Apparatus for collecting warheads

A bullet head-collecting apparatus capable of easily collecting bullet heads and of controlling the extent to which the force of impact is absorbed depending on the kind of bullet head is disclosed. The bullet head-collecting apparatus includes a case configured to have a hexahedral shape with open front and upper faces, a cover plate removably mounted on the open upper face of the case, a buffer unit disposed in the case so as to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head, and a bullet head impact control unit, which includes at least one pair of first fixed brackets internally mounted on both lateral side surfaces of the case in front of the buffer unit and at least one first bullet head control plate removably fitted into the pair of first fixed brackets.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a bullet head-collecting apparatus, and more particularly to a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which is able to easily collect bullet heads used in shooting ranges, which have various diameters and are adapted for various kinds of bullets and to control the extent to which the force of impact of a bullet head is absorbed in accordance with the kind of bullet head.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, military and forces conduct target practice with personal firearms in order to develop marksmanship required in case of emergency, and to maintain combat skills. Such target practice using personal firearms is predominantly carried out indoors firing ranges or outdoors at zeroing firing ranges and actual distance shooting ranges. The bullet heads fired at such live firing ranges cause problems in that heavy metals contained in the bullet heads severely contaminate the surrounding environment and in that it is considerably difficult to dispose the bullet heads.

In particular, in the case of military forces, target practice using rifles such as M16 and K1 rifles is carried out at outdoor shooting ranges. At such military outdoor shooting ranges, since the ground or a hill is generally positioned behind targets, bullet heads fired from rifles are buried in the ground after passing through the targets. Consequently, military outdoor shooting ranges cause problems in that heavy metals contained in the bullet heads buried in the ground contaminate the surrounding soil and flow into nearby rivers, thereby contaminating the natural environment.

As solutions for solving the above problems, there is Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1087283, titled “bullet head-collecting apparatus”, which was granted to the present applicant on Nov. 21, 2011. The construction of this invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 22 and 23.

As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the conventional bullet head-collecting apparatus100includes a bullet head-collecting unit1for absorbing the kinetic energy of bullet heads and a bullet head discharging unit2for discharging the bullet heads that drop from the bullet head-collecting unit1.

The bullet head-collecting unit1includes a plurality of absorption panels12, which are fitted in sliding grooves111formed in side plates11, which face each other, so as to absorb the kinetic energy in the flight direction of the bullet heads, and an escaping blocking panel13coupled to the rear ends of the side plates11so as to prevent the bullet heads from escaping the bullet head-collecting apparatus.

The side plates11are erected from both side edges of the body C, which are installed on the ground in such a manner as to face each other. The inner surfaces of the two side plates11, which face each other, have symmetrically formed therein a plurality of vertical sliding grooves111.

The plurality of absorption panels12are fitted in the sliding grooves111from the front end of the body, from which direction bullet heads fired from rifles approach. In other words, the plurality of absorption panels12, which are sequentially fitted in the plurality of sliding grooves111, constitute a block layer through which bullet heads penetrate.

Since the adjacent sliding grooves111are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the plurality of absorption panels12fitted in the sliding grooves111are also spaced apart from each other.

The absorption panels12are made of a material capable of absorbing the kinetic energy of a bullet head while the bullet head penetrates the absorption panels12. By way of example, metal plates may be layered one on the other, or synthetic resin may be charged between the metal plates.

However, the conventional technology has the following problems.

Generally, bullet heads may have various diameters, and the amount of firing charge for propelling a bullet head may vary depending on the kind of bullet head. Even in the case of bullets of the same kind, the amount of firing charge contained in the bullets may be slightly different from each other.

Since the conventional bullet head-collecting apparatus includes a plurality of absorption panels, which are integrally constructed as a single set irrespective of such differences in diameter and amount of firing charge, the conventional bullet head-collecting apparatus has problems in that it is impossible to properly control the extent to which the force of impact is absorbed in the field in accordance with the varying force of impact of bullet heads caused by differences in the diameter and amount of firing charge thereof.

Accordingly, since it is impossible to properly absorb the force of impact in accordance with the varying force of impact of bullet heads caused by differences in the diameter and amount of firing charge thereof, the application of the bullet head-collecting apparatus is inevitably limited.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to overcome the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which is able to easily collect bullet heads used in shooting ranges, which have various diameters and are adapted for various kinds of bullets and to control the extent to which the force of impact of a bullet head is absorbed in accordance with the kinds of bullet heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus that easily and reliably absorbs the impact of bullet heads by virtue of a buffer unit constituted by filler.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which enables a buffer unit to be more conveniently mounted and replaced by virtue of buffer blocks filled with filler.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which includes buffer blocks having through holes therein so as to efficiently absorb the force of impact of bullet heads and to reduce breakage of the buffer blocks caused by the force of impact of bullet heads.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which contains filler added with a water absorption agent so as to efficiently prevent the filler from freezing and solidifying due to infiltration of moisture into the filler during the winter season.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which includes a case having through holes therein and a cover plate having through holes therein so as to efficiently distribute the force of impact, applied to a buffer unit, to the outside.

It is another further object of the present invention to provide a bullet head-collecting apparatus, which includes a case having guide ribs and a cover plate having a guide rib so as to efficiently introduce bullet heads into the case.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above objects, “a bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention includes a case configured to have a hexahedral shape with open front and upper faces, a cover plate removably mounted on the open upper face of the case, a buffer unit disposed in the case so as to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head, and a bullet head impact control unit, which includes at least one pair of first fixed brackets internally mounted on both lateral side surfaces of the case behind the buffer unit and at least one first bullet head control plate removably fitted into the pair of first fixed brackets.

The bullet head impact control unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include at least one pair of second fixed brackets internally mounted on both lateral side surfaces of the case behind the buffer unit, and at least one second bullet head control plate removably fitted into the pair of second fixed brackets.

The bullet head impact control unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may further include a bullet head-blocking plate, which is made of a metal material and is removably fitted in the pair of second fixed brackets behind the second bullet head control unit.

The buffer unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a pair of first fixed plates, which are attached to the inner surface of the case and are spaced apart from each other, and filler charged between the pair of fixed plates so as to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head.

The buffer unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a pair of second fixed plates, which are attached to an inner surface of the case and are spaced apart from each other, and one or more hexahedral buffer blocks, which are removably stacked between the pair of second fixed plates and are filled with filler.

The buffer unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may further include a plurality of through holes formed in upper and lower walls of the buffer blocks.

The filler of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include rubber chips, sand, metal powder and water absorption agent.

The case of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a plurality of first through holes formed in regions of both lateral side walls and the lower wall of the case that are in close contact with the buffer unit, wherein the cover plate may include a plurality of second through holes formed in a region thereof that is in close contact with the buffer unit.

The case of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include side guide ribs, which are symmetrically disposed at front ends of both lateral side walls of the case and are inclined inwards, wherein the cover plate may include an upper guide rib, which is disposed at the front end of the cover plate and is inclined inwards.

The case of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may further include a pair of side bulletproof covers, which are symmetrically attached to both lateral side walls of the case so as to cover the side guide ribs, wherein the cover plate may further include an upper bulletproof cover attached the an upper wall of the cover plate so as to cover the upper guide rib22.

“The bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a target attaching plate, which is made of a flexible material and is attached to the front surface of the bullet head impact control unit40, which is disposed at the open front face of the case.

The case of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a discharge opening formed in the lower wall of the case behind the buffer unit, wherein the bullet head-collecting apparatus may further include a collecting drawer slidably mounted on a support frame disposed at the lower wall of the case, and a plurality of legs mounted on the support frame.

“The bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may further include a support unit, which is disposed on the front surface of the buffer unit in the case so as to support the front surface of the buffer unit.

The support unit of “the bullet head-collecting apparatus” according to the present invention may include a rectangular frame, which is closely mounted on the periphery of the front surface of the buffer unit, a horizontal support, which is attached to both lateral sides of the rectangular frame such that they extend horizontally and inwardly and have ridges that protrude forward, and a vertical support, which is attached between upper and lower ends of the rectangular frame and which has a ridge that protrudes forward.

Advantageous Effects

As described above, the present invention is able to easily collect bullet heads used in shooting ranges, which have various diameters and are used for various kinds of bullets and to control the extent to which the force of impact of bullet is absorbed in accordance with the kind of bullet head, whereby the range of applicability of the apparatus is remarkably widened and the convenience in use thereof is remarkably improved.

Furthermore, the present invention easily and reliably absorbs the impact of bullet heads by virtue of a buffer unit constituted by filler.

Furthermore, the present invention enables a buffer unit to be more conveniently mounted and replaced by virtue of buffer blocks filled with filler.

Furthermore, the present invention includes buffer blocks having through holes therein so as to efficiently absorb the force of impact of bullet heads and to reduce breakage of the buffer blocks caused by the force of impact of bullet heads, thereby remarkably extending the service life.

Furthermore, the present invention contains filler added with water absorption agent so as to efficiently prevent the filler from freezing and solidifying due to the infiltration of moisture into the filler during the winter season, thereby efficiently preventing the apparatus from becoming inoperable due to the freezing of the filler.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a case having through holes therein and a cover plate having through holes therein so as to efficiently distribute the force of impact, applied to a buffer unit, to the outside, thereby extending the service life of the case.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a case having guide ribs and a cover plate having a guide rib so as to efficiently introduce bullet heads into the case, thereby more reliably collecting bullet heads and remarkably reducing damage to the case.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that various changes and modifications may be made in the invention and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, a bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a case10, a cover plate20covering the case10, a buffer unit30disposed in the case10, and a bullet head impact control unit40disposed in the case10near the buffer unit30.

The case10is configured to have a hexahedral shape with open upper and front faces. The case10provides a space for accommodating various components including the buffer unit30and serves to collect bullet heads, which are shot horizontally and introduced into the case10. The case10, which fulfills such a function, is preferably made of metal plates that cannot be perforated by the bullet heads.

The case10further includes a plurality of first through holes11formed in the regions of both lateral side walls and a lower wall thereof that are in close contact with the buffer unit30. The first through holes11are intended to efficiently distribute the force of impact applied to the buffer unit30by a bullet head.

The case10further includes side guide ribs12, which are symmetrically formed at the front ends of both lateral side walls thereof and which are inclined inwards. The side guide ribs12serve to guide bullet heads, which are introduced through the open front face of the case10, toward the inside of the case10so as to prevent the bullet heads from being deviated outside of the case10.

The case10further includes discharge openings13formed in the lower wall thereof behind the buffer unit30. The discharge holes13serve as outlets through which bullet heads collected in the case10are discharged downwards from the case10(seeFIG. 5).

The cover plate20, which is detachably mounted on the open upper face of the case10, serves to open and close the upper face of the case10. Specifically, the cover plate20is separated from the case10so that the case10can be opened when desired by the user, whereby the user can easily control the absorption of impact by the bullet head impact control unit40.

The cover plate20further includes a plurality of second through holes21formed in the region of the cover plate20that is in close contact with the buffer unit30. Like the first through holes11, the second through holes21are intended to efficiently distribute the force of impact applied to the buffer unit30by a bullet head, and are intended to allow relatively fine particulate filler32, for example, sand or metal powder, to be additionally charged in the buffer unit30without requiring a user to dismantle the cover plate20.

The cover plate20further includes an upper guide rib22, which is formed at the front end thereof and is inclined inwards and downwards. Like the side guide ribs12, the upper guide rib22serves to guide bullet heads, which are introduced through the open front face of the case10, toward the inside of the cover plate20, that is, the inside of the case10so as to prevent the bullet heads from being deviated outside of the case10.

The buffer unit30, which is disposed in the case10, serves to absorb the force of impact of bullet heads introduced into the case10.

The buffer unit30, which fulfills such a function, includes a pair of first fixed plates31, which are attached to the inner surface of the case10in the state of being spaced apart from each other, and filler32, which is charged between the pair of first fixed plates31so as to absorb the force of impact of bullet heads.

The first fixed plates31serve to provide a space in which the filler32is charged. The first fixed plates31, which fulfill such a function, are attached to both lateral inner surfaces of the case10through welding or are fixedly mounted on the lateral inner surfaces by means of brackets.

The filler32serves to immobilize a bullet head, which is introduced into the case10through the front one of the pair of fixed plates31, and to absorb the force of impact of the bullet head. The bullet head having lost the force of impact while passing through the filler32, penetrates the rear one of the pair of fixed plates31, and is collected in the rear space of the case10.

The filler32, which fulfills such a function, includes rubber chips, sand, metal power and water absorption agent. The rubber chips, which are prepared by finely crushing rubber waste such as waste tires into chips having a predetermined size, serves to elastically hold bullet heads.

The sand and metal powder are mixed with the rubber chips, and also serve to hold bullet heads so as to decrease the speed of bullet heads.

The water absorption agent, which is constituted by a chemical material, for example, silica gel, which absorbs moisture infiltrated into the filler32, serves to absorb moisture contained in the filler32so as to prevent the filler32from freezing due to moisture during the winter season.

Specifically, the filler32solidifies into a rigid solid due to moisture contained in the filler32when the temperature goes down during the winter season, whereby bullet heads cannot be held by the filler32. In order to solve the problem caused by freezing of the filler32, the water absorption agent is added to the filler32.

The bullet head impact control unit40, which is disposed in the case10near the buffer unit30, serves to provide a function of controlling the absorption of the force of impact of bullet heads as intended by a user, in addition to the function of absorbing the impact of bullet heads by the buffer unit30.

The bullet head impact control unit40, which fulfills such a function, includes a plurality of first holding brackets41, which are internally mounted in pairs on both lateral side surfaces of the case10in front of the buffer unit30, and a plurality of first bullet head control plates42, which are releasably fitted between the respective pairs of first holding brackets41.

The first holding brackets41serve to releasably hold the first bullet head control plates42in the case10in front of the buffer unit30.

The first bullet head control plates42serve to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head to some degree before the bullet head enters the buffer unit30. Although the first bullet head control plates42, which fulfill such a function, are preferably made of a synthetic resin material such as PET, which has low stretchability and high toughness, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first bullet head control plates42may be made of various materials capable of absorbing the force of impact of a bullet head while the bullet head passes through the first bullet head control plates42.

Although two first bullet head control plates42are illustrated in the drawings, the first bullet head control plates42may be provided in a number greater than two. The absorption of the force of impact of bullet heads may be controlled by a user by fitting the first bullet head control plates42between the pairs of first holding brackets41or removing the first bullet head control plates42therefrom depending on the kind of bullet head or bullet. The first bullet head control plates42serves to fulfill a function of additionally absorbing the force of impact of bullet heads, in addition to the absorption of the force of impact obtained by the buffer unit30.

In other words, when the force of impact of bullet heads can be completely absorbed by the buffer unit30, all of the first bullet head control plates42are removed. Meanwhile, when the force of impact of bullet heads cannot be completely absorbed by the buffer unit30, the first bullet head control plates42are appropriately mounted so as to further absorb the force of impact of bullet heads.

Accordingly, by controlling the number of first bullet head control plates42that are mounted, depending on the kind of bullet head or bullet, various kinds of bullet heads can be collected by the bullet head-collecting apparatus.

The bullet head impact control unit40further includes a plurality of second holding brackets43, which are internally mounted in pairs on both lateral side surfaces of the case10behind the buffer unit30, and a plurality of second bullet head control plates44, which are releasably fitted between the respective pairs of second holding brackets43.

Like the first holding brackets41, the second holding brackets43serve to releasably hold the second bullet head control plates44in the case10behind the buffer unit30.

The second bullet head control plates44serve to further absorb the force of impact of a bullet head to some degree after the bullet head has entered the buffer unit30. Although the second bullet head control plates44, which fulfills such a function, are preferably made of a synthetic resin material such as PET, which has low stretchability and high toughness, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second bullet head control plates44may be made of various materials capable of absorbing the force of impact of a bullet head while the bullet head passes through the second bullet head control plates44.

Although only one second bullet head control plate44is illustrated in the drawings, the second bullet head control plate44may be provided in a number greater than one. The absorption of the force of impact of bullet heads may be controlled by a user by fitting the second bullet head control plates44between the pairs of second holding brackets43or removing the second bullet head control plates44therefrom depending on the kind of bullet head or bullet. The second bullet head control plates44serve to fulfill a function of additionally absorbing the force of impact of bullet heads, in addition to the absorption of the force of impact obtained by the buffer unit30.

By further absorbing the force of impact of a bullet head, which has passed through the buffer unit30and has entered the rear part of the case10, by the second bullet head control plates44, the bullet head is collected in the case10without penetrating the rear wall of the case10.

The bullet head impact control unit40further includes a bullet head-blocking plate45, which is made of a metal material and is releasably fitted between the pair of second holding brackets43behind the second bullet head control plate44. The bullet head-blocking plate45, which is made of a metal plate capable of blocking a bullet head having a decreased force of impact, serves to completely block the movement of a bullet head that has passed through the second bullet head control plate44, so as to prevent the bullet head from colliding with the rear wall of the case10.

The bullet head-collecting apparatus according to the embodiment further includes a target attaching plate50, which is made of a flexible material and is attached to the front surface of the bullet head impact control unit40so as to close the open front face of the case10. The target attaching plate50is intended to enable a paper target to be attached to the open front face of the case10. The target attaching plate50is preferably made of a porous material having high toughness and flexibility, and two paper targets are usually attached to the target attaching plate50.

The bullet head-collecting apparatus according to the embodiment further includes a collecting drawer60, which is slidably mounted on a support frame61installed at the lower face of the case10so as to collect bullet heads dropping through the discharge openings13, and a plurality of legs70coupled to the support frame61.

The collecting drawer60, which is slidably mounted on the lower face of the case10by means of the support frame61, is intended to collect bullet heads, which are collected in the case10and are discharged downward from the case10through the discharge openings13. The legs70serve to space the case10apart from the ground so as to ensure convenient shooting.

The procedure of using the bullet head-collecting apparatus having the above-described construction will now be described. After the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to the embodiment is first installed at a shooting range, a paper target is attached to the target attaching plate50, and shooting is then performed.

When a bullet head, which has been fired from a gun, enters the case10through the paper target and the target attaching plate50, the force of impact of the bullet head is first absorbed by the first bullet head control plate42. The force of impact of the bullet head is almost completely absorbed while the bullet head passes through the buffer unit30.

The force of impact of the bullet head, which is absorbed by the buffer unit30while the bullet head passes through the buffer unit30, is appropriately distributed through the first through holes11and the second through holes21.

As the bullet head, which has passed through the buffer unit30, passes through the second bullet head control plate44, the remaining force of impact of the bullet head is completely absorbed by the second bullet head control plate44, whereby the bullet head drops to the bottom the case10. The bullet head, which has dropped to the bottom of the case10, is collected in the collecting drawer60through the discharge openings13.

Here, a user controls the extent of absorption of the force of impact so as to collect bullet heads appropriately and efficiently by adjusting the numbers of the first bullet head control plate42and the second bullet head control plate44appropriately for the kind of bullet head or bullet.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the buffer unit30of the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a second embodiment includes a pair of second fixed plates33, which are mounted on the inner surface of the case10and are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of hexahedral buffer blocks34, which are removably stacked between the pair of second fixed plates33and which are filled with the filler32.

The second fixed plates33define therebetween a space in which the buffer blocks34containing the filler32are removably stacked. The second fixed plates33, which fulfill such a function, are internally attached to the lateral side surfaces of the case10through welding or are mounted on the lateral side surfaces of the case10by means of brackets.

Since the buffer blocks34, which are filled with the filler32, are removably disposed between the second fixed plates33, the buffer blocks34may be replaced with fresh ones when they are damaged by bullet heads, whereby the service life of the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to the embodiment may be remarkably extended.

The filler32, which serves to hold bullet heads introduced into the buffer blocks34and to absorb the force of impact of the bullet heads, includes rubber chips, sand, metal powder and water absorption agent, as described above.

Each of the buffer blocks34includes a plurality of through holes35formed in the upper and lower walls thereof. The through holes35serve to distribute the force of impact, which is transmitted to the filler32of the buffer block34from a bullet head passing through the buffer block34.

Furthermore, the through holes35serve to allow relatively fine particulate filler32such as metal powder to be additionally charged in the buffer block34by a user.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the case10of the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention further includes a pair of side bulletproof covers14, which are made of a bulletproof material and are attached to both lateral side walls of the case10so as to cover the side guide ribs12. The cover plate20further includes an upper bulletproof cover23, which is made of a bulletproof material and is attached to the upper surface of the cover plate20so as to cover the upper guide rib22.

The side bulletproof covers14, which are made of a bulletproof material, which prevents a bullet head from penetrating therethrough, serve to protect portions of the lateral side walls and the side guide ribs12from bullet heads so as not to be penetrated by bullet heads.

Like the side bulletproof covers14, the upper bulletproof cover23, which is also made of a bulletproof material, serves to protect a portion of the upper wall of the cover plate20and the upper guide rib22from a bullet head so as not to be penetrated by a bullet head.

As shown inFIG. 10, the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes a support unit80, which is mounted on the front surface of the buffer unit30in the case10. The support unit80supports the front surface of the buffer unit30so as to prevent deformation of the buffer unit30, such as swelling.

The support unit80, which fulfills such a function, includes a rectangular frame81, which is closely mounted on the periphery of the front surface of the buffer unit30, horizontal supports82, which are attached to both lateral sides of the rectangular frame81such that they extend horizontally and inwardly and have ridges that protrude forward, and a vertical support83, which is disposed between the upper and lower ends of the rectangular frame81and is attached thereto and which has a ridge that protrudes forward.

The rectangular frame81, which is secured in the case10, serves as a support frame for supporting the horizontal supports82and the vertical support83and for allowing the horizontal supports82and the vertical support83to be attached thereto.

The horizontal supports82, which serve to horizontally support the front surface of the buffer unit30, include a plurality of horizontal supports82, which are attached at outer ends thereof to both lateral side columns of the rectangular frame81in a horizontal orientation. Although the vertical support82, which serves to support the front surface of the buffer unit30in a vertical orientation, is illustrated inFIG. 10as being a single vertical support, the number of vertical supports82may be increased to various numbers.

The ridges of the horizontal supports82and the vertical support83are positioned so as to protrude forward. Accordingly, even if a bullet head collides with the horizontal supports82and the vertical support83, damage to the horizontal supports82and the vertical support83due to the bullet head is minimized.

As shown inFIGS. 11 to 15, the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a case10, a cover plate20covering the case10, a buffer unit30disposed in the case10, a second buffer unit30adisposed in the case10behind the buffer unit30, and a bullet head impact control unit40disposed in the case10near the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30a.

The case10further includes a plurality of first through holes11formed in the regions of both lateral side walls and the lower wall of the case10that are in close contact with the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30a. The first through holes11serve to efficiently distribute the force of impact applied to the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30aby bullet heads.

The case10further includes discharge openings13formed in the lower wall of the case behind the buffer unit30, and second discharge openings13aformed in the lower wall of the case10behind the second buffer unit30a. The discharge openings13serve as outlets through which bullet heads collected in the case10between the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30aare discharged downwards from the case10, and the second discharge openings13aserve as outlets through which bullet heads collected in the case10behind the second buffer unit30aare discharged downwards from the case10.

The second buffer unit30a, which is disposed in the case10so as to be spaced apart from the buffer unit30, serves to secondarily absorb the force of impact of a bullet head introduced into the case10.

The second buffer unit30a, which fulfills this function, includes a pair of third fixed plates31a, which are attached to the inner surface of the case10and are spaced apart from each other and filler32charged between the pair of third fixed plates31aso as to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head. The pair of third fixed plates31adefine therebetween a space which is filled with the filler32. The pair of third fixed plates31a, which fulfill such a function, are internally attached to the lateral side surfaces of the case10or are mounted on the lateral side surfaces of the case10by means of brackets.

The filler32, which serves to hold bullet heads introduced into the case10through the third fixed plates31aand to absorb the force of impact of the bullet heads, is made of the same material as the filler32charged between the pair of first fixed plates31.

The procedure of using the bullet head-collecting apparatus having the above-described construction will now be described. The bullet head-collecting apparatus is first installed behind a paper target, which is positioned at, for example, a distance of 100 m, 150 m, 200 m or 250 m, and shooting is performed.

When a bullet head, which has been fired from a gun, is introduced into the case10through the paper target, the force of impact of the bullet head is first absorbed by the first bullet head control plate42. The force of impact of the bullet head is almost completely absorbed while the bullet head passes through the buffer unit30. The bullet head drops to the bottom of the case10, and is collected in the collecting drawer60through the discharge openings13.

The force of impact of the bullet head, which is absorbed by the buffer unit30while the bullet head passes through the buffer unit30, is appropriately distributed through the first through holes11and the second through holes21.

A bullet head, which has a relatively large diameter or high force of impact, penetrates both the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30a, and then penetrates the second bullet head control plate44while its force of impact is completely absorbed by the second bullet head control plate44. After passing through the second bullet head control plate44, the bullet head drops in the case10. The bullet head, which has dropped to the bottom of the case10, is collected in the collecting drawer60through the second discharge openings13a.

Here, a user may control the extent of absorption of the force of impact so as to collect bullet heads appropriately and efficiently by adjusting the numbers of the first bullet head control plate42and the second bullet head control plate44depending on the kind of bullet head or bullet being used.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the buffer unit30of the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of second fixed plates33, which are mounted on the inner surface of the case10and are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of hexahedral buffer blocks34, which are removably stacked between the pair of second fixed plates33and which are filled with the filler32.

The second buffer unit30aincludes a pair of fourth fixed plates33a, which are mounted on the inner surface of the case10and are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of second hexahedral buffer blocks34a, which are removably stacked between the pair of fourth fixed plates33aand which are filled with the filler32.

The fourth fixed plates33sdefine therebetween a space in which the second buffer blocks34scontaining the filler32are removably stacked. The fourth fixed plates33a, which fulfill such a function, are internally attached to the lateral side surfaces of the case10or are mounted on both lateral side surfaces of the case10by means of brackets.

Since the second buffer blocks34a, which are filled with the filler32, are removably disposed between the fourth fixed plates33a, the second buffer blocks34amay be replaced with fresh ones when they are damaged by bullet heads, whereby the service life of the bullet head-collecting apparatus is remarkably extended.

The filler32, which serves to hold bullet heads introduced into the buffer blocks34or the second buffer blocks34aand to absorb the force of impact of the bullet heads, includes rubber chips, sand, metal powder and water absorption agent, as described above.

The buffer unit30further includes a plurality of through holes35formed in the upper and lower walls of the buffer blocks34, and the second buffer unit30afurther includes a plurality of through holes35aformed in the upper and lower walls of the second buffer blocks34a.

The first through holes35and the second through holes35aserve to distribute the force of impact, which is transmitted to the filler32in the buffer blocks34or the second buffer blocks34aby a bullet head passing through the buffer blocks34or the second buffer blocks34a.

As shown inFIG. 18, the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention further includes a support unit80, which is mounted on the front surface of the second buffer unit30ain the case10.

The support unit80supports the front surface of the second buffer unit30aso as to prevent deformation of the second buffer unit30a, such as swelling.

The support unit80, which fulfills such a function, has the same structure as that of the support unit mounted on the front surface of the buffer unit.

As shown inFIGS. 19 to 21, the bullet head-collecting apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a case10, a cover plate20covering the case10, a buffer unit30disposed in the case10, a second buffer unit30adisposed in the case10behind the buffer unit30, and a bullet head impact control unit40disposed in the case10near the buffer unit30and the second buffer unit30a.

The case10is configured to have a hexahedral shape with open upper and front faces, in which the width of the front face is greater than that of the rear face so as to have a shape which is wider at a front thereof. The case10provides a space for accommodating various components including the buffer unit30and serves to collect bullet heads, which are shot horizontally and introduced thereinto. The case10, which fulfills such as function, is preferably made of metal plates that cannot be perforated by bullet heads.

Specifically, the case10is configured to be wider at a front thereof so as to efficiently collect therein bullet heads which are shot from various angles during combat target practice, in which shooting is performed while a user moves. The angle (a) between a straight line L which extends perpendicularly forward from the rear end of the lateral side wall and the lateral side wall of the case10is preferably in a range of 5 to 15 degrees.

If the angle of inclination (a) of the lateral side wall of the case10is smaller than 5 degrees, it is impossible to efficiently collect bullet heads fired at various angles during combat target practice. If the angle of inclination (a) of the lateral side wall of the case10is greater than 15 degrees, it is impossible to suitably configure the shape of the target, because the front face is excessively widened.

The cover plate20, which is removably mounted on the open upper face of the case10, is constituted by a trapezoidal plate, and is closely mounted on the open upper face of the case10so as to open and close the upper face of the case10. In other words, the cover plate20may be separated from the case10as desired by a user so as to open the case10, thereby allowing a user to easily control the extent to which the force of impact of a bullet head is absorbed by means of the bullet head impact control unit40.