Abstract:
A modular target system utilizes standard sized pieces which may be releasably attached to form a target system. The size of the target system may be easily customized as well as the number and types of targets which are mounted to the target system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/712,633, filed Aug. 30, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. The Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a ballistic wall and target system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular ballistic wall and target system, providing a target system which is more flexible to use and which is easier to set up and modify.  
         [0004]     2. State of the Art  
         [0005]     Ballistic walls and target systems are used in shooting ranges and the like. Existing target systems use a ballistic wall which is formed from a piece of plate steel or multiple pieces of plate steel which have been welded together. The ballistic wall is welded to a base or stand. Targets may be mounted to the ballistic wall. Target stands may be welded to the ballistic wall or to the base and used to attach targets to the target system. It is also common to weld brackets to the back side of the ballistic wall and attach a target to the bracket. Target systems known in the prior art are not modular, as the individual parts are typically welded together. The target systems are thus difficult to customize by adding or subtracting pieces, by changing the types and mounting locations of targets, etc.  
         [0006]     The available target systems have several disadvantages. First, extensive welding is required to assemble the structure. The target system must then be shipped as a large structure or welded together on site. The target systems are typically permanent structures. Because the structure is welded together, it often is difficult to move the structure. Additionally, the target system can not be modified without cutting or welding, making modifications difficult.  
         [0007]     An additional disadvantage of the system is the welding process itself. The ballistic wall is typically configured to serve as a bullet deflection plate and to prevent bullets from striking the objects behind the ballistic wall, typically target actuators. Welding, however, can weaken the steel. The ballistic wall and target system thus may be more likely to be damaged when hit by bullets in areas adjacent welds, increasing the risk to individuals using the target system. Furthermore, the repeated vibration of the metal caused by impacts from the bullets can weaken the welds and cause them to break over time.  
         [0008]     It is thus desirable to provide a ballistic wall and target system which allows an individual to easily customize the target system. It is further desirable to provide a target system which is modular so as to allow an individual to easily add to or subtract from the target system. It is further desirable to provide a target system which may be easily assembled using commonly available tools.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular target system.  
         [0010]     According to one aspect of the present invention, a target system is provided wherein standard sized pieces are used. The pieces are thus interchangeable during assembly and may be easily replaced if damaged.  
         [0011]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a target system is provided wherein the pieces may be removably assembled using commonly available tools. Fasteners such as nuts and bolts are used to assemble the target system, allowing the system to be shipped in a more compact state and then easily assembled on site. The use of removable fasteners also allows for easy replacement of damaged pieces and for easy enlargement or reduction in size of the target system.  
         [0012]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a target system is provided with a plurality of attachment locations. Targets, target actuators, mounting rails, and the like may be attached in any number of different locations and mounting orientations. It is thus possible to mount a large number of different targets to the present target system, and to alter the location of the targets when desired.  
         [0013]     These and other aspects of the present invention are realized in a modular target system as shown and described in the following figures and related description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a target system according to the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view of a target system taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of a target system according to the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a back view of a target system according to the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of a support member according to the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of a support member according to the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a back view of a target system of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  shows a close-up view of a mechanism for attaching target mounting rails to support members and for attaching targets to the mounting rails;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  shows a close-up view of an alternate arrangement for attaching target mounting rails to support members and for attaching targets to the mounting rails;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  shows a close-up view of yet another arrangement for attaching target mounting rails to the support members and for attaching targets to the mounting rails.  
         [0025]     It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The various embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that various aspects of each embodiment may be used interchangeably, and, for the sake of brevity, all possible combinations are not specifically shown and discussed regarding each embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]     The drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.  
         [0027]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a side view of a target system base according to the present invention is shown. The target system base, indicated generally at  10 , uses support members  14  to hold bullet deflecting plates  18  in a desired position. The support members  14  are typically placed at joints between adjacent bullet deflecting plates  18  such that the plates  18  may be fastened to the support members  14  without forming holes in the plates. It is advantageous to avoid forming holes in the plates  18  because the plates  18  are typically hardened steel, and forming holes is relatively difficult and increases the expense of forming a target system. Additionally, some methods of forming holes can weaken the steel. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention does not exclude the use of holes.  
         [0028]     Fasteners  22 , typically nuts and bolts, are used to attach the plates  18  to the support members  14 . Holes are formed in the support members  14  for receiving the fasteners  22 , which extend through the holes and through facing strips  26  which also cover the joint between adjacent plates  18 , preventing bullets from passing through the joint. The fasteners are typically bolts, and preferably carriage bolts or flat head bolts which are countersunk to minimize the portion of the bolt extending beyond the facing strip.  
         [0029]     The support members  14  may be bolted or otherwise attached to a concrete floor or other suitable surface to thereby secure the target system  10 . If it is not feasible or desirable to thus attach the support members  14  to the ground, a base member in the form of feet  30 , typically formed from channel steel, may be attached to the support members  14  using fasteners  34  such as bolts as shown, via welding, or other fastener mechanisms. The feet  30  support the weight of the system  10 .  
         [0030]     Rails  38  may be attached with bolts  42  or other fasteners to the back side of the target system, such as to the plates  18  or more preferably to the support members  14 . The rails  38  provide a convenient mounting location for targets and other equipment. These rails  38  may be mounted to the support members  14 , or may be attached to the bullet deflecting plates  18  as is shown at area  46 . The rails  38  are typically mounted horizontally across the length of the target system base so as to provide mounting locations for targets, target actuators, etc. A rail  38   a  mounted to the bullet deflecting plates  18  near the top of the plates works in combination with the facing strips  26  and braces the steel plates  18  such that it is not necessary that the support member  14  extend the entire height of the steel plates. If necessary, additional rails or mounting brackets may easily be attached to the target system  10  via the support members  14  or the rails  38 .  
         [0031]     It will be appreciated that the rails  38  can have virtually any desired cross-section. While shown herein as being generally U-shaped, the rails can be solid or tubular, round, triangle, etc. The cross-section of the rails  38  will preferentially be decided by the form of attachment used to secure targets thereon, and the method by which the rails are secured to the support members  14  and/or bullet deflecting plates  18 .  
         [0032]     Bullet deflecting plates  18  are mounted at an angle less than vertical, and such that they are leaning towards a shooter. The plates  18  are typically mounted at an angel between 30 and 60 degrees. Bullets which strike the plates  18  are deflected towards the ground, reducing dangerous ricochets.  
         [0033]     The support members  14 , rails  38 , etc., provide mounting locations for any number of different target types. The support members  14 , bullet deflecting plates  18 , facing strips  26 , legs  30 , etc. may be provided in standardized lengths. This allows for a modular system wherein the pieces need not be assembled in any particular order. A target system may be lengthened by simply adding a new section on to an end of the existing target system. Additionally, the targets can be spaced at any desired interval along the rails to provide any desired target spacing.  
         [0034]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a cross sectional view of the target system of  FIG. 1  is shown taken along line  2 - 2 .  FIG. 2  shows more clearly the attachment of the bullet deflecting plates  18  to the support member  14 . A first bullet deflecting plate  18   a  and a second bullet deflecting plate  18   b  are placed adjacent each other such that the joint  50  between the plates  18   a ,  18   b  is disposed adjacent the support member  14 . A facing strip  26  is placed over the joint  50 . The facing strip  26  has holes  54  formed therein such that a bolt  22  may pass through the facing strip  22 , joint  50 , and through a hole  58  formed in support member  14 . A nut  62  is then used to tighten the resulting assembly so as to rigidly attach the plates  18   a ,  18   b  to the support member  14  and prevent bullets from passing through the joint  50  between the plates  18   a ,  18   b . While shown as being formed from channel steel, the support member  14  may be formed from a variety of differently shaped material. Likewise, while not preferred, holes can be formed in each plate and a pair of bolts may be used to secure the plates to the support member  14 .  
         [0035]     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of a target system according to the present invention is shown. The target system  10  is constructed with a plurality of bullet deflecting plates  18  and accordingly has a plurality of support members  14 , base members/legs  30  if necessary, facing strips  26 , and bolts  22  which hold the plates together and at the desired angle. One significant advantage of a target system  10  according to the present invention is that the target system  10  is modular, allowing an individual to use as many sections of the target system as is desired. If the bullet deflecting plates  18  come in four foot lengths, for example, the target system may be made 4, 8, 12, 16, etc. feet long. The target system  10  may be made as long as is necessary for a particular application. Additionally, an existing target system  10  may be extended by simply adding a new section to the end of an existing system.  
         [0036]     Another advantage of the present target system is the ease of construction. Welding is not necessary. The target system may be constructed using simple hand tools. The target system is thus easier to construct and requires fewer tools be brought to an installation site as compared to existing target systems which use steel panels and supporting structure which are typically welded together. A target system which is modular and is preferably not welded during construction may also be easily disassembled and moved, or may have a section thereof removed if necessary.  
         [0037]     A target system  10  according to the present invention is advantageous as the unassembled system consists of pieces which are flat or nearly flat. The target system may be more easily stored prior to installation and may be more easily transported. A conventional target system which is welded together must be shipped or stored as a large unit, or must be welded together on site.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a back view of a target system according to the present invention is shown. The target system  10  is formed from three sections of bullet deflecting plate  18  and the necessary support members  14 , base member/legs  30 , etc. Steel rails  38  have been used to form horizontal rails extending the length of the target system  10 . The rails  38  are typically used to mount targets and target actuators. The rails  38  are a significant advantage as they allow a series of targets to be mounted at a consistent height. Targets are often mounted across a shooting range at a consistent height, especially when the targets are movable targets and are ganged together for common actuation. Additionally, targets such as a “running man” target where a target moves across the shooting range are often used. The horizontal rails  38  of the present invention, such as channel  38   b , provide a continuous mount wherein a “running man” target may be attached and made to move across the entire target system  10 . With the present target system  10 , a series of targets or a moving target may be made to extend across the entire length of the system, and may easily be expanded as the system is expanded in length. Vertical rails  70  or mounting rails may be attached to the horizontal rails  38 , support members  14 , etc. and provide additional flexibility in mounting targets to the present system.  
         [0039]     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a bottom view of a support member according to the present invention is shown. The support member  14  is formed with holes  58  configured for attaching the plates  18  (not shown) and facing strips  26  (not shown). The size and spacing of the holes may be varied as is necessary for a particular application.  
         [0040]     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a top view of a support member according to the present invention is shown. The support member  14  is formed with a plurality of holes  82  and optional slots  86  whereby targets, target actuators, target controllers, mounting rails, mounting brackets, etc. may be attached to the support member  14 . The optional slots  86  can be used to provide access to the nuts used to secure the bullet deflecting plates (not shown) to the support member, or to facilitate various attachment mechanisms.  
         [0041]     The target system provides flexibility in mounting targets, target actuators, and the like, as these may be attached to the support members  14 , or to brackets, attachment rails, or rails, which are attached to the target system. Providing a number of mounting holes  82  and slots  86  allows a wide variety of targets, actuators, controllers, etc. to be mounted to the target system. Many different shapes, sizes, and types of targets and related equipment may easily be accommodated in the present target system.  
         [0042]     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a back view of a target system according to the present invention is shown. The target system  10  is similar to that of  FIG. 4 . A variety of different targets and target actuators have been mounted to the support members  14 . A first type of target  98   a - 98   e  and target actuator  102   a - 102   e  have been mounted to a horizontal mounting rail  38 . The support members  14  and associated mounting rails  38  allow an individual to easily mount a series or targets  98   a - 98   e  at a consistent height and at any desired spacing. Targets  98   a - 98   e  may easily be ganged together for common operation. If the target actuators  102   a - 102   e  were not all mounted at the proper height or spacing, it can become more difficult to connect the actuators  102   a - 102   e  to a common actuation means, such as a rope or cable. The height and spacing of targets  98   a - 98   e  and associated target actuators  102   a - 102   e  may be easily adjusted by varying the mounting holes and slots ( FIG. 6 ) used to mount the targets or mounting rails  38 . A second type of target  106  and target actuator  110  are mounted to vertical rails  70 . It will be appreciated that the flexibility of the present target system allows an individual to mount many different types of targets and actuators to the target system and to reconfigure the system whenever desired. Many different types of target actuators may be used, including cable driven actuators, electrical actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc. The actuators may function in many ways, such as twisting the targets, raising and lowering the targets, etc. Target actuators may function by turning the targets between various rotational positions, such as by not presenting a target to a shooter (possibly by orienting the target edge on to a shooter), rotating the target by 90 degrees one direction to present a first side to a shooter, and/or by rotating the target by 90 degrees in the opposite direction to present the second side of the target to the shooter. A significant advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily mount any desired combination of targets and target actuators to the mounting structures, the actuators and mounts being protected from fire by the plates  18 .  
         [0043]     Turning now to  FIG.8 , there is shown a close up view of a mechanism for attaching target mounting rails  38 ′ to support members  14 ′ and for attaching targets  120  to the mounting rails. Rather than using a bolt to secure the mounting rail  38 ′ to the support member  14 , the two are secured to one another by magnets  122 . Likewise, the target base  124  is secured at a desired position within the mounting rail  38 ′ by a magnet  122 . In such a manner, the support member  14 ′ need not be provided with a hole for attaching the mounting rail  38 ′.  
         [0044]     Likewise,  FIG. 9  shows a close-up view of an alternate arrangement for attaching a target mounting rail  38 ″ to a support members  14 ″ and for attaching a target  120 ′ to the mounting rail. Rather than using bolts or magnets, the mounting rail  38 ″ is held to the support member  14 ″ by a clamp  130 . Likewise, the base  124 ′ of the target  120 ′ includes a clamp  134  to hold the target at the desired location along the mounting rail  38 ″. In such a configuration, the target  120 ′ can be readibly moved along the mounting rail  38 ″ by simply releasing the clamp and sliding the target to the new desired location along the mounting rail.  
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows a close-up view of yet another arrangement for attaching a target mounting rail  38 ″′ to a support member  14 ″′ and for attaching targets  120 ″ to the mounting rails. Rather than using a bolt, magnet or clamp, a bracket  140  is attached to the support member  14 ″′. The bracket can be formed integrally, or may be welded or otherwise attached. The bracket  140  is configured so that the mounting rail  38 ″′ is slid into a nesting arrangement or otherwise secured within the bracket. The target  120 ″ can then be slid along the mounting rail  38 ″′ to any desired location and secured in place. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the different mechanisms for securing mounting rails to support members (or the plates) and for securing the targets to the mounting rails can be interchanged to provide whatever target adjustment dynamics and desired at the shooting range. Additionally, it will be appreciated that some targets may be attached directly to the support members.  
         [0046]     There is thus disclosed an improved target system. The target system can be assembled with simple hand tools and may be disassembled and moved with relatively little effort. Additionally, the target system can be reconfigured, enlarged, or reduced in size without having to cut apart components. The invention is not limited to any one embodiment shown. It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.