Abstract: A combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy has a first body segment which simulates the front portion of an animal, a second body segment which simulates the rear portion of the animal and a pair of replaceable middle body sections which simulate the middle portion of the animal. The replaceable middle body sections include a target middle body section and an ornamental middle body section. The combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy can be used as an archery target when the target middle body section is positioned between the first and second body segments and as an animal decoy when the ornamental middle body section is placed between the first and second body segments.

Abstract: A multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising an image visible on only one side is provided. The image is visible only from the primary viewing position without the paint or ink composition absorbing through the fibers to be visible from the back of the net or mesh. This permits the use of multi-filamentous nets or mesh for images or logos without disrupting the spectators' view and/or the use of both sides of the net or mesh for unidirectional images or logos.

Abstract: A dart board assembly includes a frame having a plurality of block bodies which are movably engaged with spaces defined by ribs extending from the frame. The frame is fixed to a backing and an electronic sensing member is connected between the backing and the frame. A plurality of conducting switches extend from the electronic sensing member. A first surface of a thin and elastic contact pad is connected to the electronic sensing member and a plurality of protrusions protrude from a second surface of the contact pad and a recess is defined in a second surface of the electronic sensing member corresponding to each of the protrusions. A gap is defined between an inside of each recess and the switches. The inside of the recess contacts the conducting switch corresponding thereto when the block body is stricken by a dart and moves the contact pads toward the electronic sensing member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a projectile trap for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to an underlying ground/floor surface. The trap includes a support structure including an inclined support surface that is inclined relative to the line of the projectiles. The inclined support surface includes a front edge positioned generally at the ground/floor surface, and a rear edge oriented at a higher elevation than the front edge. The trap also includes a particulate flowable granular material supported by the support structure. At least a portion of the granulate material is disposed above the inclined support surface such that the inclined support surface is substantially covered with granulate material. The granulate material is adapted for slowing down and capturing the projectiles.

Abstract: A dartboard has a plurality of auto-returning target plates fitted in a grid frame which is enclosed in an outer ring, and has a grid fixed on a front end of the grid frame, a rear board mounted on rear ends of the grid frame and the outer ring, and an electric circuit board mounted on a rear end of the rear board. Each spring has a first end thereof positioned by a corresponding guide element, and a second end thereof extended through the corresponding hole of the rear board and lightly contacted with the electric circuit board. The auto-returning target plates are able to be depressed when darts are thrown and stick on the target plate and automatically returned to an original position by resilience of the springs.

Abstract: A sectional target board of a dartboard consists of a grid frame having a plurality of receiving spaces for different score sectors, a plurality of target plates movably received in the plurality of receiving spaces, and a grid fixed on a the grid frame. The grid has a ring recess to receive the front end of the grid frame, and provides with a plurality of fastening pins which are respective inserted into corresponding plurality of fastening holes of the grid fame. The grid can be easily detached from the grid frame to free the target plates, thus the soft target blocks can be easily replaced, and then the grid can be reassembled on the grid frame. In such a way the soft target blocks are saved, and only the worn blocks need to be replaced. Thus, the sectional target board of the dartboard is economical.

Abstract: The present invention provides a folding backboard for receiving a dart board thereon. The folding backboard protects a wall, or some other fixed surface, by being able to receive and secure poorly thrown darts without damage to the dart tips. The folding backboard comprises a first section which is foldably attached to a second section. The backboard unfolds into an open position in which the dart board is readily mounted to each section of the folding backboard, and folds into a closed position to minimize the width or height of the backboard for storing or transporting the backboard when the dart board is removed. The present invention also includes a dart center which incorporates the aforementioned folding backboard and further includes a dart board and throw-line marker.

Abstract: A foldable backboard for protecting an area surrounding a dartboard is provided. The backboard includes a pair of generally identically shaped base pieces. Each base piece has a front face, a rear face, is formed of a generally rigid, lightweight material. The base pieces are positioned adjacent to each other. At least one outer layer of flexible material covers the front faces of both of the base pieces and joins the base pieces together along a fold line of the flexible material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a projectile trap for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to an underlying ground/floor surface. The trap includes a support structure including an inclined support surface that is inclined relative to the line of the projectiles. The inclined support surface includes a front edge positioned generally at the ground/floor surface, and a rear edge oriented at a higher elevation than the front edge. The trap also includes a particulate flowable granular material supported by the support structure. At least a portion of the granulate material is disposed above the inclined support surface such that the inclined support surface is substantially covered with granulate material. The granulate material is adapted for slowing down and capturing the projectiles.

Abstract: A safety containment system for use during the loading and unloading of firearms, such as handguns, rifles and the like, is made in the form of an elongated hollow steel cylinder. One end of the cylinder is closed with a steel plate; and a rubber-like disk is located between the closed end of the cylinder and the open end to form a bullet containment compartment adjacent the closed end of the cylinder. This compartment is filled with randomly oriented hardened metal objects with sharp edges, such as elongated concrete nails having a substantially rectangular cross section. The other end of the housing has an elongated rubber tube acting as a guide member, secured to the rubber-like disk and to the housing member, for accommodating the muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm inserted therein.

Abstract: An attractive, wall-mounted bullet-proof shield, designed to stop the penetration of a bullet when accidently discharged from a firearm. The bullet-proof shield comprises a back layer made of metallic material, a middle layer made of wood, and a front layer made of plastic, all housed within an outer frame. The shield has an attractive appearance which enables it to be used as a wall hanging or as a piece of furniture. The middle layer is designed to partially absorb the energy of a discharged bullet while the back layer is metallic and designed to stop the penetration of a bullet. The front layer is made of an anti-shattering material designed not to shatter and to prevent wood and metallic particles from rebounding outward toward the user. In one embodiment, the front layer is transparent and an optional aiming sheet is disposed between the outside surface of the wood layer and the inside surface if the front layer.

Abstract: A shooting range having shooting booths with protective side walls constructed of an armour plate, soft metal framing studs running vertically along the armour plate, porous insulation material disposed between the framing studs and against the armour plate, and a sheet of sound-proofing tile attached to the framing studs and covering the porous material. The booths' ceiling is constructed of an armour plate meeting the upper edge of the armour plates of the side walls and a layer of sound-proofing tile extending between the side walls and located below and apart from the ceiling armor plate to define a space to accommodate the return end of a target transport system. The target carrier includes a two-prong target hook wherein the shaft and prong arms are formed detachable segments to facilitate replacement of a segment damaged by a bullet. The bullet trap includes a sand backstop having a reflected angle support structure to support a mound of sand.

Abstract: The present invention is a projectile trap assembly for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to ground. The projectile trap assembly includes a support frame having an upper surface inclined relative to the line of the projectiles and a particulate flowable granulate material exhibiting an angle of repose. The particulate granulate material is supported by the support frame at the angle of repose, whereby the particulate granulate material receives and slows down the projectiles.

Abstract: A bullet stop and containment chamber for stopping the forward momentum of projectiles traveling in a generally horizontal zone of projectile travel and for containing the projectiles and fragments thereof. The bullet enters the chamber in which the inertial momentum of the bullet is arrested resulting in airborne particulate matter, bullets and fragments of bullets. The bullets and fragments settle out by gravity and the particulate matter are removed by a negative air pressure exerted on the chamber by means of a fan and ducting. The particulate matter is removed from the air by filtration means and the air is exhausted. The fragments and bullets drop from an egress in the bottom of the chamber into a removeably attached canister which is sealed and used to transport the emissions to recycling or disposal.

Abstract: A new Bullet Trap System for allowing a user to perform target practice with a gun without fear of the bullets straying and injuring another person or property. The inventive device includes a funnel device having an enlarged end and a narrow end, a storage container is attached to the narrow end, and a support stand securing the funnel device. The enlarged end receives the bullet from the gun whereafter the bullet engages a slanted wall of the funnel device thereby slowing the travel of the bullet. The bullet thereafter projects into the storage container through the narrow end where the user may empty upon filling with the bullets.

Abstract: An improved firearm target apparatus (10), including a base member (20) for pivotally supporting an elongated target support member (30) having a pair of support arms (39) for supporting a target body member (50); wherein, the base member (20) is provided with an adjusting unit (14) for varying the vertical orientation of the support member relative to a portion (24) of the base member (20).

Abstract: A dart game apparatus adapted for play in combination with darts is provided for. The dart game apparatus comprises a backstop. The backstop includes a vertical surface adapted to intercept errant darts. The dart game also includes a rotatable target assembly. The target assembly has a hub rotatably mounted to the backstop forward of the vertical surface, one or more arms radiating outward from the hub, and a dart board mounted on each of the arms. The dart boards include a plurality of target segments adapted to capture darts striking the target segments.

Abstract: A bullet trap with a passageway defined between flat upper and lower boundary walls extending convergingly, at opposite angles of inclination of between 0.degree. and about 15.degree. to the horizontal, from an entrance opening to an exit opening or throat, and a deceleration chamber having a generally spirally curved circumferential boundary wall and provided in its upper region with an inlet opening and in its lower region with a discharge opening leading to a collecting vessel. The circumferential boundary wall of the chamber is constituted by two oppositely concave channel-shaped members the respective upper end regions of which are spaced from each other to define the inlet opening, and the respective lower end regions of which are spaced from each other to define the discharge opening.

Abstract: An archery target comprising a stack of carpet strips placed upon a base, with the side edges of the strips facing toward the archer. The strips are maintained under compressive force by a pair of flexible bands wrapped around front and rear portions of the stack and the base. The stack preferably includes alternating strips of light weight commercial grade, medium weight plush, and heavy weight plush carpet, which can be waste strips from carpet manufacture or installation. The compressive force is adjusted to permit arrows shot at the target to penetrate at least six inches, but not more than ten inches. The target includes caster wheels attached to the base for rolling the target from one location to another. The target is extremely durable even if it is left exposed to adverse weather conditions. A smaller, portable version of the target is also disclosed. The target presents a minimal hazard to wayward arrows, thereby minimizing damage to arrows.

Abstract: A range backstop assembly having a container with an opening typically closed by a rubber sheet and serving for projectile entry. The container is filled with a particulate flowable granulate material which slows down the entering projectiles. An anti-adhesion medium is further interspersed between the particles of the granulate material to prevent adhesion of the granulate material in the presence of heat generated by the entering projectiles.

Abstract: A shooting range that has a target chamber position at the target end. A camera on the chamber transmits an image of the target to the shooting end where it is displayed on a screen of a video micrometer. The video micrometer has cross hair reticles that measure a shot pattern generated on the target. The video micrometer has a tape recorder for recording the transmitted image, a printer for printing a hard copy of the pattern, a keyboard for data input, and is connectable to a computer for input of the shot pattern data.

Abstract: A portable bullet trap device for catching bullets fired at the device comprising a box having a bottom, a top, and front, back, and opposing sides. The front has an opening for the passage of bullets fired at the device. A plurality of vertically oriented resilient panels are provided in the box aligned with the opening in the front. The panels are spaced from each other to form spaces between the central portions of the panels through which spent bullets can fall if they cannot penetrate the next successive panel. The panels may be provided as a replaceable cell having spacers between the marginal edges of the panels. Alternatively, the panels may be separately mounted in slots in the opposing sides of the box. A target means is provided to spread shots over the panels.

Abstract: A projectile backstop assembly for decelerating projectiles is disclosed as including a container filled with a liquid for decelerating a projectile, an inlet opening in said container, an elongated sheet of material sealing the inlet opening and a pressure applying frame for pressing the material against the inlet opening, and an advancing mechanism for advancing the elongated sheet of material and thereby replace the pierced part of the sheet with an adjacent unpierced part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knocking-down septum comprising a steel shutter structure on the slats of which a granulated material rests. The granulated material may consist of granules of natural or synthetic rubber, also of recovery rubber and possibly of a self-extinguishing type of rubber, of dry sand, or of a mixture of sand and rubber or the like. This granulated material lies on the slats of the shutter structure in accordance with the shutter's natural angle of repose and is thereby retained by the shutter. When a bullet crosses the thickness of the granulated material the granulated material slows down the velocity of the bullet.

Abstract: A splatter resistant removable cover slips over a ballistic target for containing backsplatter. The cover is constructed from panels which form an envelope surrounding the target with one of the panels being spaced forwardly from the target face. A second panel engages the back portion of the target to removably secure the cover in fixed position with the target. A projectile which is directed at the target penetrates a panel which is formed of elastomeric material and strikes the target to form fragments which are generally initially contained within the cover.

Abstract: A target system which has a box like structure and includes a kinetic energy absorption sheet suspended from the top of the box diagonally downwardly to a point adjacent to the junction of the back wall of the box and the bottom. The major plane of the kinetic energy absorption sheet and the back wall of the box define an angle of 20.+-.7 degrees.

Abstract: A reversible archery target has a central divider panel of heavy utility grade polypropelyne which divides the interior of the target into two partitions, each filled with cotton material. The exterior covering of the target comprises two layers of light utility grade polypropelyne, and an outer layer of heavy burlap having various target shapes silkscreened on both exterior sides. The target has a dual purpose carrying strap which can also be used to hang the target in suspension. A spring steel stand supports the target on the ground while being unseen and undisturbed from the opposite side.

Abstract: A firing range assembly includes a transportable container which encloses a firing range. The assembly further includes a ventilating system for ventilating the firing range. Each wall of the container is provided with a lining which functions to: (i) resist penetration by projectiles; and (ii) inhibit rebounding of projectiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target having conductive fibres in a plurality of beds into which a transmitting/receiving projectile may be embedded with a portion of the projectile remaining protruding from the target. Each bed indicates a score and is electronically insulated from the other. In some embodiments the separate scoring portions of the target transmit different signals with the signal from the projectile embedded in that portion of the target being radiated at a greater strength. The strongest signal (indicative of the portion of the target struck) is received by a nearby receiver and the score displayed. An alternative embodiment utilizes an externally transmitted signal and the projectile acts as a receiving antenna, conveying the signal to only that target bed in which the projectile is embedded and the individual beds are connected to the scoring display system.

Abstract: A portable game cabinet is especially useful for shooting darts out of doors. The cabinet includes a target carrying case supported by adjustable and telescoping legs which permit the player to set up the target board on uneven surfaces. The legs are removeable from the case and are conveniently stored therein. The case is constructed so as to hold playing equipment in addition to the target board, and the case is closeable by doors to enclose the playing equipment and target board. The cabinet includes convenient means for setting a shooting line without the player having to make any measurements. The target board is adjustable between two playing heights by completely telescoping or extending one section of each leg. A safety net is raised above the cabinet to catch darts which miss the target by a wide margin.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing and evaluating live fire weapons systems. A vertical rojection screen is located downrange from an operator controlled weapons system which launches an ordnance tracer projectile intended to intercept a target. The target is a bright laser spot projected and steered along the projection screen. The projection screen has a retroreflective surface and is constructed out of disposable panels. The projectile is detected as it approaches the laser spot target, and apparatus is provided for scoring the projectile within a specified area around the laser spot target.

Abstract: A target assembly that includes a housing in which are mounted a plurality of interceptors made of flexible, energy absorbing material that hang down behind a target face mounted thereon. Preferably, three such interceptors hang from a downwardly, rearwardly sloping rear wall of the housing. A continuous roll of adjacent target faces is mounted in the lower portion of the housing, each successive target face being hooked to the top of the housing for use. The target faces are made of a polymeric material having a color contrasting to the color of the interceptors.

Abstract: At least one target (10, 11) is caused to move with complex motion combining rotation about an axis (5) which is approximately horizontal and translation along a direction which is approximately perpendicular to said axis (5) behind an opaque panel (3) delimiting a window (4). By giving suitable directions, amplitudes and speeds to these respective motions, the apparent motion of the target as seen through the window (4) is pseudo-random in time and concerning its trajectory between two passes behind the panel. This increases the difficulty, and hence the attraction of target shooting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target preferably for use with pointed projectiles such as arrows. The target includes a target portion completely penetrable by the projectile. A backing portion is arranged behind and spaced from the target portion for preventing passage of the projectile completely through the target portion. The target portion includes at least one body portion having a thickness and a density sufficient to retain the projectile in the location and angular orientation at which the projectile passes through the target portion. An arrangement for physically stabilizing the body portion is arranged over substantially the entire surface area of a face of the body portion. In the preferred embodiment, the arrangement for physically stabilizing the body portion comprises a network having first and second pluralities of generally mutually perpendicular cords which are secured to one another at each intersection thereof.

Abstract: A remotely resettable target assembly includes an enclosure having a window therein and a number of individual targets pivotally-mounted within the enclosure for rotation from a set position to an unset position upon being struck by an incoming projectile. A master target is provided and coupled to a bar, including a plurality of permanent magnets for attracting the individual targets and holding them in an unset position. Upon striking of the master target, rotation of the bar including the pertinent magnets contained therein, causes separation of the permanent magnets from the individual targets, causing the individual targets to be reset by the force of gravity.

Abstract: An enclosed, substantially bulletproof shooting booth for an individual shooter has a front shooting opening communicating with the interior of an elongated, substantially bulletproof firing tube extending from the booth. The end of the firing tube remote from the shooting booth is closed by a bullet backstop which deflects bullets fired from the booth and collects them in a trough of liquid. The booth, tube and backstop are of double-wall construction with a bulletproofing and noise-suppressing layer of sand between inner and outer walls. Each of the booth, tube and backstop can be at least partially prefabricated at a remote location and transported to a desired range site where they are installed above ground so as to form a space-saving, quiet, enclosed shooting range for an individual shooter.

Abstract: A target practice system including reusable cartridges for firearms and a bullet trap for stopping the flight of projectiles from the cartridges. The case of the cartridge is adapted to receive the projectile, or alternative standard cases may be used. The projectile has a cylindrical core of a diameter less than the rifling of the firearm and axially spaced-apart, outwardly opening channels extend circumferentially about the core. Endless resilient rings are inserted into the channels. A powder-receiving hole is provided in the rearward end of the projectile. When fired, the projectile rides on the resilient rings as it travels down the barrel of the firearm. The core does not come in contact with the barrel, and the resilient rings center the core in the barrel during travel down it for improved accuracy. A rocket-like effect is realized from the rearward discharge of gases liberated by combustion. Also, methods of loading the reusable cartridges are disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated archery mat which includes a first layer of burlap, a second layer of burlap, a third layer of vinyl, a fourth layer of loose fiberglass scrap material or vinyl, a fifth layer which is a centrally disposed baffle of screening, a sixth layer of loose fiberglass scrap material or vinyl, a seventh layer of vinyl, an eighth layer of burlap, and a ninth layer of burlap. The centrally disposed baffle has one marginal portion cooperating with the marginal portions of the other layers.

Abstract: A bullet trap provides a housing which retains alternate layers of baffles formed of multi-ply paper laminate to sandwich particulate material such as pea gravel to fragment and disintegrate the bullet. Plural trap portions are provided for multiple use while the particulate matter can be readily removed to assist in transputating the trap without undue weight.

Abstract: A firing butt includes a frame-like housing (1) for a target (4) with a main aperture (5) in which the target is located. A protective frame (9) overlies the housing in the direction of fire and is arranged to catch a bullet. In each case the frame (9) includes a steel plate and an elastomeric layer on the side of the steel plate remote from the housing. The elastomeric layer (16) and steel plate (15) are spaced apart and the intervening space may be filled with a layer of sand (3). The elastomeric layer may be carried on a steel plate (16a).

Abstract: A target system for use with spring, air, and CO.sub.2 operated pistols and rifles and with slingshots. The target system prevents ricochets by use of a flexible backstop suspended within a housing while permitting the shooter and spectators to easily discern where the projectiles have penetrated a target which is disposed across the front of this housing. The system utilizes supports incorporated into the housing to receive tubes upon which the target is wound for easy movement and removal of used targets and installation of a new roll of targets to replace a used roll. Each individual target on the roll is indexed to a display position by hand winding of the tubes. A locking mechanism incorporated into the supports cooperates with the tubes and wound target material to tautly position each target in the target opening. A chamber in the base of the apparatus entraps projectiles, permitting collection and removal without damage for reuse.

Abstract: A device for extending the useful life of an archery target in the form of a backup member which may be secured to the reverse side of the target proximate the central zone occupied by a replaceable bullseye plug. The backup member itself comprises a pillow-like pad which is contained within a cloth sleeve, the sleeve being closed at one end and open at its other end. The open end of the sleeve is sufficiently wide to fit around the circumference of the replaceable bullseye plug such that when the plug is inserted into the face of the target, the pillow-like pad is resiliently held in place behind the bullseye zone, preventing arrow pass-through even when the same spot on the bullseye zone has received repeated strikes.

Abstract: A target for projectiles is disclosed. The target comprises a base plate, a plurality of studs mounted on the base plate parallel to each other, a plurality of rods bundled together and having one end removably secured to the end of the studs and the other end facing in the direction from which the projectiles are launched, and apparatus on the periphery of the bundle of rods for holding the rods under compression.

Abstract: A target changer for use on a shooting range which after each actuation by an operator automatically removes a used target from a window in the target stand and brings a fresh target into the window. The target changer is designed to change individual targets which are not joined together. A supply magazine disposed above the window receives a stack of targets, and a first feed mechanism conveys the frontmost target of the stack to a vertical target guide disposed behind the window, while a second feed mechanism disposed at the lower end of the target guide conveys the used target from the target guide to a used target receiver. In some embodiments additional advancing rollers are arranged on both sides of the target guide to ensure a forced transport of the targets between the two feed mechanisms, whereby jamming is avoided.The target changer can be adapted to targets of different sizes by means of inserts which are inserted into the target window.