Projectile target

Abstract

A projectile target 10 comprises a support structure 20 adapted to support two or more targets 30. The targets 30 are ideally off the ground 12, that is spaced from the ground 12. Each target 30 is, in turn, supported by an arm 32 extending from a common hinge 34. Each pair of targets 30 includes a first main target 30a and a second target 30b. In a first position 38a, the first target 30a presents a first broad target surface 36a to an operator or shooter (not shown). The second target 30b is displaced so that it does not present a viable target to the operator. However, the second target 30b is adapted to move into a second, viable, target position 38b when the first target 30a is struck substantially on its broad target surface 36a by a projectile, such as a .22 calibre bullet.

Claims

1. A projectile target comprising a support structure and a plurality of targets, the support structure being adapted to support the plurality of targets on a horizontal support surface, each target is supported on a corresponding mounting arrangement, the plurality of targets being adapted to assume: a first position in which a first target of the plurality of targets presents a broad target surface to an operator and a second target of the plurality of targets is oriented so that it does not present a viable target; and a second position whereby the second target of the plurality of targets presents a broad target surface to the operator and the first target is oriented so that it does not present a viable target, the first and second targets being adapted to be movable between the first and second positions by striking the first or second target presenting the broad target surface with a projectile with sufficient force to displace the first or second target presenting the broad target surface into the first or second position in which the first or second target does not present a viable target and the other of the first and second targets presents a broad target surface, wherein: the mounting arrangement includes a pivot arrangement on which both the first and second targets are respectively attached to terminal ends of an inclined arm, the location of the terminal ends of the inclined arm being fixed relative to each other when the inclined arm is stationary as well as through a range of motion of the inclined arm which places the first and second targets in either the first or second position, the inclined arm mounted to a hinge; and the hinge is aligned so that it is slightly inclined to the vertical so that the targets are biased under the force of gravity to fall either to the first position or to the second position; wherein when the first target moves to the first position the second target must move to not present a viable target; wherein when the second target moves to the second position the first target must move to not present a viable target.

2. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the force required to move the first and second targets between the first and second positions corresponds to the force imparted by the projectile making a direct hit on the broad target surface.

3. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the first and second targets are biased against any transitional position between the first and second positions.

4. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the projectile is a weapon projectile.

5. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a vertical post.

6. The projectile target of claim 5, wherein the hinge includes a bracket defining a hinge bore for a hinge pin, the bracket extending upwardly from the post.

7. The projectile target of claim 5, wherein the detent comprises a broad edge of the arm that is adapted to abut an edge of the post at the corresponding first or second position.

8. The projectile target of claim 6, wherein the inclined arms extend normal relative to the hinge pin.

9. The projectile target of claim 6, wherein the inclined arms extend in the same plane and are inclined slightly relative to the post.

10. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the pivot arrangement is adapted to toggle the pair of the first and second targets between two active positions in which one or other of the targets of the pair of targets presents the broad target surface.

11. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a single intermediate hinge from which extends each inclined arm of each target forming a group set of connected targets.

12. The projectile target of claim 11, wherein the group set of targets are connected whereby the displacement of the first target causes the second target to move into the first or the second position in which the first or second target presents the broad target surface.

13. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the length of each inclined arm is configured to provide a counter weight to ensure equally effective transition from the presentation of the first target compared to the rotation required to present the second target.

14. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the first and second targets are non-exhaustively pivotable to always present at least one of the broad target surfaces to a shooter.

15. The projectile target of claim 1, wherein the hinge has a detent that limits the rotation of the pair of targets beyond a limited arc.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

(2) FIG. 1a is a side view of a projectile target according to a first embodiment;

(3) FIG. 1b is a front view of the projectile target of the first embodiment;

(4) FIG. 1c is a side view of the projectile target of the first embodiment;

(5) FIG. 2a is front view of a projectile target according to a second embodiment; and

(6) FIG. 2b is an end view of the projectile target of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(7) Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

(8) Referring to the first embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-2, there is shown a projectile target 10 comprising a support structure 20 adapted to support two or more targets 30. The targets 30 are ideally off the ground 12, that is spaced from the ground 12. Each target 30 is, in turn, supported by an arm 32 extending from a common hinge 34.

(9) Each pair of targets 30 includes a first main target 30a in a first position, facing the expected direction of approach of the projectile and a second target 30b oriented in a non-viable position angled such that it presents a narrow edge to the projectile approaching from direction D. In the first position 38a, the first target 30a presents a first broad target surface 36a to an operator or shooter (not shown). The second target 30b is displaced so that it does not present a viable target to the operator. However, the second target 30b is adapted to move into a second, viable, target position 38b when the first target 30a is struck substantially on its broad target surface 36a by a projectile, such as a .22 calibre bullet.

(10) The projectile ideally hits the first target 30a with sufficient force to displace the first target 30a into the second position 38b. In the second position 38b the first target 30a does not present a viable target in that the first target is aligned side-on to an approach from direction D and presents a narrow profile. However, the second target 30b does present a second broad target surface 36b in the second position 38b.

(11) The support structure 20 comprises a vertical post 21 that, in the field, is adapted to remain stationary on the ground or other support surface 12. The post 21 is mounted on a stationary base 24 that may comprise a heavy flat square or triangular plate made of metal or heavy polymeric material. The base may comprise three or more frame members and may include apertures 26 that may receive pegs (not shown) to stabilise the base 24 relative to the ground surface 12.

(12) In preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 24 comprises a triangular frame comprising three base sections including a pair of bars 25 forming a V formation. The remote ends of each bar 25 are braced by a similarly horizontally aligned bar in the form of an L-section 27. The bars 25,27 lie in a substantially horizontal plane (the base plane). The post 21 is advantageously mounted in the crook of the V-formation and an inclined strut 28. The strut 28 is made of light channel section. The strut 28 extends from intermediate the length of the bar 27 upwardly to a location on the post 21 intermediate its length. Advantageously, the strut 28 is attached to a bracket 29 attached intermediate the length of the post 21, but below the lowermost set of targets 30iv. Alternatively, the post 21 may be attached by welds to the base 24. The post 21 ideally extends substantially upwardly from, and preferably normal to, to the base plane 24. In the embodiment shown, the post 21 is formed of angle iron. The mounting bracket for each hinge 34 may extend from a weld attachment in the crook of the L-section of the post 21.

(13) Each pair of targets 30 comprises the first target 30a attached to the terminal end of an inclined arm 32a, and the second target 30b attached to the terminal end of an inclined arm 32b. Each arm is mounted to a hinge 34. The hinge 34 includes a hinge pin 33 that is rotatably inserted in a hinge body defining a bore in the hinge 34. The hinge 34 is aligned so that it is slightly inclined to the vertical. Therefore, the targets 30 are biased under the force of gravity to fall either to the first position 38a or the second position 38b.

(14) There may be one or more pairs of targets 30 mounted on the post 21. The number of pairs is preferably between two and ten, and most preferably three to five pairs of targets 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pairs of targets 30 are aligned in series along the length of the post 21. The hinge pins 33 may be secured in the hinge bores 34 by cotter pins or circlips, etc. The hinge 34 comprises a lug 34a in the form of a bracket extending upwardly from the post 21 defining the bore and the hinge pin 33. The lug 39 may be welded to the side of the post 21. Alternatively, the post 21 and the hinge lugs 34a may be cast or moulded unitarily during manufacture.

(15) The hinge pin 33 may be welded or otherwise unitarily or integrally formed with the arms 32. However, the hinge pin 33 may be a bolt and nut arrangement securing each pair 30 to the lug 34a. The arms 32a,b are inclined on a slight gradient of about 10-30 degrees to the horizontal, extending upwardly from the hinge pin 33. The arms 32 may extend substantially normal relative to the hinge pin 33. However, the arms may not necessarily be normal to the hinge pin 33. The arms 32 may extend in substantially the same plane inclined slightly relative to the post 21.

(16) The first target 30a may be a square or diamond shaped plate. The second target 30b may be a discernibly different shape so that the set of targets 30 on an individual stand 20 may present multiple types of targets 30. The set of targets 30 may therefore comprise two or more types of targets 30. The first embodiment 10 may therefore be used for duelling in which each participating operator shoots for identifiably different targets 30. In a two-person competition, one person may shoot for the first type of targets 30ai-iv (see FIG. 1b), and the second operator may shoot for a second type of targets 30bi-iv. As each pair of targets 30 must present one or other of the types of targets 30a or 30b for the operators to aim at, the projectile target 10 may be used to indicate a winner after a predetermined number of shots allocated to each operator. By assessing how many of the pairs of, for example, targets 30 present the broad face of the first type of target 30a (in favour of the second operator) and how many present the broad face of the second type of target 30b (in favour of the second type of target 30b), the winner can be determined.

(17) As shown in FIGS. 1a-c, the arms 32 are angled upwardly from the hinge 34 like branches of a conifer or pine tree. As the targets have the most potential energy against gravity when they are upper most, they are biased to fall to a lower first or second position 38a,b by falling sideways to the left or to the right. The hinge 34 has a detent upper rim or a formed shoulder 35 that limits the rotation of the pair of targets 30 beyond a limited arc 37. Advantageously, the detent 35 may comprise a broad edge of each of the arms 32 that is adapted to abut an edge of the post 21 at each corresponding first or second position 38a,b.

(18) Accordingly, neither target 30a,b can travel over-centre where their height would reach a zenith if they were permitted to travel unhindered through the arc 37. As a consequence, the arms 32 travel through a limited arc 39 that is between about 20 to about 60 degrees rotation.

(19) Atop the shaft 21 is a triplet set of targets 70 mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. The triplet set of targets 70 comprise a central hub 72 mounted on a vertical spigot 74 and three radially and substantially horizontally extending, arms 76. The arms 76 are circumferentially equispaced, each arm 76 terminating in a target 70i-iii. As one target 70i is struck by a projectile, the target rotates until still. With three radially extending targets 70i-iii, at least one of the targets 70i-iii presents a broad target surface to the operator at any time.

(20) In FIGS. 2a-b there is shown a second embodiment 100 in which like features are referred to using like reference numerals (+100). The projectile target 100 comprises a support structure 120 comprising a substantially horizontal shaft 121, supported by side stands 122. The side stands are located at each end of the shaft 121 and have at their base 124 a horizontal bar or individual feet 124.

(21) The shaft 122 has journalled sections spaced substantially equidistantly along its length on which are formed cylindrical bearing hinges 134. The hinges 134 adapted to rotate through a limited arc of travel 137 on a rear side of the stand 122. Fixedly attached to each of the hinges 134 is a pair of targets 130,b supported by arms 132 fixed to the outer surface of the hinge 134. The arms 132 terminate at a position spaced radially from the shaft axis 126 with target plates 130a,b. The arms 132 are limited to a rotational arm of about 50-80 degrees, and preferably about 60-70 degrees. Alternatively, the arms 132 are mounted to a bracket 134 about which the arms 132 and targets 130a,b rotate.

(22) The upper target 130a is spaced a greater distance radially from the shaft 121 than the second target 130b, with the corresponding first arm 132a being appreciably longer than the second arm 130b. This provides correct weighting for the upper first target 130a to remain upright at its first position 138a without the second target 130b and arm 132b ensemble being heavy enough to cause the pair of targets 130a,b from rotating back down to the second position 138b shown in the second set of targets 130ai,bi in FIG. 2a. This is achieved by the length of the arms 132a,b being different, but could be achieved by varying the thickness of the shaft of each arm 132a,b or by adding a weighted sleeve to the upper arm 132a.

(23) In any case, the lower arm 132b sits extant and cantilevered to the rear of the projectile target 100 from the hinge 134 and the shaft 121 in the first position 138a. The lower arm 132b should be light enough not to exert a leverage force on the target pair 130a,b sufficient to displace the pair of targets 130a,b from the first position 138a. In the second position 138b, when the upper target 130a is sufficiently impacted by a projectile to displace and force the upper target 130a backwards in the direction R, the force being transferred through the target 130a to the upper arm 132a to the hinge bearing 134, and then by fixed connection to the lower arm 132b. The lower arm 132b rotates down to the second position so that the second target 130b now presents a broad faced surface 136b and the first target is rotated so that only a slim edge profile 131a is presented to the operator as a non-viable target.

(24) The targets 130a,b are therefore able to be toggled between the first and second positions 138a,b to provide the operator with an endless presentation of viable alternating targets 130a,b.

(25) For clarity, only one set of targets 130 is shown in FIG. 2b, which shows the total arc 137 through which the pair of targets 130 travel and the limited arc of rotation 139 through which the lower target 130b travels. As the arms 132a,b are fixed to the hinge bearing 134, the arc of travel 139 of the upper arm 132a is equal and opposite to the arc of travel 137 of the lower arm 132b.

(26) The weighting of the target and arm combinations are determined according to the impact energy or momentum likely to be generated by the intended projectile. The current invention is suitable for lighter rounds, such as air rifle slugs, through to .22 gauge bullets having weights of 120-150 grains. Each set of hinge or hub, arms and targets is advantageously cast in a single metal piece such as corrosion resistance stainless steel or aluminium, or galvanised or otherwise coated for weather protection.

(27) Throughout the specification and claims the word comprise and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word comprise and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

(28) In the present specification, terms such as apparatus, means, device and member may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an apparatus, means, device or member or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an apparatus, assembly, means, device or member is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

(29) Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the upper end of the post 21 or the uppermost target 130a uppermost

(30) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.