Abstract:
A conformable target mount for use on a shooting range is easily transported and assembled without tools or hardware. The conformable target mount includes a target pattern printed directly on a foldable cardboard backing that can be formed into various configurations for attachment to standard size supports. Alternatively, the conformable target mount can be folded for use as a stand-alone support having tabs that fold into stake pockets, sealable with built-in peel-off tapes. A conformable target mount can be easily exchanged on the support by simply lifting the stake pockets off the stakes and lowering a different conformable target mount in its place. Alternatively, the tapes can be used to attach the conformable target mount to a supporting object. The conformable target mount can be over-sized, suitable for use in police or military training. The conformable target mounts also include carrying handles.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/144,811, filed on Apr. 8, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to mounting targets at a gun firing range, or for use in other projectile targeting sports such as archery, paintball, or darts. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Gun enthusiasts and archers often practice their skills at a target shooting range. Typical shooting range targets include printed paper targets, tin cans, swinging metal targets, and the like. Paper targets are typically mounted to a backing in the form of a rigid support structure such as a wooden crate, plywood, or a cardboard box such as a standard size apple box that farms use for shipping fruit. The rigid support structure can include wooden or metal stakes or posts that are secured to a stand or dug into the ground. Sportsmen are thus required to carry hardware, supplies, and tools such as a hammer and nails, duct tape, a cardboard box, a box cutter and the like, to set up their targets prior to beginning a shooting session. Target setup is tedious and is a source of frustration for many sportsmen, especially beginners. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In a universal target system, various embodiments of a conformable target mount are provided for use on a shooting range. The conformable target mount is easily transported and assembled without a need for tools or hardware. The conformable target mount may include a target pattern that can be attached to, or printed directly on, a backing having foldable portions. The foldable portions of the conformable target mount can be formed into various configurations for attachment to standard size supports such as, for example, an apple box, a target stand base, a post-and-target stand base, or posts set in the ground. The various configurations can be indicated by fold lines incorporated into the conformable target mount during manufacturing. For example, the fold lines can be pre-scored, perforated, creased, or pre-folded to assist the user in assembling the conformable target mount. In an embodiment, the conformable target mount may be adapted for use as a stand-alone support. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, the conformable target mount is designed with a single fold and adhesives for attachment to a support such as an apple box. In an embodiment, the conformable target mount is designed with foldable portions that form stake pockets that are sealable using integral peel-off tapes. The stake pockets are capped and fit over standard size profile support posts, for example, supported on a heavy base or pressed into the ground. A conformable target mount can be easily exchanged on the support posts by simply lifting the stake pockets off the stakes and lowering a different conformable target mount in its place. Thus, it is easy to switch from pistol shooting, to rifle shooting using a standard size support with interchangeable conformable target mounts. In an embodiment, the conformable target mount is over-sized, suitable for use in police or military training, or for practice in shooting large game animals. The oversize conformable target mount is designed to fit the same standard size support structure. The conformable target mount may be made of a backing material that is semi-rigid, permits a cut-out carrying handle for easy transport, and that is inexpensive, disposable, and fully recyclable. Such materials include, for example, cardboard, plastics and other polymer-based materials, and various types of semi-rigid fabrics. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, a conformable target mount has a target area and foldable portions for attaching the conformable target mount to a support, the foldable portions indicated by fold lines on the conformable target mount, and a target pattern on the target area of the conformable target mount, the target pattern indicating a destination for aiming a projectile. The conformable target mount may be configured with a single fold line to assist in forming and attaching the conformable target mount to an object. The foldable portions may be formable and attachable to a support post. The foldable portions may be formable into a capped pocket that slides onto the support post. The conformable target mount may be configured with adhesive areas having peel-off coverings, the adhesive areas arranged in a selected pattern to assist in fitting the foldable portions to the support post. The conformable target mount may include a carrying handle that is integral to the conformable target mount. The target area may be weather-resistant. The target area may extend laterally beyond the foldable portions. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, a conformable target mount has a target area and foldable portions removably attachable to a pair of posts. A target pattern on the target area of the conformable target mount indicates a destination for aiming a projectile. The target pattern may be printed directly on the conformable target mount, or the target pattern may be affixed to the conformable target mount. The foldable portions may be formable into capped pockets that fit over the posts. The conformable target mount may be made of cardboard configured with adhesive areas having peel-off coverings, the adhesive areas arranged in a selected pattern to assist in fitting the foldable portions to the posts. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a conformable target mount includes fabricating a formable mounting board having a weather-resistant target area, printing a pattern on the target area, indicating fold lines on the formable mounting board at selected locations designating areas of the mounting board as foldable portions, and packaging the formable mounting board in a flat pack. Printing a pattern on the target area may include printing a target pattern indicating a destination for aiming a projectile or printing an advertisement on the target area. In an embodiment, the method may include applying an adhesive to the formable mounting board at selected locations relative to the foldable portions and covering the adhesives with peel-off tapes. Indicating fold lines may include one or more of printing, scoring, creasing, perforating, and pre-folding the foldable portions. The formable mounting board may include one or more of cardboard, a polymer-based material, and a semi-rigid fabric. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of a single fold conformable target mount in use, according to an embodiment as described herein. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of an unfolded single fold conformable target mount according to an embodiment as described herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a back perspective view of the single fold conformable target mount shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , after folding. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial view of a conformable target mount attached to posts of a target stand base, according to an embodiment as described herein. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are front and back plan views, respectively, of a folded, conformable target mount of the type shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective end view of the conformable target mount shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a pictorial view of the conformable target mount shown in  FIG. 4 , having a target area onto which are mounted various exemplary target patterns. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a pictorial view of an oversize conformable target mount attached to posts in the ground, according to an embodiment as described herein. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are front plan and back perspective views, respectively, of the oversize conformable target mount as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a detailed plan view of the conformable target mount shown in  FIG. 4 , prior to folding, indicating perforated fold lines and placement of peel-off adhesive tapes. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is an end view of the capped pockets of the conformable target mount shown in  FIG. 12 , after folding. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a detailed view of the foldable portions showing a peel-off tape and a glue surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter. However, the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and methods comprising embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the descriptions of other aspects of the present disclosure. 
         [0022]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” 
         [0023]    Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in “one embodiment” or in “an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
         [0024]    In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts unless the context indicates otherwise. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         [0025]    Specific embodiments are described herein with reference to targeting systems that have been produced; however, the present disclosure and the reference to certain materials, dimensions, and the details and ordering of processing steps are exemplary and should not be limited to those shown. 
         [0026]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a conformable target mount  100  according to an embodiment. The conformable target mount  100 , along with other embodiments, may be part of a universal target system suitable for use at a shooting range for archery, firearms, or other activities involving targeted projectiles. The conformable target mount  100  includes a front target area  102 , sides  104 , a handle  106 , a single fold line  108 , and printed circles  109 . The front target area  102  bears a target pattern  110 . The target pattern  110  may be printed on, or attached to, the front target area  102 . The sides  104  are each folded along a single fold line  108  so as to extend in a transverse direction relative to the front target area  102 . The sides  104  can then be removably attached to a support  112  such as, for example, an apple box, as is typically used for mounting paper targets. Any stable object having a substantially flat surface can serve as the support  112 . The conformable target mount  100  having a single fold line on either side is referred to as a single fold target mount. In  FIG. 1 , the conformable target mount  100  is shown in use on a shooting range  114 , wherein a target shooter  116  aims a bow and arrow  118  at the target pattern  110 . 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show close-up views of the front target area  102  and the back  120 , respectively, of the exemplary single fold conformable target mount  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the conformable target mount  100  is made of a commercially available reinforced weather-resistant matte white cardboard, e.g., #200 stock. The conformable target mount  100  is designed for easy setup and does not require tools to assemble. The single fold line  108  is indicated during manufacturing, e.g., the single fold line  108  may be printed, pre-scored, perforated, or pre-folded at the factory. The sides  104  optionally may be attached to the support  112  by hardware, e.g., tacks or pins, at locations indicated by the printed circles  109 . In an embodiment, peel-off tapes  122  are also provided to avoid tools and hardware that may otherwise be needed to attach the conformable target mount  100  to the support  112 . Assembly by the user simply requires peeling a cover off the pre-attached tape strips, and then pressing the pre-folded sides into place. 
         [0028]    Pre-manufactured target patterns  110  can be printed directly on the front target area  102 , offering a clear presentation on a white background. Target patterns  110  can be used for any variety of targeting sports including, for example, short or long-range pistol or rifle shooting, bow and arrow, paintball or darts. Alternatively, the target pattern  110  can be provided on a separate paper that is then affixed to the front target area  102 . A logo or an advertisement may be printed on the front target area  102  in addition to or instead of the target pattern. A target pattern printed on the conformable target mount  100  may outlast conventional stand-alone paper targets. In the past, it has been a common practice to staple paper targets to a backing that provides support but also will allow bullets to penetrate or pass through the target and the backing. Typically, cardboard or wire mesh is used as a backing. Regardless of the material, until now, sportsmen have had to cut out and mount the backing to the support  112 , and then attach targets to the backing. In contrast, the conformable target mount  100  provides a pre-fabricated backing that is easy to mount to a support structure. Furthermore, the conformable target mount  100  can easily be removed from the support structure and replaced to change to a different target pattern  110 . Meanwhile, the conformable target mount  100  maintains simplicity of use and can be manufactured and sold at a low cost. 
         [0029]    The conformable target mount  100  is portable using the built-in carrying handle  106 , allowing for convenience in transporting the conformable target mount  100  to and from a sporting site. The conformable target mount  100  is also environmentally safe, recyclable, lightweight, and inexpensive to manufacture and ship. Conformable target mounts  100  can be offered for sale in flat packs of 3 or 10, for example, and can be easily folded for instant use whenever a new target mount is needed. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a conformable target mount  130 , according to an embodiment. The conformable target mount  130  differs from the conformable target mount  100  in that the conformable target mount  130  is designed to fit over a pair of posts  132  instead of attaching to an object. The posts  132  are supported in an upright position by a target stand base  134 . The posts  132  may be 1×2-inch furrows separated by a standardized distance such as, for example, 18 inches, center-to-center. Accordingly, the width of the conformable target mount  130  is made to match the post separation distance. In an embodiment, the height of the conformable target mount  130  may be about 36 inches. In another embodiment, the pair of posts  132  may be stakes that are driven into the ground 18 inches apart. 
         [0031]    Accordingly, the conformable target mount  130  is made with a more complex set of fold indicators to assist the consumer in forming the cardboard to fit over the posts  132 . For example, folding the conformable target mount  130  forms vertical pockets  136  having caps  138 . The caps  138  cover the tops of the posts  132  to support the target in an upright position. The caps  138  prevent the conformable target mount  130  from slipping to the ground or onto the target stand base, making a ricochet less likely. The conformable target mount  130  is shown as manufactured, before folding, in  FIG. 12 , and is described below. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show close-up views of the front target area  102  and the back  120 , respectively, of the exemplary conformable target mount  130  shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 7  shows an end view of the caps  138  as seen from the top of the conformable target mount  130 . Once the vertical pockets  136  are formed by folding the cardboard along fold lines  108   a  (see  FIG. 12 ), the vertical pockets  136  are secured to the back  120  of the conformable target mount  130  using the peel-off tapes  122   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Once the caps  138  are formed by folding the cardboard along fold lines  108   b , a flap  139  of each cap  138  is secured to the front of the conformable target mount  130  using the peel-off tapes  122   b  as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 . After sliding the vertical pockets  136  over the posts  132 , the vertical pockets  136  may be further secured to the posts  132  by hardware, e.g., tacks or pins, inserted at the printed circles  109  as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 . The optional use of hardware to further secure the vertical pockets  136  may be useful in windy conditions, for example. 
         [0033]      FIG. 8  shows examples of different target patterns  110  printed or affixed to the conformable target mount  130  (three shown,  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ). The description of target patterns  110  given above for the conformable target mount  100  applies also to the conformable target mount  130 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 9  illustrates an oversize conformable target mount  140 , according to an embodiment. Like the conformable target mount  130 , the oversize conformable target mount  140  is designed to have vertical pockets  136  that fit over the posts  132 . However, the oversize conformable target mount  140  extends laterally outward, beyond the vertical pockets  136 . In an embodiment, the distance between the vertical pockets  136  of the conformable target mount  140  is still about 18 inches, while the total width of the conformable target mount  140  may be about twice as wide, 36 inches, and the height of the conformable target mount  140  may be in the range of about 36-42 inches. The larger size allows the target pattern  110  to encompass a larger, more lifelike scene, such as the deer image shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show close-up views of the front target area  102  and the back  120 , respectively, of the exemplary oversize conformable target mount  140  shown in  FIG. 9 . Once the vertical pockets  136  are formed by folding the cardboard along fold lines  108   a  (see  FIG. 12 ), the vertical pockets  136  are secured to the back  120  of the oversize conformable target mount  140  using the peel-off tapes  122   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Once the caps  138  are formed by folding the cardboard along fold lines  108   b , a flap  139  of each cap  138  is secured to the back of the oversize conformable target mount  140  using the peel-off tapes  122   b  as shown in  FIG. 11 . After sliding the vertical pockets  136  over the posts  132 , the vertical pockets  136  may be further secured to the posts  132  by hardware, e.g., tacks or pins, inserted at the printed circles  109  as shown in  FIG. 10 . It is noted that the caps  138  for the oversize conformable target mount  140 , unlike the caps  138  for the conformable target mount  130 , are not visible from the front. This is because, in the case of the oversize conformable target mount  140 , the caps  138  are hidden behind the extended front target surface  102 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the conformable target mount  130  prior to folding, in a flat-pack form in which the cardboard product would be sold and shipped to a customer. A plurality of fold lines  108  are indicated during manufacturing, e.g., the fold lines  108  may be printed, pre-scored, perforated, or pre-folded at the factory. The dotted lines  108   a  are fold indicators for forming the vertical pockets  136 ; the dotted lines  108   b  are fold indicators for forming the caps  138 . Likewise, the peel-off tapes  122   a  are for securing the vertical pockets to the back  120 , while the peel-off tapes  122   b  are for securing the caps  138 . 
         [0037]    Like the conformable target mount  130 , the oversize conformable target mount  140  is made with a similar set of fold lines  108  to assist the consumer in forming the cardboard to fit over the posts  132 . In an embodiment, the over-sized conformable target mount  140  can be made of a cardboard base and two separate strips of folded cardboard as shown in  FIG. 14  to form capped, vertical pockets  136  that are pre-glued on one side to the back of the target base, during manufacture, as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0038]    All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties. 
         [0039]    It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
         [0040]    These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.