Abstract
A target practice arrangement includes a separable body with first and second body members and an inflatable bladder. The first body member defines an inside cavity having a volume and an axis with a wall defining the cavity about the axis, and the second body member has an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is placed within the cavity of the first member, generally parallel with the axis. The bladder, when operably inflated within the cavity, grippingly acts against the inside wall and against the elongate member to prevent relative movement of the first and second body members. The target is operable to separate upon deflation of the inflatable member.
Claims
1. A target practice arrangement comprising a separable body comprising first and second body members and an inflatable bladder, wherein the first body member defines an inside cavity having a volume and an axis with a wall defining the cavity about the axis and the second body member comprises an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is placed within the cavity of the first member, generally parallel with the axis, wherein, the bladder when operably inflated within the cavity, grippingly acts against the inside wall and against the elongate member whereby to prevent relative movement of the first and second body members, the target being operable to separate upon deflation of the inflatable member.
2. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate, by reason of an external force such as gravity.
3. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member of the second member is inserted against a resilient element such as a spring biasing means, whereby, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate.
4. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second member resiliently abuts the first member, whereby, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate.
5. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises a number of separate bladders.
6. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the gripping force of each bladder is less than a force of separation.
7. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the gripping force of at least one bladder significantly differs with respect to the other bladders.
8. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bladders are of different shapes and an accuracy or score of a shooter can be determined.
9. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises an elongate member which has a varying cross-section along its length, in correspondence with a level of difficulty whereby to enable a determination of an award of points in a competition reduced size number of separate bladders.
10. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprising a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end comprises a projection whereby the lower end can be inserted into soil to in order to enable the elongate member to be operably arranged in a generally vertical orientation.
11. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is operably associated with a base element, having an area, whereby the mannequin can be paced upon a substantially level surface, in order to enable the elongate member to be operably arranged in a generally vertical orientation.
12. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder system of connection is incorporated in a mannequin, whereby the mannequin can be separated from a support element.
13. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder system of connection is incorporated in a mannequin, whereby one or more body parts of the mannequin can be separated.
14. A target practice arrangement substantially as described herein with reference to any one of more of the figures of the drawing sheets.
15. A target practice mannequin substantially as described herein with reference to any one of more of the figures of the drawing sheets.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a basic target system in accordance with the invention;
[0023] FIG. 1a is a cross-section of B-B as shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 1b shows components of the basic system of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 1c shows an alternative basic target system in accordance with the invention;
[0026] FIG. 1d illustrates a target system per FIG. 1 in the form of a mannequin;
[0027] FIG. 1e illustrates a target system per FIG. 1 in the form of a mannequin;
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a basic embodiment of the invention in the form of a head-body mannequin;
[0029] FIG. 2a is a cross-section through C-C of FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 2b shows basic embodiment in a fallen state;
[0031] FIGS. 3 and 3a detail a third embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIGS. 3b and 3c shows further embodiments of the invention;
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 4b show still further embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 5-5j relate to one preferred design and derivatives in accordance with the invention;
[0035] FIGS. 6a & 6b relate to another preferred design for a planar target in accordance with the invention;
[0036] FIGS. 7-7f relate to a further preferred design and derivatives in accordance with the invention; and
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a still further embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a simple target system in accordance with the invention and comprises a support pole 17 and a substantially circular tube 12 which conveniently defines an axis A, in general correspondence with an axis of the support member. The support pole 17 comprises, in this simple embodiment, a pole having a first end shaped as a spike for engaging within suitable soft soil, whereby to enable the pole to be generally upstanding in suitable terrain; other support poles can have a weighted base having an area of a suitable size to enable the target to remain upright when erected when placed upon a horizontal surface. Towards the second end of the poleuppermost in usea circumferential wall of the pole, is used to engage with an inside wall 22 of the tube 12 to provide a target, when operatively arranged. The inside wall of the tube 12 defines an interior volume 21 into which an inflatable bladder, conveniently a rubber balloon, can be placed. There is no special requirement for the interior wall to be cylindrical and the width can vary along that axis, but it must be of a sufficient size to enable the support 17 to be placed therethrough. Equally the cylinder may be of any shapeit must be of a size that enables a balloon 23or other form of inflatable bladder to be inserted in the head region (or other vertical position along the length of the support member).
[0040] The balloon is placed generally in the middle of the tube 12 and is inflatedas can be best seen with reference to FIG. 1a, being a cross-section through B-B of FIG. 1so as to grippingly engage, by forces indicated by arrows 24 against an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the shot passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the mannequin drops, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target, when the body 12 will fall to the ground. It will be appreciated that the target can be quite easily resurrectedrequiring a replacement bladder, conveniently a balloon. Such a change can be made in a matter of seconds. Separate bodies may be pre-prepared to enable, in the course of a competition, lesson etc. of the replacement of a body only of a target, which can same a considerable amount of time in deployment.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 1b, the three main components of the invention are shown separately; the support member 17 could conveniently be made from PVC tubing, wood, fibreglass, steel, aluminium alloys etc. The body 12 tube can be made from a single sheet of non-rigid material such as polypropylene, and can easily be obtained in range of thicknesses although 2-10 mm sheets have proven suitable in tests. Tabs 12 can be inserted into slits 12 so that the sheet can easily be transformed into cylindrical body 12, enabling simple transportation of sheets, which take up considerably less space than assembled cylindrical bodies. An aperture is shown whereby an inflatable bladder such as a balloon can be inserted, prior to inflation. Whilst the tube is shown as being circularly cylindrical, the cylinder may provide a flat face whereby images or targets may be easily affixed thereto. It will be appreciated that the size of the target is not limited in general terms and it is quite possible to have the target of an A2 poster size or larger, although in outdoor situations, windage issues may arise. All manner of images may be painted upon the target or attached to the target, using paper or waterproof sheet, attached using glue, adhesive tape, reusable putty-like pressure-sensitive adhesives etc. for example. The target may have a typical ten- or five-zone score printed thereon or comprise a printed sheet of paper (or other material if it is to be used outside)since the target can be arranged to have a recti-planar face. It will be appreciated that the number of images is unlimited, not being limited to the traditional zoned circular target. Equally the target could be painted, covered with clothes etc.
[0042] A second system is shown with reference to FIG. 1c, where there are two bodies 12, 12, wherein 12 is a cylindrical body having a cavity 21 into which an elongate member 41 depending from body 12 is inserted; as the two parts are brought together the elongate member urges against a resilient element 12; upon placement and subsequent inflation of an inflatable bladder, such as a balloon 23, so as to grippingly engage, by forcesin a similar fashion as those indicated by arrows 24 in FIG. 1aagainst an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the arrow, shot or projectile passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the two bodies 12, 12 separate by virtue of the resilience arising from resilient element 12, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target.
[0043] FIG. 1d shows a first example of a mannequin target 10 in accordance with the invention, having a head 11, body 12, leg members, 13a, b & 14a, b and arm members 15a, b & 16a, b. The mannequin is supported upon a generally upright support member 17 which is associated with a ground penetrating foot 18 or weighted base, sufficient to enable the mannequin to remain substantially upright despite being placed on grassed areas, gorse lands, tarmac, etc. The support member 17 passes through a central cavity associated with head 11 and body 12.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a head 11 and upper torso 12 of the mannequin 10 defines an interior volume 21, surrounded by a generally cylindrical interior wall 23, which conveniently defines an axis A, in general correspondence with an axis of the support member. There is no special requirement for the interior wall to be cylindrical and the width can vary along that axis, but it must be of a sufficient size to enable the support 17 to be placed therethrough. Equally the cylinder may be of any shapeit must be of a size that enables a balloon 23or other form of inflatable bladder to be inserted in the head region (or other vertical position along the length of the support member). The balloon is placed generally in the middle of the head and is inflatedas can be best seen with reference to FIG. 2a, being a cross-section through C-C of FIG. 2so as to grippingly engage, by forces indicated by arrows 24 against an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the shot passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the mannequin drops, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target, as seen in FIG. 2b, where the body 12 rests upon the ground 19.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the invention, wherein, and as best explained with reference to FIG. 3a, there is shown a mannequin with an elongate inflatable bladder or balloon. Thus this embodiment enables the drop-when-hit action to take place over much of the head and body, which should enable a greater chance of success when being targeted. In a still further embodiment, the balloon or inflatable bladder could be more sinuous and be arranged to be situated in the head, throat and in the region of where a heart would befor a human mannequin, as shown in FIG. 3b, noting that this would require a less uniform (cylindrical) cavity within the body and head, since it would ideally enable a balloon 23 to lie in a preferred position, if the inside dimensions were so shaped to correspond with such positions of vital organs 24. In a further alternative, a number of balloons or inflatable bladders 23a-23d may be employed such that at least two of, say four such balloons or bladders are required to support the weight of the target or mannequin. This is believed to provide a more realistic hit or realistic fatality, but the support of the balloons would need to be carefully monitored, say be limiting the pressure of the fill gas, whereby a known weight of mannequin could be supported by three of such balloons out of four, requiring each mannequin to be hit by two balloon destroying arrows, bullets or other form of munitions before falling. Equally, it would be possible to have weighted possibility as provided by different sizes of balloons with respect to the particular body parts and perceivedimportance vis--vis any competitive scoring schemes that may be applied.
[0046] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 4, a bladder 23c can be arranged to act upon an inside wall 22 of one body part 40 and upon an elongate member 41 of another body part 42 into which the first body part 40 the elongate member 41 depends, the torso 12 comprising body parts 40 and 42. Upon installation, the balloon or bladder 23c enables the parts 40, 42 to remain axially fixed. Upon the balloon being destroyed, the body unit could separate one with respect to another and the lower body part will fall to the ground under gravitational pull i.e. the torso 12 thereby disintegrates. If the balloon associated with the lower portion is hit and deflates, and Whilst this may not be considered as being realistic this technique could be used in a scoring scheme in competition and could also be employed in shot analysis, for example when a shooter tends to shoot too low, for example by poor judgement or by way of an incorrectly set rifle telescope.
[0047] As can be imagined, the systems relating to the torso comprising first and second 40, 42, body parts can be extended to limbs, as exemplified with a right leg, per FIG. 5, upper leg or thigh element is optionally pivoted (but not detailed) about a hip section and extends via a hinge 44 to provide an elongate element 41 which extends into an interior passageway with an axis defined by an inside wall 22 within thigh member 13b. A balloon or inflatable bladder 23e is positioned within the passageway. Again, it will be appreciated that the lower limb or shin member 23b is prevented from falling to the ground under the force of gravity by inflating the balloon to a suitable pressure; upon the balloon being struck by a projectile, then the lower limb 13b will fall.
[0048] In the event that the invention embodies a mannequin, the mannequin can be conveniently constructed of foam plastic or similar material and which can be provided with various articles of clothing and otherwise constructed to closely simulate a human being to provide a target which is quite effective in training various individuals such as law enforcement officers, military personnel and the like in using various weapons to develop and enhance their shooting skills. Furthermore, whilst a mannequin (also called a dummy or dress form) is normally referred to as a doll used by artists, tailors, dressmakers etc. and is often articulated, the term is not to be so narrowly construed and a broader interpretation, extending to cavalry horses and other animals is anticipated in accordance with the present invention, in the event that such mannequins can comprise legitimate targets.
[0049] Referring now to some preferred embodiments of a target support systems, reference shall now be made to FIG. 5a-FIG. 8, wherein FIG. 5a shows a basic assembly in accordance, with a support pole 17a, 17b, in a state of separation, with the lower member 17a engaged within a base 18 comprising, with reference to FIG. 5b, comprising a sheet of materialfor example, plywood or plastics such as acrylic sheet of, say 20 mm thickness, to which a peg 51 extends upwardly, whereby to engage with a hollow inside engagement portion of the support member 17a, noting that, with reference to FIGS. 5a & 5d, the upper end of the lower support member 17a has an insert member 17c operable to fit withinand secure witha corresponding hollow inside engagement portion of the support member 17a; the support members can be provided by pvc tubing, per FIG. 5e, and are readily available in a number of sizes such as 22 mm, 28 mm, 37 mm & 50 mm diameter, being commonly used in plumbing applications etc. FIG. 5c shows a base 18 having two pegs 51 extending upwardly. The tube 12 per FIG. 5a is made from polypropylene sheet and is provided with apertures 12a, which have been found to assist in assembly and placement of parts, as well as making the system lightweight. FIG. 5f shows a cylindrical tube 12 with apertures assembled form flat sheet material to form a cylinder; a plastics pipe 17b is visible inside; by using two sections of support member, 17a, 17b, it will be appreciated that transport of the target, when packed, is of a minimal dimension, suitable for transport.
[0050] FIGS. 5g and 5h are end views, from above of the cylinder (body) 12 when assembled, respectively, with and without the support member 17b. FIG. 5i shows the same view with a balloon inserted and inflated in place to secure the cylinder to the support. FIGS. 5i and 5j show the same system with two and three balloons inflated and in position. FIGS. 6a and 6b show an application of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5a and following, wherein a target board 60, showing the back image 61 and front (target) image 62, is supported by the body 12, with inflatable bladders 23a-23c, the target boards being fastened to the support body 12 by means of a fastener such as a screw-threaded fastener 63.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a rectangular, three dimensional target 70 in a state of assembly, with the body 70 being raised with respect to the body 12 and to attachment thereto. With reference to FIG. 7a, it can be seen that the top section 71 of the rectangular target is attached to the body 12 by means of fastener 63, such as a plastics screw-fastener, detailed in FIG. 7b. Upper body portion 71 being attached to body 72, which overlies body base 73. FIG. 7c shows the embodiment prior to strike by bullet etc.; FIG. 7d shows the same after target strike to the bladders 23 whereby the target falls, providing a ready visual indication that the target has been hit in the appropriate areas. It should be noted that an additional benefit of body base is that the body 72 falls vertically, preventing any non-vertical tendencies as may occur when the target is placed outside and which might be subject to windage. FIGS. 7e and 7f show an alternative target where the body part 72 has a window whereby one can see body 12 with the inflatable member 23.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a highly simplified embodiment of the invention wherein the body 23 has sufficient room for a single inflatable bladder 23, whereby the body 23 may be retained vertically with respect to a base 19.
