Abstract
Disclosed is a multi-section target system configured to absorb the kinetic energy of a less lethal round fired at the target to minimize or prevent ricochets. The sections of the target are connected by connectors configured to both absorb some of the kinetic energy as well as transfer some of the kinetic energy to the other sections of the target. An entrapment system may be located in front of the target that becomes entangled with the round thereby further reducing the round's kinetic energy. The entrapment system may comprise vertical fingers that engage with the round as it first passes through the entrapment fingers then as it rebounds from the target after impact.
Claims
1. A multi-section target system comprising: an upper section; a middle section; a bottom section; at least one flexible joint connecting the upper section to the middle section such that the middle section hangs below the upper section; and at least one flexible joint connecting the middle section to the bottom section such that the bottom section hangs below the middle section, wherein kinetic energy from an impact by an object is transferred from the point of impact of the object on one of the sections, through the at least one flexible joint to at least one of the other sections.
2. The multi-section target of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible joint is a spring, an elastic cord, a rope, a chain, a wire, a gas cylinder, or a liquid filled cylinder.
3. The multi-section target of claim 1, further comprising a suspension tab configured to suspend the multi-section target and transfer some of the kinetic energy from the impact to a fixed suspension point.
4. The multi-section target of claim 3, wherein the suspension tab further comprises at least one additional layer of a material.
5. The multi-section target of claim 1, wherein the top section, the middle section, and the bottom section are constructed from at least one from the group of rubber, plastic, metal, wood, foam, or cloth.
6. The multi-section target of claim 1, wherein the top section, the middle section, and the bottom section are configured to resemble a human.
7. The multi-section target of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate suspension device configured to couple a fixed suspension tab connected to the top section to a fixed suspension point.
8. The multi-section target of claim 1, wherein the flexible joint is configured to absorb kinetic energy imparted to the multi-section target by an object impacting the multi-section target.
9. The multi-section target of claim 1, further comprising a design feature applied to the front of the multi-section target.
10. The multi-section target of claim 9, wherein the design feature comprises words or symbols indicating areas of the multi-section target to aim at and to avoid aiming at.
11. A target with entrapment system comprising: a target; and an entrapment device disposed in front of the target, the entrapment device comprising: an entrapment frame; a plurality of entrapment panels connected to the entrapment frame and extending in a downward direction.
12. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment device is disposed in front of the target at approximately the length of a less lethal round such that the less lethal round can pass fully through the entrapment device before impacting the target.
13. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment panels are configured to at least partially wrap around the less lethal round after the less lethal round rebounds from the target thereby removing at least some of the kinetic energy of the less lethal round.
14. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment panels are constructed from flexible plastic, cloth, leather or flexible fibrous material.
15. The target and entrapment device of claim 11 wherein the entrapment panels return to their original positions after releasing the less lethal round.
16. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment device absorbs essentially all of the kinetic energy of an object after it passes through the entrapment device and rebounds from the target.
17. The target and entrapment device of claim 16, wherein the entrapment panels release the object after absorbing the object's kinetic energy thereby allowing it to fall free of the entrapment device.
18. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment device is located at the approximate middle of the target.
19. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, wherein the entrapment frame is located at the approximate top of the target and the entrapment panels extend downward to at least the approximate middle of the target.
20. The target and entrapment device of claim 11, further comprising one or more visual design features disposed on the front of the entrapment panels.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The novel features of this system, as well as the system itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0034] FIG. 1A is a front view of a typical Less Lethal round;
[0035] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of a typical Less Lethal Round;
[0036] FIG. 2A is a front view of a single section target;
[0037] FIG. 2B is a side view of the single section target of FIG. 2A;
[0038] FIG. 3A is a side view of the target of FIG. 2A showing a Less Lethal Round at the moment of impact with the target;
[0039] FIG. 3B is a side view of the target showing the target as a less lethal round drives into the target;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram view showing multiple angles of incidence and angles of ricochet of a Less Lethal Round;
[0041] FIGS. 5A through 5E are diagram views of a Less Lethal Round impacting a surface resulting in a ricochet;
[0042] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of multi-section target;
[0043] FIG. 6B is a side view of the multi-section target shown in FIG. 6A;
[0044] FIGS. 7A through 7E are side views of the multi-section target shown in FIG. 6B showing the target flexing and absorbing the energy from an impact from a Less Lethal Round;
[0045] FIGS. 8A through 8F are side views of the multi-section target shown in FIG. 6B having an entrapment layer disposed in front of the target showing the target and entrapment layer working to absorb the energy of a projectile then trapping a ricochet of a Less Lethal Round;
[0046] FIG. 9A is a front view of a multi-section target having an entrapment system disposed in front of a middle section of the multi-section target; and
[0047] FIGS. 9B and 9C are side perspective views of the multi-section target having the entrapment system attached thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the target and entrapment system is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the target and entrapment system will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the target and entrapment system as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0049] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementations, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0050] Referring initially to FIG. 1A, an example of a Less Lethal Round (hereinafter LLR) is shown and referred to as 102. The LLR 102 typically comprises a nose 102N, a body 102B, and a case 102C, however, other configurations are fully contemplated. For example, a less lethal round may replace the nose 102N or body 102B with a container filled with an aggregate, such as with a bean bag, a solid rubber projectile, blocks made from light weight material, such as wood, plastic, or other materials that allow the less lethal round to impact a target without causing permanent damage to that target. The LLR 102 may vary in diameter and length depending on the desired design characteristics, such as required distance of travel, or the desired amount of energy transferred to the target upon impact.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1B, an exploded view of a LLR 102 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the LLR 102 comprises the nose 102N coupled to the body 102B, which are then disposed in the case 102C. The case 102C may be filled with a propellant (not shown), which will be expel the nose 102N and body 102B from the case 102C when fired. The type and amount of propellant may be varied to control the velocity of the nose 102N and body 102B when fired, thereby controlling the amount of energy transferred to a target upon impact. The propellant may be a combustible material, a compressed gas, or any other material that will eject the nose 102N and body 102B from the case 102C when fired.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2A, a front view of a single section target is shown and generally referred to as 108. In some embodiments, the single section target 108 is formed from a single piece of material, such as rubber, plastic, metal, wood, foam, cloth, or any other material suitable to withstand multiple impacts from a LLR 102. In other embodiments, the single section target 108 can be a constructed from a composite of materials forming multiple layers. As an example, the single section target 108 may be constructed from a layer of rubber or rubber-like material and a layer of plastic. The target material is typically flexible such that the flexing of the material when impacted by a LLR 102 absorbs some if not all of the kinetic energy of the LLR 102.
[0053] The single section target 108 has a head 108H, a torso 108T, at least one arm 108A, and at least one leg 108L. In a typical configuration, the single section target has a suspension tab 108S for suspending the single section target 108 from a fixed suspension device 110 such that the single section target 108 is free to move relative to the fixed suspension device 110. In some embodiments, an intermediate coupling device 112 is used to couple the suspension tab 108S to the fixed suspension device 110. In other embodiments, the suspension tab 108S is coupled directly to the fixed suspension device 110. The intermediate coupling device 112 allows for greater movement of the single section target 108 when impacted by a LLR 102, thereby allowing the single section target 108 to absorb more of the kinetic energy of the LLR 102 resulting in a further reduced, if not essentially removed, ricochet of the LLR 102.
[0054] When the single section target 108 is suspended from the fixed suspension device 110, either directly or through the use of the intermediate coupling device 112, the single section target 108 is able to absorb more of the kinetic energy from a LLR 102 by swinging back in the direction of travel of the LLR 102. The heavier the single section target 108, the less kinetic energy absorbed from the LLR 102 by the single section target 108, thereby increasing the amount of kinetic energy retained by the LLR 102 during a ricochet, thereby increasing the speed and distance traveled of the LLR 102 during the ricochet.
[0055] In typical training sessions, the single section target 108 will be impacted by the LLR 102 many times. Common training in the use of the LLR 102 directs a shooter to aim for the lower portion of a target, such as the legs 108L, resulting in multiple impacts in a small area of the single section target 108. As a result, when the repeated impacts wear out the single section target 108, the entire single section target 108 must be replaced.
[0056] In some embodiments of the single section target 108, the front of the single section target 108 can be marked to identify the areas of the single section target 108 to aim for and other areas to avoid, such as the head 108H or torso 108T. This can result in only the leg 108L area of the target wearing out. An area of the single section target 108 can be considered worn out when the single section target 108 material becomes too thin, cracks, pieces of the single section target break off, or any markings are no longer visible, which typically results in the need to replace the single section target 108.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 2B, a side view of the single section target 108 is shown. In some embodiments, the suspension tab 108S can be attached to the single section target 108 using glue, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other fastener known in the industry capable of sustaining the weight of the single section target 108 during use, including when a LLR 102 repeatedly impacts the single section target 108. In other embodiments, the suspension tab 108S is integral to the single section target 108. In further embodiments, an integral suspension tab 108S can be layered with additional material to increase the holding strength of the suspension tab 108S.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 3A, a side view of a single section target 108 showing a LLR 102 at the moment of impact with the single section target 108. The LLR 102 is traveling on trajectory axis 114. The LLR 102 has a stabilizing spin 115 typical of any object fired from a gun and allows the LLR 102 to maintain a straight trajectory and prevents the LLR 102 from tumbling as it travels through the air.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3A, the trajectory axis 114 forms an angle of incidence 116 with the single section target 108. When the angle of incidence 116 is ninety degrees (90) to the surface of the single section target 108, the maximum amount of kinetic energy from the LLR 102 is transferred to the single section target 108. However, not all the kinetic energy may be transferred, resulting in the LLR 102 retaining some of the initial kinetic energy. In these instances, since the LLR 102 still has kinetic energy, the LLR 102 is likely to ricochet away from the surface of the single section target 108 and travel until all kinetic energy is depleted. The direction of the ricochet is generally unpredictable, which can result in the LLR 102 traveling in an unintended direction, including directly back toward the shooter.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 3B, a side view of the single section target of FIG. 3A showing a LRR 102 at the moment of impact on a single section target 108 is shown. Upon impact, the LLR 102 is moving in incident direction 1061 and will drive into the single section target 108 causing it to flex to the flex limit 148. The flexing of the single section target 108 absorbs some of the kinetic energy of the LLR 102. Since the LLR 102 typically retains some kinetic energy, it will rebound in rebound direction 106R away from the single section target 108. If the single section target 108 was to absorb essentially all of the kinetic energy of the LLR 102, the LLR 102 would fall essentially straight to the ground without any appreciable ricochet.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram showing multiple angles of incidence and angles of ricochet of a LLR 102 impact with surface 128 is shown. When the LLR 102 travels along an incident trajectory A 1221, which is at angle of incidence 116A, only a small amount of kinetic energy is transferred from LLR 102 to the surface 128, resulting in the LLR 102 ricocheting off of the surface 128 at angle of ricochet 116B where the LLR 102 travels roughly along ricochet trajectory A 122R. When the LLR 102 travels along incident trajectory B 1241, which is angle of incidence 118A, more of the kinetic energy is transferred to the surface 128, yet still results in a ricochet off the surface 128 roughly at angle of ricochet 118B along ricochet trajectory B 124R. When the LLR 102 travels along incident trajectory C 1261, which is angle of incidence 120A, even more of the kinetic energy is transferred to the surface 128, however still resulting in a ricochet off the surface 128 roughly at angle of ricochet 120B along ricochet trajectory C 126R. When the single section target 108 is used during training, the shooter is positioned such that the LLR 102 impacts the surface 128 at a right angle to the surface 128. In the event of a ricochet at this angle, the ricochet trajectory becomes impossible to predict with any reasonable accuracy, thereby presenting a danger to not only the shooter, but to anyone or anything in the general vicinity of the shooter.
[0062] FIGS. 5A through 5F are diagram views of the successive stages of a LRR 102 ricocheting from a flexible surface 104. In FIG. 5A, the LLR 102 impacted the flexible surface 104 in incident direction 1061. At this moment in time, flexible surface 104 has flexed to its maximum amount in incident direction 1061. In FIG. 5B, the flexible surface 104 begins to return to its original position in rebound direction 106R thereby imparting some kinetic energy back into the LLR 102 in rebound direction 106R thereby causing the LLR 102 to also start moving in rebound direction 106R. The LLR 102 starts to become unstable in its orientation relative to its original orientation as shown by the phantom LLR 102P. In FIG. 5C, the flexible surface 104 has further returned to its original position, imparting more kinetic energy into the LLR 102, causing the LLR 102 to depart further from its original orientation while travelling in rebound direction 106R. In FIG. 5D, the flexible surface 104 has returned to its original position, and the LLR 102 has departed further from its original orientation. Any spin of the LLR 102 will cause it to travel in whatever direction the LLR 102 is pointed. If the direction the LLR 102 is pointed is unpredictable, then the direction the LLR 102 wants to travel is also unpredictable, meaning that the travel direction of any ricochet is also unpredictable. In FIG. 5E, the LLR 102 is traveling away from the flexible surface 104 in an unpredictable direction, thereby presenting a danger to a shooter and the surrounding area.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6A, a front perspective view of a multi-section target is shown and generally referred to as 208. The multi-section target 208 comprises a top section 208T, a middle section 208M, and a bottom section 208B. The middle section 208M is connected to the top section 208T and the bottom section 208B by at least one flexible joint 240. A suspension tab 208S can be attached to or integral to the top section 208T. One or more suspension tabs 208S can be attached to or integral to the top section 208T, the middle section 208M, the bottom section 208B, or to a combination of sections 208T, 208M, 208B. The flexible joint 240 is configured to flex, expand, move, or rotate when the multi-section target 208 is impacted. The flexible joint 240 absorbs additional kinetic energy from the impact over and above the kinetic energy absorbed by the flexing of the sections 208T, 208M, 208B of the multi-section target 208 themselves.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 6B, a side view of the multi-section target 208 from FIG. 6A is shown. The flexible joint 240 can be attached to the sections 208T, 208M, 208B of the multi-section target 208 by any means that allows the flexible joint 240 to remain attached to its respective section after multiple impacts to the multi-section target 208. For example, the flexible joint 240 can be connected to the multi-section target 208 using glue, rivets, nuts and bolts, screws, hooks, rope, chain, and wire. In a typical configuration, the flexible joint 240 comprises a spring 240S, however, this is not to be considered limiting. The flexible joint 240 can comprise any material or mechanism that is sufficiently strong enough to support the weight of the sections of the multi-section target 208 yet flexible enough to stretch, deform, rotate, or expand when the multi-section target 208 is impacted, thereby absorbing some of the kinetic energy from the impact and transferring some of that kinetic energy from the impact to the other sections of the multi-section target 208. After the impact to the multi-section target 208, the flexible joint 240 and the sections of the multi-section target 208 return essentially to their original form. If the flexible joint 240 is too rigid, it will only transfer the kinetic energy from an impact to the adjoining sections of the multi-section target 208 instead of absorbing some of the kinetic energy itself, thereby allowing the LLR 202 to retain a higher level of kinetic energy after impact. As non-limiting examples, the flexible joint 240 can be a spring 240S, an elastic cord similar to a bungee cord, rope, chain, wire, a gas cylinder, or a liquid filled cylinder. The gas cylinder and the liquid filled cylinder can extend or compress similar to a standard shock absorber. In some embodiments, a combination of items can be used to achieve the intended characteristics of the flexible joint 240, such as, a spring used in conjunction with a gas cylinder, a spring used in conjunction with an elastic cord, or a chain used in conjunction with an elastic cord.
[0065] Now referring to FIGS. 7A through 7E, side views of the multi-section target 208 during an impact by a less lethal round (LLR) 202 are shown. In FIG. 7A, the LLR 202 at the initial impact to the middle section 208M of the multi-section target 208 is shown. As shown, the middle section 208M begins to flex in the incident direction 206I when the LLR 202 impacts the middle section 208M, thereby starting the transfer of kinetic energy from the LLR 202 to the multi-section target 208. At this point during the impact, the spring 240S has not started to absorb an appreciable amount of the kinetic energy transferred from the LLR 202 to the multi-section target 208.
[0066] In FIG. 7B, the middle section 208M has flexed to, or close to, its maximum amount from the impact of the LLR 202. As shown, the flexing of the middle section 208M causes the spring 240S to start expanding in the expansion direction 242, which both absorbs some of the kinetic energy from the impact of the LLR 202 and transfers some of the kinetic energy to the top section 208T and the bottom section 208B, thereby causing the top section 208T and the bottom section 208B to begin to flex in incident direction 206I.
[0067] In FIG. 7C, the middle section 208M has reached its flex limit 248, the spring 240S has fully expanded in the expansion direction 242, and the top section 208T and the bottom section 208B have flexed even further in the incident direction 206I. Additionally, some of the kinetic energy will be transferred through the suspension tab 208S to whatever structure is being used to support the multi-section target 208.
[0068] Depending on the amount of kinetic energy of the LLR 202 at the time of initial impact, the middle section 208M may not reach the flex limit 248 as shown, however, the mechanics of the transfer of kinetic energy from the LLR 202 to the middle section 208M, the spring 240S, the top section 208T, and the bottom section 208B remains the same. It should be appreciated that the location of the impact by the LLR 202 on the multi-section target 208 will have an effect on the amount of flex of each of the multi-section target's sections. As a non-limiting example, if the LLR 202 impacts the top section 208T, the kinetic energy from the impact of the LLR 202 will be transferred through the suspension tab 208S to any support structure, the middle section 208M, the springs 240S, and, to a lesser degree, the bottom section 208B, which typically results in less flexing, moving, or rotating of the multi-section target 208 as a whole. As another non-limiting example, if the LLR 202 impacts the bottom section 208B, the kinetic energy from the impact of the LLR 202 will be transferred to the middle section 208M, the top section 208T, the springs 240S, and any support structure, which typically results in more flexing, moving, and rotating of the multi-section target as a whole.
[0069] The flexible joint 240 also allows for the ease of replacement of one section of the multi-section target 208. For example, if the bottom section 208B receives enough impact to where the material starts to break down, only the bottom section 208B needs to be replaced by disconnecting the flexible joints 240 attached to the bottom section 208B, thereby allowing a new bottom section 208B to attach to the multi-section target 208. If the middle section 208M becomes damaged such that it is no longer usable, it can be detached from the top section 208T and the bottom section 208B and a new middle section 208B can be installed.
[0070] FIGS. 7D and 7E show a LLR 202 ricocheting off of the middle section 208M in rebound trajectory 206R. The multi-section target 208 has also flexed back in the direction of rebound trajectory 206R and the flexible joints 240 have returned to their pre-impact condition. Depending on multiple variables, such as the spin of the LLR 202, imperfections in the surface of the multi-section target 208, cross wind, and any other variable that may affect the travel of the LLR 202, the LLR 202 may ricochet in a direction different from the rebound trajectory 206R. Quite often, when the LLR 202 strikes a target, the material used in the target exhibits the characteristics of a semi-rigid, low-yielding object that resists penetration of the target by the projectile. The inability of the projectile to penetrate the target and continue in a normal and decelerating trajectory results in the energy of the projectile being redirected, as opposed to decelerated. The redirection of energy of the projectile results in a high probability of a ricochet. Even when targets with improved design are in use, the common instance at a firing range where the projectile strikes the target at a near-perpendicular angle to the surface of the target, the lower elasticity of the heavy rubber material may still exhibit enough resistance to penetration that it may cause the projectile to be redirected back at the shooter as a semi-high velocity ricochet. This ricochet may result in injuries to the shooter or adjacent personnel or damage to property. If the ricochet is at an angle that is in the direction of an adjacent shooter, it may possibly strike and injure that shooter, or it may produce enough of a distraction to the adjacent shooter to cause that shooter to flinch or turn away and possibly discharge their weapon in an uncontrolled and dangerous manner.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 8A, a side view of a target 308 and an entrapment device 350 is shown. The entrapment device 350 is located in front of the target 308 such that a less lethal round (LLR) 302 traveling in incident direction 306I first interacts with the entrapment device 350 before impacting the target 308. In a typical configuration, the entrapment device 350 is located far enough in front of the target 308 such that the LLR 302 can pass completely through the entrapment device 350 before impacting the target 308. In some embodiments, the entrapment device 350 is disposed in front of target 308 approximately the length of the LLR 302. The entrapment device 350 comprises entrapment panels 350P that hang vertically from an entrapment frame 350F. The entrapment panels 350P are typically constructed from a flexible material, such as plastic, cloth, leather, or fibrous material, however, this is not to be considered limiting. When the LLR 302 first passes through the entrapment panels 350P, some of the kinetic energy of the LLR 302 is transferred to the entrapment panels 350P, thereby reducing the velocity or kinetic energy of the LLR 302.
[0072] The entrapment device 350 is designed to enable a LLR 302 to utilize an axis of stability to penetrate through the panels 350P without appreciable impedance, simply pushing the panels 350P aside until the LLR 302 reaches the point of impact on the target 308. Upon impact, the LLR 302 begins to encounter resistance to continuation on its path of trajectory 306I and begins to be deflected once the maximum level of resistance is reached. At the maximum level of resistance, the axis of stability is disrupted. The disruption of the axis of stability causes the projectile to begin to be deflected and begin to tumble as it begins to follow an uncontrolled path of trajectory. The force of impact of the LLR 302 upon striking the target 308 now causes some of the entrapment panels 350P remaining behind to begin to bounce, move, and become agitated.
[0073] As the LLR 302 begins an uncontrolled trajectory away from the point of impact with the target 308, the tumbling encourages the entrapment panels 350P of the entrapment device 350 to at least partially curl about the LLR 302 and pull more panels 350P into an agitated state that further engage with the LLR 302, thereby absorbing some of the kinetic energy of the LLR 302 and decelerating the velocity of the LLR 302 and further disrupting its path of trajectory. In most cases, the deceleration of the LLR 302 is sufficient to bring the LLR's 302 velocity close to, if not to, zero. Since the entrapment layer 350 is open at the bottom and the panels 350P are independently hung from the frame 350F, the panels 350P release the projectile and allow it to drop to ground, or for very short-range shooting, it emerges from the entrapment layer 350 with a trivial amount of kinetic energy resulting in a harmless bounce or dribble in close proximity to the target 308. Since the panels 350P are loosely hung, they then fall back into place in their starting vertical positions on their own for the shooter to continue with the next round of shooting.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 8B, the LLR 302 traveling in incident direction 306I has become entangled in the entrapment panels 350P after it impacts the target 308, thereby further reducing the LLR's 302 kinetic energy. As shown, the LLR 302 begins to tumble as it impacts the target 308. It should be appreciated that the LLR 302 may start to tumble when it first interacts with the entrapment panels 350P before it impacts the target 308, but this amount of interaction is typically trivial. In rare occurrences, the LLR 302 may impact the entrapment frame 350F, which may cause the LLR 302 to ricochet in an uncontrolled direction. In some embodiments, the length of the panels 350P may be extended so the entrapment frame 350F can be placed higher on the target and out of a typical impact zone of the target 308.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 8C, the LLR 302 has rebounded from the target 308 in the rebound direction 306R and has begun to tumble and become entangled with the entrapment panels 350P, thereby removing most, if not all, of the kinetic energy from the LLR 302. The removal of the kinetic energy from the LLR 302 typically causes it to drop down to the ground below the entrapment device 350, which will prevent the LLR 302 from ricocheting back toward a shooter or any other person or object in the vicinity of the shooter. The entrapment panels 350P then untangle from the LLR 302 and return to their pre-impact vertical positions, which allows the LLR 302 to drop down to the ground.
[0076] FIG. 8D shows the target 308 flexing back toward its pre-impact position, and the panels 350P fully engaged with the LLR 302. At this point, the LLR 302 has lost most of its kinetic energy to the impact with the target 308 and to its interaction with the panels 350P, and it is traveling in the rebound trajectory 306T, which is generally down toward the ground in close proximity to the target 308.
[0077] FIG. 8E shows the LLR 302 still fully engaged with the panels 350P and the rebound trajectory 306T is pointed even more in the vertical direction toward the base of the target 308. As shown, the target 308 has essentially returned to its pre-impact position. Since the LLR 302 has lost almost all of its kinetic energy, the LLR 302 will eventually disengage from the entrapment panels 350P and drop essentially vertically to the ground thereby extinguishing any appreciable probability of a ricochet and removing the dangers a ricochet may pose to the shooter and anyone or anything is close proximity to the shooter.
[0078] FIG. 8F shows the LLR 302 dropping straight to the ground along rebound trajectory 306T after imparting essentially all of its kinetic energy to the target 308 and the entrapment device 350.
[0079] FIG. 9A is a life-like illustration of a multi-section target 408 having an entrapment system 450 disposed in front of the multi-section target. The size of the entrapment system 450 can be varied to accommodate most any shooting situation taking into account such things as the size and velocity of the round being fired at the multi-section target 408 as well as the distance the shooter is positioned from the target 408. It should also be appreciated that the entrapment device 450 may be used with a single section target, a two-section target, or a target comprised of more than three (3) sections.
[0080] FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of an entrapment device 450 disposed in front of a target 408. The panels 450P extend in a downward direction ready to interact with a LLR 402 (not shown).
[0081] FIG. 9C is another side perspective view of the entrapment device 450 disposed in front of the target 408. The entrapment device 450 is mounted to the target 408 using standoffs 452. The standoffs 452 keep the panels 450P out in front of the target 408 enough such that an LLR 402 (not shown) has room to engage with the panels 450P after it rebounds from the target 408. The distance the entrapment device 450 is disposed in front of the target 408 may be varied to accommodate different size and velocity LLRs 402 and different distances the shooter is from the target 408.
[0082] It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the entrapment device 450 can be used with a single section target (108) or a multi-section target comprising two or more sections, such as, for example, a multi-section target having three (3) sections (208), or a multi-section target having two (2) sections, or four (4) sections, or five (5) sections, or ten sections (10), or any other number of sections comprising a target capable of receiving impacts from a less lethal round 102, 202, 302.
[0083] In some embodiments, the target may have design features and indicators applied to the target. Such design features can include an image of a traditional target of concentric circles having a bullseye at the center, a logo, lifelike features of a human, and indicators, such as colors, words, and symbols directing a shooter where to aim and where not to aim. In further embodiments, a combination of design features may be applied to the target.
[0084] While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0085] The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices. As such, aspects have been described with reference to various embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein.
[0086] It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of the target and entrapment system have been illustrated and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of the target and entrapment system.
[0087] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the target and entrapment system have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that any appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
