. The optional use of hardware to further secure the vertical pockets may be useful in windy conditions, for example. The conformable target mount 800 of FIG. 8 differs from the conformable target mount 600 of FIG. 6 in that it is folded into shape and in that the target pattern 606 is different, with the target pattern 606 in FIG. 8 being an image of a pig.

FIG. 9 illustrates an impression device and target stand 100 with stakes 702 secured into the target stand 100 and a folded conformable target mount 800 mounted on the stakes 702. The vertical pockets in the conformable target mount 800 and the stakes 702 may be sized and shaped so that a friction fit is formed between the conformable target mount 800 and the stakes 702, which may facilitated securing the conformable target mount 800 on the stakes 702 at a desired height.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show views of an embodiment of an impression device and mat 1000. The impression device and mat 1000 has a top side 1002 and a bottom side 1004. The bottom side 1004 has one or more protrusions 1008 sized and shaped to leave impressions in an impressionable surface onto which the impression device and mat 1000 is placed under the weight of the impression device and mat 1000 or under the weight of an objection positioned on the mat 1000, such as under the weight of a human standing on the mat 1000. As illustrated, the protrusions 1008 include shapes representing crowns and an image of a human peering over a wall, as well as reversed letters sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters in an impressionable surface. As illustrated, the reversed letters are sized and shaped to spell out “KILROY WAS HERE” on an impressionable surface. Instead of protrusions, cavities may be employed in some embodiments. The bottom surface 1004 has a protruding border 1010, which may facilitate the mat 1000 remaining stable on a non-impressionable surface.

The top surface 1002 also has protrusions 1006. As illustrated, the protrusions 1006 on the top surface 1002 include shapes representing crowns and an image of a human peering over a wall, as well as letters, which as illustrated spell out “KILROY WAS HERE”.

It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/440,266, filed Dec. 29, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A target stand comprising:

a generally level bottom surface having at least one protrusion or cavity sized and shaped to leave an impression in an impressionable surface; and

a top surface having a plurality of wells configured to receive target supports.

2. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the plurality of wells are configured to receive wooden stakes.

3. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface has one or more protrusions shaped like pigs feet.

4. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface has one or more cavities shaped like pigs feet.

5. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface has one or more protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters in the impressionable surface.

6. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters have a shape of reversed letters.

7. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface has one or more cavities sized and shaped to leave impressions of letters.

8. The target stand of claim 1, comprising a detachable frame configured to house the one or more of a protrusion and a cavity.

9. The target stand of claim 8 wherein the detachable frame is configured to hold a block including one or more protrusions sized and shaped to leave impressions in the impressionable surface.

10. A system, comprising:

a target stand, having: a generally level bottom surface having one or more of a protrusion and a cavity sized and shaped to leave an impression in an impressionable surface; and a top surface having a plurality of wells configured to receive target supports; and

a plurality of target supports sized and shaped to fit securely in wells of the plurality of wells.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of target supports are wooden stakes.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the bottom surface of the target stand has one or more protrusions shaped like pigs feet.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the bottom surface of the target stand has one or more reverse-letter-shaped protrusions.