Target assembly with stowed position and deployed position

A target assembly configured to be assembled in a stowed position and a deployed position includes a main frame, first and second support legs removably coupled to the main frame in the stowed and deployed positions, and first and second platform bases removably coupled to the support legs in the stowed and deployed positions. In the stowed position the first and second support legs and first and second platform bases are positioned within a footprint of main frame.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates to a target assembly, and more particularly to a target assembly movable between a deployed position to be fired at and a stowed position for transportation and/or storage.

BACKGROUND

As with any skill in life, marksmanship takes practice to learn, improve, and become comfortable with using firearms. There are several locations where an individual can practice, such as indoor or outdoor shooting ranges or on private property. There are also several styles of targets, made with several different kinds of material, that an individual can utilize to hone their skills. In order to experience these different target styles and materials, an individual would be required to have access to all of them personally or go to a range that provides them. This requirement can be a difficult, time-consuming, and/or costly process.

What is needed, therefore, is a design to overcome many of the disadvantages of prior target systems. For example, what is needed is a portable, durable, easy-to-assembly target design that allows for diverse training or entertainment session regardless of location or skill level.

SUMMARY

In an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, a target assembly configured to be assembled in a stowed position and in a deployed position comprises a main frame including: a first side panel having a first end and a second end, a second side panel having a first end and a second end, a top panel coupled to the first ends of the first and second side panels, and a bottom panel coupled to the seconds ends of the first and second side panels; a first support leg and a second support leg each removably coupled to the main frame when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position; a first platform base removably coupled to the first support leg when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position, the first platform base including: a first foot extending from a first end to a second end and configured to rest on a ground surface, and a first sleeve coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular to the first foot; a second platform base removably coupled to the second support leg when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position, the second platform base including: a second foot extending from a first end to a second end and configured to rest on a ground surface, and a second sleeve coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular to the second foot; wherein: (i) in the stowed position the first support leg, second support leg, first platform base, and second platform base are positioned within the main frame, and (ii) in the deployed position the first support leg, second support leg, first platform base, and second platform base are positioned outside the main frame; wherein: (i) in the stowed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first side panel of the main frame and the second support leg is removably coupled to the second side panel of the main frame, and (ii) in the deployed position the first and second support legs are each removably coupled to the bottom panel of the main frame.

In some embodiments, (i) in the stowed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first foot of the first platform base, and (ii) in the deployed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first sleeve of the first platform base; and (i) in the stowed position the second support leg is removably coupled to the second foot of the second platform base, and (ii) in the deployed position the second support leg is removably coupled to the second sleeve of the second platform base.

In some embodiments, the target assembly includes a first fastener and a second fastener; (i) the first support leg includes a first end and a second end, (ii) the first end of the first support leg includes a first aperture extending therethrough, (iii) the first fastener extends through the first aperture to removably couple to the first support leg to the first foot when the target assembly is in the stowed position, and (iv) the first fastener extends through the first aperture to removably couple the first support leg to the first sleeve when the target assembly is in the deployed position; and (i) the second support leg includes a first end and a second end, (ii) the first end of the second support leg includes an second aperture extending therethrough, (iii) the second fastener extends through the second aperture to removably couple the second support leg to the second foot when the target assembly is in the stowed position, and (iv) the second fastener extends through the second aperture to removably couple the second support leg to the second sleeve when the target assembly is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a first fastener and a second fastener; in the stowed position the first fastener extends through and removably couples the first side panel, the first support leg, and first platform base; and in the stowed position the second fastener extends through and removably couples the second side panel, the second support leg, and second platform base.

In another illustrative embodiment, a target assembly configured to be assembled in a stowed position and a deployed position includes: a main frame including: a first side panel having a first end and a second end, a second side panel having a first end and a second end, a top panel coupled to the first ends of the first and second side panels, and a bottom panel coupled to the seconds ends of the first and second side panels; a first support leg and a second support leg each removably coupled to the main frame when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position; a first platform base removably coupled to the first support leg when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position, the first platform base including: a first foot extending from a first end to a second end, and a first beam coupled to the first foot; a second platform base removably coupled to the second support leg when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the deployed position, the second platform base including: a second foot extending from a first end to a second end, and a second beam coupled to the second foot; wherein in the stowed position the first support leg, second support leg, first platform base, and second platform base are positioned within the main frame. In some embodiments, in the deployed position the first support leg, second support leg, first platform base, and second platform base are positioned outside the main frame.

In some embodiments, (i) in the stowed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first foot of the first platform base, and (ii) in the deployed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first beam of the first platform base; and wherein: (i) in the stowed position the second support leg is removably coupled to the second foot of the second platform base, and (ii) in the deployed position the second support leg is removably coupled to the second beam of the second platform base.

In some embodiments, (i) in the stowed position the first support leg is removably coupled to the first side panel of the main frame and the second support leg is removably coupled to the second side panel of the main frame, and (ii) in the deployed position the first and second support legs are each removably coupled to the bottom panel of the main frame.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a first fastener and a second leg fastener, in the stowed position the first leg fastener removably couples the first support leg and first platform base to the main frame, and in the stowed position the second fastener removably couples the second support leg and second platform base to the main frame.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further includes: a bracket assembly including and a first hanger and a second hanger each coupled to and extending downward from the top panel; a support rod supported above the ground by the first and second hangers; and a swinging target assembly including a mount arm coupled to the support rod and a plate coupled to the mount arm; wherein the swinging target assembly is rotatable relative to the main frame.

In some embodiments, when the target assembly is in the stowed position at least one of the first beam and the second beam limits rotation of the swinging target assembly.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a clay target; wherein the top panel includes a slot sized to receive the clay target and support the clay target in an upright position. The slot is defined between the first hanger and the second hanger.

In some embodiments, the bracket assembly is a first bracket assembly of a plurality of bracket assemblies; the swinging target assembly is a first swinging target assembly of a plurality of swinging target assemblies; the first swinging target assembly is positioned between the first and second hanger of the first bracket assembly; and a second swinging target assembly of the plurality of swinging target assemblies is positioned between the second hanger of the first bracket assembly and a first hanger of a second bracket assembly of the plurality of bracket assemblies.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a plurality of clay targets; the top panel includes a plurality of slots each defined between the first and second hangers of different bracket assemblies included in the plurality of bracket assemblies; and each of the plurality slots is sized to receive and support one of the plurality of clay targets in an upright position.

In some embodiments, the bottom panel includes a plurality of slots each sized to receive a clay target and support the clay target in an upright position; and the plurality of slots defined in the bottom panel are aligned with the plurality of slots defined in the top panel.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a first fastener and a second fastener; the first and second beams each include a plurality of apertures; and the first and second fasteners are configured to be inserted in various apertures of the plurality of aperture to adjust the height of the main frame when the target assembly is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the target assembly further comprises a first fastener and a second fastener; the first beam includes a first aperture configured to receive the first fastener when the target assembly in is the deployed position and the second leg includes a second aperture configured to receive the second fastener when the target assembly in is the deployed position; and the first side panel includes a third aperture configured to receive the first fastener when the target assembly is in the stowed position and the second side panel includes a fourth aperture configured to receive the second fastener when the target assembly is in the stowed position.

In some embodiments, the target assembly includes a plurality of target-holding cylinders each coupled to the first or second side panel of the main frame; and a plurality of rotating targets each rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of target-holding cylinders.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method of moving a target assembly between a stowed position and a deployed position includes: positioning a platform base of the target assembly on a ground surface; coupling a first end of a support leg to a main frame of the target assembly and coupling a second end of the support leg to the platform base to move the target assembly to the deployed position; removing a first fastener from the support leg to decouple the support leg from the main frame or the platform base; inserting the first fastener into: (i) an aperture formed in the main frame, (ii) an aperture formed in the support leg, and (iii) an aperture formed in the platform base to provide a three way coupling between the main frame, the support leg, and the platform base when the target assembly is in the stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a target assembly100, which is movable from a deployed101position shown inFIG. 1to a stowed position103shown inFIG. 5. The target assembly100may also be referred to as a multiple shooting target holder platform. The target assembly100includes a main target body or main frame102comprising a pair of side panels104,106coupled to a top panel108and a bottom panel110. In the illustrative embodiment, the first side panel104includes a top end112and a bottom end114. The second side panel106includes a top end118and a bottom end120. The top panel108is coupled to the top ends112,118of the first and second side panels104,106, and the bottom panel110is coupled to the bottom ends114,120of the first and second side panels104,106.

The bottom ends114,120of the first and second side panels104,106each include at least one aperture115,117respectively. In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one apertures115,117each comprise two apertures each configured to receive a dual-fastener fastening mechanism154or155, as will be described in greater detail below.

The target assembly100also includes a pair of support legs122,124, which may be referred to as support members, and a pair of platform bases126,128, which may be referred to as platform members. The first support leg122and the second support leg124are each removably coupled to the bottom panel110of the main target body102when the target assembly100is in the deployed position101, as shown inFIG. 1.

The first support leg122is coupled, at a first end123thereof, to the bottom panel110. The second support leg124is coupled, at a first end127thereof, to the bottom panel110as well. In the illustrative embodiment, a first fastener130couples the first support leg122to the bottom panel110, and a second fastener132coupled the second support leg124to the bottom panel110. The first and second fasteners130,132may be referred to as support member hardware. While in the illustrative embodiment, the first and second fasteners130,132are threads extending from the first ends123,127and wingnuts threadingly coupled thereto, it should be appreciated that other fasteners and fastening mechanisms may be used instead. For example, in some embodiments, a snap-fit assembly may be used to couple the support legs122,124to the main frame102.

Referring still toFIG. 1, the first platform base126is removably coupled to the first support leg122, and the second platform base128is removably coupled to the second support leg124when the target assembly102is in the deployed position101. The first platform base126includes a first foot134and a first beam136coupled to the first foot134, and the second platform base128includes a second foot135and a second beam137coupled to the second foot135. It should be appreciated that the first support leg122and the second support leg124are oriented as mirror images of one another and are otherwise identical such that any description of the first support leg122applies equally to the second support leg124and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto. The same is true of the first platform base126and the second platform base128and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto. The same is true of the first panel104of the main frame and the second panel106of the main frame102and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto.

The first foot134extends from a first end138to a second end140and is configured to rest on a ground surface to support the target assembly100upright when the target assembly100is in the deployed position101. In the illustrative embodiment, the first foot134includes a ground-engaging panel142and a support panel144coupled to and extending upward from the ground-engaging panel142. The ground engaging panel142includes at least one, and in the illustrative embodiment, two apertures146,148formed in the second end140of the foot134. Stakes or pins (not shown) may be inserted into the apertures146,148to stabilize the target assembly100upright in the deployed position101. The first beam136extends upward and substantially perpendicular to the first foot134when the target assembly100is in the deployed position101. In the illustrative embodiment, first beam136is welded to one or both panels142,144of the first foot134; however, other structures for coupling the components are also contemplated by this disclosure. For example, the foot134may include another beam having a smaller cross-section over which the first beam136is positioned. The another beam may be referred to as a stub at times herein.

In the illustrative embodiment, the beam136is a first sleeve which may be coupled to the foot134as described above. The first sleeve136is formed to include a hollow portion configured to receive a second end125of the first support leg122. As best shown inFIG. 2, the first support leg122includes at least one aperture150defined in the second end125of the support leg122. The at least one aperture150is configured to be aligned with at least aperture defined in the first sleeve136. The fastener154couples the first support leg122to the sleeve136. The fastener154may be referred to as platform member hardware. While in the illustrative embodiment the fastener154is a wingnut screw and a screw configured to be threadingly coupled, it should be appreciated that other fasteners and fastening mechanisms may be used instead. For example, is some embodiments, a snap-fit assembly may be used to couple the support leg122to the first beam136.

In the illustrative embodiment, the fastener154includes two screws coupled together by a strut and two wingnuts configured to threadingly couple to the screws. Accordingly, the sleeve136includes at least two apertures, one to receive each screw. In the illustrative embodiment, the aperture152is one of a series of vertically aligned apertures formed in the sleeve136, and the aperture150is one of a series of vertically aligned apertures formed in the support leg122. Various apertures in the respective series may be aligned with one another to adjust the height of the target assembly100in the deployed position101. As suggested inFIG. 2, the second support leg124is also adjustable relative to the beam137and fastenable to the beam137to move the target assembly100to the deployed position.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the target assembly100further includes a plurality of swinging targets including, for example, swinging targets156,158,160,162, and164. Each swinging target is configured to rotate or swing forward and rearward relative to the main frame102of the target assembly100. Each swinging target156,158,160,162,164includes a mount arm166removably coupled to a plate168via a fastener170. The fastener170may be loosened, and the plate168may be removed from the mount arm166. A different plate168may be coupled to the mount arm166using the same fastener170. In this way, any plate168of the swinging targets156,158,160,162,164is interchangeable with every other plate168. Similarly, a new plate (not shown), may be coupled to the mount arm166with the same fastener170to provide a fully customizable target assembly100.

In the illustrative embodiment, each mount arm166includes a horizontal arm172and a vertical arm174. The horizontal arm172is a hollow cylinder. The vertical arm174extends perpendicular to the horizontal arm172and includes a first end coupled to the horizontal arm172and a second end coupled to the plate168via the fastener170. The swinging targets156,158,160,162,164are coupled to the main frame102via a plurality of bracket assemblies176,178,180and a support rod182. Each bracket assembly176,178,180includes a first hanger184and a second hanger186. Each hanger184,186includes a first portion188coupled to the top panel108of the main frame102and a second portion190extending from the first portion188toward the bottom panel110of the main frame102. The second portion190of each hanger184,186includes an aperture formed therein that is aligned with apertures formed in the first side panel104and the second side panel106.

As shown inFIG. 1and suggested byFIG. 2, the support rod182may be inserted through: (i) the aperture formed in the first side panel104, (ii) the apertures formed in the second portion190of each hanger184,186, (iii) each horizontal arm172, and (iv) the aperture formed in the second side panel106. Pins192,194may be coupled to the support rod182to maintain the support rod182in its location within the apertures. In this arrangement, the swinging targets156,158,160,162,164are supported by the support rod182, and the support rod182facilitates rotation of the swinging targets156,158,160,162,164relative to the main frame102.

It should be appreciated that the swinging targets156,160,164are positioned between the hangers184,186of bracket assemblies176,178,180respectively; the swinging target158is positioned between the second hanger186of bracket assembly176and the first hanger184of bracket assembly178; and the swinging target162is positioned between the second hanger186of bracket assembly178and the first hanger184of bracket assembly180. In some embodiments, each swinging target156,158,160,162,164is interchangeable with every other swinging target156,158,160,162,164along the support rod182.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the top panel108and the bottom panel110of the main frame102each include a plurality of slots. For example the top panel108includes: a first slot196positioned between the first and second hangers184,186of the first bracket assembly176, a second slot198positioned between the first and second hangers184,186of the second bracket assembly178, and a third slot200positioned between the first and second hangers184,186of the third bracket assembly180. The bottom panel110includes, for example, a first slot202, a second slot204, and a third slot206, which are aligned respectively with slots196,198,200. Each slot196,198,200,202,204,206may include a grommet208positioned around the perimeter of the slot. The grommet208may be rubberized material or other material sufficient to prevent breakage of an object positioned in the slot. In theFIG. 2, a rubberized grommet208is illustratively positioned in the slot204formed in the bottom panel110.

As shown inFIG. 3, each slot196,198,200,202,204,206is sized and shaped to receive a clay target210. The clay targets210may be standard clay targets included as a component of the target assembly100or obtained separately therefrom. Each slot196,198,200,202,204,206is configured to receive a bottom portion of a circular clay target210and support the clay target210in an upright position. The grommet210prevents the clay target210from breaking prior to impact from a bullet or other projectile.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each side panel104,106includes a plurality of target-holding cylinders212coupled thereto. The target-holding cylinders212may be referred to as rotating target holders. In any event, each target-holding cylinder212is sized and shaped to receive a rotating target214, as shown inFIG. 3. The rotating targets214may be included as a component of the target assembly100or obtained separately therefrom. Each rotating target214includes a plate216, which is for example, a pennant-shaped plate. Each plate216is coupled to an L-shaped arm218including a first rod and a second rod. The first rod is coupled between the plate216and the second rod, and the second rod is positioned with the target-holding cylinder212and configured to rotate relative thereto. Thus, the rotating target214is rotatable relative to the target-holding cylinder212, especially when contacted by a bullet or other projectile. The target assembly100may include a plurality of latches beyond which the second rod of each rotating target214is configured to rotate when contacted by a bullet or other projectile. The latch prevents the rotating target214from moving forward after the second rod has moved rearward beyond the latch. The rotating target214may be lifted and the second arm may be rotated forwardly past the latch to reset the rotating target214in a position to be contacted again by a bullet or other projectile.

As shown inFIG. 4, the target assembly100is sized and shaped to support a standard full-sized silhouette paper target218. The full-sized silhouette paper target218may be coupled to the target assembly with a top edge220of the paper target218being aligned with the top panel108of the main frame102and a bottom edge222being spaced apart from the first and second feet134,135.

FIG. 5shows the target assembly100in the stowed position103. In the stowed position103, the first and second support legs122,124and the first and second platform bases126,128are each positioned within the main frame102. In other words, as best shown inFIG. 6, the widest dimension of the target assembly100, in the stowed position103, is the side panel104of the main frame102. As such, when the target assembly100is viewed in profile in the stowed position103, the main frame102eclipses the components positioned within the main frame102including, for example, the first and second support legs122,124, the first and second platform bases126,128, and the swing target assemblies156,158,160,162,164. In other words, the first and second support legs122,124, the first and second platform bases126,128, and the swing target assemblies156,158,160,162,164are positioned within the footprint of the main frame102when the target assembly is in the stowed position103.

As shown inFIG. 5, the fastener154extends through: (i) the pair of apertures115formed in the bottom end114of the first side panel104, (ii) two of the series of apertures formed in the second end125of the first support leg122, and (iii) the apertures146,148formed in the front end140of the first foot134. The fastener154, therefore, forms a three-way coupling between the first platform base126, the first support leg122, and the first side panel104of the main frame102. In a similar fashion, the fastener155couples together the second platform base128, the second support leg124, and the second side panel106of the main frame102.

Referring again toFIG. 5, when the target assembly100is in the stowed position103, the first and second beams136,137prevent or limit rotation of the swinging targets156,160,164relative to the main frame102. In some embodiments, the vertical arm174of each mount arm166is longer than shown inFIG. 5, such that the first and second beams136,137prevent or limit rotation of each swinging target156,158,160,162,164. In some embodiments, the first and second platform bases126,128each include an additional beam positioned rearward of the beams136,137and extending upward from the feet134,135respectively. The additional beams may extend substantially parallel or at an angle relative to the beams136,137. In any event, the additional beams prevent or limit rotation of the swinging targets158,162relative to the main frame102.

In use, the target assembly100may be moved from the stowed position103to the deployed position101. Specifically, the fasteners154,155may be released from their fastened state to decouple a three-way coupling formed between (i) the first and second support legs122,124, (ii) the first and second platform bases126,128, and (iii) the first and second side panels104,106of the main frame102, respectively. The first and second support legs122,124and the first and second platform bases126,128may be removed from their positions within the main frame102. The first and second platform bases136,138may be positioned on the ground with their beams136,137facing upward. The first ends123,127of the first and second support legs122,124may be fastened to the bottom panel110of the main frame102with the fasteners130,132respectively. The second ends125,129of the first and second support legs122,124may be coupled to the first and second beams136,137via the fasteners154,155respectively, at which point, the target assembly100is in the deployed position301.

In use, the target assembly100may be moved from the deployed position101to the stowed position103. Specifically, the fasteners154,155may be released from their fastened state to decouple the first and second support legs122,124from the beams136,137respectively. The fasteners130,132may be released from their fastened state to decouple the first and second support legs122,124from the bottom panel110of the main frame102. The first and second support legs122,124and the first and second platform bases126,128may be positioned within the main frame102. The fasteners154,155may be fastened to provide the three-way coupling between (i) the first and second support legs122,124, (ii) the first and second platform bases126,128, and (iii) the first and second side panels104,106of the main frame102, respectively. When the three-way coupling is provided, the target assembly100is in the stowed position103.

FIG. 7illustrates a target assembly300, which is movable from a deployed301position shown inFIG. 7to a stowed position303shown inFIG. 9. Some components of the target assembly300are substantially identical to components of the target assembly100, and therefore, in some instances, reference numbers are repeated to indicate the commonality.

The target assembly300includes a main frame302comprising a pair of side panels304,306coupled to a top panel308and a bottom panel310. In the illustrative embodiment, the first side panel304includes a top end312and a bottom end314. The second side panel306includes a top end318and a bottom end320. The top panel308is coupled to the top ends312,318of the first and second side panels304,306, and the bottom panel310is coupled to the bottom ends314,320of the first and second side panels304,306.

As best shown inFIG. 8, the bottom ends314,320of the first and second side panels304,306each include at least one aperture315,317. In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one apertures315,317each comprise two apertures each configured to receive a dual-fastener fastening mechanism354or355, as will be described in greater detail below.

The target assembly300also includes a pair of support legs322,324and a pair of platform bases326,328. The first support leg322is removably coupled to the bottom314of first side panel304when the target assembly300is in the deployed position301, as shown inFIG. 7. The second support leg324is removably coupled to the bottom end320of the second side panel306when the target assembly300is in the deployed position301, as shown inFIG. 7. The first support leg322includes at least one or, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 8, a pair of apertures327defined in a first end325thereof. The second support leg324includes at least one or, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 8, a pair of apertures323defined in a first end329thereof.

In the illustrative embodiment, the fastener354extends through the pairs of apertures315,327to couple the first support leg322to the first side panel304, and the fastener355extends through the pairs of apertures317,323to couple the second support leg324to the second side panel306. While in the illustrative embodiment the fasteners354,355are wingnuts and screws threadingly coupled together, it should be appreciated that other fasteners and fastening mechanisms may be used instead. For example, in some embodiments, snap-fit assemblies and hook mechanisms, tabs, and/or cutouts extending from the support legs may be the fasteners used to couple the support legs322,324to the main frame302.

Referring still toFIG. 7, the first platform base326is removably coupled to the first support leg322, and the second platform base328is removably coupled to the second support leg324when the target assembly is in the deployed position301. The first platform base326includes a first foot334and first beam336(seeFIG. 8) coupled to the first foot334, and the second platform base328includes a second foot335and a second beam337(seeFIG. 8) coupled to the second foot335. The first and second beams336,337may also be referred to as first and second stubs336,337. It should be appreciated that the first support leg322and the second support leg324are oriented as mirror images of one another and otherwise identical such that any description of the first support leg322applies equally to the second support leg324and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto. The same is true of the first platform base326and the second platform base328and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto. The same is true of the first panel304of the main frame and the second panel306of the main frame302and any mirror-image fasteners coupled thereto.

The first foot334extends from a first end338to a second end340and is configured to rest on the ground to support the target assembly300upright when the target assembly300is in the deployed position301. In the illustrative embodiment, the first foot334includes a ground-engaging panel342and a support panel344coupled to and extending upward from the ground-engaging panel342. The ground engaging panel342includes at least one, and in some instances, two apertures346,348formed in the second end340of the foot334. Stakes or pins (not shown) may be inserted into the apertures346,348to stabilize the target assembly300upright in the deployed position301. The first stub336extends upward and substantially perpendicular to the first foot134when the target assembly300is in the deployed position301. In the illustrative embodiment, the first stub336is welded to the ground-engaging panel342.

In the illustrative embodiment, the first support leg322may be coupled to the first foot334by sliding over and surrounding the first stub336. The first support leg322is formed to include a hollow portion defined in a second end331thereof configured to receive the first stub336, as best shown inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIG. 7, the target assembly300further includes a plurality of swinging targets including, for example, swinging targets156,160, and164. Each swinging target is configured to rotate or swing forward and rearward relative to the main frame302of the target assembly300. Each swinging target156,160,164includes the mount arm166removably coupled to the plate168via the fastener170. The fastener170may be loosened, and the plate168may be removed from the mount arm166. A different plate168may be coupled to the mount arm166using the same fastener170. In this way, any plate168of the swinging targets156,160,164is interchangeable with every other plate168. Similarly, a new plate (not shown), may be coupled to the mount arm166to provide a fully customizable target assembly300.

In the illustrative embodiment, each mount arm166includes the horizontal arm172and the vertical arm174. The horizontal arm172is a hollow cylinder. The vertical arm174extends perpendicular to the horizontal arm172and includes a first end coupled to the horizontal arm172and a second end coupled to the plate168. The swinging targets156,160,164are coupled to the main frame302via the plurality of bracket assemblies176,178,180and a plurality of support rods381,382,383. Each bracket assembly176,178,180includes the first hanger184and the second hanger186. Each hanger184,186includes the first portion188coupled to the top panel308of the main frame302and the second portion190extending from the first portion188toward the bottom panel310of the main frame302. The second portion190of each hanger184,186includes an aperture formed therein and aligned with the apertures formed in the other second portions190.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the support rod381may be inserted through the apertures in the bracket assembly176; the support rod382may be inserted through the apertures in the bracket assembly178; and, the support rod383may be inserted through the apertures in the bracket assembly180. In this arrangement, the swinging targets156,160,164are supported by the support rods381,382,383respectively, and the support rods381,382,383facilitate rotation of the swinging targets156,160,164relative to the main frame302. In some embodiments, each swinging target156,160,164is interchangeable with every other swinging target assembly156,160,164.

Referring now toFIG. 8, the top panel308and the bottom panel310of the main frame302each include the plurality of slots196,198,200,202,204,206. Each slot (and/or the grommet208inserted therein) is sized and shaped to receive the clay targets210and support the clay target210upright.

FIG. 9shows the target assembly300in the stowed position303. In the stowed position303, the first and second support legs322,324and the first and second platform bases326,328are each positioned within the main frame302. In other words, the widest dimension of the target assembly300, in the stowed position303, is the side panel304of the main frame302. As such, when the target assembly300is viewed in profile in the stowed position303, the main frame302eclipses the components positioned within the main frame302including, for example, the first and second support legs322,324, the first and second platform bases326,328, and the swinging target assemblies156,160,164. In other words, the first and second support legs322,324, the first and second platform bases326,328, and the swinging target assemblies156,160,164are positioned within the footprint of the main frame302when the target assembly300is in the stowed position303.

As shown inFIG. 9, the fastener354extends through: (i) the pair of apertures315formed in the bottom end314of the first side panel304, (ii) the pair of apertures327formed in the first end325of the first support leg322, and (iii) the apertures346,348formed in the front end340of the first foot334. The fastener354, therefore, forms a three-way coupling between the first platform base326, the first support leg322, and the first side panel304of the main frame302. In a similar fashion, the fastener355couples together the second platform base328, the second support leg324, and the second side panel306of the main frame302.

It should be appreciated that the target assemblies100,300have been described with different components; however, those components may be interchangeable with one another. For example, the first support leg122of the target assembly100may include the pair of apertures327formed in the first end325of the first support leg322for coupling the support leg122to the side panel104(which also may include the pair of apertures315formed in the side panel304). Similarly, the first platform base326of the target assembly300may include the sleeve136for receiving the first support leg322and limiting rotation of the target assemblies156,160,164. These two examples of interchangeability are non-limiting examples and are not an exhaustive list of the interchangeable components between the target assemblies100,300.

In use, the target assembly300may be moved from the stowed position303to the deployed position301. Specifically, the fasteners354,355may be released from their fastened state to decouple a three-way coupling between (i) the first and second support legs322,324, (ii) the first and second platform bases326,328, and (iii) the first and second side panels304,306of the main frame302, respectively. The first and second support legs322,324and the first and second platform bases326,328may be removed from their positions within the main frame302. The first and second platform bases326,328may be positioned on the ground with their beams336,337facing upward. The first and second support legs322,324may be coupled to the first and second side panels304,306of the main frame302with the fasteners354,355respectively. The first and second support legs322,324may be slid over the top of the beams336,337such that the beams336,337are inserted into the hollow portions of the first and second support legs322,324, at which point, the target assembly300is in the deployed position301.

In use, the target assembly300may be moved from the deployed position301to the stowed position303. Specifically, the first and second support legs322,324may be separated from the beams336,337. The fasteners354,355may be released from their fastened state to decouple the first and second support legs322,324from the first and second side panels304,306of the main frame302. The first and second support legs322,324and the first and second platform bases326,328may be positioned within the main frame302. The fasteners354,355may be fastened to provide the three-way coupling between (i) the first and second support legs322,324, (ii) the first and second platform bases326,328, and (iii) the first and second side panels304,306of the main frame302, respectively. When the three-way coupling is provided, the target assembly300is in the stowed position303.