Abstract:
A target system provides a unified target solution where a plurality of targets are fixed to a base member. This base member allows, for example, easy portability of the plurality of targets as well as provides a mechanism for allowing multiple targets systems to be interconnected and interchanged.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/286,374, filed Apr. 26, 2001 entitled, “Target Systems,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/331,223, filed Nov. 13, 2001 entitled, “Mobile Target Systems,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention generally relates to target systems. In particular, the invention relates to a target system having multiple targets.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     A variety of different types of targets are available depending on, for example, specific requirements or training practices of a shooter. These targets can range from paper targets, to static targets, such as steel or paper, to moving steel, paper targets, or the like, and are generally arranged at a distant end of a shooting range. Each of the targets can generally be moved around and configured within the range depending on, for example, a particular training drill for a shooter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     While existing target systems are known that allow individual targets to be moved and manipulated, existing systems at least fail to provide a unified target solution.  
         [0007]     An exemplary embodiment of this invention provides a unified target solution where a plurality of targets are fixed to a base member. This base member allows, for example, easy portability of the plurality of targets as well as provides a mechanism for allowing multiple targets systems to be interconnected.  
         [0008]     For example, the target system can include a plurality of targets, such as movable plates, static plates, turners, plate racks, movers, and the like. An actuating mechanism allows one or more of the various targets to further be moved based on, for example, one or more of a custom automation sequence, an automatic automation sequence, or the like.  
         [0009]     Furthermore, and in accordance with second exemplary embodiment of this invention, the target system can be integrated onto a trailer such that the target system can be transported between, for example, one or more target ranges. This provides, for example, a portable target solution that can be very quickly set-up, knocked down and easily moved.  
         [0010]     Aspects of the present invention relate to a target system. In particular, aspects of the present invention related to a target system having a plurality of targets.  
         [0011]     Aspects of the present invention also relate to a target system having a plurality of static and dynamic targets.  
         [0012]     Furthermore, aspects of the present invention relate to a mobile target system.  
         [0013]     Additionally, aspects of the present invention relate to a target system that is capable of being trailered to a given destination.  
         [0014]     Aspects of the present invention also relate to a target system that can be scaleably combined with one or more other target systems.  
         [0015]     Aspects of the present invention further relate to a target system having one or more moveable targets that can be activated or reset in, for example, a predetermined sequence.  
         [0016]     Aspects of the present invention additionally relate to a target system having a plurality of targets which can all be moved with one unified structure.  
         [0017]     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The embodiments of this invention will be described in detailed, with reference to the following figures wherein:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the target system according to this invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view of exemplary embodiment of the target system according to this invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the target system according to this invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary target system according to this invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a turner according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a partial side view of a plate rack according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a partial side view of a plate rack according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a partial side view of a plate rack according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a turner assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is top view of a turner assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is partial elevation view of a mover according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along the XII-XII axis of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is a partial side view of the target system according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is a rear partial perspective view of the target system according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary target system  10  according to this invention. In particular, the target system  10  comprises a front plate  100 , a base  110 , a lift point  120 , a plurality of supports  130 , a power distribution unit  140 , a mover control unit  150 , one or more static plates  160 , one or more plate racks  170 , that include one or more plates, one or more turners  180  and one or more movers  190 .  
         [0034]     The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will be described in relation to a target system. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the following description omits well-known structures and devices that may be shown in block diagram form or otherwise summarized. For the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In should be appreciated however that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond these specific details.  
         [0035]     For example, while the present invention will be disclosed in the context of a single target system  10 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a plurality of target systems  10  can be aligned and interconnected, for example, side-by-side, to provide a scaleable target solution based on one or more targets systems  10 .  
         [0036]     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that as discussed in relation to  FIG. 3 , the target system  10  can be incorporated onto, for example, a trailer or self-propelled machine. While the following description is directed toward a particular target system configuration, it is to be appreciated that the various components of the target system can be rearranged, supplemented or omitted without affecting the overall operability of the system.  
         [0037]     In operation, the target system  10  is delivered to a location. For example, a fork lift, utilizing the lift point  120 , can lift the target system into position. Upon placement of he target system  10  into position, the base  110  can be, for example, partially covered by sand or other suitable aggregate, to aid in the trapping of bullets and/or bullet fragments.  
         [0038]     In combination with the general overall design of the target system  10 , and, for example, to increase safety, surfaces substantially perpendicular to the trajectory of oncoming munitions can be reduced. For example, the support members  130  and the front face  100  can be arranged so as to reduce the total number of surfaces substantially perpendicular to the trajectory of incoming munitions. This design concept can be extended, for example, to the static plate receivers  165  and any other surface that may be subject to direct line-of-fire contact.  
         [0039]     One or more static plates  160  can be placed in the one or more static plate receivers  165 . The static plate(s)  160  can be of varying height, size and shape and can also be tilted so as to reduce substantially perpendicular surfaces as discussed above. In addition to the static plates  160 , one or more sets of plate racks  170 , each comprising one or more plates that can, for example, be individually knocked down, are removably fixed to the target system  10 . For example, the plate racks  170  can be located for example, behind the front plate  100  and in front of the turners  180 . The plates in the plate rack  170 , as discussed hereinafter, can be righted at any time through the use of a righting mechanism. Furthermore, as with all targets used in conjunction with the target system, the plates can be of varying height, size and shape and material. Specifically, it may be desirable to make the plates out of a durable material, such as AR500 steel, while the movers and turners could be a replaceable paper or a cardboard target.  
         [0040]     One or more turners  180  are located, for example, behind the plate racks  170  and in front of the mover  190 . The turners  180  can, for example, be activated to turn along an axis perpendicular to longitudinal, as discussed hereinafter, or alternatively, pivotal to axis parallel to longitudinal. However, it should be appreciated that the turners  180  can be generally configured to operate in any orientation. Furthermore, as will be discussed hereinafter in relation to the power distribution and control unit  140 , the turners  180  can be turned individually, in groups, or all unison.  
         [0041]     The mover  190  can be located, for example, behind the turners  180  and be configured to traverse longitudinally along the target system  10 . For example, in cooperation with the mover control unit  150 , the speed, distance and stopping of the mover  190  can be configured. For example, the mover  190  can be configured to proceed to a first location on the target system  10 , stop for 5 seconds, proceed to a second location, stop for 3 seconds, or the like. Thus, as will be apparent throughout the remainder of the specification, the number of individual targets within the target system  110 , the position, the selection, the type and the automation of the targets can be configured to meet the demands of, for example, a particular training exercise.  
         [0042]     The power distribution and control unit  140  allows, for example, the target system  10  to be substantially self-contained and thus more portable. For example, the power distribution and control unit  140  can contain one or more, or a combination of, pneumatic pumps, hydraulic pumps, electro-mechanical actuation control devices, generators, or the like. Furthermore, the power distribution and control unit  140  can include a controller interface that allows for the activation of targets, such as the turners  180  or the mover  190 , the resetting of one or more plates on the plate rack  170 , or the like. This controller interface can be integrated into the power distribution and control unit for  140 , or, alternatively, connected via a wired or wireless link to a remote control interface  500  which allows for the remote programming and activation of the various targets on the target system  110 . For example, the control interface can allow full automation of the target system, such as to run a predetermined sequence of events at the target system  10 , can be user configurable to automatically manipulate targets within the target system  10 , or, for example, can provide real-time resetting and/or movement of the targets by, for example, a user.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  illustrates a rear elevationally view of the target system  10 . In particular,  FIG. 2  highlights an exemplary configuration of the mechanism for moving the mover  190  and a turning mechanism  182  for the turners  180 . In particular, the turners  180  are removably connected to a turning unit  182 . This turning unit  182  is connected, via connector  184 , to the power distribution and control unit  140 . For example, the connector  184  can be a pneumatic connector, hydraulic connector, an electrical connector, or alternatively, the turning unit  182  may interact with the power distribution and control unit  140  wirelessly. The turning unit  182  is configured such that the turner  180  is capable of turning along an axis substantially perpendicular to longitudinal. Alternatively, the turner  180 , and associated turning unit  182 , can be configured, such that the turner  180  is capable of pivoting along an axis substantially parallel to longitudinal. This allows, for example, a “pop-up” type operation of the turner  180 . Alternatively, the turner  180  can be configured so as to provide “swing-out” capability so as to swing-out into, for example, a door.  
         [0044]     Likewise, the plate racks  170  can be righted by one or more plate rack righting units  172 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each set of six plates is righted via one plate rack righting unit  172 . Alternatively, each plate within the plate rack  170  can have its own plate righting unit  172 , or, for example, two or more plates can be grouped and have an associated plate rack righting unit  172 . Additionally, the plate rack righting unit can be used to lower the plates. Thus, for example, in combination with automating one or more other targets, the plates can be raised and lowered in any sequence and at any time.  
         [0045]     The mover  190  traverses along rails  194  in a longitudinal direction. In particular, the mover  190 , in cooperation with the mover control unit  150 , and, for example, cables  196  and pulleys  197 , moves longitudinally between the stops  192 . However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the mover  190  can be moved back and forth across the target system by any know or later developed system that allows for movement of the mover target  190 . Furthermore, the functionality of the mover can be combined with another target&#39;s functionality, for example, the turner, such that the mover  190  is capable of traversing the target system  10  as well as “popping-up,” or the like.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the target system according to this invention. In particular, the mobile target system  20  is substantially identical to the target system  10  with the addition of a trailer hitch  210 , one or more sets of wheels  220 , and a wheel protection mechanism  230 . As with the face plate  100 , the wheel protection mechanism  130  is configured to be offset from perpendicular to the trajectory direction of incoming bullets. This reduces the possibility of, for example, bullet fragments being ricocheted back to the shooter. As discussed previously, the target system  20  can include any necessary power supply units, such as air pumps, hydraulic pumps and or electric generators so as to allow the target system  20  to be self-contained. Likewise, as with the target system  10 , the target system  20  can include a wired or wireless control interface that allows, for example, a computer or user to interact with, reset and/or manage the movement of one or more targets on the target system  20 . Additionally, the target system  20  can have (not illustrated) one or more storage compartments to store extra targets, a remote control device, repair parts, and/or the movers and turners in while the target system is being moved.  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the target system  10 . In particular, in  FIG. 4 , the target system  10  has all targets oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to a shooting direction. Furthermore,  FIG. 4  illustrates how the plate rack righting mechanism  172  cooperates with a plate rack righting lever  174  to right one or more plates on the plate rack  170 . Specifically, upon activation, the plate rack righting element  172  interacts with the plate rack righting lever  174  to return one or more plates of the plate rack  170  to the upright position as shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates a partial perspective view of a turner  180 . In particular, the turner  180  as illustrated in  FIG. 5  is substantially perpendicular to a shooting direction. Thus, as the turner actuation device  182  is actuated, the turner  180  pivots, on hinge  184 , to a direction substantially traverse to a shooting direction. Alternatively, the turner unit device  182  can be rotated 90° and removably fixed to the turner mounting receptacle  185 . This would allow, for example, the turner  180  to “pop-up” as opposed to turn toward or away from a shooter.  
         [0049]      FIG. 6-8  illustrate the operation of a plate in the plate rack  170  and associated plate rack righting unit  172 . In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates the position of a plate  170  after having been, for example, knocked down by a bullet. Here, the plate  170  rests on, for example, the plate rack righting lever  174 . Upon activation of the plate rack righting unit  172 , and in cooperation with the plate rack righting lever  174 , the plate  170  is hingeably rotated and returned to a substantially upright position as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . This position can be regulated by the plate rack stop assembly  176  and adjusted as needed. Upon returning the plate  170  to a substantially upright position, the plate rack righting unit  172  is returned to a non-extended position ( FIG. 8 ) so as to, for example, reduce shock and interference with the plate  170  when the plate is struck by a projectile.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate two exemplary operationally positions of the turner  180 . In particular, in  FIG. 9 , the turner  180  is substantially perpendicular to a shooting direction. Alternatively, in  FIG. 10 , the turner  180  is substantially parallel to a shooting direction. The turner  180  comprises one or more target holders  188  that can, for example, cooperatively grasp a target  186 . However, it should be appreciated that any type of attachment mechanism that is capable of holding a target to the turner  180  can be used in cooperation with the systems and methods of this invention without affecting its operability.  
         [0051]     In  FIG. 10 , the turner  180  is substantially “invisible,” or parallel to, a shooter. However, upon activation of the turning unit  180 , the turner  180  is oriented as illustrated in  FIG. 9  such that the shooter can shoot at the target. However, it should be appreciated that based on the type of target placed on the target  180 , it may be beneficial to only rotate the turner  180  a predetermined number of degrees. Thus, it should be appreciated that the turner  190  need not be limited to only turning in 90° increments.  
         [0052]      FIG. 11  illustrates a partial elevational view of the mover  190 . A target portion of the mover  190  is held in a substantially upright direction by receptacles  410  on a mover trolley  400 . The mover trolley  400  comprises a plurality of rollers  198  and attaches to cable  196 . In particular, mover  190  includes a rail  194 , a moving mechanism  196 , and one or more rollers  198 . The rollers  198  interact with the beam  194  to hold the mover  190  in a substantially upright direction. Furthermore, the rollers  198  allow the mover  190  to traverse longitudinally with the cooperation of the moving mechanism  196 , such as a cable, to any position between stops  192 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the XII-XII axis of  FIG. 11 . As illustrated herein, the target portion of the mover  190  is held in the target receptacle  410 . Furthermore, the interaction of the rollers  198  with the rail  194  can be seen.  
         [0054]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the tire protection unit  230 . The tire protector  230  can be removably fixed to the target system  20  so as to protect the wheels from any bullets or bullet fragments.  
         [0055]      FIG. 14  illustrates a partial perspective view of the target system  20 . Specifically, an exemplary embodiment is shown where the plate rack righting unit  172  rights a plurality of plates with the cooperation of the plate rack righting lever  174 . Here, the plate rack righting lever  174  is elongated to extend such that upon activation of the plate rack righting mechanism, a plurality of plates are righted.  
         [0056]     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a target system. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.