FIREARM TARGET WITH LOCK ON PATTERN

A firearm target is specially adapted to provide a superior “locked in” sight picture when viewed through firearm sights. Variations having different sized and spaced elements are provided to match different sighting systems and ranges. The elements can include a main wedge, a chisel pattern, foreground and background grids, and foreground and background borderlines. The chisel vertical spacing can be selected to match crosshair thickness and the targeting distance. Aligning the crosshairs to the gap can significantly or completely hide the gap. Misaligning the crosshairs to the gap causes the gap to become more visible because of the gap's highly noticeable and contrasting colors. The target thereby provides a lock-on functionality for a marksman.

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Description
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments are generally related to firearm targets and methods for manufacturing firearm targets.

BACKGROUND

Targets for projectiles have existed since prehistoric times with occasional advances in the art providing targets that are more appropriate for specific uses. Among those advances are printed targets where a target pattern, such as the notoriously familiar bullseye pattern, is printed onto a substrate such as paper, card stock, or plastic. Common target patterns include the bullseye in various sizes, silhouettes of game animals or attackers, and squares or diamonds. More recently, firearm targets have been developed with frangible or separable ink over a brightly colored substrate for causing the point of impact to be highly visible. The point of impact is highly visible because a separable ink or layer breaks away from the substrate in a ring or halo around the point of impact, thereby revealing a halo of brightly colored substrate material. These prior targets or technologies do not provide for improvements in aiming. System and methods providing for improvements in aiming at a firearm target are needed.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is therefore an aspect of the embodiments that a firearm target has a substrate, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis. The substrate is the material on which the target is printed, such as a sheet of paper or plastic. The firearm target has a background in a background color which can be the color of the substrate or can be printed onto the substrate. The firearm target has a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The horizontal axis and the vertical axis are useful as reference lines for describing the firearm target but are not necessarily visible on the target.

It is another aspect of the embodiments that a main wedge overlays the background. Here, overlays, or overlies, references the appearance of one pattern being on top of another pattern. For example, a clean sheet of paper can provide a white background layer. Printing on that sheet of white paper produces a pattern that overlays the white background layer. Those practiced in printing or graphic design are familiar with layers wherein some layers overlie other layers. The main wedge can be in a foreground color and can be symmetrical about the vertical axis. The main wedge has a first angled edge and a second angled edge joining at the vertical axis. The first angled edge and a second angled edge join at an angle such as a right angle (90-degree angle). The first angled edge and the second angled edge join at the horizontal axis.

It is yet another aspect of the embodiments that a chisel pattern overlays the background. The chisel pattern comprises four chisels. Each one of the four chisels comprise a long horizontal edge, a short horizontal edge, and a chisel face edge. Each one of the chisel face edges can be parallel to the first angled edge or the second angled edge of the main wedge. The chisel pattern can be symmetric about the horizontal axis and the about the vertical axis. The main wedge and the four chisels can all be separated by some distance from one another. The chisel pattern can be in the foreground color.

It is a further aspect of the embodiments that the main wedge can have a first top edge, a second top edge, a third top edge, and a fourth top edge, wherein the first top edge is vertical and joins the second top edge, wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis, and wherein the fourth top edge is vertical and joins the third top edge. The second top edge can be parallel to and above the first angled edge. The third top edge can be parallel to and above the second angled edge.

The embodiments can have a background grid in the foreground color, the background grid overlying the background and underlying the main wedge and the chisel pattern. The embodiments can also have a foreground grid in the background color and visible over the main wedge and the four chisels.

It is another aspect of the embodiments that a plurality of background borderlines in the background color can be positioned on the outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge.

It is still another aspect of the embodiments that a plurality of foreground borderlines in the foreground color can be positioned on the inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid.

It is a yet further aspect of the embodiments that a body shaped outline can be visible on the firearm target. The body shaped outline can appear to overlie every other visible element or can appear to overlie one or more of the main wedge, the chisel pattern, the foreground grid, the background grid, the foreground borderlines, or the background borderlines. The body shaped outline can be in a color other than the foreground color or the background color such that it is distinct from the elements in the foreground color or the background color. For example, when the foreground color is black and the background color is white then the body shaped outline can be grey, red, green, yellow, or some other color.

It is an aspect of the embodiments to have an outside edge. The outside edge can be the edge of the substrate or can be a boundary printed on the substrate. The main wedge and each of the four chisels can meet the outside edge.

The substrate can be printed with a background in a background color, perhaps with a reflective ink, and then a foreground pattern printed in a foreground color over or aligned to the background. The substrate can be printed with a background pattern and a foreground pattern in a background color and a foreground color, respectively. An alternative is to print the foreground on a separable or frangible layer to thereby provide a target that produces highly visible indications of projectile impact points. Further alternatives can have multiple separable/frangible layers and multiple colors. Yet further alternatives have the background and foreground patterns printed on a separable layer and also in contrasting colors on the substrate.

To simplify descriptions herein, some of the target's patterning is described as foreground whereas other patterning is described as background. It is understood that the calling some parts “foreground” and other parts “background” background is a handy but arbitrary labeling of target elements. The nomenclature can be changed without changing the appearance of the target. Furthermore, and as described above, some elements are described as overlaying other elements. This description is for clarity whereas those practiced in printing and graphic design can easily define different layers and patterns to produce an equivalent firearm target. For example, positioning or printing black lines on a white background can yield a black grid on a white background. The same pattern can be produced by printing white squares on a black background. As such, “overlay” and “overlies” describe appearance.

The foreground and background colors can be specified using color coordinates, as Pantone color numbers, or as colors on a Pantone card. For example, a target having a red foreground and a yellow background can be specified as having a “Pantone card 1.3c Yellow” or pantone 1.3c “process yellow” background and a “Pantone 1795c” foreground. Experimentation has shown that the targets described herein work well with a white background color and a black foreground color. Alternative embodiments may have a background that is a coated basic process yellow such as pantone card 1.3c. A different target having a yellow foreground and a blue background can be specified as having a “Pantone 311c” background and a “Pantone card 1.3c Process Yellow” foreground.

The “c” after the number (as in 311c or 1795c) or the card number (as in 1.3c) means coated for its brightness so it stands out. The contrast and brightness of target colors that can make iron sights or cross hairs in optics stand out for maximum visibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present embodiments and, together with the detailed description of the embodiments, serve to explain the principles of the present embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale or full scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a substrate with a background color and with wedge guidelines in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a main wedge on the background of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates chisel pattern guidelines over a substrate in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a chisel pattern on the background of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a main wedge, chisel pattern, and background grid on the background of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a foreground grid overlying the main wedge and chisel pattern of FIG. 5 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates foreground borderlines and background borderlines overlying the foreground grid and background grid of FIG. 6 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a body shaped outline over the firearm target of FIG. 7 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a firearm target wherein the second top edge intersects the outer edge of the firearm target and wherein the third top edge intersects the outer edge of the firearm target, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a firearm target similar to that of FIG. 9 wherein the topmost edge of the main wedge is flat, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a firearm target similar to that of FIG. 10 wherein the main wedge width is less than the target width, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a firearm target with a main wedge and a cut annulus, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a computer configured for producing firearm targets in accordance with aspects of the embodiments.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the embodiments are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a substrate 100 with a background color and with wedge guidelines in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The background 101 of the firearm target an is shown having a white background color. The background 101 can be the substrate 100 or can be printed on the substrate 100. The firearm target can be printed on the substrate 100. In this non-limiting illustration, the background color is white. An outer edge 102 can define the outer limits of the firearm target. The outer edge 102 can be on one or more of the outside edges of the substrate 100. The outer edge 102 can be printed on the substrate in a color visible against the background color. The illustration shows an outer edge printed on the substrate and in the foreground color. The target has a target height 115 and a target width 116.

The firearm target has a vertical axis 103 and a horizontal axis 104 that meet at a center point 109. The horizontal axis 104 can bisect the substrate two equal halves. In general, the firearm target is symmetric about the vertical axis 103. The horizontal axis 104 can bisect the substrate two equal halves. Certain of the target elements are symmetric about the horizontal axis. A top wedge horizontal offset line 111 is parallel to and above the horizontal axis. The top wedge vertical offset 112 is the distance between the horizontal axis and the top wedge offset line. Main diagonals 105, 106 pass through the center point 109 and are at 45-degree angles relative to the horizontal axis 104 and the vertical axis 103. Top wedge guidelines 107, 108 are parallel to the main diagonals 105, 106 and intersect on the top wedge vertical offset line 111. The first top wedge guideline 108 is parallel to the first main diagonal 105. The second top wedge guideline 107 is parallel to the second main diagonal 106. The top wedge left guideline 113 is parallel to and left of the vertical axis 103. The top wedge right guideline 114 is parallel to and to the right of the vertical axis. The distance between the top wedge left guideline 113 and the vertical axis is the top wedge horizontal offset 110. The distance between the top wedge right guideline 114 and the vertical axis is the top wedge horizontal offset 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a main wedge 201 on the background 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The main wedge 201 is black, which is the foreground color in the non-limiting illustration. The main wedge 201 is symmetrical about the vertical axis. The main wedge has a first angled edge 202 that lies on the first main diagonal 105. The main wedge has a second angled edge 203 that lies on the second main diagonal 106. The main wedge 201 appears to overly the background 101. The main wedge can be flat across its topmost edge. The main wedge has a main wedge width 209 that can be but does not need to be the same as the target width. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the main wedge can have a first top edge 204, a second top edge 205, a third top edge 206, and a fourth top edge 207. The first top edge 204 lies on the top wedge left guideline 113 and joins the second top edge guideline 205. The second top edge 205 lies on the first top wedge guideline 108 and joins the third top edge 206. The third top edge 206 lies on the second top wedge guideline 107 and joins the fourth top edge 207. The fourth top edge 207 lies on the top wedge right guideline 114. The first angled edge 202 and the second angled edge 203 intersect at the main wedge tip 210.

In an alternative embodiment, the first top edge 204, the second top edge 205, the third top edge 206, and the fourth top edge 207 can define a top wedge that overlies the main wedge and is in a top wedge color. The top wedge color can be the background color or can be different from the background color.

FIG. 3 illustrates chisel pattern guidelines over a substrate in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. Chisel diagonal guidelines 301, 302, 309, 310 are parallel to the main diagonals 105, 106. The first chisel guideline 301 is parallel to the first main diagonal 105. The second chisel guideline 302 is parallel to the second main diagonal 106. The third chisel guideline 310 is parallel to the first main diagonal 105. The fourth chisel guideline 309 is parallel to the second main diagonal 106. A first horizontal guideline 303 and a second horizontal guideline 311 are parallel to the horizontal axis 104. The distance between the first horizontal guideline 303 and the horizontal axis 104 is the chisel top distance 304. The distance between the second horizontal guideline 311 and the horizontal axis 104 is the chisel top distance 304. A third horizontal guideline 306 and a fourth horizontal guideline 307 are parallel to the horizontal axis 104. The distance between the third horizontal guideline 306 and the horizontal axis 104 is the chisel bottom distance 305. The distance between the fourth horizontal guideline 307 and the horizontal axis 104 is the chisel bottom distance 305.

FIG. 4 illustrates a chisel pattern 401 on the background 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The chisel pattern 401 symmetric about the vertical axis 103 and the horizontal axis 104. The chisel pattern 401 has four chisels 406, 407, 408, 409. Each of the four chisels 406, 407, 408, 409 has a long horizontal edge 403, a short horizontal edge 402, and a chisel face edge 405. The chisel face edge 405 of each chisel is parallel to the first angled edge or to the second angled edge of the main wedge. The chisel pattern 401 overlies the background and is illustrated as black which is the foreground color of this non-limiting illustration.

Referring to the chisel pattern guidelines of FIG. 3, the first chisel 406 has a long horizontal edge 403 on the third horizontal guideline 306, a short horizontal edge on the first horizontal guideline 303, and chisel face edge 405 on the third chisel guideline 310. The second chisel 407 has a long horizontal edge 403 on the third horizontal guideline 306, a short horizontal edge on the first horizontal guideline 303, and chisel face edge 405 on the fourth chisel guideline 309. The third chisel 408 has a long horizontal edge 403 on the fourth horizontal guideline 307, a short horizontal edge on the second horizontal guideline 311, and chisel face edge 405 on the second chisel guideline 302. The fourth chisel 409 has a long horizontal edge 403 on the fourth horizontal guideline 307, a short horizontal edge on the second horizontal guideline 311, and chisel face edge 405 on the first chisel guideline 301. The chisel offset distance 410 is the horizontal distance between the vertical axis 103 and the innermost tips of the chisels.

FIG. 5 illustrates a main wedge 201, chisel pattern 401, and background grid 501 on the background 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The background grid 501 is illustrated as being in the foreground color. The background grid has a horizontal grid spacing 502 and a vertical grid spacing 503. The horizontal grid spacing 502 and the vertical grid spacing 503 are called the grid spacing when the horizontal grid spacing 502 equals the vertical grid spacing 503. The grid spacing can also be called the grid pitch. The horizontal grid spacing 502, also called the horizontal grid pitch, can be measured as the distance from the center of one vertical grid line to the center of the closest vertical grid line. The vertical grid spacing 503, also called the vertical grid pitch, can be measured as the distance from the center of one horizontal grid line to the center of the closest horizontal grid line. The grid lines have a grid line width 504. The background grid is illustrated as centered on the center point 109. The background grid can be considered to overlay the background while the main wedge 201 and the chisel pattern 401 overlay the background grid 501. As illustrated, the background grid 501, the main wedge 201, and the chisel pattern 401 are in the foreground color. All being the same color it is equivalent for the background grid 501 to overlay the main wedge 201 and the chisel pattern 401 because the same appearance results. The horizontal grid spacing 502 and the vertical grid spacing 503 can be selected based on the firearm sights and the viewing distance.

FIG. 6 illustrates a foreground grid 601 overlying the main wedge 201 and chisel pattern 401 of FIG. 5 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The foreground grid 601 is illustrated as being in the background color. The foreground grid 601 has the same grid spacing as the background grid 501 and appears as if it is the background grid but in the background color instead of the foreground color. The foreground grid 601 only appears over the main wedge 201 and the chisel pattern 401.

FIG. 7 illustrates foreground borderlines 702 and background borderlines 701 overlying the foreground grid 601 and background grid 501 of FIG. 6 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The foreground borderlines 702 and the background borderlines 701 provide an outlining effect to the main wedge 201 and the chisel pattern 401. The background borderlines are in the background color and positioned on the outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge. The foreground borderlines in the foreground color and positioned on the inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid. The borderline width 703 of the foreground and background borderlines can be selected based on the firearm sights and the viewing distance.

FIG. 8 illustrates a body shaped outline 801 over the firearm target of FIG. 7 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. In this non-limiting illustration, the body shaped outline 801 is that of a human male torso. Alternatively, the body shaped outline 801 can be of other species, genders, or individuals. The body shaped outline 801 can show more or less of the body. The body shaped outline 801 is illustrated as symmetric about the vertical axis 103. The body shaped outline 801 can be shifted such that center point 109 aligns with the head, heart, center of mass, or some other body location. The body shaped outline 801 is presented in grey such that it is easily distinguishable from target elements in the foreground or background color in FIG. 8 which is a grey scale image. A color image can have a red body shaped outline. In general, the body shaped outline 801 can be in any color but that color should be selected such that the body shaped outline 801 is distinct from the other target elements. The body shaped outline 801 has a body shaped outline thickness 802 that can be selected based on the firearm sights and the viewing distance.

FIG. 13 illustrates a computer 1301 configured for producing firearm targets in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. A computing device in the form of a computer 1301 configured to interface with controllers, peripheral devices, and other elements disclosed herein may include one or more processing units 1314, memory 1302, removable storage 1315, and non-removable storage 1316. Memory 1302 may include volatile memory 1308 and non-volatile memory 1309. Computer 1301 may include or have access to a computing environment that includes a variety of transitory and non-transitory computer-readable media such as volatile memory 1308 and non-volatile memory 1309, removable storage 1315 and non-removable storage 1316. Computer storage includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions as well as data including image data.

Computer 1301 may include, or have access to, a computing environment that includes input 1313, output 1311, and a communications subsystem 1317. The computer 1301 may operate in a networked environment using a communications subsystem 1317 to connect to one or more remote computers, remote sensors and/or controllers, detection devices, hand-held devices, multi-function devices (MFDs), speakers, mobile devices, tablet devices, mobile phones, Smartphone, or other such devices. The remote computer may also be a personal computer (PC), server, router, network PC, RFID enabled device, a peer device or other common network node, or the like. The communication connection may include a LAN, a WAN, Bluetooth connection, or other networks.

Output 1311 is most commonly provided as a computer monitor, but may include any output device. Output 1311 and/or input 1313 may include a data collection apparatus associated with computer 1301. In addition, input 1313, which commonly includes a computer keyboard and/or pointing device such as a computer mouse, computer track pad, touch screen, or the like, allows a user to select and instruct network node 1301. A user interface can be provided using output 1311 and input 1313. Output 1311 may include a display 1312 for displaying data and information for a user, or for interactively displaying a GUI (graphical user interface) 1310. A GUI is typically responsive of user inputs entered through input 1313 and typically displays images and data on display 1312.

Note that the term “GUI” generally refers to a type of environment that represents programs, files, options, and so forth by means of graphically displayed icons, menus, and dialog boxes on a computer monitor screen or smart phone screen. A user can interact with the GUI to select and activate such options by directly touching the screen and/or pointing and clicking with a user input device 1313 such as, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, and/or with a keyboard. A particular item can function in the same manner to the user in all applications because the GUI provides standard software routines (e.g., the application module 1303 can include program code in executable instructions, including such software routines) to handle these elements and report the user's actions.

Computer-readable instructions, for example, program code in application module 1303, can include or be representative of software routines, software subroutines, software objects, etc. described herein, are stored on a computer-readable medium and are executable by the processor device (also called a processing unit) 1314 of computer 1301. The application module 1303 can include computer code such as networking code 1304, server code 1305, target display code 1306, and target printing code 1307. A hard drive, CD-ROM, RAM, Flash Memory, and a USB drive are just some examples of articles including a computer-readable medium.

A firearm target can be represented electronically in a raster file format or a vector file format. A raster file having a raster file format can contain a bitmap representation of a firearm target and can contain instructions for printing or displaying that bitmap. A vector file having a vector file format can contain a sequence of vector instructions for producing a graphic and can contain instructions for displaying or printing the graphic. Examples of vector instructions include instructions for drawing a line between two points, for drawing a polygon, for filling a polygon, etc. Graphics designers often use graphics design software to draw designs using a GUI. The graphics design software can then generate vector files, raster files, and files that are both vector files and raster files. For example, pdf files using the widely used pdf file format can contain rasters, vector instructions, and instructions for printing and display. Html files using one of the widely used html format can contain rasters, vector instructions, and instructions for printing and display. The computer 1301 can use target display code 1306 to display a firearm target. The computer 1301 can use target printing code 1307 to print a firearm target. For example, the firearm target can be displayed using a pdf viewer or web browser and then printed using one of the computer's printer drivers. Many printers are computers having a printing apparatus as one of their outputs 1311. As such many printers can receive and print files in the pdf file format or other file formats.

The firearm target disclose above has been prototyped and tested to determine which combinations of target height 115, target width 116, main wedge width 209, top wedge vertical offset 112, top wedge horizontal offset 110, chisel offset distance 410, chisel top distance 304, chisel bottom distance 305, grid spacing 502, 503, grid line width 504, borderline width 703, and body shaped outline thickness 802. Firearm target variations are provided below:

Target A.1: open iron sights, pistol 5-25 yards, rifle 50 yards

    • Foreground color: black
    • Background color: white
    • target height 115: 16 inches
    • target width 116: 14 inches
    • main wedge width 209: same as target width
    • top wedge vertical offset 112: 3 inches
    • top wedge horizontal offset 110: 3 inches
    • chisel offset distance 410: 2 inches
    • chisel top distance 304: 2.5 inches
    • chisel bottom distance 305: 0.5 inches
    • grid spacing 502, 503: 1 inch
    • grid line width 504: 1/16 inch
    • borderline width 703: ⅛ inch
    • body shaped outline thickness 802: none
      Target A.2:—same as Target A.1 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: 1/16 inch
      Target A.3:—same as Target A.1 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target A.4:—same as Target A.1 except:
    • top wedge vertical offset 112: 2.5 inches
    • second top edge 205: intersects outer edge of the firearm target
    • third top edge 206: intersects outer edge of the firearm target
      (Target A.4 is illustrated in FIG. 9)
      Target A.5:—same as Target A.4 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: 1/16 inch
      Target A.6:—same as Target A.4 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target A.7—same as Targets A.1 and A.4 except: topmost edge of main wedge is flat. (Target A.7 is illustrated in FIG. 10)
      Target A.8—same as Target A.7 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: 1/16 inch
      Target A.9—same as Target A.7 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target A.10—same as Target A.7 except: main wedge width 209: 6 inches. (Target A.10 is illustrated in FIG. 11)
      Target A.11—same as Target A.10 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: 1/16 inch
      Target A.12—same as Target A.10 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target B1: open iron sights, rifle 100 yards; this target has also proven excellent for long range rifles with optics, such as 9× magnification optics at 400 yards and beyond
    • Foreground color: black
    • Background color: white
    • target height 115: 24 inches
    • target width 116: 24 inches
    • main wedge width 209: same as target width
    • top wedge vertical offset 112: 5 inches
    • top wedge horizontal offset 110: 4 inches
    • chisel offset distance 410: 4 inches
    • chisel top distance 304: 4 inches
    • chisel bottom distance 305: 1 inch
    • grid spacing 502, 503: 1 inch
    • grid line width 504: ⅛ inch
    • borderline width 703: ⅛ inch
    • body shaped outline thickness 802: none
      Target B.2:—same as Target B.1 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target B.3—same as Target B.1 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ¼ inch
      Target B.4:—same as Target B.1 except:
    • top wedge vertical offset 112: 4 inches
    • second top edge 205: intersects outer edge of the firearm target
    • third top edge 206: intersects outer edge of the firearm target
    • (Target B.4 is similar to Target A.4, illustrated in FIG. 9)
      Target B.5:—same as Target B.4 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target B.6—same as Target B.4 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ¼ inch
      Target B.7—same as Targets B.1 and B.4 except: topmost edge of main wedge is flat, (Target B.7 is similar to Target A.7, illustrated in FIG. 10)
      Target B.8—same as Target B.7 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ⅛ inch
      Target B.9—same as Target B.7 except: body shaped outline thickness 802: ¼ inch

FIG. 9 illustrates a firearm target wherein the second top edge 205 intersects the outer edge 102 of the firearm target and wherein the third top edge 206 intersects the outer edge 102 of the firearm target, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of Target A.4, described above.

FIG. 10 illustrates a firearm target similar to that of FIG. 9 wherein the topmost edge 1001 of the main wedge 201 is flat, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of Target A.7, described above.

FIG. 11 illustrates a firearm target similar to that of FIG. 10 wherein the main wedge width 209 is less than the target width 116, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of Target A.10, described above.

FIG. 12 illustrates a firearm target with a main wedge and a cut annulus, in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The illustrated firearm target has a width and height of 24 inches. The top wedge vertical offset 112 is 5 inches and the top wedge horizontal offset 110 is 4 inches. As with most of the embodiments, the main wedge width equals the target width and therefore the first angled side and the second angled side intersect the outer edge of the target. The cut annulus can be centered on the main wedge tip, have an inner radius of 5 inches, and have an outer radius of 7 inches. The cut annulus can be in the foreground color wherever the cut annulus does not overlay the main wedge. The cut annulus can be in the background color wherever the cut annulus overlays the main wedge. The edges of the cut annulus are accented by foreground and background borderlines arranged in the same manner those accenting the main wedge. The foreground grid overlays the cut annulus excepting in the area where the cut annulus overlays the main wedge. In the area where the cut annulus overlays the main wedge, the cut annulus is in the background color and the grid is in the foreground color. The cut annulus is cut by a line parallel to the second top edge and a line parallel to the third top edge such that areas of the main wedge are visible between the cut annulus and the second top edge and between the cut annulus and the third top edge. The target of FIG. 10 can have no body shaped out line, a body shaped outline with ⅛ inch line thickness, a body shaped outline with a ¼ inch line thickness, or some other line thickness selected based on the desired sight picture for a type of firearm sight and viewing distance. In testing, the firearm target illustrated in FIG. 12 has proven ideal for red dot style firearm sites wherein an optic places a red dot in a marksman's view. The red dot indicates where a bullet would hit the target if fired from the firearm, assuming the firearm is sighted in with the optic.

The foreground and background colors can be specified using color coordinates, as Pantone color numbers, or as colors on a Pantone card. For example, a target having a red foreground and a yellow background can be specified as having a “Pantone card 1.3c Yellow” background and a “Pantone 1795c” foreground. A different target having a yellow foreground and a blue background can be specified as having a “Pantone 311c” background and a “Pantone card 1.3c Yellow” foreground. Yet other embodiments can have a “Pantone card 1.3c Yellow” foreground and a highly contrasting background such as “Pantone 311c” blue. Note that “Pantone card 1.3c Yellow” is also known as “Pantone card 1.3c Process Yellow”.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A firearm target comprising:

a substrate;
a horizontal axis and a vertical axis;
a background in a background color;
a main wedge in a foreground color and symmetrical about the vertical axis, wherein the main wedge comprises a first angled edge and a second angled edge joining at the vertical axis, and wherein the main wedge overlies the background; and
a background grid in the foreground color, the background grid overlying the background and underlying the main wedge.

2. The firearm target of claim 1 further comprising:

a chisel pattern that is symmetric about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, wherein the chisel pattern comprises four chisels, wherein each of the four chisels comprises a long horizontal edge, a short horizontal edge, and a chisel face edge, the chisel face edge parallel to the first angled edge or the second angled edge, and wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background;
wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background; and
wherein the main wedge and the four chisels are all separated from one another.

3. The firearm target of claim 2 wherein the main wedge further comprises a first top edge, a second top edge, a third top edge, and a fourth top edge, wherein the first top edge is vertical and joins the second top edge, wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis, and wherein the fourth top edge is vertical and joins the third top edge.

4. The firearm target of claim 3, wherein the second top edge is parallel to and above the first angled edge, and wherein the third top edge is parallel to and above the second angled edge.

5. The firearm target of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of background borderlines in the background color and positioned on outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge.

6. The firearm target of claim 3 further comprising a foreground grid in the background color and visible over the main wedge and the four chisels.

7. The firearm target of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of foreground borderlines in the foreground color and positioned on inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid.

8. The firearm target of claim 2 further comprising an outside edge wherein the main wedge and each of the four chisels meet the outside edge.

9. The firearm target of claim 1 wherein the first angled edge and the second angled edge join at the horizontal axis and at a right angle.

10. The firearm target of claim 1 further comprising a body shaped outline.

11. The firearm target of claim 1 further comprising:

a cut annulus centered on a main wedge tip,
wherein the cut annulus is in the foreground color wherever the cut annulus does not overlay the main wedge;
wherein the cut annulus is in the background color wherever the cut annulus overlays the main wedge.

12. The firearm target of claim 11 further comprising:

a chisel pattern that is symmetric about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, wherein the chisel pattern comprises four chisels, wherein each of the four chisels comprises a long horizontal edge, a short horizontal edge, and a chisel face edge, the chisel face edge parallel to the first angled edge or the second angled edge, and wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background;
a foreground grid in the background color and visible over the main wedge and the four chisels;
a plurality of background borderlines in the background color;
a plurality of foreground borderlines in the foreground color;
a body shaped outline; and
an outside edge wherein the main wedge and each of the four chisels meet the outside edge;
wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background,
wherein the main wedge and the four chisels are all separated from one another,
wherein the main wedge further comprises a first top edge, a second top edge, a third top edge, and a fourth top edge,
wherein the first top edge is vertical and joins the second top edge,
wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis,
wherein the fourth top edge is vertical and joins the third top edge,
wherein the second top edge is parallel to and above the first angled edge,
wherein the third top edge is parallel to and above the second angled edge,
wherein the plurality of background borderlines is positioned on outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge,
wherein the plurality of foreground borderlines are positioned on inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid,
wherein the first angled edge and the second angled edge join at the horizontal axis, and
wherein the first angled edge and the second angled edge join at a right angle.

13. A firearm target comprising:

a substrate;
a horizontal axis and a vertical axis;
a background in a background color;
a chisel pattern in a foreground color and symmetric about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, wherein the chisel pattern comprises four chisels, wherein each of the four chisels comprises a long horizontal edge, a short horizontal edge, and a chisel face edge, and wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background;
a foreground grid that is visible over and the four chisels;
a background grid overlying the background and underlying the chisel pattern;
a plurality of background borderlines positioned on the outside edges of each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge; and
a plurality of foreground borderlines positioned on the inside edges of each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid.

14. The firearm target of claim 13 further comprising:

a main wedge in the foreground color and symmetrical about the vertical axis, wherein the main wedge comprises a first angled edge, a second angled edge, a first top edge, a second top edge, a third top edge, and a fourth top edge,
wherein the first angled edge and the second angled edge join at the vertical axis,
wherein the first top edge is vertical and joins the second top edge,
wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis,
wherein the fourth top edge is vertical and joins the third top edge,
wherein the main wedge overlies the background and the background grid, and
wherein the chisel face edge of each of the four chisels is parallel to the first angled edge or the second angled edge.

15. The firearm target of claim 14 further comprising:

an outside edge, wherein the main wedge, and each of the four chisels meet the outside edge,
wherein the second top edge is parallel to and above the first angled edge, wherein the third top edge is parallel to and above the second angled edge.

16. The firearm target of claim 14 further comprising:

a further plurality of background borderlines positioned on the outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, and the fourth top edge; and
a further plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid and positioned on the inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, and the fourth top edge.

17. The firearm target of claim 13 further comprising:

a main wedge in the foreground color and symmetrical about the vertical axis, wherein the main wedge comprises a first angled edge, a second angled edge, a second top edge, and a third top edge,
wherein the first angled edge and the second angled edge join at the vertical axis,
wherein the second top edge is parallel to the first angled edge,
wherein the third top edge is parallel to the second angled edge,
wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis,
wherein the second top edge and the third top edge intersect an outer edge of the firearm target, and
wherein the main wedge overlies the background and the background grid.

18. A computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions, that when executed on one or more processors, implements a method for producing a firearm target comprising:

a horizontal axis and a vertical axis;
a background in a background color;
a main wedge in a foreground color and symmetrical about the vertical axis, wherein the main wedge comprises a first angled edge and a second angled edge joining at the vertical axis, and wherein the main wedge overlies the background;
a chisel pattern that is symmetric about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, wherein the chisel pattern comprises four chisels, wherein each of the four chisels comprises a long horizontal edge, a short horizontal edge, and a chisel face edge, the chisel face edge parallel to the first angled edge or the second angled edge, and wherein the chisel pattern overlies the background;
wherein the main wedge and the four chisels are all separated from one another.

19. The computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions of claim 18,

wherein the main wedge further comprises a first top edge, a second top edge, a third top edge, and a fourth top edge,
wherein the first top edge is vertical and joins the second top edge,
wherein the second top edge joins the third top edge at the vertical axis,
wherein the fourth top edge is vertical and joins the third top edge,
wherein the second top edge is parallel to and above the first angled edge, and
wherein the third top edge is parallel to and above the second angled edge.

20. The computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions of claim 19, wherein the firearm target further comprises:

a background grid, the background grid overlying the background and underlying the main wedge and the chisel pattern; and
a plurality of background borderlines in the background color and positioned on the outside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge.

21. The computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions of claim 19, wherein the firearm target further comprises:

a foreground grid in the background color and visible over the main wedge and the four chisels; and
a plurality of foreground borderlines in the foreground color and positioned on the inside edges of the first angled edge, the second angled edge, the first top edge, the second top edge, the third top edge, the fourth top edge, each long horizontal edge, each short horizontal edge, and each chisel face edge, the plurality of foreground borderlines overlying the foreground grid.
Patent History
Publication number: 20210333072
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 23, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 28, 2021
Inventor: Thomas D. Ervin (Taos, NM)
Application Number: 16/857,073
Classifications
International Classification: F41J 1/01 (20060101); F41J 5/14 (20060101);