Patent ID: 6502820
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: F41J

Abstract:
A target apparatus including a generally horizontal rigid frame for operatively supporting a linear array of targets, each of which are independently adapted for rotation between a useful upright mode, and in inactive depressed mode, with each target also being adapted for release from inactive mode and biased rotation back to the upright orientation by means comprising:(a) a elongate rigid first shaft disposed between longitudinal ends of the rigid frame and adapted to permit the independent mounting of targets thereon; (b) a plurality of plate-like targets, arrayed spaced apart, along the first rigid shaft, with each being deflectable rearwardly upon a projectile impact, with each target further comprising: (i) a first collar-like element provided at one lower end of a target which is adapted to permit arcuate rotation of the target itself thereabout the first shaft; and, (ii) a depending arm provided on the first collar-like element which rotates in tandem with the induced arcuate movement of the target itself; (c) a first plurality of torsional-biased means, each of which means is operatively associated with one of the targets and which serve to bias the target to the upright mode; (d) a second elongate rigid shaft, spaced apart from the first shaft, also disposed between the longitudinal ends of the rigid frame and spaced apart from the first shaft, being adapted to support: (e) a plurality of latching means, arrayed spaced apart with which each latching such means further comprising: (i) a second collar-like element which is rotatably mounted on the second shaft being located opposing one of the targets; (ii) a spanning lever tied at one end to its respective second collar-like element and bridging the lateral gap between the first and second shafts, so as to make for latching, but interruptible, contact with the opposing depending arm of the target; and (iii) a second plurality of torsional-biasing means adapted to rotate the associated spanning lever counterclockwise to that rotation of the depending arm; (f) a single target plate adapted to serve as both a deflectable target and as a target array reset means for any of the other targets while latched in the depressed mode, said target plate also being provided with a rotatable and a depending arm thereon, having a somewhat greater length than the depending arm of the other targets, so as to make transient contact with the spanning lever of an opposing latching means, whereupon missile deflection of the single target plate, with rotation of its associated depending arm, such arm rotates both the opposing spanning lever and its associated second collar-like element to deflect downwardly, along with the other spanning levers, thus interrupting the latched position of the depending arms, so that all the targets rotate from their depressed mode back to the upright mode, and to the target array orientation for renewed usage.