Abstract: An apparatus for preserving a marksmanship target score is provided and consists of a thin target with a marked surface, a target board with a matching marked surface and a plurality of cartridge cases. The thin target is mounted on a rear wall of a target range and is shot at by a person holding a firearm so as to put holes through the thin target to test the accuracy in a firearm practice. When the thin target with the holes therethrough is removed from the rear wall of the target range and placed over the target board, the cartridge cases are driven through the holes in the thin target and into the target board so as to preserve the score on the target board.

Abstract: The invention describes a dart target device for use with a dart board. In the preferred embodiment, the dart practice device is attached to the bullseye of the dart board and can be rotated around the dart board to overlie different numbered target segments of a dart board. This device may be utilized as a practice device to help a user to become more proficient at hitting the doubles and triples rings of the dart board as well as the bullseye. Alternatively, the device may be provided with various target zones thereon, which would allow the user to play various dart games therewith. The device includes mechanisms to secure it to the dart board at the desired orientation thereon. There also may be included a mechanism to selectively rotate the device on the dart board automatically, to facilitate throwing practice or to provide alternative games to be played with the device.

Abstract: A rolling target is initially mounted at an upper end of a ramp structure that is elevationally adjustable relative to a support organization. The release mechanism includes a gate flange biased in a retracted orientation relative to the ramp and maintained in an orthogonal orientation across the ramp by a latch member that is selectively released by a pneumatic mechanism. The target apparatus includes a tire structure, with a central opening mounting a framework therewithin, wherein the framework is arranged for securement of a target.

Abstract: A board arrangement, including an inner and outer annular array of targets wherein the targets define triangular sections to accommodate simulation of a conventional fifty-two card game deck and associated wild cards, with a "joker" bull's-eye central target member. Four sets of five dart members are provided, wherein a player is permitted to "draw" five darts of the sets to accommodate play of various card game arrangements to permit enhancement and detraction of points awarded by utilizing particular "suits" of darts in an effort to impact upon a similar target on the board of a like suit.

Abstract: A scoring system for a dart game apparatus includes a target wall for mounting a dart board, a supply of at least two visually distinctive kinds of scoring markers for association with corresponding players of the game, the markers of opposing players being stackable, and a scoring panel having a modular pattern of marker positions in a plurality of array portions, each marker position being formed as a hole in the panel for releasably receiving the stem of a marker, and a pattern of score keeping indicia on the scoring panel for defining a scoring value and a required number of occurrences of the scoring value for at least one of the array portions for recording multiple required occurrences of predetermined game score increments in a first game, and for defining a scoring increment for each of at least two of the array portions, the increments being in a fixed ratio for indicating a player's score in a second game by the position of markers in the segments as a summation of the position of each marker in it

Abstract: A dart game in which the dart board is subdivided into two separate zones. A number of circular targets are arranged in each zone, such that each player throws at targets in the other player's zone. Ancillary spaces are marked in each zone of the dart board for introducing different strategies into the game. Such spaces are usable to increase or decrease the number of darts in the game, or to increase the number of hits required to destruct a circular target.

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 foamed polystyrene shooting target (10) is made thinner and more dense with a thin skin (13) of solid polystyrene on its entry face (12) and with a printed image (11) for shooting at. The preferred thickness is from 0.050 to 0.080 inches, and the preferred density is from 3.0 to 4.0 pounds per cubic foot. The target then forms clean cut and full size holes for bullets passing through so that it serves as an accurate indicator of where the bullets hit. This indication is normally visible from where the bullets were fired.

Abstract: A dart football game with a singular, circuit dart board, in which the object is to pierce the center area of the said board, whereas a plurality of darts piercing a donut shaped area, called the completion zone, directly surrounding the centermost area, add to equal at least one point, although any single dart that pierces said centermost area, each score a point; additionally said game has four other circular, instant point areas, other than said centermost area, barely within said board parameters, located at twelve, three, six, and nine O'clock, all being open targets at to which each, individual player throws a multitude of at least eight(8) or more darts at a time, for four rounds or quarters, whereby each quarter or round has a player total as the game progresses, as said game can be played by one to numerous people.

Abstract: An archery target has a free floating central core formed by a plurality of stacked sheets of a tightly woven nylon material. The sheets are oriented parallel to front and back faces of the target, and serve to absorb arrow impact without being penetrated. The central core is completely surrounded by compressed cotton molt packing disposed within a cardboard frame. The frame, compressed cotton, and central core, are contained within a moisture barrier formed by a polyethylene bag. A plurality of layers of nylon mesh are wrapped around the moisture barrier. The nylon mesh has openings greater than 1/4.times.1/4 inches, such that penetrating arrows are unlikely to hit and break strands of the mesh. The nylon mesh is covered by burlap fabric, upon which various target indicia may be provided. The target has a long service life and allows arrows to be easily removed.

Abstract: A dartboard has bed-defining members which are held in position by prongs made from sheet material. The prongs may be formed into a U-shape and be adapted to straddle a bed-defining member or they may be made in one piece with a bed-defining member.

Abstract: An automatic target shooting system for determining projectile location relative to a target, calculating a score based upon the location and displaying a replica of the target with an indication of the location of the projectile relative to the target and the score. A target support structure defines a target area with criss-crossing X-Y-type coordinate light beams extending thereacross between light emitter devices and light receiving devices which generate output signals indicative of the location of a projectile during passage through the target area. The output signals are utilized by a computer device to identify the location of the projectile relative to the target and score the shot in accordance with the location. A replica of the target is displayed on a CRT screen with an indication of the location of the shot thereon and the score for the shot.

Abstract: Game boards one each for table top and wall placement and having corresponding areas defined thereon. Each player or team of players has a set of game pieces. Moves of certain of the game pieces may be determined by the impact point of a player aimed component such as a dart. The game boards may display a modified game board design on their reverse sides.

Abstract: A scoring system for a dart game apparatus includes a target wall for mounting a dart board, a supply of at least two visually distinctive kinds of scoring markers for association with corresponding players of the game, the markers of opposing players being stackable, and a scoring panel having a modular pattern of marker positions in a plurality of array segments, each marker position being formed as a hole in the panel for releasably receiving the stem of a marker, and a pattern of score keeping indicia on the scoring panel for defining a scoring value and a required number of occurrences of the scoring value for at least one of the array segments for recording multiple required occurrences of predetermined game score increments in a first game, and for defining a scoring increment for each of at least two of the array segments, the increments being in a fixed ratio for indicating a player's score in a second game by the position of markers in the segments as a summation of the position of each marker in it

Abstract: A dartboard of compressed sisal fibers having beds defined by radial and circular wires, the radial and at least part of the circular bed-defining wires being of quadrilateral cross-section with one of the corners in contact with the sisal fibers so that the opposite corner is exposed to oncoming darts, wherein the radial wires are notched at positions where they intersect the circular wires of quadrilateral cross-section whereby to form emplacements for the circular wires of quadrilateral cross-section.

Abstract: A reversible dart board has a frame with a raised periphery defining a target receiving space. The target has an obverse face divided into equal areas with each area marked with a different number from a first sequence of numbers. The target has a reverse face divided into equal areas with each area marked with a different number from a second sequence of numbers. The frame has a back portion with a cut-out area which one can use to push out the target. The raised periphery of the frame is preferably formed by folding extending areas of the back portion.

Abstract: A ball-throwing game that includes an upright (vertical) target board. The ball surface and target board surface are each formed of a fibrous material that comprises closely spaced miniature loops (or hooks). When the ball strikes the target board surface the miniature loops interlock with the miniature hooks so that the ball sticks onto the target board. The ball can be easily pulled off the board when desired. Target areas are defined on the target board by a rigid flat surfaced panel having openings. The exposed flat surface of the panel ensures that balls striking the exposed face of the panel are deflected away from the target surface.

Abstract: A dart game practice shield is set forth for use in combination with a regulation dart board. The shield is formed as a circular planar surface with a removable central cap overlying an opening of a first diameter less than that of the diameter of the practice shield. The opening diameter is equal to that of an underlying "bulls-eye" of an associated regulation dart board. The practice shield furthermore has an eighteen degree circular sector removed therefrom between said first diameter and an outer perimeter of the practice shield to enable an individual to practice proper dart placement on the unexposed portion of the dart board sector aligned with the open sector of the practice shield. The practice shield has a ring of hook and loop fasteners secured thereto on an interior face of said shield for securement to associated hook and loop fasteners attachment points about the associated regulation dart board.

Abstract: There are disclosed foamable compositions comprising at least one polyisocyanate, at least one polyhydroxy compound and at least one blowing agent having evenly distributed therethrough discrete particles of cellular rubber. The resulting urethane foam-cellular rubber is suitable for use as a target backstop, e.g., archery target backstop.

Abstract: A target for bow and arrow, comprising a stack of cardboard strips held within a frame having an upper and lower portion, in which the top wall of the upper portion can be pressed downwardly to compress the strips together. The lower frame member telescopes into the upper frame for a limited distance. The frame is mounted on a stand having wheels and a depending support member to easily move and set up at a desired location. The frame is pivotally mounted on the stand so it can be rotated to place both the front and back of the target facing the archer. The target surface can be rotated and set at any desired angle, such as for shooting from a tree or other elevated position.

Abstract: A multi-layered target is provided in which the shooter's results are permanently recorded and displayed as a work of art. A metallic sheet layer is used in conjunction with a covering layer upon which target dots are imprinted in a desired design or pattern. By successfully shooting the target dots of the covering layer, a shooter records his shot on the underlying metallic sheet layer. A successful round of shooting is reflected in the reproduction on the metallic sheet layer of the artistic design created by the target dots. The metallic sheet layer may be framed and hung as a constant remainder of a shooter's accuracy.

Abstract: A goal apparatus for a game which selectively traps incoming objects such as softballs, soccer balls, footballs, and other objects, propelled at the goal from any, direction around the perimeter of the goal, by individual suspended members, draped ropes or chains, or netting.

Abstract: A bundle of skinned, longitudinally torn straws is cut transversely into pieces having predetermined thickness. The pieces are placed into an open topped dartboard contoured frame and compressed from top to bottom and around the periphery. The pieces are then allowed to expand and rearrange in the frame. The surface of the transverse pieces are surface-ground and marked to depict a dart target pattern. Finally, a netting which corresponds to the marked pattern is provided on the ground surface.

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 dart board assembly for use in an electronic dart game. The assembly includes an electrically insulative dart board for catching and releasably holding darts. The dart board includes a spider defining a bull's -eye and a plurality of scoring radials extending from the bull's -eye. The assembly further includes an electrically insulative sensor board positioned adjacent to and aligned with the dart board. The sensor board includes a number of electrically conductive detectors with one detector being positioned in alignment with each of the scoring radials in the bull's-eye. The sensor board also includes an electrically conductive shield surrounding each of the detectors and electrically insulated from each of them. The shield is grounded to prevent cross talk between the detectors. A method of using the dart board assembly of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic target shooting system for determining projectile location relative to a target, calculating a score based upon the location, and displaying a replica of the target with an indication of the location of the projectile relative to the target and the score. A target support structure defines a target area with criss-crossing X-Y-type coordinate light beams extending thereacross between light emitter devices and light receiving devices which generate output signals indicative of the location of a projectile during passage through the target area. The output signals are utilized by a computer device to identify the location of the projectile relative to the target, and to score the shot in accordance with the location. A replica of the target is displayed on a CRT screen with an indication of the location of the shot thereon and the score for the shot.

Abstract: A target apparatus having a structure for receivingly stopping and holding arrows which target is pivotally attached to a support member and biased to an upright position whereby when an arrow is shot into the target, it will pivot backwardly to absorb some of the shock of the impact of the arrow and which will then return to its original position for the next shot without a need to manually reset the target. An oscillation dampening structure is also provided on the target to cause such target to return to its original position as soon as possible after an arrow is shot into it.

Abstract: An archery target comprising a foamed plastic core and a cover bonded directly to the core by the material of the core with the cover serving to retain the core in place when penetrated by arrows.

Abstract: Toy apparatus for simulating hunting or battle comprises one or more target figures, such as an animal. The target figure is made of relatively hard material and is provided with at least one cavity extending to the surface of the figure, preferably located where on the animal simulated there is no protective bone or plate structure, such as the abdomen, neck, etc. A soft clay-like or putty-like substance is in the cavity. A weapon such as a toy spear, sword, etc. upon striking the soft material, will penetrate into and remain in it until withdrawn. A human-like hunter figure may also be provided, releasably carrying a spear or other penetrating weapon. Other figures may be provided, of various existing, non-existing, and fanciful animal or other targets, and corresponding hunter figures; there may be provided plural human or human-like figures, with both soft substance-filled cavities and a penetrating simulated weapon.

Abstract: An archery target wherein transversely gathered thermoplastic film is wrapped into the shape of an animal to be simulated, the wrapped shape is covered with thermoplastic sheeting heat sealed to the wrapped film, and the shape is filled with additional transversely gathered plastic film folded upon itself and inserted into the wrapped film shape.

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: Apparatus for rating hits on a target comprises two photoelectric detector systems 1, 3. One of said systems is held in position adjacent to the path of travel of a target and is used to measure the distance from an entry hole to the center of the bull's eye of the target in the direction in which the target 18 travels through the apparatus. The other system is mounted on a cross slide 8, which is movable at right angles to the direction of travel of the target and measures the distance from the center of the entry hole to the center of the bull's eye in that transverse direction. The two distance vectors are vectorially summed up by a vector computer and are multiplied with a calibration factor. The result of the measurement may then be displayed, printed or delivered to an electronic data processing system in the form of a tenth-of-a-ring rating.

Abstract: A target comprising missile penetrable material arranged in the form of a continuous loop, the loop being flattened to provide substantially flat front and back sides, and the target material of the loop being flexible and being shiftably movable from one portion of the loop to another portion thereof.

Abstract: A target system includes a target sheet (10) comprising a polyester film (20) adhesively secured to a paper or polyethylene backing sheet (15). The polyester film (20) defines an exposed target surface (F) and includes a plurality of circular target strike zone portions (T) defined by spaced apart slits (S) perforating the polyester film (20). The circular target zone portions (T) are not adhesively secured to the backing sheet (15) and are integrally connected to the polyester film (20) with connecting portions (30) each located between adjacent slits (5). A rounded impact head (42) of a projectile (40) striking a target portion breaks the connecting portions (30), causing the target portion (T) to detach from the polyester film (20) and be pulled through the backing sheet (15) to achieve a vanishing effect. In another embodiment, separate zone portions (T) can be secured to the backing sheet with minute adhesive portions (25') or adhesive tape (32).

Abstract: A target and supporting structure therefore are formed of a multiplicity of substantially coplanar plies of paper adhesively bonded together into a non-hattering and non-splintering rigid laminate. The target may be fixedly supported by a frame structure or removably supported in a free standing position by a slotted base. A method of making and assembling the target and supporting structure therefore is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of target boards for darts or archery, wherein the target boards are made by: compressing fibrous material into a cylindrical bundle with a set of press molds provided with clamp members adapted to clamp the fibrous material so as to remain in cylindrical shape, cutting the cylindrical bundle into circular pieces each being clamped by a pair of clamp members; bonding a reinforcing plate onto one surface of each of the circular pieces; removing the clamp members from the circular pieces; banding the circular pieces with metal strips around the periphery and covering the second surface with a decorative cover sheet.

Abstract: An electrically operated military target capable of emitting an infrared signal when an electric current passes therethrough comprises a multiplicty of independent modules, each module corresponding to a thermal cue of a military threat asset. Each module is a unitary, composite, flexible laminate capable of conducting an electric current. Each module is provided with redundant circuitry for connection to a power source. The laminate is covered by a flexible, thermal insulating pad containing a multiplicity of discrete air-containing cells through which the infrared signal can pass. The target is useful for live fire training with thermal sights.

Abstract: A dart target system comprising a first target movably mounted on a frame for rotation about a first axis, whereby when a greater number of darts are stuck in the target on one side of the axis than the other, then that one side will be below the other side, indicating victory for the player throwing toward the one side. An electrical system forming a part of the dart target system and delivering a light or other sensible signal of one nature when the victory is achieved by a person throwing on one side of the target and of a different nature when a victory is achieved by a person throwing at the opposite side of the target.

Abstract: A target material comprises a rubber sheet coated with a thermoluminescent material. When a bullet penetrates the target, as a result of the temperature rise the thermoluminescent material thermoluminesces indicating where the bullet went. A range is disclosed in which images of targets are projected onto the target material.

Abstract: A defensively orientated target assembly or apparatus comprising a main target capable of receiving projectiles and subtargets which when struck act to dislodge projectiles previously situated in strategic positions within the main or primary target. An offensive score is accomplished by landing the projectile within a subsection of the main or primary target. Subsequently, an opponent may dislodge the projectile by successfully striking the associated subtarget.

Abstract: A game including a barrier which positions the player with the player facing the barrier. The player, with a missile carried in one hand, strikes the barrier and then throws the missile toward a target located on the opposite side of the body from the side where such hand is located.

Abstract: In a thermal target suitable for live weapons fire, a resistive material is disposed between layers of insulation and screen like continuous electrodes. Portions of insulation are removed at predetermined locations to expose the resistive material and the continuous electrodes are fastened to the exposed resistive material. When an electrical potential is applied to the continuous electrodes the target emits thermal radiation in order to simulate a known thermal image for an infrared sighting device.

Abstract: Conventional dartboard wiring grids and their attachment structures obscure a significant proportion of the target areas. The invention aims to provide an improved definition of target areas by using fine high tensile wires for the grid. The grid is formed in such a manner that the fine wires are not easily bent on impact but can be easily replaced should they become bent. The grid (11) has straight high tensile radial wires (17) running from an inner ring (20) to an outer ring, endless high tensile wires (18,19) defining doubles and trebles and a plurality of pegs (18c, 18d, 19c 19d) projecting in concentric circles from the board, the endless wires being held in tension around the circles of pegs. The endless wires preferably overlie the radial wires and are held clear of the dartboard surface.

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: Dartboard has a first game side which is divided into fifty-two dart target spaces with each space carrying indicia corresponding to the fifty-two cards of the standard bridge deck. Each target space has a slot adjacent one end thereof into which a slot card each having one of the indicia of the standard bridge deck is inserted to thus hide the indicia from other players. The dart board is rotatably mounted to increase random chance and with the players taking turns throwing darts, dart games employing rules similar to poker and other card games can be played with the board. The reverse of the board is divided into spaces, each of which carries the indicia of one side of a six-sided die. Thus, by throwing darts to the reverse side of the board, games having rules similar to dice games can be played, but also employing dart-throwing skill.

Abstract: A dartboard safety surround for receiving badly-aimed darts which narrowly miss the dartboard comprises an annular element of an elastomeric material such as, for example, a polyether urethane elastomer, which is dense enough to hold darts piercing the element and which resiliently grips the periphery of the dartboard. The rear face of the annular element defines a recess which is occupied by a filler having a density less than the elastomer of the annular element.

Abstract: The invention provides a dartboard having a wire grid defining the target areas which enables finer wire than conventional to be used. The grid consists of straight high tensile radial wires and arcuate high tensile wires with bent ends pushed into the dartboard adjacent the radial wires to define the target areas within the sectors defined by the radial wires. Each ring of the target areas can conveniently be made up of a series of separate arcuate wires with bent ends and each radial wire can similarly be attached to the board by having bent ends. The radial wire can lie in the V-grooves between the upper ends of the legs of adjacent arcuate wires. Thus the grid can be a collection of separately-removable units for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A target for night-time gunnery and similar practice with the use of a heat responsive sight comprises a thin, supple fabric supported on a rigid frame to be substantially flat, with a front surface facing towards a location from which firing takes place. The fabric comprises a front protective sheet, preferably plastic, which is transparent to infra-red radiation, and a rear radiation-absorbing sheet of low heat capacity, preferably foil. A coarse-mesh net, between said sheets and secured to both, holds them spaced and parallel to cooperate in defining a heat insulating air space between them. An infra-red radiator heats the heat-absorbing sheet, which preferably has a radiation absorbing matte coating on its rear surface and a colored front surface coating. When warmer than its surroundings, the heat absorbing sheet thus radiates as a black body.

Abstract: A penetrable target element that is knocked over by a bullet, and is re-set to a standing position by a pull cord that is quickly attached and detached from the target element. After its mutilation by repeated gunfire, the target, with its removably attached pull cord is quickly and easily detached from a stationary part of a base, and an unused replacement target is quickly attached in its place. The replaceable target element contains both the pivot and pull cord connector devices within its single-part structure, and is stabilized and stands, otherwise unaided, on its bottom marginal edge.

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.