Shooting Target

Abstract

Shooting targets and associated components and methods. A shooting target includes a target body having a central hub and a plurality of fan blades extending outward from the central hub. The target body can include a phosphorescent section and/or a frangible break line. The target body can be made of a first material and a second material different than the first material. The second material is softer than the first material. The shooting target can include a whistle for producing an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air. The shooting target can include a connector for coupling a separate component to the shooting target. The shooting target can include a light source (e.g., LED).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/825,268, filed Jun. 17, 2025, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/746,809, filed Jan. 17, 2025, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to shooting targets, and more particularly to shooting targets configured to be launched into the air.

BACKGROUND

Shooting targets, sometimes referred to as clays, clay targets, or clay pigeons, are launched into the air by a launcher or thrower for shooting sports.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a shooting target comprises a target body including a central hub and a plurality of fan blades extending outward from the central hub. The target body can include a phosphorescent section. The target body can include a frangible break line. The target body can be made of a first material and a second material different than the first material. The second material is softer than the first material. The shooting target can further comprise a whistle configured to produce an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air. The shooting target can further comprise a connector configured to couple a separate component to the shooting target. The shooting target can further comprise a light source.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a shooting target according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective of the shooting target of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective of the shooting target of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective of the shooting target of FIG. 8.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure pertains to shooting targets. The shooting targets have a plurality of fan blades that generate lift and propulsion when the target is rotated by a launcher (not shown) so that the shooting targets fly through the air to be shot by a shooter with a firearm (such as a shotgun). The shooting target can include one or more of a variety of features that enhance the shooting target relative to a base form of the shooting target. For example, the shooting target can include a whistle that produces an audible noise as the shooting target flies through the air. The shooting target can include one or more portions that can be selectively removed by a user to alter a flight pattern of the target. The shooting target can be formed with multiple materials of different hardnesses, wherein the central hub may be formed from a harder and more rigid first material, and at least one of the fan blades and/or the outer ring may formed from a softer second material. The shooting target can be formed from glow-in-the-dark material. The shooting target can include one or more connectors for connecting components (e.g., incendiary) to the shooting target. The shooting target can include one or more light sources. The shooting targets (including one or more of the listed features) are launched into the air by a launcher or a thrower that spins the shooting target and then releases the shooting target to fly through the air.

Referring to FIG. 1, a shooting target (“target”) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The target 10 includes a target body 12 having a central hub 14 (inner-most concentric ring) and a plurality of fan blades 16 extending radially or laterally outward from (broadly, with respect to) the central hub. The fan blades 16 are evenly spaced around the central hub. The fan blades 14 propel the target 10 through the air when the target is rotated and launched by a launcher. In the illustrated embodiment, the target 10 has six fan blades 14, although more or fewer fan blades can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The central hub 14 defines a central circular opening 22 (broadly, opening) that extends through the hub 12. The central opening 22 receives a portion (e.g., nose) of the launcher when the target 10 is connected to or mounted on the launcher. The target body 12 includes an outer ring 18 (outer-most concentric ring) that connects the outer ends of the fan blades 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the target body 12 includes one or more intermediate rings 20 positioned between the central hub 12 and the outer ring 18. The intermediate rings 20 intersect with the fan blades 14 to provide structural support to the target body 12. The target 10 (e.g., target body 12 is reversible in the sense that it does not matter whether which face (e.g., front or rear face) of the target is facing forward when the target is connected to the launcher (the fan blades 14 will propel the target in either orientation). Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the intermediate rings can be omitted (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In addition, the central hub and/or the opening can have other shapes, such as a non-circular shape, such as, but not limited to an octagonal shape. The target body 12 can be generally any size. For example, the target body 12 can have a diameter of about 90 mm, about 110 mm, or any value therebetween. The target body 12 can have a diameter smaller than 90 mm or larger than 110 mm.

The target body 12 can be biodegradable. The target body 12 can be formed from one or more biodegradable materials. In one embodiment, the material (e.g., injection molding material, material composition) forming the target body 12 includes a thermoplastic material, a filler material, and a temperature stabilizer material. Desirably, the thermoplastic material, the filler material, and the temperature stabilizer material are all biodegradable. The thermoplastic material may be a thermoplastic monomer such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA) (from lactic acid from corn/sugarcane), thermoplastic starch (TPS) (from starch), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) (from bacteria), polybutylene succinate (PBS) (succinic acid/butanediol), polycaprolactone (PCL) (from caprolactone), and/or any other material that is biodegradable. The filler material may be, but is not limited to only being, barium sulfate, alginate, polysaccharide, polyaspartate, an iodinated compound, a bio-polymer or biomaterial, such as, but not limited to PLA/PLGA, and/or any other material that is biodegradable. The temperature stabilizer material may be, but is not limited to only being, polybutylene succinate (PBS) or any other suitable material that is biodegradable.

In one embodiment, the material forming the target body 12 includes a combination of barium sulfate (the filler material), polylactic acid (PLA) (the thermoplastic material), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) (the temperature stabilizer material). The PBS is a biodegradable temperature stabilizer that facilitates reducing and/or preventing the shooting target 10 from warping due to high temperatures, such as temperatures of 100° F. or more. For example, the shooting targets 10 may be subject to such high temperatures during shipping and transportation, such as when stored in shipping containers. The inclusion of a PBS material facilitates the shooting targets 10 maintaining their dimensional stability and flight characteristics even after exposure to such elevated temperatures.

The material composition used in forming the target body 12 of the shooting target 10 can include from about 30% to about 90% filler material. In other embodiments, the material composition forming the target body 12 can include from about 35% to about 90%, from about 40% to about 90%, from about 40% to about 85%, from about 40% to about 80%, from about 45% to about 80%, from about 45% to about 75%, or from about 50% to about 70% filler material. Alternatively, any other range of filler material can be used that enables the shooting target to function as described herein.

The material composition used in forming the target body 12 can include from about 5% to about 50% of thermoplastic material. In other embodiments, the material composition forming the target body 12 can include from about 10% to about 50%, from about 15% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 45%, or from about 20% to about 40% of thermoplastic material. Alternatively, any other range of thermoplastic material can be used that enables the shooting target to function as described herein.

The material composition used in forming the target body 12 can include from about 1% to about 40% of temperature stabilizer material. In other embodiments, the material composition used in forming the target body 12 can include from about 1% to about 35%, from about 1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 20%, from about 2% to about 20%, from about 3% to about 20%, from about 4% to about 20%, from about 5% to about 20%, and/or from about 5% to about 15% of temperature stabilizer material. Alternatively, any other range of temperature stabilizer material can be used that enables the shooting target to function as described herein.

For example, the material composition used to form the target body 12 can include from about 50% to about 70% of filler material, from about 20% to about 40% of thermoplastic material, and from about 5% to about 15% of temperature stabilizer material. Alternatively, the material composition used to form the target body 12 of the shooting target may include any percentage of filler, thermoplastic, and/or temperature stabilizer materials that enables the shooting target to function as described herein. In one embodiment, the material forming the target body 12 includes about 60% of filler material, about 30% of thermoplastic material, and about 10% of temperature stabilizer material.

The concentrations of the materials provided herein can be on a weight percent basis or a volume percent basis.

The density of the material forming the target body 12 can be between about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter. In other embodiments, the density of the material forming the target body 12 is between about 0.1 to about 0.3 grams per cubic centimeter. In one embodiment, the density of the material forming the target body 12 is about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter. Such densities of the material used to form the target body 12 has been found to be large enough to provide sufficient inertia to enable the shooting target to fly a sufficient distance, such as at least forty yards or more, away from the thrower while also being light enough to enable the shooting target to fly.

The shooting target 10 can be manufactured via an injection molding process. The material (e.g., injection molding material) form the target body 12 is heated and injected into a cavity of a mold having the desired shape of the shooting target 10. The material is allowed to cool and solidify, prior to the shooting target 10 being removed from the mold. The injection molding process allows the shooting targets 10 to be mass produced at economical cost. The injection molding process also enables precise and detailed features to be incorporated into the shooting target 10, such as the features described herein.

In some embodiments, the material forming the target body 12 can also include phosphorescent material, such as glow-in-the-dark material, so that the shooting target 10 glows in the dark and is more visible at night. Exemplary phosphorescent materials may include, but are not limited to only including, zinc sulfide, strontium aluminate, and combinations thereof. The phosphorescent material can be distributed throughout the entire target body 12 so that the entire shooting target 10 is visible via the phosphorescent material, or alternatively, can be distributed in only a select section of the target body 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the target body 12 includes one or more portions or sections 24 (e.g., phosphorescent section or glow-in-the-dark section) comprising the phosphorescent material. The phosphorescent material can be mixed into the other materials forming the target body 12 (e.g., part of the injection molded material composition) or the phosphorescent material (e.g., paint) can be applied to the surface of the body in the phosphorescent section 24. When the phosphorescent material is only present in the section 24 of the target body 12, the phosphorescent material will create a strobing or flashing effect as the shooting target 10 rotates and flies through the air. The illustrated phosphorescent section 24 includes a portion of the hub 14, a portion of the intermediate rings 20, a portion of the outer ring 18, and two of the fan blades 16. Other configurations of the phosphorescent section 24 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the entire hub 12, all of the intermediate rings 20, the entire outer ring 18, and/or all of the fan blades can include phosphorescent material and form one or more phosphorescent sections. In addition, more than one phosphorescent sections 24 can be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The multiple phosphorescent sections can be generally identical (e.g., mirror images of one another) and/or can be arranged equidistantly around the target body (e.g., two phosphorescent sections being arranged about 180-degrees apart, three phosphorescent sections being arranged about 120-degrees apart, etc.). The size of the phosphorescent section of the target body 12 and amount of phosphorescence can vary as desired (e.g., based on the degree of visibility desired).

Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the shooting target 110 is generally shown. The shooting target 110 of FIG. 2 is generally analogous to the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 also apply to the shooting target 110 of FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, the shooting target 110, and more specifically the target body 12, includes one or more removable portions or sections 26. The removable portions 26 can be manually removed from the rest or remainder of the target body 12 to enable the user to selectively modify the weight distribution of the shooting target 110 (specifically, target body) and to cause the shooting target to fly when launched in a unique flight pattern. In one embodiment, the target body 12 includes one or more frangible break lines 90. The target body 12 is intentionally made weaker along the break lines 90, such as via perforations or with thinner material, for example, enable the user to selectively break off one or more removable portions 26 of the target body 12 along the break lines.

The removable portions 26 may be formed within (be part of) any portion of the target body 12. For example, the removable portions 26 can include, but are not limited to only including, at least a portion of the fan blades 16, at least a portion of the central hub 14, at least a portion of the outer ring 18, and/or at least a portion of one or more intermediate rings 20. Other configurations of the removable portions can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The break lines 90 can be formed at various locations on the target body 12 to enable the user to selectively remove different portions of the target body to achieve different flight patterns. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the fan blades 16 includes two removable portions 26, the outer ring 18 includes two removable portions, and one of the intermediate rings 20 includes two removable portions. The ability to modify the weight distribution of the shooting target 110 facilitates providing the user with increased variety and challenge during shooting practice.

In operation, the user selects a removable portion 26 or portions to be removed, removes the portion or portions, and then launch the shooting target 110 to fly in an irregular or less expected manner as compared to the flight of the shooting target if the portion or portions had not been removed. The removable portions 26 allow the user to variably and selectively customize the flight characteristics of the shooting target 110 to facilitate increasing the difficulty of hitting the shooting target and/or to provide variety in shooting practice. The flight of the shooting target 110 without any removable portions 26 removed is generally straight and predictable. By removing or disconnecting the one or more removable portions 26, the weight distribution and/or aerodynamics of the target body 12 is altered, thereby causing the shooting target 110 to fly in an irregular manner, such as wobbling in the air and/or curving sharply or suddenly. This generally results in a less predictable flight of the shooting target 110, making it more challenging for the shooter to hit the shooting target.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, another embodiment of the shooting target 210 is generally shown. The shooting target 210 of FIGS. 3-5 is generally analogous to the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 also apply to the shooting target 210 of FIGS. 3-5.

In this embodiment, the shooting target 210 includes one or more audio features or noise makers 30. Each noise maker 30 produces an audible noise or sound as the shooting target 10 flies through the air. The audible noise provides an audible indication of the location and an audible trajectory of the shooting target 210, which can be particularly useful to a shooter in low-light conditions, when the shooting target is at a greater distance from the shooter, and/or when the shooter has poor eyesight, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the shooting target 210 includes two noise makers 30, although more or fewer noise makers can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The two noise makers 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the target body 12 (e.g., about 180-degrees apart). This arrangement maintains the rotational balance of the shooting target 210. In other embodiments, the noise makers 30 are not uniformly spaced over the shooting target. In the illustrated embodiment, the two noise makers 30 are generally identical (e.g., mirror images of one another), accordingly one noise maker will now be described with the understanding the description applies to the other noise maker as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, the noise maker 30 is configured to generate the audible noise as a result of the shooting target 210 flying through the air. That is, the passage of air over the shooting target 210 as the shooting target 210 flies through the air causes the noise maker 30 to produce the audible noise. In the illustrated embodiment, the noise maker 30 is a whistle (although other types of noise makers can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure).

In the illustrated embodiment, the whistle includes a whistle opening 34. The whistle opening 34 is a shaped opening in the form of a slot that extends generally radially. The whistle opening 34 extends between the outer ring 18 and the adjacent intermediate ring 20. The whistle includes a whistle chamber 36 in fluid communication with the whistle opening 34. Specifically, the whistle opening 34 is arranged at a front or top of the whistle chamber 36. The whistle chamber 36 cooperates with the whistle opening 34 to create the audible sound or whistle as air passes over the whistle opening as the shooting target 210 flies through the air. The whistle includes a front or top wall 38, an opposite rear or bottom wall 40, and a side wall 42. The front wall 38, the bottom wall 40, and the side wall 42 each extend between the outer ring 18 and the adjacent intermediate ring 20. The bottom wall 40 is connected to the fan blade 16 (e.g., at a bottom or trailing edge of the fan blade). In this embodiment, the whistle includes a portion of the fan blade 16. The front wall 38, the bottom wall 40, the side wall 42, the outer ring 18, the adjacent intermediate ring 20, and the fan blade 16 bound or define the whistle chamber 36. The only entrance/exit to the whistle chamber 36 is the whistle opening 34. The fan blade 16 and the front wall 38 bound opposite sides of the whistle opening 34. This configuration results in the leading or attack edge 44 of the fan blade 16 that bounds the whistle opening 34 forming the whistle edge or blade for producing the audible noise. Air is directed along the edge 44 of the flan blade 16 to produce the audible noise.

In other embodiments, the whistle need not use the fan blade 16 (edge thereof) as a component of the whistle. For example, the whistle can be a component added to (or formed integrally with) a fan blade 16, the hub 14, an intermediate ring 20, and/or the outer ring 18 that defines its own whistle edge that causes the whistle sound to be produced.

Other configurations of the noise maker can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any other device that can produce an audible noise (either independent of the shooting target 210 flying through the air such as speaker or as a direct result of air moving over the shooting target as the shooing target flies through the air) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, noise maker 30 is an integral part of the target body 12, and/or formed integrally with, any other portion of the target body. In particular, the noise maker 30 (e.g., whistle) is integrally formed with the one of the fan blades 16, the outer ring 18, and one of (e.g., the outer-most) intermediate ring 20). The noise maker 30 can be disposed at other locations about the target body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The noise maker 30 can be integrally formed with any part of the target body 12, such as the hub 14, one or more intermediate rings 20, the outer ring 18, and/or one or more of the fan blades 16. Alternatively, the noise maker can be a separate component (e.g., battery powered electronic speaker) that is coupled (e.g., removably coupled, permanently coupled) to the target body 12. In this embodiment, the noise maker can be attached to the target body by a connector (see FIG. 6), adhesive, or by any other suitable manner.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the shooting target 310 is generally shown. The shooting target 310 of FIG. 6 is generally analogous to the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 also apply to the shooting target 310 of FIG. 6.

In this embodiment, the shooting target 310 includes one or more connectors or receivers 60 for coupling a separate component C to the shooting target (e.g., the target body 12 thereof). The connector 60 allows other features or components to be added (e.g., attached) to the target body 12 of the shooting target 310. The added component C flies with the shooting target 310 when launched into the air. In some embodiments, the component C is something to increase or aid in the visibility of the shooting target 310 (the component can be considered an added visibility feature or component). Instead, or in addition, the component C can function as a weight that causes the target to fly in an altered flight pattern or path. Broadly, the shooting target 310 can include the component C.

In one embodiment, the component C (e.g., visibility component) functions as a target hit indicator that visually indicates when the shooting target 310 has been hit by one or more projectiles from a firearm. For example, the component C comprises a pouch or container filled with a material such as sand, dust, powder, a binary explosive such as, but not limited to, Tannerite™ and/or any other granular material that puffs or creates a cloud of particles when hit by projectiles from a firearm, such as a shotgun to visually indicate the shooting target 310 has been hit by the projectiles from the firearm (e.g., shotgun). In some embodiments, the component C can ignite or explode, such as an incendiary material, when hit by the projectiles to visually indicate the shooting target 310 has been hit. It is understood that at least some of the material used to form the target body 12 of the shooting target 310 can also function as a target hit indicator and puff and/or create a cloud of particles when hit.

In one embodiment, the component C (e.g., visibility component) functions as a target visibility aid that makes the shooting target easier to see during flight. The component C facilitates increasing the visibility of the shooting target 310 as the shooting target flies through the air before being shot. In this embodiment, the component C comprises a sparkler, a glow stick, an incendiary, a reflector, and/or a tracer or any combination of the aforementioned features, that facilitates increasing the visibility of the shooting target 310 for the shooter, making it easier for the shooter to follow the shooting target as the shooting target flies through the air. In this embodiment, the component C can be activated or started manually by the user prior to launching the shooting target 310. For example, the user may crack a glow stick to start the illumination of the glow stick, or the user may ignite a sparkler or incendiary material.

In some embodiments, the component C can function as both a target hit indicator and a target visibility aid. For example, the component C can comprise both a target hit indicator and a target visibility aid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shooting target 310 includes two connectors 60, although the shooting target can have more or fewer connectors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The two connectors 60 are generally identical. Accordingly, one connector 60 will now be described with the understanding the description applies to both connectors. The connector 60 comprises a clip 62. The clip 62 clips onto the component C to couple the component to the target body 12. The clip 62 includes a pair of opposing jaws 64 for holding the component C. The jaws 64 are resiliently deflectable away from each other to enable reception of the component C therebetween. The jaws 64 define an opening 66 the component C can be moved through to position the component between the jaws, thereby coupling the component with the target body 12.

The connector 60 (e.g., the clip 62) is connected to the target body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the target body 12 includes a connector support or wall 68 to which the connector 60 is attached. The connector support 68 extends between and is connected to two fan blades 16, the hub 14 and the intermediate ring 20 adjacent the hub. The connector 60 can be located at other positions on the target body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 60 (e.g., the clip 62) is integrally formed with the target body 12. The connector 60 is an integral, one-piece component with the connector support 68 of the target body 12. In other embodiments, the connector is a separate component attached to the body of the shooting target, such as by welding or adhesive.

The component C can be attached to the target body 12 of the shooting target 310 in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the component C is formed integrally as part of the target body 12 of the shooting target 310. In another embodiment, the component C is surrounded and captured by the injection molding material when the injection molding material is injected into the mold.

Other types and configurations of components can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the component C can be a noise maker (e.g., battery powered electronic speaker) for producing an audible noise. In other embodiments, the component C can have one or more light sources (e.g., electrically powered light sources, such as LEDs).

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the shooting target 410 is generally shown. The shooting target 410 of FIG. 7 is generally analogous to the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 also apply to the shooting target 410 of FIG. 7.

In this embodiment, the shooting target 410 includes one or more visibility features 70 to increase or aid in the visibility of the shooting target. In the illustrated embodiment, the shooting target 410 includes two visibility features. In the illustrated embodiment, each visibility feature 70 includes one or more light sources 72, such as, but not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light sources 72 are supported by or mounted to the target body 12. The light source(s) 72 can be positioned on one or both sides of the target body 12. For example, the visibility feature 70 can include one light source 72 on a front side of the target body 12 and arranged to emit light in a forward direction and/or include another light source on a rear side of the target body and arranged to emit light in a rearward direction. The target body 12 includes a compartment or housing 74 that contains the light sources 72, a power source 76, such as, but not limited to, a battery, and associated electronics/circuitry for powering/controlling/operating the light source 72. The light source 72 can be continuously illuminated or can be activated to blink in a flashing or strobing pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the target body 12 includes two housings 74, one for each visibility feature 70. Each housing 74 includes a front or top wall and a rear or bottom wall extending between and connected to two fan blades 16, the hub 14 and the intermediate ring 20 adjacent the hub. The housings 74 can be located at other positions on the target body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The visibility feature 70 can include a light source activator or actuator 78. The activator 78 can be considered part of the associated electronics or circuitry. The activator 78 is configured to activate or turn on the light source 72. In one embodiment, the activator 78 is an on-off switch for turning the light source 72 on and off. In one embodiment, the activator 78 is a pull tab. In this embodiment, the pull tab is positioned between the battery and a battery contact and is used to selectively electrically disconnect the battery from the rest of the circuitry. For example, when the pull tab is removed, the battery electrically connects to the rest of the circuitry by the battery and battery contact coming into electrical contact with one another. The pull tab can be positioned between the battery and the battery contact by the manufacturer of the shooting target 410.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the shooting target 510 is generally shown. The shooting target 510 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is generally analogous to the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 also apply to the shooting target 510 of FIGS. 8 and 9.

In this embodiment, the shooting target 510 is configured as a dog toy (e.g., dog toy target) that flies and that can be launched in the same manner as the shooting targets described herein. The dog can chase the dog toy target 510 as it flies through the air, attempt to catch the dog toy target, and/or grab or bite the dog toy target once the dog toy target lands on the ground. In this embodiment, the dog toy target 510 may not be shot at with a firearm, such as a shotgun, although it still can be.

To configure the shooting target 510 as a dog toy, the target body 12 is made, such as via injection molding, using multiple materials (e.g., multiple different injection molding materials or compounds) having different hardnesses. This allows different portions/sections of the target body 12 to have different hardnesses. For example, a first material used in forming the central hub 14 can be of a harder and more rigid material than the remainder of the shooting target 510 to facilitate preventing the central hub 14 from undesirably expanding/deforming during rotation of the shooting target 510 from the launcher. If the expansion/deformation of the central hub 14 is great enough during launching (due to the centrifugal forces experienced by the target body as the target body is spun by the launcher), the central hub could become incompatible with the launcher, preventing egress of the shooting target 510 from the launcher. For example, the first material can be the same material used to form the target body 12 of the shooting target 10 of FIG. 1 described above.

Other portions of the target body 12, such as the outer ring 18, intermediate ring(s) 20, and/or fan blades 16, can be made of a different second material, such as relatively softer, resiliently deformable material. The other portions of the target body 12 are fabricated from a softer material (e.g., silicone, rubber, and the like), so that the teeth of the dog will not become damaged when biting the softer material. For example, the second material can have the relative softness and resilient deformability similar to a rubber dog toy. Desirably, only the hub 14 is formed of the first material (e.g., harder more rigid material) and the rest of the shooting target/dog toy target 510 is formed of the second material (e.g., softer, resiliently deformable material). In other embodiments, the entire target body 12 can be made of the second material.

In this embodiment, to facilitate the dog gripping the dog toy target 510, the outer ring 18 includes a first, top, or front channel 80 on the top or front side or face of the outer ring 18 and a second, bottom, or rear channel 82 on the bottom or rear side or face of the outer ring. The channels 80, 82 extend circumferentially along the entire outer ring 18. As a result of the channels 80, 82, the outer ring 18 has a generally H-shape in cross-section.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the target body 12 does not have any intermediate rings. However, in other embodiments, the target body can include one or more intermediate rings.

Example embodiments of a shooting target with enhanced features are described above in detail. The shooting target is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the shooting target and/or the methods of fabricating the shooting target may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the whistle feature, the removable portions with frangible break lines, the visibility features, the multi-material construction, and the biodegradable material composition can each be implemented independently or in any combination with one another. In other words, the features of one embodiment of the shooting target described herein can be implemented in any other embodiment of the shooting target described herein. Additionally, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many applications beyond traditional shooting sports, including pet toys and other recreational devices where biodegradable components, audible feedback, enhanced visibility, and customizable flight patterns are desired.

The detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

Claims

1. A shooting target comprising:

a target body including a central hub and a plurality of fan blades extending outward from the central hub;

wherein at least one of: the target body includes a phosphorescent section; the target body includes a frangible break line; the target body is made of a first material and a second material different than the first material, the second material being softer than the first material; the shooting target further comprises a whistle configured to produce an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air; the shooting target further comprises a connector configured to couple a separate component to the shooting target; or the shooting target further comprises a light source.

2. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target body includes the phosphorescent section.

3. The shooting target of claim 2, wherein at least one of the fan blades forms the phosphorescent section.

4. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target body includes the frangible break line.

5. The shooting target of claim 4, wherein the frangible break line is a first frangible break line, wherein the target body further comprises a plurality of frangible break lines, the plurality of frangible break lines including the first frangible break line.

6. The shooting target of claim 5, wherein the plurality of frangible break lines bound a removable portion of the target body, the plurality of frangible break lines configured to enable the target body to break apart along the frangible break lines to facilitate removal of the removable portion from a remainder of the target body.

7. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target body is made of a first material and a second material different than the first material, the second material being softer than the first material.

8. The shooting target of claim 7, wherein the second material is resiliently deformable.

9. The shooting target of claim 8, wherein the second material comprises silicone or rubber.

10. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising the whistle configured to produce the audible noise as the shooting target flies through air.

11. The shooting target of claim 10, wherein the whistle includes a whistle opening.

12. The shooting target of claim 11, wherein in the whistle opening is bounded by one of the fan blades.

13. The shooting target of claim 11, wherein the whistle includes a whistle chamber in fluid communication with the whistle opening.

14. The shooting target of claim 10, wherein the whistle is integrally formed with the target body.

15. The shooting target of claim 10, wherein the whistle is a first whistle, wherein the shooting target further comprises a second whistle configured to produce an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air.

16. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising the connector configured to couple the separate component to the shooting target.

17. The shooting target of claim 16, wherein the connector comprises a clip.

18. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising the light source.

19. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein:

the target body includes a phosphorescent section;

the target body includes a frangible break line;

the target body is made of a first material and a second material different than the first material, the second material being softer than the first material;

the shooting target further comprises a whistle configured to produce an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air;

the shooting target further comprises a connector configured to couple a separate component to the shooting target; and

the shooting target further comprises a light source.

20. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target body comprises a biodegradable material.