Adjustable bracket for shooting targets

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for a shooting target mounting bracket with improved portability, versatility, and safety over existing devices. The mounting bracket is easily adjustable for height, compactable for transportation, and compatible with existing target posts and existing target shapes.

Claims

1. A bracket for a shooting target comprising: a) a threaded hole on a back side of the bracket; b) a post-receiving slot that extends through both a top and a bottom surface of the bracket to slide the bracket over a post with a rectangular cross-section having a long side and a short side, wherein: a. the post-receiving slot enables the bracket to slide to a plurality of heights on the post; b. the threaded hole is configured to receive a fastener that is configured to be tightened to contact the post, thereby locking the bracket at a desired height on the post; and c. when the fastener is loosened to break contact with the post, the bracket is configured to slide to a new desired height on the post; and c) a target-pairing plate extending from a front side of the bracket including a target-receiving slot configured to hold the shooting target at a downward angle relative to a vertical axis of the post-receiving slot wherein the post-receiving slot is a cross shape that forms a first rectangular slot perpendicular to a second rectangular slot, wherein the first slot is configured to receive the post in a first sliding configuration with the long side of the post parallel to the front side of the bracket and the second slot is configured to receive the post in a second sliding configuration with the long side of the post perpendicular to the front side of the bracket.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the downward angle is 20 degrees.

3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bracket comprises AR-550 steel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

(2) FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a first form of the bracket.

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the first form.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts side view of the first form with the target silhouette in place.

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a view of the first form attached to a wood post.

(6) FIG. 5, depicts another view of the first form attached to the wood post.

(7) FIG. 6, depicts a bottom view of the first form attached to the wood post (but with no base attached to the post).

(8) FIG. 7, depicts the first form from the upper/front quadrant with the target silhouette in place. The bracket can be adjusted along the vertical wood post.

(9) FIG. 8 depicts the first form from the upper/rear quadrant with the target silhouette in place. The bracket can be adjusted along the vertical wood post. The threaded screw is also shown to illustrate how mechanical friction can be applied to the wood post and secure the bracket along the vertical wood post.

(10) FIG. 9 depicts the first form from the top with the target silhouette in place and the bracket attached to the post. This view also shows how the rectangular wood post can fit within the bracket in two ways: with the long side of the wood post parallel OR perpendicular to the impact target (shown as perpendicular in FIG. 9). The threaded screw is also shown to illustrate how mechanical friction can be applied to the rectangular wood post and therefore securing the invention along the vertical wood post.

(11) FIG. 10 depicts the first form from the rear/side view with the bracket on the wood post and with the target silhouette in place. The bracket can be adjusted along the vertical wood post. This view also shows how the rectangular wood post can fit within the bracket in two ways: with the long side of the wood post parallel OR perpendicular to the impact target (shown as perpendicular in FIG. 10). The threaded screw is also shown to illustrate how mechanical friction can be applied to the rectangular wood post and therefore securing the invention along the vertical wood post. Furthermore, the post is shown with a common and widely used steel base structure. This steel base or “stand” is available on the market. This steel base is used to support the main vertical rectangular wood post. This steel base is often made from tubular steel and angle iron. The design of this base plate is intended to support a rectangular 2×4 wood post in a vertical fashion in 1 of two ways: Parallel or perpendicular to the impact target. This variant of use is depending on manufacturer or user preference. The invention is designed to work with all steel base designs that support a wood post in a vertical manner. In addition, the post can be made from steel or other material—the bracket works with essentially any type of post suitable for shooting targets, and the cross center cutout 14b can be appropriately sized for whatever posts it needs to mate with. Also, in alternate forms, a slot that fits over the post is used rather than the cross center cutout that provides two configurations for fitting over the post.

(12) FIG. 11 depicts a view of Part 11.

(13) FIG. 12 depicts a view of Part 12.

(14) FIG. 13 depicts a view of Part 13.

(15) FIG. 14 depicts a view of Part 14.

(16) FIG. 15 depicts a view of Part 15.

(17) FIG. 16 depicts a view of Part 16.

(18) FIG. 17 depicts a view of Part 17.

(19) FIG. 18 depicts a view of Part 18.

(20) FIG. 19 depicts a view of Part 19.

(21) FIG. 20 depicts a view of Part 20 prior to mechanical formation.

(22) FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of the back side of Part 20 after mechanical formation.

(23) FIG. 22 depicts an isometric view of the front side of Part 20 after mechanical formation.

(24) FIG. 23 depicts a view of Part 23 prior to mechanical formation.

(25) FIG. 24 depicts an isometric view of Part 23 after mechanical formation.

(26) FIG. 25 depicts a side view Part 20 and Part 23 joined together to form a housing attachment for housing equipment.

(27) FIG. 26 depicts an isometric view of the housing attachment in FIG. 25.

(28) FIG. 27 depicts a top view of the housing attachment in FIG. 25.

(29) FIG. 28 depicts a front view of the housing attachment mounted to the bracket, without a target silhouette in place.

(30) FIG. 29 depicts an isometric view of the housing attachment mounted to the bracket, which is mounted to a wood post, without a target silhouette in place.

(31) FIG. 30 depicts a side view of the housing attachment mounted to the bracket, with a target silhouette in place.

(32) FIG. 31 depicts a view of Part 31.

(33) FIG. 32 depicts a view of Part 32.

(34) FIG. 33 depicts an isometric view of the steel target system disclosed in Provisional Application No. 62/528,751 with the housing attachment depicted in FIG. 38 attached.

(35) FIG. 34 depicts a side view of the steel target system disclosed in Provisional Application No. 62/528,751 with housing attachment depicted in FIG. 38 attached.

(36) FIG. 35 depicts a rear view of the steel target system disclosed in Provisional Application No. 62/528,751 with the housing attachment depicted in FIG. 38 attached.

(37) FIG. 36 depicts a view of Part 36.

(38) FIG. 37 depicts a view of Part 37.

(39) FIG. 38 depicts an isometric view of the assembled housing attachment for housing equipment that is used with the steel target system disclosed in Provisional Application No. 62/528,751.

(40) Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(41) In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

(42) FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the wood post “bracket assembly” which is a combination of Parts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. This assembly is usually created by welding the parts together (Parts 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16) or it can be formed in whole or in part by injection molding or other machining/metallurgy techniques. Part 17 is threaded into the back of the bracket welded assembly through Part 15. Part 15 is shown with a hole 15a (see FIG. 15). Part 16 is welded into hole 15a so that Part 17 can be threaded through Part 16 and Part 15 to apply pressure to the wood post Part 18 and keep the bracket locked into place with the post. Alternatively, hole 15a has threads so that part 17 is threaded through it directly. Once assembled, all the mentioned parts create a structurally sound and functional bracket that will be mechanically held in position on a post. Slots are paired as follows: (Part 12a with 11a) and (Part 12b with 13a) and (Part 13b with 18).

(43) FIG. 3 shows the temporary connection of Parts 11 and 12, through the means of Parts 11a and 12a. The joining of these two parts is done by aligning like sized slots and pushing the parts together. This interlocking function keeps the two parts from rotating and will be held in through friction, interlocking, and full force of gravity. (Part 12a) is shown held into place with a 20 degree forward leaning slot, and when joined with (Part 11), the 20 degree safety shooting angle is thus defined. Other angles can be used instead, by adjusting the slot angle 12a in part 12. FIG. 3 also shows how (Parts 12b and 13a) slide together in a similar fashion to (Parts 11a and 12a), but these are in some forms welded or otherwise more permanently connection, rather than being held only by gravity and interlocking.

(44) FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 include the integration of a main wood rectangular upright post (Part 18). Any post can be used—for example (Part 18) can have standard dimensional properties of: 1.5″ length, 3.5″ width (otherwise known as a “2×4”) and various heights depending on application. Previously mentioned (Part 13b) accepts the upright post (Part 18). The wood post bracket is intended to slide over a vertical stabilized 2×4. Part 18 can be inserted in two ways: The first is “Parallel” and the second way is “perpendicular” to the impact target (Part 11). The “perpendicular” set up is depicted in FIGS. 4-10. This variant of use is depending on manufacturer and/or user preference. The bracket can be slidably adjusted up and down the vertical post until it is at a desired height. Once a desired height is obtained, the user will use Part 17 to apply mechanical pressure/friction onto Part 18, and therefore temporarily lock the bracket into place on the post. Specifically, Part 17 is threaded through Part 16 that is welded at hole 15a of Part 15. Alternatively, hole 15a has threads so that Part 17 is threaded through it directly. With this system, the bracket's vertical position is easy to adjust, and a standard post is now converted (through the bracket) to a post that can mount steel target silhouettes or other high quality silhouettes that are compatible with the bracket. It is an “aftermarket” bracket that works very well with existing systems in that it can be easily attached/detached and adjusted to an appropriate height. The cross design and bolt also ensure that the bracket is securely attached to the post, even though it is adjustable and removable.

(45) FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 further illustrate the previously described target with additional angles of view.

(46) FIG. 10 includes the base structure (Part 19). A “steel base” or “stand” is available on the market and it similar in function and design across many manufacturers. This base is used to support the main vertical rectangular wood post (Part 18). This base is often made from plate steel, tubular steel and/or angle iron. The invention is designed to work with any base designs that support a wood post in a vertical manner.

(47) To further assist in understanding the bracket, additional descriptions of Parts are provided below:

(48) Part 11—Target Silhouette.

(49) Part 11 is in some forms made from hardened steel, usually ranging in hardness from 400 Brinell-550 Brinell. It is intended to be impacted with multiple bullet weights, sizes and velocity. This part could also be called a “Steel plate”, or “Target silhouette” or “Target Plate”. The shape and size of Part 11 can change depending on general design and/or size differences.

(50) Part 11 will join with Part 12 through the slots shown as Parts 11a and 12a. These corresponding slots temporarily join the two pieces together and they are held in place by gravity/mechanical alignment and interlock.

(51) Part 12.

(52) Part 12 is in some forms made from hardened steel, usually ranging in hardness from 500 Brinell-550 Brinell. It is intended to be impacted with multiple bullet weights, sizes and velocity.

(53) Part 12 will join with Part 11 through the slots shown as Parts 11a and 12a. These corresponding slots temporarily join the two pieces together and they are held in place by mechanical alignment/interlock. Gravity, along with the alignment/interlock of the 11a and 12a, will keep the two items joined together during normal conditions.

(54) Part 12 will join with two Parts 13 (a top Part 13 and a bottom Part 13) through the slots shown as Parts 12b and 13a. These corresponding slots mechanically align/interlock to join the two pieces together, and are also in some forms welded for permanent bond.

(55) Part 12b.

(56) It is a design feature of Part 12 and allows for mechanical alignment/interlock between Part 12 and Part 13. Slots 12b and Part 13a are in some forms permanently bonded together by the use of welding after they are aligned.

(57) Part 13.

(58) Part 13 is in some forms made from hardened steel, usually ranging in hardness from 500 Brinell-550 Brinell. It is intended to withstand multiple hits from multiple bullet weights, sizes and velocity.

(59) Part 13 will be used twice in order to fully assemble this product. Part 13 is used symmetrically, top and bottom of the assembled unit. Normally, Part 13 permanently joins with parts 12, 14, and 15 by the use of mechanical alignment/interlock and then welding, as shown for example in FIG. 1.

(60) Part 13b. Is a symmetrical “cross like” center cutout that is designed to accept a wood post (for example, it can be sized for any 1.5″×3.5″ wood post (AKA 2×4 lumber) (AKA TWO-BY-FOUR Lumber)). Because the cross design forms essentially two slots, the wood post can be inserted into either slot of the center cutout 13b for fastening the bracket to the post. FIG. 9 show just one of the two possible configurations—the other configuration (not shown) would be with the post rotated 90 degrees relative to the bracket. This design feature is unique, in that it allows the user to use the wood post in two different configurations, depending on how the user wants the bracket and target aligned relative to the post on which it is fastened.

(61) Part 14—Protective Side Plates.

(62) Part 14 is in some forms made from hardened steel, usually ranging in hardness from 500 Brinell-550 Brinell. It is intended to withstand multiple hits from multiple bullet weights, sizes and velocity.

(63) Part 14 will be used twice in order to fully assemble this product (a left side plate 14 and a right side plate 14). Each Part 14 is in some forms permanently joined with top and bottom Parts 13 and Part 15 by the use of mechanical alignment/interlock (shown for example in FIG. 1) and/or welding.

(64) When the user is shooting the product at an angle (Example 45 degrees), Part 14 protects the wood post and the mechanical tensioning bolt from projectile impact.

(65) Part 15.

(66) Part 15 is in some forms made from hardened steel, usually ranging in hardness from 500 Brinell-550 Brinell. It is intended to withstand multiple hits from multiple bullet weights, sizes and velocity.

(67) The Part 15 back plate will be used only once in the assembled version of the product shown in the Figures. Part 15 is in some forms permanently joined with Parts 13 and Parts 14 (shown for example in FIG. 1) by the use of mechanical alignment/interlock and/or welding.

(68) Part 15 has a round hole (Part 15a) which will allow for the penetration of a bolt 17.

(69) Part 15 allows for bolt 17 to be threaded into Part 15—for example, Part 15a is itself threaded, or Part 16 is welded to Part 15 near Part 15a so that the treads in Part 16 can receive the bolt 17. Other known fastening methods can also be used—the objective is to allow for a bolt or other fastener to securely fasten the bracket to a wood post, while also being removable (and/or capable of being loosened).

(70) Part 16.

(71) Part 16 is in some forms constructed from high strength steel. Size will range from ⅜″ ID to ⅝″ ID.

(72) Part 16 is threaded per standard specifications. (Example: ½″-13).

(73) In one form, Part 16 will be welded to Part 15. This will allow for Part 17 to be threaded through Part 15 and make contact with wood post.

(74) Part 17. Part 17 is in some forms constructed from high strength steel. Example (Grade 8 or Grade 9).

(75) The size of Part 17 will in some forms range from ⅜″ ID to ⅝″ OD and 1.5″ to 3″ long, although it can be adjusted depending on the size of the wood post and bracket.

(76) Part 17 is threaded into the back of Part 15 by the use of threads on Part 16, or in some forms, by using threads that are machined into hole 15a.

(77) Part 17 will ultimately be tightened against the wood post that is inserted into Part 13b. It is this mechanical tension/friction that will hold the entire unit in place at a specific height along the wood post. This bolt provides easy height adjustability along the vertical wood post, so that a user of the target can place the bracket and corresponding target silhouette at his desired height.

(78) Part 18.

(79) Part 18 is a common piece of dimensional lumber found in hardware stores or building supplies. For example, a “2×4”.

(80) Part 18 is inserted into Part 13b to set up the target on Part 18 for shooting, it is held in position though the use of mechanical force/friction from Part 17.

(81) Part 19.

(82) Part 19 is a base for the wood post 18—for example, this can be a common piece of equipment often found at local sporting goods stores or in major online retailers.

(83) Part 19 commonly stabilized Part 18 in a vertical fashion so to add products such as this invention to the wood post.

(84) Part 19 is often made from tubular or angle iron steel and has a means of inserting Part 18 into the steel frame. Part 19 can be any suitable base for the post that will hold the weight of the system and withstand shots without allowing the post and target to tip over.

(85) The description below relates to the housing attachments for housing equipment.

(86) Part 20:

(87) Part 20 is in some forms constructed from steel.

(88) As depicted in the example shown in the figures, Part 20 has two holes on the left side (20a) and two holes on the right side (20a), and 1 hole on the bottom (20b). These holes are typically used to route electronic cords or wires from inside of the 5 sided shape Part 20 to the outside.

(89) In the example, Part 20 is bent to an approximately 90 degree angle along the dashed line shown 4 times total to make a 5 sided shape as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The shape provides protection from bullets or other projectiles on the front and sides, but access to the electronic equipment in the back.

(90) Part 23:

(91) Part 23 is in some forms constructed from steel. In the example, Part 23 is bent along the dashed line (23b) at an approximately 90 Degree angle, as shown in FIG. 24.

(92) As depicted in the example shown in the figures, Part 23 has two holes (23a) that are used to used bolt or otherwise mechanically couple the housing attachment to the wood post mounting bracket (aP 13), as shown in FIGS. 27-30.

(93) Part 20 is in some forms welded (or otherwise affixed) to part 23, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, to form a housing attachment for safely housing electronic equipment or other important objects behind the shooting target that is added to the wood post mounting bracket. The electronic equipment in one form of the invention includes an electronic sensor for sensing and relaying positions on the target that are hit by projectiles.

(94) Part 31 (shown in FIG. 31) is a cap screw for use with the Part 32 bolt (shown in FIG. 32). Parts 31 and 32 are used to secure the housing attachment to the wood mounting bracket at part 13, as shown in FIG. 27.

(95) As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the housing attachment does not obstruct the wood mounting bracket from receiving and sliding on the wood post (18). FIG. 29 depicts the cavity or opening of Part 20 facing to the rear, so that the equipment is protected on the front side but accessible from the back side of the housing attachment.

(96) Part 31. In some forms, Part 31 ranges in diameter from ⅜ inch to ½ inch, and ranges in length from 1 in to 2 inch

(97) FIG. 31 I made from hardened grade 8 steel.

(98) Part 32:

(99) In some forms, Part 32 ranges in thread diameter from ⅜ inch to ½ inch. In some forms, part 32 is made from steel and nylon for vibration resistance.

(100) Part 31 is used in combination with Part 32 to mechanically attach the housing attachment to the wood mounting bracket. Mechanically attaching the housing attachment to the wood mounting bracket also allows for vibrations from the target being hit (which is also connected to the wood mounting bracket) to be felt by the attachment and the equipment inside of it.

(101) Parts 36 and 37:

(102) As shown in FIG. 38, two Parts 37, one Part 36, and one Part 20 are used to form a housing attachment (for safely housing electronic equipment or other important objects) that is compatible with steel target system disclosed in Provisional Application No. 62/528,751 (and U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/634,464). In this aspect of the invention, slot 37a fits receives Part 36, and the parts are secured together at the slot (typically by welding) to form the completed attachment 38 depicted in FIG. 38. Also Part 20 is secured (typically by welding) to Part 36. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the attachment 38 fits over the post accessory rail through slots 37b, and the bottom portion of the box (Part 20) in attachment 38 sits on top of the steel post, in contact with the top of the steel post. Hole 36a may be threaded, or in one form, Part 16 will be welded to Part 36 at hole 36a. This will allow for Part 17 to be threaded through Part 36 at hole 36a and make contact with steel post to further secure Part 38 to the accessory rail and post by mechanical friction. Tightening Part 17 to the post also enables for more of the vibrations from the target (which is attached to the system) being hit to be felt by the attachment (for safely housing electronic equipment or other important objects) and the equipment inside of it. Part 20 in this form has two holes on the left side (20a) and two holes on the right side (20a). These holes are typically used to route electronic cords or wires from inside of the 5 sided shape Part 20 to the outside.