Abstract:
Improvements in a three dimensional target training mannequin are presented the mannequin is hollow and therefore lighter in weight from solid filled mannequins. The internal cavity of the mannequin is hollowed to reduce weight and to provide an internal cavity for sensors and or communication. The mannequin has an outer paintable and repaintable surface of to allow projectiles to penetrate with minimal expansion and show the impact location. The mannequin has a detection means that can include sensors, garments or internal bladders that ooze or erupt upon impact. The sensors can that detects the approximate location where the target was struck. The sensors can then transmit the location by a wired or wireless signal to a display, computer or tablet where the approximate impact location can be viewed by instructors or by the shooter that are located a distance from the target.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/846,047 filed Jul. 14, 2013 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    This invention relates to improvements in a three dimensional target training mannequin. More particularly, the present three dimensional target training mannequin provides a human embodied target for firearm practice. The target absorbs impacts from projectiles and calculates the approximate impact location. The impact location can then be tabulated to improve marksman accuracy. 
         [0007]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0008]    Target practice is important for training individuals with firearms. The use of a three dimensional mannequin provides a near real-world target for a person to practice. One major problem with three dimensional targets is that while the target can absorb multiple impacts from projectiles the impact location is difficult to determine, especially when the target has been previously stuck many times. Paper targets are often used, but when multiple impacts are made the location of new impacts is difficult to determine. Paper targets also do not provide a three dimensional image that allow a person to shoot off-axis from the target. Most three dimensional the targets tend to be fairly heavy because they are typically made from a solid material. Targets are also made to provide an image to aim at rather than allowing a person to improve their marksmanship or accuracy for hitting particular locations of the target that provide either a higher probability of killing or incapacitating the target without causing potential death. 
         [0009]    A number of patents and or publications have been made to address these issues. Exemplary examples of patents and or publication that try to address this/these problem(s) are identified and discussed below. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,130,558 issued Sep. 20, 1938 to J. Murray discloses a Figure Toy Game Apparatus. This patent covers a toy for a person to through baseballs at and when a baseball makes contact with the figure the figures is disturbed and flexes. While this patent provides a target, the figure would be destroyed by impacts of bullet projectiles and does not record where the impact occurred. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,579 that issued on Oct. 6, 1998 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,398 that issued on Oct. 26, 199, both to David N. Broussart et al., both disclose a Three Dimensional Mannequin for Weapons or Self-Defense Training. The mannequin approximates the size shape and weight of a person. These patents allow a person to make physical impact with the mannequin to more closely represent striking a person with a hand, foot or weapon. While the mannequin simulates the size and shape of a person the mannequin does not have the ability to provide feedback on where a projectile makes contact with the mannequin except by visual inspection. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,796 issued on Jun. 3, 2008 to Tab D. Hinton discloses a 3-D Portable Impulse Target for Archery. Because an archery arrow typically leaves an arrow protruding from a target a user can determine the location of impact on an archery target by viewing and removing an arrow from the target. While this patent provides a three dimensional target, if a user uses a projectile that can imbed below the outer surface of the target, determining the location of the impact is difficult, especially after multiple impacts have taken place. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,385 issued on Dec. 18, 2012 to James McGovern et al., discloses an Archery Target with Three Dimensional Target Area. This target is essentially a cube shape with surface indicia of small targets or an image of animal parts or internal organs. Because this target is used with archery the location of an arrow is determined by removal of the arrow from the target. While this patent discloses a three dimensional target, locating the place of impact with an arrow is determined by visual inspection of an arrow that protrudes from the target. 
         [0014]    What is needed is a target device that provides the simulated appearance of a person. The target should include sensors that detect and identify the approximate location of the impact of a projectile fired at the target. The proposed document provides a solution to the problem by providing a skinned mannequin with sensors that detect and display the approximate impact location. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    It is an object of the three dimensional target training mannequin to be lighter in weight from solid filled mannequins. The internal cavity of the mannequin is hollowed to reduce the weight and to provide an internal cavity for sensors and or communication. The mannequin has an outer surface to provide an appearance of the real person. The outer surface is preferably painted to further make the mannequin easier to clean or return to a nearly original condition. Projectiles that enter the outer surface are absorbed within the body of the mannequin. The surface essentially expands and contracts around an entry point of a projectile to cover the entry hole. “Painting” allows for an obvious point of impact and the mannequin can be easily repainted to “reset” the mannequin to a nearly original condition. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the three dimensional target training mannequin to have a thickness that absorbs most small arms projectiles and is thin enough to reduce expansion and deformation. The material of the mannequin remains in contact with the projectiles as the projectiles pass through the mannequin where the velocity and the energy of the projectiles are reduces. The reduction in the velocity and energy of the projectiles makes the recovery of the projectiles easier for recycling, analysis and safety. The nearly minimal thickness to allow projectiles to penetrate with minimal expansion. The minimal expansion helps to keep the integrity of the target intact. The need to keep the target intact allows the target to be used for hundreds or thousands of impacts. The skin surface can have some self-healing effects that allow the skin to provide some self-repair to improve integrity of the skin after the projectile has exited the target. The majority of bullets will pass through the target while others can become embedded under within the target. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the three dimensional target training mannequin to have detection means. The detection can be from a variety of methods including the use of a sensor that detects the approximate location where the target was struck. The sensors can then transmit the location by a wired or wireless signal to a display, computer, tablet or phone where the approximate impact location can be viewed by instructors or by the shooter that are located a distance from the target. It is also possible that target can be covered with clothing that changes color when impacted. A mannequin can be dressed in a replaceable garment for a new shooter and after a round has been fired the clothing can be removed and replaced with a subsequent garment to allow for another shooter. The initial garment (shirt) can then be examined to determine the accuracy and grouping while the mannequin is being used with a second shooter. 
         [0018]    It is still another object of the three dimensional target training mannequin to include active organ inserts. The active organ inserts are reservoirs filled with foam, fluids or other elements that provide a visual feedback that a major or vital organ(s) has been effectively hit regardless of the point of impact. The reservoirs can be slightly pressurized to essentially ooze, or highly pressurized to erupt upon impact or can be solid replaceable blocks. 
         [0019]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a three dimensional target training mannequin. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A-2C  shows a views of the front half of the mannequin. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a back portion of the front part of the mannequin. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a flow chart of sensing the impact location when a projectile is fired at the mannequin. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a pictorial view of the mannequin and the impact display system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a three dimensional target training mannequin  20 . The mannequin has the appearance of the upper torso  33  of a person. In tactical training a target that approximates a person having a head  32  and torso or main body  33  is often used to mimic the appearance, size and shape of an actual person to better train a person with shooting at a target they may see in the field of engagement. The mannequin  20  is shown without arms but can be fabricated with arms that are fixed or can be posed as required by a consumer. In the preferred embodiment arm stubs  30  are shown because the arms are low value targets and can easily be damaged and destroyed by repeated impact from projectiles because of their limited cross section of material. 
         [0026]    The mannequin has a bottom surface  31  that can be used to join with a lower portion of a mannequin or can be used to sit the mannequin on a flat surface. The bottom of the mannequin  20  further is shown with openings  42  for insertion of one or more poles to set the mannequin  20  in an open field or behind a bush or barrier. The bottom shows two poles that will help to prevent mannequin  20  rotations if the mannequin  20  is stuck off center, but can also be fabricated with a single pole that allows a trainer to rotate the mannequin  20  to be looking to a side. There can also be more than one pole or a rectangular pole or post can be used to support the mannequin  20 . 
         [0027]    The mannequin  20  is shown with a head  32  and, and internal organs that have a higher value can be shown or created with internal bladders. These higher value internal targets can include, but not be limited to the heart  34 , and lungs  35 . The surface of the mannequin  20  has a nearly consistent thickness skin that allows projectiles to enter  40  the mannequin  20  with minimal expansion. 
         [0028]    This mannequin  20  is formed from two halves that are connected together. A seam  41  is shown joining around the bottom sides and head. Only the front half is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2A-2C  shows a views of the front half of the mannequin  20 .  FIG. 2A  is a front view,  FIG. 2C  is a back view and  FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional view cut through the middle of  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2B , at least a portion of the inside of the mannequin  20  is hollow or open. The bulk of the internal body  51  is structural and allows projectiles to pass through or be absorbed in the internal body  51 . This reduces the weight of the mannequin  20  and further provides one or more cavities, such as a torso cavity  52  and a head cavity  53 . The internal cavities also allows for inclusion of sensors. The bottom of the internal cavity is shown contouring  36  to the topography of the outer surface of the mannequin  20  to provide a more common wall thickness. The cavities also provides an access location for internal reservoirs, such as but not limited to a heart, lungs or brain  37 . 
         [0030]    The internal reservoir(s)  37  can include a single sensor that detects an impact or can be active reservoirs. The active organ inserts are replaceable solid materials or can be filled reservoirs filled with foam, fluids or other elements that provide a visual feedback that a major or vital organ(s) has been effectively hit. The reservoir(s)  37  can be slightly pressurized to essentially ooze, or highly pressurized to erupt, explode or spray upon impact or puncture. 
         [0031]    In another contemplated embodiment the mannequin  20  can be covered with a changeable garment  59  or shirt, as shown in  FIG. 2A . The garment is impact detecting and an impact causes a color change to the area near the impact  58  that is more easily visible at a distance as opposed to a small hole. The garment  59  can be changed for new shooters. The surface of the mannequin  20  has a nearly consistent thickness skin  50  that allows projectiles to enter the mannequin  20  with minimal expansion. 
         [0032]    Opening  42  exist for poles or posts for mounting or support. In this embodiment of the mannequin  20 . The pole support openings  42  extend past the internal torso cavity  52  to the upper thorax  54  of the mannequin  20 . The arm connection points  30  are shown, and can include an open cavity hole for insertion of arms. The bottom  31  of the mannequin  20  is essentially flat to allow the mannequin  20  to sit on a flat surface or the ground. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a back portion of the front part of the mannequin  20 . This view shows the cavities for the head  53  and the body  52 . A flat portion  54  allows for bonding or joining of the form part of the mannequin  20  with the rear part of the mannequin  20 . It is also contemplated that just the front part of the mannequin  20  can be used. The joining of the two major torso parts can be made with adhesives or fasteners such but not limited to screws, double sided tapes or hook and loop fasteners that allow for separation of the two torso parts for access to the internal cavities. It is also contemplated that the two torso halves are secured together with bands or straps that wrap around the two torso halves. It is further contemplated that the bottom  31  of the mannequin  20  can be at least partially open to allow for a person to inert their hand into the internal cavity or for projectiles to fall through the bottom of the mannequin  20 . In this embodiment only a single opening  43  for a mounting pole is shown. A sensor  60  is shown in the cavity within the abdomen  52  with optional additional sensors  61  placed in the arm buds. Armor or other type of plate  69  is shown that can protect the sensor  60 . These sensors detect impacts that can transmit the impact locations when the mannequin  20  is stuck. A description of the detection is shown and described in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a flow chart of sensing the impact location when a projectile is fired at the mannequin. The mannequin  20  has a known weight and mass. It is contemplated that a single three dimensional sensor can be placed in the mannequin  20  and when a projectile with a known kinetic energy is received by the mannequin  20 , based upon the resulting angular rotation and translation of the three dimensional sensor the location where the projectile entered the mannequin  20  can be estimated. 
         [0035]    To begin tracking of the impacts the parameters of the bullet is entered  70 . These parameters can include a list, including but not limited to, the bullet mass, muzzle velocity, distance to target, gun type, gun powder load and bullet dimensions. The impact result from the three dimensional sensor can be calculated or determined empirical testing. The system can also include an audio sensor that can detect the announcing of a projectile being fired  71  to account for a complete miss. Once the mannequin  20  receives an impact the sensors measure the result  72  and then triangulate or estimate the impact location  73  in the mannequin  20 . Because the mass of the mannequin  20  can change as the mannequin  20  absorbs projectiles the software can make adjustments to increase the accuracy of estimating impact location(s). The estimated impact location can be sent to a display  74  or the raw sensor data can be sent or transmitted to a distal display screen  75  or accounting computer for analysis as shown and described with  FIG. 5 . After the impact the system will again  76  begin to search for a subsequent impact or shot. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a pictorial view of the mannequin  20  and the impact display system. This figure provides one contemplated scenario for use of the three dimension target training mannequin  20 . After enter of information of the projectile characteristics, a user will fire a gun  80  at the mannequin  20 . The projectile  81  will enter the mannequin  20  at a location  82 . Based upon the distance from the sensor  60  in an X Y and Z direction the mannequin  20  will exhibit a slight rotation and or translation on the X, Y and Z directions. With a known kinetic energy of the projectile and the known kinetic mass of the mannequin  20  the approximate distance from the sensor  60  to the impact is estimated. A connection  83  from the sensor  60  to a transmitter  84  sends or transmits  85  the location or the raw sensor data to a receiver. The transmission  84  can be internal to the mannequin  20  or can be eliminated with a wired connection from the sensor  60  to the CPU/display. 
         [0037]    The display receives  86  the information and the display, in this example, is a tablet  90  that shows the mannequin  91 . This tablet  90  shows a display of the shooter  94 , the projectile, gun type  93 , along with a listing of each shot fired at the mannequin  20 . A user can select a fired shot, in this case shot  96  and the location  97  of the shot is displayed. Missed shots are shown  95  outside of the mannequin  20  because the location can&#39;t be detected by the sensor within the mannequin  20 . The shooting history of a person can be stored or recalled for future reference. 
         [0038]    Thus, specific embodiments of a three dimensional target training mannequin have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.