Automatic Restoring Patents (Class 273/392)
  • Patent number: 11940248
    Abstract: Target engagement training apparatus, devices, systems and methods that can include wearable training devices on eye glasses and the like as well as mountable to weapons, such as rifles, and pistols, that identifies targets for users to shoot at whether randomly or in a prescribed manner, varies the speed that target identifiers are provided, and varies the duration the target identifier is shown. The target engagement training device dictates to the user which target to engage. The targets can include but are not limited to: 2D (two dimensional) planar materials with various graphics, such as sheets of paper, wood, or metal with printed, painted, or projected images or video displayed; 3-dimensional simulated human or animal figures; or simulated or actual vehicles, buildings, or other structures or items intended for target engagement training. One or more targets can exist on a single item of the aforementioned target materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Andrew Palmer
  • Patent number: 11612795
    Abstract: A game assembly is configured to be used in a target throwing game. The game assembly has a target further comprising a three-dimensional polygon having twenty-six sides. A game surface is attached to at least one side on the three-dimensional polygon. A mounting bracket is attached to the target and to vertical surface joined to a ground surface. At least one ball has an attachment surface configured to detachably join to the game surface. Throwing the at least one ball at the game surface can score points for a user of the game assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Chad Edward Hutson
  • Patent number: 11466968
    Abstract: A resetting target system includes a reset subassembly and a target subassembly which are separately positionable along a support rail. An arm of a reset plate is removably coupled to a reset bar. The reset bar is inserted through the target subassembly. When the reset bar is actuated by striking the reset plate, the reset bar pivots a latch of the target subassembly and frees a target from a latched position. One reset bar may engage with one or more target subassemblies, and multiple reset bars may be interconnected and coupled to a single reset plate. The target system is modular, adjustable, and easy to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Douglas Garstka
  • Patent number: 11125538
    Abstract: A shooting range facility that is for recreational or sporting purposes includes a target support plate, which can be tilted according to several different possible inclinations with respect to a reference plane, and at least one target representation intended to be displayed in a plane of the target support plate. Each target representation has several different displayable deformations, respectively associated with the several different possible inclinations, these different deformations being designed so that the orthogonal projections thereof in the reference plane are all identical when they are respectively displayed in the plane of the target support plate according to the inclinations with which they are respectively associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Alexandre, Robert Boden, Christian Bolzmacher
  • Patent number: 10533829
    Abstract: An automatically resetting target device includes a target arm having a target end, a pivot end and a length therebetween, a target support member for pivotally supporting the pivot end of the target arm, and an automatically resetting mechanism. The automatically resetting mechanism includes a center support member attached to the target support member and biasing member having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to a point along the length of the target arm and the second end attached to an attachment member spaced apart from the pivot end of the target arm, wherein the biasing member passes across the pivot end of the target arm and causes the target arm to move from a first ready position to a second ready position when an outside force from a projectile is applied to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Outdoor Gear Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Holmberg, Stephen W. Cass, Randal P. Stuart
  • Patent number: 10530100
    Abstract: A communication connector includes a wafer stack including ground wafers and signal wafers arranged in a stacked configuration. Each signal wafer includes a dielectric frame holding a signal leadframe including a plurality of signal contacts. Each ground wafer includes a dielectric frame holding a ground leadframe including ground plates connected by tie bars and rail slots therethrough. The communication connector includes ground rails separate from the ground wafers and being plugged into the wafer stack to electrically connect to corresponding ground wafers. The ground rails have rail tabs received in corresponding rail slots being coupled to ground plates of corresponding ground wafers. Each rail tab extends through at least one signal wafer to provide electrical shielding for signal contacts of the at least one signal wafer. Each rail tab is coupled to at least two different ground wafers to electrically connect the at least two different ground wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall Robert Henry, Michael John Phillips, Bruce Allen Champion
  • Patent number: 10132600
    Abstract: A collapsible target is disclosed. The target comprises a frame that is collapsible from an open, unfolded configuration, to a closed, folded configuration. A fabric housing is mounted on the frame using a series of capped connectors and grommets. The housing comprises a plurality of panels joined together to from an inner compartment. The front panel of the compartment is formed with a window. A target assembly comprising a self-resetting spinner and a base is mounted in the compartment behind the window. The spinner may be mounted on an illuminated axle. The base is dimensioned for alternately holding a breakable clay target. The target is highly portable and easy to setup and take down. The target may be conveniently stored in a bag when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAUNDERS ARCHERY COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles A. Saunders, Brett A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10117603
    Abstract: Low-cost, easy-to-use alignment target generators for aligning a user's own face or eye to a camera or scanner are based on field-of-view visual feedback from a filtered or apertured planar light source. These approaches may be made agnostic to the scanner's operating system or other software. Alternatively, software on the scanner or its host device may create a solid light-colored section of an existing display screen to use as a planar light source. In some embodiments, the planar light source may be the virtual image of an object viewed in a plane mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry A. Stevens, Yoshifumi Nishi
  • Patent number: 10018450
    Abstract: Example systems, devices, and methods related to an automated target system are provided. In this regard, a target pod device, that may be installed in a target base is provided. The target pod device may include a hinge, a target paddle, a rotary actuator, a sensor, and a processor. The target paddle may be operably coupled to the hinge and the rotary actuator may be operably coupled to the target paddle. The rotary actuator may be configured to rotate the target paddle to a deployed position or a retracted position. The sensor may detect that the target paddle has been moved toward the retracted position. The processor may be configured to transmit a signal to the rotary actuator to cause the rotary actuator to rotate the target paddle, and determine whether the target paddle has been moved toward the retracted position by a projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Tactical Tree Hugging Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald G. Loetz, Jr., Lance D. Quevillon, Michael Fineberg, Martin Dalgaard, Nikolas Francis, James Ibon
  • Patent number: 10001349
    Abstract: A target system for receiving a target having a target body and target projection extending therefrom. The target system comprises a main frame and a target attachment system. The main frame comprises an elongated target receiving member defining an elongated target receiving member surface and two vertically distant projections extending from the elongated target receiving member surface. The target attachment system comprises pair of target attachment supports adapted for being distantly and concurrently mounted on the projections, each one of the target attachment supports having an opening therethrough. The target attachment supports are mounted as a pair, and are defining a passage defined by their openings, the passage being adapted for receiving the target projection. As a result, the target, when hit on the target body, rotates freely around a rotation axis defined by the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: Etienne Côté, Alexandre Côté
  • Patent number: 9612092
    Abstract: A target shooting system includes an actuator, one or more impact sensors, a controller, and can include a remote device. The actuator couples a target member to a base member and is configured to move the target member relative to the base member. The one or more impact sensors are coupled to the target member, where multiple impact sensors can be configured to identify a location of an impact on the target member and to provide a signal including the location when the target member receives the impact. The controller is communication with the actuator and the one or more impact sensors and is configured to cause the actuator to move the target member relative to the base member and to receive the signal from the impact sensor. The remote device can communicate with the controller and can receive the signal and the impact location from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Apex Target Systems LLC
    Inventor: Jamie L. Chester
  • Patent number: 9574855
    Abstract: An automatically resetting target has a plate that rests in a removable base at a substantially vertical orientation. An apparatus mounted to the rear of the plate includes a pivotably mounted carriage with first and second legs extending radially away, at a relative angle, from a pivot point that is mounted between two openings. The first leg has a first striker plate that aligns with the first opening when the carriage is in a first position, and the second leg has a second striker plate that aligns with the second opening when the carriage is in a second position. By striking the first striker with a projectile, such as a bullet, a shooter moves the carriage and places the second striker behind the second hole. By striking the second striker with a projectile, the shooter moves the carriage and places the first striker behind the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8910943
    Abstract: The target according to the present disclosure is configured to indicate to the shooter whether the shot hit or missed the target. The target also provides the shooter feedback as to shot placement relative to particular locations on the target. This configuration is advantageous for many types of shooting and is especially advantageous in situations where immediate and consistent shot placement feedback is desire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph E. Lee
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140265135
    Abstract: A collapsible target is disclosed. The target comprises a frame that is collapsible from an open, unfolded configuration, to a closed, folded configuration. A fabric housing is mounted on the frame using a series of capped connectors and grommets. The housing comprises a plurality of panels joined together to from an inner compartment. The front panel of the compartment is formed with a window. A target assembly comprising a self-resetting spinner and a base is mounted in the compartment behind the window. The spinner may be mounted on an illuminated axle. The base is dimensioned for alternately holding a breakable clay target. The target is highly portable and easy to setup and take down. The target may be conveniently stored in a bag when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Charles A. Saunders, Brett A. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20140232067
    Abstract: The new invention in the preferred embodiment depicts a highly portable Target Factory that is intended for use in the fire arms industry. The highly portable “Target Factory” invention includes two separate “Target Factory” elements, that are intentionally molded which is internally hollow. Each “Target Factory” assembly element contributes to the combined stability, energy absorption, high portability, easy setup, high visibility of selected target shapes and the sturdy presentation of said target shapes when the combined portable “Target Factory” is deployed where the terrain is uneven, soft, sandy, firm, stony or impenetrable. Each separate “Target Factory” element operate independently but unitarily as they are joined by pivotal “hinge” mechanisms located on either side of the “Target Factory”. The embodiment of the invention is environmentally sensitive; the entire invention is recyclable with no material that can shatter to the ground such as glass bottles, TV monitors and other such objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Preston Barry
  • Patent number: 8684361
    Abstract: A target system includes a blocking plate with one or more openings through which bullets are fired and one or more targets for being struck by the bullets disposed behind the blocking plate and generally in line with the one or more openings. The target system may include a hinge mechanism which limits the range of movement of the target after it has been struck by a projectile. The hinge mechanism may also provide for tool less attachment and removal of the targets from the hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Action Target Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine Henson, Jeffrey Turner
  • Patent number: 8608169
    Abstract: A portable target apparatus for use in target practice is provided. The target may be comprised of metal, for example steel. The target includes a base frame and a target plate that is attached to the base frame. Upon being struck by a projectile, the target plate rotates about the base frame into a knocked down position. One or more sensors sense the target is displaced into the knocked down position and a reset mechanism drives the target plate back to the initial position. The base frame of the target apparatus is of hollow construction, thereby making the target portable with relative ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: John Saunders, Ian Root, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 8556269
    Abstract: A reactive target for firearms is disclosed. The target may include a center, four legs, and four heads. Each of the four legs may comprise an exterior end and radially extending from proximate the center to the exterior end. Each of the four heads may connect to the exterior end of a different leg of the four legs. Each of the four heads may also provide at least one target surface withstanding, without degradation, multiple impacts from firearm-fired projectiles. When an appropriate head is hit by a projectile, the target may roll a discrete, incremental distance on a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: B & B Steel Targets, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer B. Berger, Tyler T. Beck
  • Patent number: 8534672
    Abstract: Describe herein is a target apparatus that includes a base with a flat surface and a rocker assembly. The rocker assembly includes a curved surface operatively disposed in rolling engagement with the flat surface. The rocker assembly also includes a target support that is configured for supporting a target thereon. The rocker assembly rolls on the flat surface in a first direction between an upright position and a lowered position. The rocker assembly has a weight sufficient to return the rocker assembly to the upright position from the lowered position. The target apparatus may be configured such that a target mounted on the target support moves in a direction toward or away from the front of the target apparatus or in a direction perpendicular to a direction that runs from the back of the target apparatus to the front of the target apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Challenge Targets, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Brune
  • Patent number: 8490978
    Abstract: Targets including bifacial target areas adjoining four planar extension arms that meet at a center and are set at angles of 109.5 degrees between adjacent arms. A method including providing a pair of symmetrical target portions each having two bifacial target areas adjoining extension arms that meet along a centerline. Slits are provided at centerline apexes, and the slits the two portions are merged. The two target portions are welded together along the merged slits. A method including positioning a target on a surface, with one extension arm projecting upward. A firearm is aimed at a face of the bifacial target area adjoined to the upwardly projecting arm. The firearm is fired to impact the face, the impact causing the target to flip into a new position The firearm is then aimed at a face of the bifacial target area adjoined to the new upwardly projecting extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mike Rogers
  • Patent number: 8413991
    Abstract: Four paddles emanate from a central point that is substantially equidistant from the end of each of the four paddles. Three of the paddles are configured to be positioned on the ground at any one time in a three-point stance, causing the fourth paddle to be upright and perpendicular to the ground. The upright paddle serves as the target. When a shot hits the device above its center of gravity, the device flips, thus moving away from the shooter. Thus, the device automatically resets itself and moves to a new location, ready for the next hit. Preferably, each paddle is planar from near the central point to the paddle's distal end. Preferably each paddle also has a direction indicator. In a preferred embodiment, each paddle is about 5.5? long and the target is made of AR400 steel for practice with a 0.22 caliber bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Flippin' Critters, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Lee Sudbeck, Samuel John Goeden
  • Patent number: 8403329
    Abstract: A Gaming Device for Pellet Guns is a portable, all mechanical, target apparatus used by one or more players. The device subassemblies may include a multiple silhouette targets housed in a pellet trap, a dispenser, and a score counter. The silhouette targets are mounted on pivoting posts. Its surface areas and shapes are consequential to the targeting challenge. The dispenser is designed to eject a ball from the magazine stack every time the target is hit. The ball color or its markings reflect the number of points scored. The score counter subassembly keeps a tally by stacking ejected balls into the score bar. The gaming device can take on various aesthetic themes that include a safari adventure, commando, space wars, the old west, and monsters. The unit can be built using variety of material including plastic, wood, or sheet metal. The construction methods may vary upon manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Radomir Krickovic
  • Publication number: 20120205870
    Abstract: A portable target apparatus for use in target practice is provided. The target may be comprised of metal, for example steel. The target includes a base frame and a target plate that is attached to the base frame. Upon being struck by a projectile, the target plate rotates about the base frame into a knocked down position. One or more sensors sense the target is displaced into the knocked down position and a reset mechanism drives the target plate back to the initial position. The base frame of the target apparatus is of hollow construction, thereby making the target portable with relative ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: John Saunders, Ian Root, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 8235390
    Abstract: An automated target assembly includes a target post, a target carriage carried by the target post, a target having a switch activation flange pivotally carried by the target carriage, a target linkage assembly engaging the target carriage, a power supply, a drive motor connected to the power supply and drivingly engaging the target linkage assembly and a target switch connected to the power supply and the drive motor within a travel path of the switch activation flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Spikes
  • Patent number: 8172231
    Abstract: A target system providing various target arrangements is provided. The varying target arrangements provide different visual presentations to the shooter to increase the shooting experience. Various target arrangements include auto-resetting targets that do not require user input to reset. Further, one target arrangement is an active target that continuously changes its visual presentation to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas M. Massier
  • Publication number: 20110294608
    Abstract: A target device and method of training for table tennis, and providing a variation of table tennis. Target devices, comprising a target portion and a base portion, are placed on a playing surface. The target portion may be self-repositioning and/or interchangeable. Target devices are placed at predetermined locations on a playing surface to encourage user to practice a swing for aiming at specific locations. The user will be able to visually estimate how far they were from the target device, and compensate for the distance the next time, if the user does not hit the target device. Different difficulty levels of target devices, due to differences in weight or size of the target portion, may be used. Target devices are also placed on a playing surface to provide variations to a table tennis game, wherein the object of the game is to knock down the opponent's target devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Klest
  • Patent number: 8047546
    Abstract: A target holder assembly for interchangeably supporting a two-dimensional target and a three-dimensional target includes an enclosure and a target holder frame connected to the enclosure, the target holder frame including a cross arm member connected between two target arms. The cross arm has a base length with clamping members extending from both ends of the base length to engage three dimensional targets. The cross arm also has receiving grooves proximate the junction of the clamping members and the base length positioned to engage the two-dimensional targets. A front protrusion is positioned along the base length to engage either the two-dimensional target or the three-dimensional target. The holder assembly further includes a clamping apparatus connected to the base length to engage either the two-dimensional target or the three-dimensional target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Meggitt Training Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua James Klein
  • Publication number: 20110248447
    Abstract: A shooting game machine includes a shell, a gun, and at least one goal-and-carrier assembly. The goal-and-carrier assembly includes a base located in and attached to the shell, a carrier movably supported on the base, and at least one goal unit. The goal unit includes a frame supported on the carrier, a goal pivotally connected to the frame between a raised position and a shut-down position, a crank rotationally connected to the frame, a lever connecting the goal to the crank, a turntable rotationally connected to the frame, magnets attached to the turntable. The magnets attract the crank so that the goal is retained in the raised position until it is effectively hit by a bullet. A motor is operatively connected to the turntable. The motor rotates the turntable when the goal reaches the shut-down position and stops when the goal reaches the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Yi-Chiang Yang, Po-Seu Lai, Kun-Hung Hsieh, Tsair-Rong Chen
  • Publication number: 20110233868
    Abstract: A target system providing various target arrangements is provided. The varying target arrangements provide different visual presentations to the shooter to increase the shooting experience. Various target arrangements include auto-resetting targets that do not require user input to reset. Further, one target arrangement is an active target that continuously changes its visual presentation to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas M. Massier
  • Publication number: 20110180997
    Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas Stincelli, Kyle Bateman, Tom Wright, David Bassett
  • Publication number: 20110074110
    Abstract: A gravity reset target system that includes a target plate assembly that is removably engaged with a base plate assembly. The base plate assembly includes at least two parallel guide plates having grooves cut therein and the target plate assembly includes a target plate secured to a carrier piece having at least one guide rod. The guide rod of the carrier piece is inserted into the grooves in the guide plates to removably engage the target plate assembly with the base plate assembly. The target plate begins in a vertical resting position, rocks backward to a generally horizontal position when struck with a projectile, and then automatically returns to its vertical resting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Delbert Markley
  • Patent number: 7731197
    Abstract: An automatic reset target plate rack has a plurality of target plates and latches, a reset plate, and a reset mechanism. In operation, the user strikes one or more of the target plates, which travel rearward and are captured by the latches, and the user next strikes the reset plate to activate the reset mechanism and free the captured target plates, returning them to their upright position. In one aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivoting on a first axis; and a latch pivoting on a second axis. The latch is positioned to contact and capture the target plate when the target plate is pivoted to a predetermined rotational position. In another aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivotally disposed on a pivot rod and biased toward a first predetermined rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Greg L. Stutz
  • Patent number: 7694973
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly displacing an object comprises a lever with an object end and a power end. The lever is mounted to a fulcrum between the ends. A driven cam has a trunnion attached proximal to an outer edge thereof, and a tie rod member has an end pivotally attached to the power end of the lever and a second end pivotally attached to the trunnion such that about 180° of rotation of the cam causes about 90° displacement of the power end of said lever. Also, a tension member is coupled to the power end such that restorative force of the tension member contributes to displacement of the power end in one direction. A motor drives rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Strategic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Hofmeister, Gregory T. Roden, Bryan H. Graves
  • Patent number: 7690656
    Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20100032905
    Abstract: Shooting gallery devices and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting gallery includes a plurality of targets rotatably connected to a plurality of target connectors. The targets rotate between an extended position and a fallen position. The target and target connector assembly at least partially retains the targets in the extended position and/or prevents the targets from rotating from the extended position to the fallen position. Furthermore, the targets and target connector assemblies are configured to reset from the fallen position to the extended position without a rail guide or reset cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Morrow, Jacob Dale, Yan-Jiang Zhou, Tin Kinney, Dennis Cauley, Lucie Liang, Russell A. Potterfield
  • Publication number: 20090179382
    Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas Stincelli, Kyle Bateman, Tom Wright, David Bassett
  • Publication number: 20090174147
    Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20080265511
    Abstract: A shooting target apparatus has a portable base capable of staying put on a surface and a target holder for holding a target for shooting. The target holder is supported by the base for pivotal movement. There is a battery-operated drive mechanism in the base for causing movement of the target holder between a concealed position, concealing a target held by the target holder, and a revealed position, revealing the target. Also included is a control circuit controlling the drive mechanism, which includes a wireless signal receiver for receiving a wireless control signal to activate the drive mechanism to cause movement of the target holder from the concealed position to the revealed position and from the revealed position to the concealed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Wing Haye SHUM
  • Patent number: 7422216
    Abstract: A mechanical target device utilizing a plurality of targets, a stand, a rod, reset plate and reset lever provides practice or competition opportunities for markspersons. The target device mechanically allows the first contacted target to activate a rod that locks the other target in place. The reset plate must then be contacted to reset the first contacted target to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Clinton James Underhill
  • Publication number: 20080174071
    Abstract: Shooting gallery devices and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting gallery includes a plurality of targets rotatably connected to a plurality of target connectors. The targets rotate between an extended position and a fallen position. The target and target connector assembly at least partially retains the targets in the extended position and/or prevents the targets from rotating from the extended position to the fallen position. Furthermore, the targets and target connector assemblies are configured to reset from the fallen position to the extended position without a rail guide or reset cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Potterfield, Jim Gianladis, Adam Birk, Terry Dreyer, Tim Kinney, Yan-Jiang Zhou, Robert J. Zara, Tim Morrow, Jacob Dale
  • Patent number: 7252604
    Abstract: A target apparatus includes a bracket for attachment to a goal frame member such that a front of the bracket faces a forward direction perpendicular to a front goal plane of the goal, a back of the bracket faces a rearward direction and a defensive area side is adjacent a defensive area of the goal. A target defines a front target plane and a projectile receptacle. A target hinge connects the bracket and target such that the target is located adjacent the defensive area side, such that the target is rotatable relative to the bracket between a forward target position in which the front target plane is perpendicular to the forward direction and a deflected target position and such that the front target plane is rearward of the front of the bracket in the forward target position. A biasing mechanism urges the target to rotate toward the forward target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur Birss
  • Patent number: 7201376
    Abstract: A target system for light infantry weapons including a target overturnable by an impact and an actuating mechanism configured to move the target. The target is connected to the actuating mechanism via a pivot structure. Further, the actuating mechanism includes a lifter configured to lift the target to a substantially upright position, a vertical rail system and a carriage vertically moveable along the vertical rail system, and an electric motor configured to move the carriage along the vertical rail system. Also, the pivot structure is arranged on the carriage, and the lifter includes a supporting lifter device, against which the target falls when hit and which, when the carriage is lowered, lifts the target to the substantially upright position utilizing the movement of the carriage and an inertia of the target. In addition, the target system is portable and of modular construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honestas Oy
    Inventor: Risto Kuosa
  • Patent number: 7175181
    Abstract: A portable bullet target configured to improve the skills of a shooter includes, in one embodiment, a shooting plate which is attached to a frame by protrusions integral to the shooting plate to allow the shooting plate to visually deflect when hit by a bullet and to substantially return to its original position. In another embodiment, a foot or feet are attached to the frame to support the target. According to another embodiment, a plurality of portable targets are used in combination and may be attached together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Action Target, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Bateman, Kyle Burdette, Tom Marshall
  • Patent number: 7134977
    Abstract: A sports training target system is disclosed. The system includes a target anchor having a support post that includes a slight angle in the forward direction. The system includes a target section having at least one target arm which is rotatably secured to the anchor support post. When a ball is thrown by a pitcher and it strikes the target arm, the target section will partially rotate around the anchor support post. The angle in the support post, together with gravity, will force the taret section back to its original position facing the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas J. Campbell, Steven C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7128321
    Abstract: A weapons qualification target that provides instant feedback to the shooter as to whether he or she hit the standard scoring pattern. The target has a metal plate that moves backward and upward on a pivot point when the shot is within the standard scoring pattern, and then moves forward and downward to reset for the next shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brown
  • Patent number: 6994348
    Abstract: A target system includes a plurality of targets mounted on a center support so that the targets rotate between opposing sides of the center support. Preferably, the targets rotate about an axis which is between 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical, and have faces which are disposed at an angle between 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Action Target, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Lambert, Thomas Marshall, Kyle Burdette
  • Patent number: 6994349
    Abstract: A modular target system includes a plurality of targets mounted on a center support so that the targets rotate between opposing sides of the center support. Preferably, the targets rotate about an axis which is between about 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical, and have faces which are disposed at an angle between about 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Action Target, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Lambert, Thomas Marshall, Kyle Burdette
  • Patent number: 6991233
    Abstract: An automatic resetting target apparatus consisting of multiple knockdown targets and a reset target on the same vertical and horizontal plane. The knockdown targets, when hit by a bullet or other projectile, will fall backward and down. The knockdown targets will remain down until the reset target is hit by a bullet or other projectile. All targets will then return to their original upright position allowing for continuous shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Edward Goldsmith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040195775
    Abstract: An automatic resetting target apparatus consisting of multiple knockdown targets and a reset target on the same vertical and horizontal plane. The knockdown targets, when hit by a bullet or other projectile, will fall backward and down. The knockdown targets will remain down until the reset target is hit by a bullet or other projectile. All targets will then return to their original upright position allowing for continuous shooting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Edward Goldsmith