Frangible Or Formed From A Plurality Of Separable Interconnected Elements (e.g., Explosion Simulating) Patents (Class 273/380)
  • Patent number: 11421966
    Abstract: A target stand for supporting target disks above a ground surface includes a rigid support stand that comprises two side members each having a top end, a bottom end, and a central area, and in some embodiments a cross bar spanning between the central areas of the side members. A target supply mechanism comprises at least a front plate and a rear plate, a target disk track being defined therebetween from a top edge to a bottom edge between the plates. Each side edge of the target supply mechanism is fixed to the top end of one of the side members. A target holder is fixed proximate the bottom edge of the target supply mechanism to receive one or more of the target disks from the target supply mechanism and present the target disks to a target shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Ryan Staats
  • Patent number: 11273349
    Abstract: A target assembly that is configured to withstand high-velocity impact from a projectile. These configurations may comprise elastic members, or “bungee” cords, that generate elastic forces to return the target assembly to its orientation prior to impact. The bungee cords are less likely to undergo inelastic deformation; so these components afford the target assembly with longer life or longevity under heavy duty cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Marc Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11266891
    Abstract: A target for sport goal is configured to attach to a cross member of a goal, such as a hockey goal, a soccer goal, lacrosse goal, and other such goals. The target includes a sleeve member that has an interior radius corresponding to that of the intended goal to which it is mounted. Attachment slots receive an attachment strap to secure the sleeve to the cross member. Suspension slots are disposed to receive a suspension strap that secures a target in a desired orientation relative to the length of the sleeve. The target is configured such that the target provides an audible or visual indication when the target is struck by a game object, such as a puck, a ball, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: EpicSportsLLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Adam Johnson
  • Patent number: 10288389
    Abstract: An impact triggered dynamic target system includes, a target body with legs that can be ground spikes; a target release assembly, including a target holder including first and second holder pegs; a primary target assembly, including a primary target disc, a secondary target pusher including first and second secondary target pushers, and first and second target sliders slidably mounted on the first and second holder pegs, and a plurality of secondary target discs; a rolling track with a rolling surface and first and second side rails; and a projectile receptacle, such that a practice shooter shoots that the primary target disc, which releases a secondary target disc, which rolls down the rolling track and off the impact triggered dynamic target system, such that the practice shooter can shoot at the rear disc, while the rear disc is rolling on an adjacent ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 9943771
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are for a method, apparatus, and system for toy building blocks with chain reaction trigger. The blocks are configured to be coupled together in order to build structures with the blocks. The blocks house a trigger mechanism system that when triggered will then actively trigger the adjacent block's trigger mechanism system. Thus, the blocks will disconnect and/or break away from each other in a chain reaction or sequenced manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony T. Blow
  • Patent number: 9784539
    Abstract: A reactive target retention device preferably includes a flat sheet with at least one cutout pattern. The cutout pattern includes a target opening, two opposing tabs and an inner tab is formed in each opposing tab. An alternative reactive target retention device preferably includes a flat sheet with at least one cutout pattern. The cutout pattern includes a target opening, at least two partial cutouts and at least two projection tabs. A final reactive target retention device includes a flat sheet, a target opening and at least two retention clips. A target sheet support device includes a pair of post members and two horizontal support members. An alternative target sheet support device includes the pair of post members and at least one horizontal support wire. Another target sheet support device includes flat sheet having an outer shape of an animal and a pair of support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick A. Preuss
  • Patent number: 9033341
    Abstract: A ramp for launching an object at a target is provided, the ramp having: a release mechanism mounted to the ramp for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the release mechanism is configured to retain the object with respect to the ramp when it is in the first position and wherein the release mechanism is configured to release the object when the release mechanism is in the second position; and wherein the release mechanism further comprises an arm member pivotally mounted to the ramp and the arm member has a plurality of features each spaced from each other and extending from the arm member above a surface of the ramp when the release mechanism is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Bazarko
  • Publication number: 20150084282
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pneumatically actuated displays for colored powder. In one illustrative embodiment, an indicator unit includes a hopper into which a dispersible indication powder can be loaded. An air inlet at the bottom of the hopper aligns with a hollow downpipe extending upwards to the top of the hopper. Upon receiving a signal, a burst of air is sent through the air inlet, lifting a portion of the indication powder through the downpipe and into the air above the indicator unit. For use as part of a reactive target system, one or more sensors that can be attached to the back of a target are in communication with the indicator unit and can generate a signal upon sensing a desired condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Nick Schafer, Tyler Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20150069706
    Abstract: A frangible target suspension apparatus wherein the frangible targets are secured to one or more support cords by passing the support cord through slots in the side edges of a sleeve and friction to keep the frangible targets in place on the support cord. In an alternative embodiment, the frangible target engages a cover with side slots that is placed over the frangible target from the rear retaining the support cord in place within the side slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel L. Fodera
  • Publication number: 20150001802
    Abstract: Feedback is provided to a marksman by placing a target graphic over a sensitive layer. As a result of a bullet penetrating the sensitive layer, the appearance of regions of the sensitive layer immediately around a bullet hole gradually change appearance. The regions first appear to have a first color and then gradually change to a second color within a predetermined length of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Z. Sharrock
  • Patent number: 8919778
    Abstract: A frangible target suspension apparatus wherein the frangible targets are secured to one or more support cords by passing the support cord through apertures in the side edges of the frangible targets and using tension caused by the weight to keep the frangible targets in place on the support cord, or by securing with adhesive, such as when the support cord is a tape, or by knotting the support cord, or utilizing a fastener to secure the support cord to the frangible target. In an alternative embodiment, the frangible target engages a cover with side slots that is placed over the frangible target from the rear retaining the support cord in place within the side slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel L. Fodera
  • Patent number: 8844934
    Abstract: A target for hanging on a frame has a hanging member having a first elongated arm, a second arm extending from the first arm and a third arm extending from the second arm. The first and third arms are parallel to each other and the second arm is perpendicular to said first and third arms. The third arm is shorter than the first arm. The hanging member has a thickness. A target disk has an elongated slot wherein the hanging member is inserted into the slot. The third arm extends through the slot and the second arm is received within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jacob T. Dean, Donald L. Wells
  • Patent number: 8814168
    Abstract: A shooting target comprising a target body including an outer skin having a front face and an inner surface; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers disposed in the interior cavity, adjacent the outer skin, and carrying colored fluid; and a carrier backing urging the one or more fluid carriers against the inner surface of the outer skin. Upon penetration of the outer skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ZMB Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Roger George Lee Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8556268
    Abstract: A “indicating” projectile impact target, or group of such, that can be affixed to the front of an existing thin walled projectile impact target, where the indicating target(s) “actuate”, upon being struck by a projectile at one of the indicating target's bullseye locations, to leave a custom silhouette in the indicating target and the existing target, in order to indicate the bulls eye strike to the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Su
  • Publication number: 20120286475
    Abstract: A skills game includes a game set with a deck of cards, various-shaped building blocks, a projectile launcher, projectiles, and target pieces. Players take turns selecting a card, building structures, launching projectiles, and knocking down targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Chun Kit Ho, Nicole Ashley Jenkins, Erich William Weidetz
  • Publication number: 20110316234
    Abstract: This invention is a target that uses the kinetic energy stored in a plastic bb after it has been launched and transfers that energy into the target mass in order to cause a colored particulate matter to be expelled in such a manner as to make a mark on the target surface and to expel the same particulate matter into the surrounding area. This target reacts to the energy in order to visually inform the user that the target has been hit and, in the preferred embodiment, the point at which the impact occurred. Again, in the preferred embodiment, the colored particulate matter will be expelled both in front and back of the target. Additionally, the target faces can be machine-washed, dried, and hand-ironed for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Kerry Lee Miller, SR.
  • Publication number: 20110285088
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic cassette contains a pyrotechnic, it can be shipped separate from a primer, then placed in a rigid housing, together with the primer so as to form a pyrotechnic clay pigeon, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Gregg
  • Patent number: 7735832
    Abstract: A target moving configuration includes a weighted base, a shooter's target, a target-moving assembly rotationally connected to the base and a hinge pivotally connecting the target thereto. A target-fall control device operatively connects the hinge to selectively pivot the target when activated. The control device has a balloon, a lock with a removable key, and a pull cord connecting the balloon to the key, which cord holds the key in the lock while the balloon is intact. A target motion device has a drive shaft, a drive cord connected to the target moving assembly and the drive shaft. An electric motor is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. A controller is operable to selectively and randomly power the motor to, thereby, move the target movement arm with respect to the base. Multiple targets and assemblies are provided and connected to the drive shaft for independent movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: James Carl Bliehall
  • Patent number: 7712743
    Abstract: A three-dimensional reactionary turkey target includes a target stand shaped to represent the body of a turkey and a reactionary head and neck target that is shaped to represent the vital region of a turkey's head and neck. The head and neck target connects to the target stand, which is held in position via a support means. The target allows youth, novice, and experienced turkey hunters to assess the pattern of a turkey gun, gauge the shooter's accuracy, determine the efficacy of ammunition, and practice with a life-like target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas John Miller
  • Patent number: 7681887
    Abstract: The present invention discloses novel hangers for hanging shooting targets such as clay targets in place for shooting practice. In addition it relates to a target system which includes hangers of the invention in combination with a horizontal support and optional support stands designed to hang one or more targets during target practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Glenn Brant Hensley
  • Patent number: 7644927
    Abstract: A modular set of elements are nondestructively assemblable into and disassemblable out of a plurality of configurations of a system for supporting targets and signs on a hard surface or on soft ground. These elements include an upright, a base that upholds the upright and is disposable in a stable manner on a hard surface or on soft ground, a horizontal arm from which to suspend a target or sign, and a brace slidable on the outer surface of the upright that includes a tubular shoulder capable of receiving an end of the horizontal arm. A hanger of unitary molded construction is capable of suspending from a horizontal support a clay target of the type cast by trap or skeet shooting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Verl Law
  • Patent number: 5690338
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing immediate and dramatic indication of the accurate striking of a target with a gunnery projectile such as a bullet which includes a rocket apparatus with a body defining a chamber therein for holding fluid such as air and water under pressure. A cap is positioned over an inlet defined in the body and includes a nozzle and a one-way nozzle valve positioned therein. A target zone is indicated on the lower portion of the body and the cap such that when it is struck by a projectile it will launch upwardly indicating a target having been struck. A mounting apparatus is included for providing one or more of the rocket apparatus at an elevated mounted location. A deflector apparatus may be included for increasing accuracy for inexperienced marksmen and a descent control device is included for enhancing the gunnery target display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignees: William Thomas Cain, Elizabeth J. Cain
    Inventor: William Thomas Cain
  • Patent number: 5649707
    Abstract: Provided is a clay pigeon which is a saucer-shaped compressed piece of clay and one or more additives. One of the additives is a calcium-based compound which reduces the drying shrinkage of clay and stabilizes the clay, which is preferably limestone powder or mortar. The clay content is at least 50% and the additive content 5-50%, calculated from the dry matter of the clay pigeon. The clay pigeon may also contain another additive reducing drying shrinkage and a component improving the plasticity of the mass. Also provided is a method for preparing a clay pigeon, where clay, one or more additives, and optionally a component improving the plasticity of the mixture are mixed to form a mass. Water is added if necessary to improve the plasticity of the mass, the mass is fed into a mold in which it is compressed for a moment, and the clay pigeon is removed from the mold while still in a plastic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Auramatrix Ifo Oy
    Inventors: Kim Brander, Asko Ristimaki, Antti Eeva
  • Patent number: 5575479
    Abstract: A projectile impact indicating target for sport shooting includes a frame, a projectile impact sensor mounted on the frame for sensing projectile impact, and an impact indicator releasably restrained by the projectile impact sensor for indicating projectile impact with the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ayres
  • Patent number: 5334073
    Abstract: A toy figure has a torso with a plurality of removable, spring-biased appendages. Each appendage inserted into the torso with connectors. Each of the connectors includes a groove for receiving a movable detent to attach the appendages to the torso. The front of the toy figure contains two buttons which are actuated upon application of a force. When an upper button is actuated, three spring detents move out of engagement with the connector grooves causing both arms and the head appendages to be simultaneously released and biased outwardly from the torso. When a lower button is actuated, two spring detents move out of engagement with connector grooves, causing both leg appendages to be simultaneously released and biased outwardly from the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Tyco Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Anthony R. Garr, Jean Newton, Salvatore Mucaro
  • Patent number: 5299809
    Abstract: A first and second boat member are provided, with the first member including a spring actuated torpedo directed through the hull of the first toy member arranged to engage and impact a target plate of a second boat member. Upon impact of the target plate, simulation smoke and the ejection of a stacked housing column of plates is projected from the second boat member. Impact of the target plate effects the rotation of a cam plate to impact the housing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventors: Louis J. Evangelista, Louis J. Evangelista, Sr., Michael Evangelista
  • Patent number: 5181724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wing shooting target made up of an internally empty body, subdivided into two half-portions (1, 2) integrally coupled to each other at the time of shooting, endowed with at least two radial vanes (3) and realized in a light material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Vittorio Spadoni
  • Patent number: 5174581
    Abstract: The instant invention is provides a biodegradable and edible clay pigeon. The pigeon is constructed in such a way to be stackable as well as to withstand the throwing force of the trap. A composition of sugar, birdseed and water is poured into a skeet mold and then dried. The resulting pigeon has been found to have a fragile structure which is both easily breakable by a shotgun blast as well as strong enough to withstand the throwing force of the trap. The pigeon is molded in such a manner to have an aerodynamic structure which permits the target to be projected with considerable speed into the air by the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Deborah A. Goodson
  • Patent number: 4844474
    Abstract: A toy apparatus having a plurality of exploding members exploded and ejected from a housing in seriatum by radiant energy hitting the housing at a predetermined location. The exploding members are held to the housing by latches positioned in the path of a cam member driven intermittently by a drive mechanism in response to radiation aimed at a detector on the housing. The exploding members are exploded from the housing in seriatum as radiation is repeatedly aimed at the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph S. Schaub, Terence A. Choy
  • Patent number: 4805918
    Abstract: A game for use in alleviating stress includes a stand. The stand, which is in the shape of a rectangular parallelipiped, has a groove, also rectangular in shape, extending longitudinally across its entire length. A plate, made up of transparent plastic, is disposed in said groove. Said plate has a smooth surface upon which figures or letters may be drawn and later erased. Said plate is rectangular in shape and comprises a plurality of separate interlocking pieces. Said game also includes a bean bag for impacting against said plate and for dissociating said plate into said separate interlocking pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Andrea L. Feinberg
  • Patent number: 4697807
    Abstract: A simulated golf ball has a unitary outer shell which is dimensionally stable under normal atmospheric conditions but which breaks down into finely divided particles when struck by a golf club. The particles are so small that they cannnot be seen and the shell includes at least one inner compartment which contains a second material that expands when freed when the shell is struck and broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Francis J. Boundy
  • Patent number: 4695059
    Abstract: A hit indicating system in an aerial firing practice target to be towed comprises parallel connected resistance circuits the combined resistance of which is varied when any of the circuits is cut by a bullet, and this variation activates an ignition control unit comprising a differentiation circuit, a logic circuit, an output circuit, and optionally, a waveform shaping circuit, to transmit signals causing signal tubes to operate in sequence to emit flares or smoke preferably of significantly different hues indicating sequential hits to enable visual observation from aircraft at relatively remote positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yamashita, Norio Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 4538817
    Abstract: A balloon target game apparatus including an inflated balloon and a throwable article for throwing at the inflated balloon utilizes a grit-covered, abrasive surface for bursting the balloon upon contact with the balloon when the balloon is struck by the throwable article. In one aspect of the invention, the abrasive surface is defined by a surface of the throwable article. In another aspect of the invention, the game apparatus includes a backing article, and the abrasive surface is defined by a surface of the backing article. The backing article is positionable in relationship to the inflated balloon so that when the balloon is struck by the throwable article, the balloon is moved into contact with the abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Louis E. Bonomi
    Inventor: Joseph Ramella
  • Patent number: 4509760
    Abstract: A target structure comprising of at least one target and means coupled to the target for exploding the target when the target is hit by an object. In a particular embodiment, the target is a horizontal panel and projector means is located beneath the panel and projects the panel away from the target structure when the panel is struck by an object. The projector means is spring-loaded and is triggered by the force of the object striking the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Adolph E. Goldfarb
    Inventors: Adolph E. Goldfarb, Delmar K. Everitt
  • Patent number: 4502691
    Abstract: A destructible toy aircraft game, comprising a body having generally the shape of an aircraft fuselage and including a pair of wings; a pair of wings removably mounted to said body and one of said wings mounted to each of said sides; a latch mechanism for removably mounting said wings to said body; a release system operatively associated with said latch mechanism cooperating with said latch mechanism for securing said wings to said body when in a first latch position and for releasing said wings from said body when in a second release position; a motor assembly for disposing said release system in said release position from said latch position; a fluid pressure contact switch assembly cooperatively engaged with said motor assembly for activating said motor assembly for disposing said release system from said latch to said release position whereby said wings being released from said body thereby; and, a fluid pressure delivery system for directing pressurized fluid to said fluid pressure contact switch assembl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventors: Raymond W. Ratliff, Eugene E. Smith
  • Patent number: 4498677
    Abstract: An explosive target for firearm marksmanship has a hollow rectangular block-shaped body assembly including an internal bore containing an explosive charge which detonates upon projectile impact. A charge retaining disc forcibly inserted within the bore retains the charge adjacent the rear wall of the body assembly. A target imprinted on the front wall of the body assembly is coaxially aligned with the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Inventor: John G. Dapkus
  • Patent number: 4248436
    Abstract: An amusement device has a supporting base with a central division wall. The division wall has an opening therein over which a simulated aircraft with bomb bay door or the like is disposed, and a housing is positioned behind the opening. A bubble pipe is disposed behind the simulated aircraft with its bowl inverted so that bubbles emitted therefrom appear to originate in the aircraft bomb bay. A tube is connected operatively to the bubble pipe, and has an end extending to the operators' position on the supporting base. At such position, a water pistol is mounted on a bracket, so that a water stream directed therefrom may be employed to attempt to strike the bubble. A catch is positioned on the supporting base below the opening and within the housing wherein expended fluid is collected for disposal or for re-use. Side flanges on the housing aid in the prevention of spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Malcolm J. Corrigan
  • Patent number: 4245843
    Abstract: A hockey shooting target comprises a target element mounted in a peripheral framework, from which the element is removed on being struck by a properly aimed hockey puck, ball, etc. A saddle is provided for mounting the framework at suitable locations in the goalmouth of a hockey net. The target element is of flexible compressible impact resistant material, e.g. rubbery foam polyurethane, to permit its repeated re-use as a target element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Denis O. Griggs
  • Patent number: H485
    Abstract: An aerial target, which can operate either in a self-propelled or towed ciguration, is made of a lightweight, frangible foam material. When employed in the self-propelled configuration, the target includes a remotely controlled guidance system; a remotely controlled guidance system is an optional feature of the target in its towed configuration. The self-propelled target is powered by a solid fuel rocket motor encased in a non-metallic lightweight housing. In order to cause realistic destruction of the target when it is hit by a projectile, a liquid-filled cavity is included in the body of the target. When hit by a projectile, this hydraulic device ruptures and severs the target to simulate warhead detonation and to prevent further flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David G. Rousseau