Patent Publication Number: US-7909331-B2

Title: Modular shooting range

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/189,511, filed Jul. 26, 2005, entitled “Modular Shooting Range”, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/615,433, filed Oct. 1, 2004, entitled “Portable Firing Range” and also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/692,402, filed Jun. 21, 2005, and entitled “Containerized Shooting Range”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to facilities designed for weapons or firearms training and practice, commonly known as shooting ranges. More specifically, the present invention relates to modular shooting ranges that can be assembled, disassembled, and transported simply and efficiently. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     Existing shooting ranges are generally permanent facilities constructed on site. These ranges can be either outdoor or indoor shooting ranges. For outdoor shooting ranges permanent shooting stations, target areas, bullet stops, etc. are constructed on a large plot of land. Although outdoor shooting ranges are designed with safety are a primary consideration, there is, however, the possibility of injury to participants and onlookers within a large surface danger zone. For instance, participants, onlookers, and those unauthorized persons walking in the danger zone can be injured from accidental misfires which may not be directed toward the targets. 
     Noise also can be a problem with an outdoor shooting range. To alleviate this problem, many outdoor shooting ranges are initially located in a remote area. Unfortunately, the area surrounding the shooting range typically becomes developed for other commercial or for residential purposes. Various steps can be taken to lessen noise somewhat, but the only practical solution to encroachment may be to abandon the shooting range and construct a new range in another area. This can be expensive and time consuming to accomplish due to the significant environmental impact caused be embedded lead within the soil and the resultant clean-up costs associated with a move. 
     In addition to the above, outdoor ranges are typically only used when the weather permits. In cold climates the limited time during which the range may be used may not justify the cost of the large area required and the expense of construction. 
     To alleviate some of the above problems, another type of shooting range can be used, such as an indoor shooting range. These ranges are typically installed inside a building structure or the like. Again, a disadvantage of such shooting range is that it is stationary. Also the cost of operating such indoor ranges is high because of expense of building the structure or the necessary rental of the premises. 
     Still another type of mobile shooting ranges uses a modified tractor trailer. Unfortunately, this type of shooting range is not expandable in width or length. In addition, because of the elevated position of the compartment of the trailer, it is difficult to access. Further, it is difficult to install the tractor trailer-type shooting range within a building due to the inclusion of the wheels and the height of the trailer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A need therefore exits for a shooting range system that can be inexpensive to operate and eliminates many of the problems associated with existing outdoor and indoor shooting ranges. The present invention generally relates to a shooting range system that is modular in construction to permit expandable capabilities and be moveable to allow for operation at alternative site locations. Advantageously, the modular shooting range system can be pre-engineered to enable simple and efficient movement of the shooting range system as needed. The shooting range system can be built at a location and be operational through simply providing electrical power to the modular shooting range system. The system can be designed with complete ventilation, optional removable panels, and a structure resistant to penetration by projectiles and inhibit ricochets. 
     One aspect is a system that uses modular shooting containers that can be mounted together to create a shooting range having any desired length and number of shooting positions. Advantageously, the modular shooting range system can be easily and efficiently expanded over time to provide flexibility with the types of weapons fired within the shooting range and the number of available shooting positions. 
     Another aspect is a system that limits the environmental impact caused by use of the modular shooting range system. Advantageously, the modular shooting range system can filter gases and airborne particles produced during firing of a weapon and can collect bullets, shot, and other projectiles for simple disposal. Harmful gases, airborne particles, or used bullets, shot, or projectiles can be collected and prevented from exiting the modular shooting range in an uncontrolled manner. 
     Still another aspect is a system that can be used for tactical training. Advantageously, each shooting container of the modular shooting range system can include one or more removable panels to allow access between adjacent shooting containers. This provides flexibility with the training scenarios used with the modular shooting range system and so provides a system to increase the readiness of those using the modular shooting range system. 
     Yet another aspect is a system that can be safely transported without damaging the shooting containers or modules of the modular shooting range system. With each shooting container or module pre-engineered for structural integrity when one or more of the panels are removed, the modular shooting range system can still be disassembled, transported, and re-assembled without damaging each shooting container. 
     In one embodiment, the system can include a shooting container having a one or more shooting positions from which individuals can shot firearms, means for collecting bullets, shot, or projectiles shot from the firearm, and means for ventilating the air and gases within the shooting container. Optionally, the shooting container can include removable panels to enable users of the shooting container to move between shooting containers positioned adjacent one to another during tactical training and usage of the modular shooting system. 
     In another embodiment the system can include one or more shooting containers that can mount together to create one or more shooting lanes from which an individual can fire a weapon. A first shooting container can include one or more shooting positions, while a second shooting container can include means for collecting one or more bullets or projectiles received from the first shooting container. Depending upon the particular length of the system, one or more intermediate shooting containers can be disposed between the first shooting container and the second shooting container. Mountable to the first shooting container, the second shooting container, and/or the one or more intermediate shooting containers is a ventilation system that filters gases and particulates generated through use of the modular shooting range system. 
     In still another embodiment of the system, a control booth is connected to one or more shooting modules and allows a range controller to operate any or all of the electrical, lighting, cooling, heating, or target retrieval systems within the shooting range system. The control booth may be integrally manufactured with the one or more shooting modules, and may have removable panels such that it is expandable as additional shooting modules are added. Alternatively, the control booth can be a separate module which is later connected to the one or more shooting modules. In either configuration, the environment of the control booth can be separated from the shooting module environment, and the control booth can have a separate heating, cooling, and/or ventilation system. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a shooting container of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the shooting container of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a wall of the shooting container of  FIGS. 2-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of another system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an perspective view of the male-type connection and the female-type connection of the system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the system of  FIG. 5  of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another system according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional top view of still another system according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention generally relates to a shooting range system that is modular in construction to permit expandable capabilities and be moveable to allow for operation at alternative site locations if needed. Through simply providing electrical power, the modular shooting range system can be operational for use. The system can be designed with complete ventilation, optional removable panels, and a structure resistant to penetration by projectiles and inhibit ricochets. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a perspective view of a shooting range system  10  according to the present invention. As illustrated, shooting range system  10  includes two shooting range modules; a first shooting range module  12   a  and a second shooting range module  12   b . These shooting range modules  12   a  and  12   b  are mounted together to create the shooting range system  10  and provide flexibility to indoor training and testing. Although two shooting range modules  12   a  and  12   b  are illustrated, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the shooting range system  10  can include one or more shooting range modules. The shooting range system  10  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated in an expanded width configuration; however, other shooting range module configurations enable the shooting range system to expand to varying widths, lengths, and optionally heights. 
     The following discussion will be directed to the first shooting range module  12   a , however a similar discussion may be made for the second shooting range module  12   b . As such, in the discussion of  FIG. 1  we shall use the phrase “shooting range module  12 ” to refer to either of the first shooting range  12   a  or the second shooting range  12   b.    
     As illustrated, shooting range module  12  can include a shooting container  14  to which is mounted a ventilation system  16 . The shooting container  14  can have a general elongated configuration having a first end  20 , a second end  22 , walls  24  and  26 , and a top and bottom  28  and  30 , respectively. In one configuration, the shooting container  14  is a modified shipping container having varying lengths, widths, and heights. The shipping container or the shooting container  14  can be fabricated from a metal, metal alloy, or other material sufficient to provide the desired strength and rigidity and provide some resistance to bullets, shot, or projectiles fired at the first end  20 , the second end  22 , the walls  24  and  26 , the top  28 , and the bottom  30 . 
     Mounted to the top  28  is part of the ventilation system  16 . The ventilation system  16  can include a heating and air conditioning system  32 , optionally with an integral or separate intake fan, which can cool or heat air that is directed to an interior of the shooting container  14  by way of an inlet duct  36 . This air, and any gases and airborne particles generated through use of the shooting system  10 , can be removed from the interior of the shooting container  14  and filtered using a filter  34  and ducts  38  and  40 . With this configuration, the interior of the shooting container  14  can be heat, cooled, and the air within ventilated to prevent particles and gases from being incident upon an individual using or outside the shooting range system  10  of the present invention. 
     The heating and air conditioning unit  32  can receive air from outside the ventilation system  16 , such as by way of an inlet port  42 . A fan  44  disposed between the inlet port  42  and the filter  34  can aid in drawing the air, airborne particles, and gases from within the shooting container  14  and optionally aid with drawing air from outside the ventilation system  16  into the ventilation system. Optionally, the fan  44  can function as the air intake fan associated with the heating and air conditioning unit  32 . 
     The filter  34  can be a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter with up to 99.9% HEPA quality air. Air passed through the filter  34  will be exhausted with no hazardous lead or other airborne contaminant. This provides an environmentally safe shooting range system  10  and provides the desired air quality for the safety of the shooter, instructor, and those outside the shooting range system  10 . In one configuration, the filter  34  can filter the air within the shooting container  14  at 2000 cubic feet per minute. 
     It will be understood that other filtration systems or techniques and flow rates higher or lower than 2000 cubic feet per minute are possible. For instance, in another configuration, other mechanical air filters, electronic or electrostatic air cleaners, gas-phase adsorption devices, ultraviolet systems, or combinations thereof can be used to clean and/or purify the air removed from the interior of the shooting container  14 . 
     Formed in wall  24  of shooting container  14  is a door  46  to provide access to its interior. According to the present invention, the door  46  can be a double-swing or single-swing door. Alternatively, the door  46  can take the form of two separate doors that control access to the interior of the shooting container  14 . For instance, an individual wishing to enter the shooting container  14  will need to open both doors to gain access. This provides additional safety to those entering and exiting the shooting container  14  and also aids with bullet safety and sound attenuation. 
     Disposed in close proximity to the door  46  is a “Range in Use” light  48 . This light  48  can be illuminated to notify those individuals outside the shooting range system  10  that individuals are shooting or firing weapons within the shooting container  14 . It can be understood that upon illuminating the light  48 , the door  46  can automatically lock to prevent unwanted access to the interior of the shooting range system  10  and limit the possibility of unauthorized access and potential injury. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an exemplary interior of the shooting container  14  of the present invention. The interior of the shooting container  14  is generally split into three portions; a first portion  50  from which an individual can fire a weapon, a second portion  52  through which a bullet, shot, or projectile is fired, and a third portion  54  having means for collecting the bullet, shot, or projectile. The first portion  50  can include two firing positions  60  from which an individual can fire a weapon. This results in the shooting container  14  having two shooting lanes. It will be understood that the shooting container  14  can include a greater or lesser number of firing positions  60  and so number of shooting lanes. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each firing position  60  can include an overturning or removable support  62  used to support the weapons fired from the shooting position  60 . Separating the two shooting positions  60  can be a dividing wall  64 , with optionally walls mounted to the walls  24  and  26  of shooting container  14 . The dividing wall  64  can be made from bullet-proof and/or anti-rebound material and can also optionally be made of sound-absorbing material. For instance, in one configuration, the dividing wall  64  and the other walls forming part of the shooting station  60  can be manufactured to a level 3 bullet resistant level. 
     Optionally located at each shooting station  60  are (i) a monitor  66  to view one or more targets  70  located in close proximity to the end of the second portion  52 , and (ii) a controller  68  to control the lighting, air temperature, air pressure, filter usage, and position of the one or more target  70 . For instance, the controller  68  can operate an electronic target retrieval system  72 , such as a movable track, suspended from the ceiling of the shooting container  14  to move the one or more targets  70  and to vary the position of the one or more targets  70  for distance adjustment in live fire training. This eliminates the need for the shooter to travel down range for target shooting. Only one target  70  and one electronic target retrieval system  72  are depicted in  FIG. 2 ; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other numbers of electronic target retrieval systems and targets can be used. 
     It can be understood that the first portion  50  can include a separate monitor  66  and controller  68  operable by an instructor or operator of the shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the instructor or operator, rather than and optionally in addition to those individuals firing from the shooting positions  60 , can control and monitor the lighting, air temperature, air pressure, filter usage, and position of the one or more target  70 . 
     In addition to the above, each shooting position  60 , and optionally the first portion  50 , can include a noise suppression mat upon which the shooter can stand while firing his/her weapon. This mat can both suppress noise and provide comfort to the shooter. In one configuration, the mat can be a rubber mat. More generally, any material that can provide the desired comfort to the shooter and noise reduction or suppression can be used. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , disposed between the first portion  50  and the third portion  54  is the second portion  52 . This second portion  52  aids with directing bullets, shots, or projectiles toward the means for collecting the bullets, shots, or projectiles and providing desired shooting conditions for training. Disposed within the second portion  52 , and optionally the first portion  50  and the third portion  54  are a plurality of deflector assemblies  100 . Each deflector assembly  100  aids to direct misdirected bullets, shots, or projectiles towards the third portion  54 . 
     The deflection assembly  100  can include a support structure  102  that mounts a deflector structure  104  to the top  28  of the shooting container  14  in an inclined fashion, such as but not limited to an angle of thirty degrees. With the incline of the deflector plates  104  being generally inclined in the direction that bullets, shot, or projectiles traverse the second portion  52 , i.e., in the direction of arrow A, any bullets, shot, or projectiles hitting the deflector plates  104  are directed towards the bullet trap  80 . 
     The support structure  102  can be any structure that can support and aid with mounting the deflector structure  104  to the shooting container  14 , such as, but not limited, to brackets, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welds, or other device(s) and/or techniques for mounting one structure to another structure. Optionally, the support structure  102  can be used to vary the angular orientation of the deflector structures  104  relative to each other and to the top  28  of the shooting container  14 . For instance, although reference is made to the angular orientation of the deflector structures  104  being thirty degrees, it will be understood that angular orientations larger and smaller than thirty degrees are possible so long as the deflector structures  104  direct an bullet, shot, or projectile down range toward the means for collecting the bullets, shots, or projectiles. 
     The deflector structure  104  can be fabricated from a steel plate, such as 9 gauge steel to ⅜ AR 500. In one configuration, the deflector structure  14  has a sandwich configuration with one or more layers of metal, such as but not limited to steel, fiber board, safety wood, and sound proofing or controlling material or noise absorbing material or barriers. For instance, each deflector structure  104  can be at least partially covered with acoustical foam or material sold under the trademark SONEX or any other sound proofing or controlling material or noise absorbing material or barriers. It will be understood that in other configurations the deflector structure  104  can be fabricated from one or more of the above-mentioned materials, so that the deflector structure  104  is fabricated from one or more layers. 
     As mentioned above, the second portion  52  can include various structures to help direct the bullets, shots, and projectiles to the third portion  54 . These structures direct the bullets, shots, and projectiles toward a means for collecting the bullets, shots, or projectiles disposed at the third portion  54 . The end  22  of the shooting container  14  can include one or more doors  76  to provide access to the means for collecting bullets, shot, or projectiles. In one configuration, the means for collecting bullets, shot, or projectiles can be one or more bullet traps  80  accessible through the doors  76 . Each bullet trap  80  changes the forward inertia and velocity of the bullet, shot, or projectile into rotational motion that allows gravity to force the bullet, shot, or projectile to drop into a removable collecting canister  82 . 
     The bullet trap  80  can include a funnel-shaped inlet  84  that receives and guides the bullet, shot, or projectile to a collection chamber  86 . As a bullet, shot, or projectile enters the collection chamber  86 , helical structures (not shown) within the collection chamber  86  change the forward velocity to rotational motion that decelerates the bullet, shot, or projectile until it falls to a lower portion  88  of the collection chamber  86  and exits into the collecting canister  82  through a funnel  90  or other structure capable of directing the bullet, shot, or projectile from one structure to another structure. When the collecting canister  82  is full, it can be replaced with an empty collecting canister. 
     Mounted to an upper portion  92  of the collection chamber  86  is the duct  40 . As the bullet, shot, or projectile traverses the collection chamber  86  any generated airborne particles, dust, or gases can be removed from the collection chamber  86  by the ventilation system  16 . This eliminates any airborne particles and gases that can be hazardous to an individual operating or using the shooting range system of the present invention. 
     With the configuration described above, the lead associated with the bullets, shots, or projectiles can be safely collected and subsequently disposed with the minimum of effort and without hazard to the operator of the shooting range system. This complies with regulations for the training of both military and law enforcement personnel and preventing contamination of soil, air and water near the shooting range system. 
     Optionally mounted within the interior of the shooting container  14 , such as within the first portion  50 , the second portion  52 , and/or the third portion  54 , is a plurality of lights  110 . Lights  110  provide illumination to the shooter located at shooting position  60 . These lights  110  can be of various types, such as florescent, halogen, or any other type of device to illuminate at least a portion of the interior of the shooting container  14  for at least a period of time. Optionally, the lights  110  can have the form of a strobe light such that shooting practice and training may be performed in the dark with a strobe light operating. This provides a different environment for the shooter to practice and be tested. 
     To provide electrical power to the shooting range module  12  and the associated ventilation system  16  ( FIG. 1 ), monitors  66  ( FIG. 2 ), controllers  68  ( FIG. 2 ), electronic target retrieval system  72  ( FIG. 2 ), lights  110  ( FIG. 3 ), and other devices requiring electricity, the shooting range module  12  can include one or more electrical panels (not shown), optionally a main outside main panel and interior sub panel, with associated electrical disconnects and breakers. By providing electricity to the single main outside main panel, electricity is provided to the entire shooting range module  12 . 
     As mentioned before, the first end  20 , the second end  22 , the wall  24  and/or the wall  26  of the shooting container  14  can be engineered with one or more removable panels  120  to enable access between adjacent shooting containers  14 , such as between the first shooting range module  12   a  and the second shooting range module  12   b . With these one or more removable panels  120 , the shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ) is expandable in width to accommodate various number of firing lanes and allows for expansion of the shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ) to accommodate any number of adjacently positioned shooting range modules. 
     These one or more removable panels  120  can be removed to provide an access opening for a door between adjacently positioned shooting range modules. With doors or accessing openings having various widths positioned at any location along the length of the shooting range module, the shooting range module can be used for tactical training. Once a removable panel  120  is removed, the resultant opening can be filled with a door or other structure or unfilled to allow unimpeded access to an adjacently positioned shooting range module. The shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ), therefore, can be used not only as a lane-type shooting range but as a true fire training facility that simulates urban warfare, building clearing, tactical assaults, and other training exercises. 
     The area of the shooting container  14  around the panels  120  is pre-engineered and constructed to prevent damage to the shooting container  14  during transporting, assembling, and disassembling. This is unlike any other portable range. Other indoor shooting ranges are assembled and then cutouts and access are created on site, making the structure unsound to move. With the shooting container  14  pre-engineered for assembly, disassembly, and transporting as many times as needed, the shooting container  14  remains structurally safe to move and use. 
     Various manners are provided to enable the panels  120  to be removable. For instance, the panels  120  can be bolted onto the shooting container  14  and removed as needed. In other configurations, the panels can be welded onto the shooting container  14  and removed as needed. 
     To provide bullet, shot, or projectile resistance, each of the first end  20 , the second end  22 , the walls  24  and  26 , and the top and bottom  28  and  30  can have a layered construction, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . This layered construction can (i) prevent bullets, shot, and projectiles penetrating the shooting container  14 , (ii) reduce the noise heard by individuals outside the shooting container  14 , and (iii) provide a finished exterior coating per customer requests. 
     To achieve the above, the first end  20 , the second end  22 , the walls  24  and  26 , and the top and bottom  28  and  30  can include an exterior finish layer  130  disposed on an insulation layer  132 , which is in turn disposed on a container wall  134 . Another insulation layer  136  can be disposed on the container wall  134 , with a bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  disposed on the insulation layer  136  and an optional sound proofing or controlling or noise absorbing or reducing layer  140 , such as the layer associated with the deflector structure  104  ( FIG. 3 ), disposed on the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138 . It will be understood that the order of the layers described herein can be varied based upon the particular configuration of the shooting container  14 . In addition, other layers can be included in the layered construction of the first end  20 , the second end  22 , the walls  24  and  26 , and the top and bottom  28  and  30 . For instance, an extra bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer can be disposed between the insulation layer  136  and the container wall  134 . Similarly, a second container wall, with associated insulation, can be disposed between the container wall  134  and the insulation  132 . Further, the optional sound proofing or controlling or noise absorbing or reducing layer  140  can optionally be substituted with a rubber protection layer that can aid with reducing in ricochets. 
     Generally, the exterior finish layer  130  can be made from any material selected by a customer of the shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). For instance, the exterior finish layer  130  can be a polymer siding, such as those provided under the trademark KYNAR. In other configurations, any polymeric or metallic products usable to cover the insulation  132  and prevent wind, water, and other weather elements contacting the insulation  132 . 
     Turning to the insulation layers  132  and  136 , these can be made from any material or combinations of materials that function to insulate or to prevent the passage or heat, electricity, or sound through the surface(s) to which the material is mounted. In one configuration, the insulation can be, for instance, and not by way of limitation, fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, vermiculite, perlite, or other types of insulating material. 
     With respect to the container wall  134  and the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138 , these layers can be made from metallic plates or panels. The container wall  134  can be fabricated from a material, such as steel, that is bullet, shot, or projectile proof to a 9 mm bullet at point blank fire. Similarly, the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  can be fabricated from a material, such as steel, that is bullet, shot, or projectile proof to 7.62 by 39 rifle bullet at point blank fire. More powerful calibers can be accommodated by varying the number of layers and armor resistant material used. In one configuration, the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  can be 9 gauge up to ⅜ inch plate steel with an optional smooth finish. More generally, the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  can be made from a material with a Brinell rating based upon the type of weapon being used. For instance, the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  can having a Brinell rating of 400 or 500 depending upon the particular pistol or rifle being used within the shooting container  14 . The particular bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  can have sufficient structural integrity to resist penetration by bullets, shots, or projectiles and optionally inhibit rebounding bullets, shots, or projectiles while serving as a guiding mechanism to keep bullets, shots, or projectiles traveling down range, in the direction of arrow A ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , mounted to the top  28  of shooting container  14  is the ventilation system  16 . The top  28  can be optionally pitched to aid with directing water, snow, ice, etc. from the ventilation system  16 . The inlet duct  36  of the ventilation system  16  can pass air into the interior of the shooting container  14  through an inlet register or grill  150  in close proximity to the first portion  50  and behind the shooting position  60 . Alternatively, or in addition to inlet register or grill  150 , an air-wall can be disposed between the first end  20  and shooting position  60 ; the air-wall including a plurality of holes or perforations through which the air can flow. In one configuration, the air-wall is a polymer panel having a plurality of holes or perforations; however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various other configurations of the air-wall are possible and may be known to those skilled in the art in light of the teaching contained herein. 
     Exhaust gases and airborne particles can be removed from the interior of the shooting container  14  by way of an outlet grill  152  disposed in close proximity to the bullet traps  80 . The air delivered to the inlet register  150  can be pressurized so that an air-wall is created behind the shooting positions  60 . This provides a laminar air flow of a rate of approximately 50 to 75 feet per minute down range in the direction of arrow A, which meets the U.S. Navy&#39;s new 2004 indoor range requirements. This results in no airborne particles or other materials being incident to the shooter at the shooting position  60 . 
     As mentioned before, using the shooting range system of the present invention the length and width of the shooting range can be varied based upon the particular requirements of the customer. For instance, the number and length of the shooting lanes can be varied due to the modular characteristics of the shooting range system. The embodiment described with respect to  FIGS. 1-4  illustrates a manner for increasing the width of the shooting range system, illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  are the components of the shooting range system that enable the length of the shooting lanes to be increased. It can be understood that the functions and features of the system illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  can apply to the system described in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , illustrated is another configuration of the shooting range system  10 . The shooting range system can include one or more shooting range modules  212 , only one being illustrated in  FIG. 5 . One or more shooting range modules  212  can be mounted together in a similar manner to that illustrated in  FIG. 1  with shooting range system  10  to create the shooting range system and provide flexibility to indoor training and testing, such as described above with respect to shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). For ease of illustration, the ventilation system  16  is omitted from  FIGS. 5-9 . 
     The illustrated shooting range module  212  of  FIG. 5  can include a first end shooting module  214 , a second end shooting module  218 , and one or more intermediate shooting modules  216 . Each shooting module  214 ,  216 , and  218  can include the shooting container  14 , which can be a modified shipping container having varying lengths, widths, and heights. The shipping container can be fabricated from a metal, metal alloy, or other material sufficient to provide the desired strength and rigidity and provide some resistance to bullets, shot, or projectiles fired within an interior thereof. 
     These modules  214 ,  216 , and  218  can mount together to create one or more shooting lanes and an area to perform tactical training. For instance, a customer can select the width and length, and optionally height, of the shooting range system and the desired number of modules  214 ,  216 , and  218  can be brought to customer site in sections via a flatbed trailer and set in place using cranes, forklift vehicles, etc. These modules  214 ,  216 , and  218  are pre-engineered to enable disassembly, transportation, and reassembly as many times as needed without damaging the structural integrity of the shooting range system. This is in contrast to existing indoor systems that are modified on-site and reduce the structure integrity to allow numerous disassemblies, transportations, and reassemblies. 
     With this modular configuration, the length of the shooting range system and the shooting range module  212  can be varied from forty feet to greater than one hundred feet. It will be understood that the particular length of the shooting range system can be selected based upon the particular shipping containers used to achieve the customer&#39;s desired configuration. It will be also understood that that particular length of the shooting range system can be greater or lesser than one hundred feet and/or forty feet. 
     Mounted to one or more of the first end shooting module  214 , the one or more intermediate modules  216 , and the second end shooting module  218  is the ventilation system that can heat and cool and remove gases and airborne particles from the interior of the shooting range module  212 . It will be understood that any portion of the ventilation system can be elongated to accommodate for changes in the length of the shooting range module  212 . For instance, ducts of different lengths can be added to the ventilation system  16  to accommodate for changes in the length of the shooting range module  212 . The filter, fan, or heat and cooling components of the ventilation system  16  can be optionally elongated or be added thereto to accommodate for changes in the length of the shooting range module  212 . 
     Generally, the first end shooting module  214  and the second end shooting module  218  can have a similar configuration, respectively, to the first portion  50  and the third portion  54  of the shooting range module  12  ( FIG. 1 ). As such, the first end shooting module  214  can include one or more firing positions, monitors, controllers, walls, etc, while the second end shooting module  218  can include the means for collecting the bullets, shots, or projectiles, such as but not limited to one or more bullet traps. Each of the one or more intermediate shooting range modules  216  can include the structures associated with the second portion  52  of the shooting range module  12   a  ( FIG. 1 ), such as but not limited to, one or more deflector assemblies  100 , removable panels  120 , lights  110 , targets  70 , and electronic target retrieval systems  72 . 
     To enable mounting of the modules  214 ,  216 , and  218  together, each module  214 ,  216 , and  218  can include one or two complementary ends so that adjacently positioned modules can mount together. For instance, the first end shooting module  214  can include a male-type connector  220  and the second end shooting range module  218  can include a female-type connector  222 . In this example, each of the intermediate modules  216  can include one male-type connector  220  and one female-type connector  222 . It will be understood, however, that various other combinations of connectors  220  and  222  are possible. For instance, the intermediate modules  216  can include two male-type connectors  220 , two female-type connectors  222 , or one of each connector  220  and  222 . Similarly, the first end shooting module  214  can include a female-type connector  222  and the second end shooting range module  218  can include a male-type connector  220 . 
     Reference will know be made to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , which illustrates portions of the first end shooting module  214  and one of the intermediate modules  216  and the associated male-type and female-type connectors  220  and  222 . It will be understood that a similar discussion can be made for two intermediate modules  216 , the first end shooting module  214  with the second end shooting module  218 , and/or the intermediate module  216  with the second end shooting module  218 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , extending from a first end  230  of the first end shooting module  214  is a plurality of connector members  232 . As illustrated, the connector members  232  extend from the walls  24  and  26  of the first end shooting module  214 . These connector members  232  can be threaded and can be received in complementary openings  234  formed in an adjacently positioned intermediate module  216 . These connector members  232  can integrally formed with or mounted to the first end shooting module  214 , such as but not limited to, through welding, mechanical fasteners, complementary engagement structures, such as, but not limited, to threads, interference fits, etc., or other techniques or structures for mounting one structure to another structure. The connector members  232  and the openings  234  are illustrated in the ends of the walls  24  and  26 ; however, it will be understood that the connector members  232  and openings  234  can be associated with the top  28  and the bottom  30  of the shooting container  14  of the shooting range module  212 . 
     In addition to the connector members  232  extending from the first end shooting module  214 , one or more overlapping members  240  extend from an interior of the first end shooting module  214  into an interior of the intermediate module  216 . These overlapping members  240  can aid with aligning the connector members  232  with the openings  234 . In addition, since the overlapping members  240  can be fabricated from material having a degree of resistance to bullets, shot, or projectiles, such as but not limited to similar materials to those of the shooting container  14  ( FIG. 1 ), the bullet, shot, or projectile resistant layer  138  ( FIG. 4 ), and/or the deflector structure  104  ( FIG. 3 ), the overlapping members  240  provide resistance to the junction of the first end shooting module  214  and the intermediate module  216 . With the overlapping members  240  optionally being inclined, the overlapping members  240  can direct any bullets, shot, or projectiles towards the end of the shooting range module  212  and the associated means for collecting the bullets, shot, or projectiles. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , illustrated are the first end shooting module  214  mounted to the intermediate module  216 . A gasket  242  can be disposed between the first end shooting module  214  and the intermediate module  216  to limit the possibility of water and wind penetration into the interior of the shooting range module  212  ( FIG. 5 ). This gasket  242  can be fabricated from various materials so long as it can limit the infiltration of water, snow, ice, wind, etc. into the interior of the shooting range module  212 . 
     The combination of the gasket  242  and the overlapping members  240  can aid with installation of the shooting range module  212  ( FIG. 5 ) by accommodating for variations in the position and orientation of the first end shooting module  214  and the intermediate module  216 . Since the overlapping members  240  extend part way into an interior of the intermediate module  216  the position of the first end shooting module  214  from the intermediate module  216  can be varied up to the limit of the length of the overlapping members  240  extendable into the interior of the intermediate module  216 . The resultant space between the first end shooting module  214  and the intermediate module  216  can be filled with one or more gaskets  242 , each being fabricated from the same or different materials. This enables simple and efficient installation of the shooting range module  212  of the present invention. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , illustrated are additional configurations of shooting range systems  300  and  400  of the present invention. One or more shooting range modules  312  can be mounted together in a similar manner to that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , thereby providing flexibility to indoor training and testing, such as described above. Although four shooting range modules  312   a - d  are illustrated, it will be appreciated that the shooting range system  300  can include less than four or more than four shooting range modules. It can also be understood that the functions and features of the systems illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  can apply to the systems described in  FIGS. 1-7 , or vice versa. 
     The following discussion will be generally be directed to the first shooting range module  312   a  of the shooting range system  300 ; however a similar discussion may be made for the other shooting range modules  312   b - d . In  FIG. 8 , the shooting range module  312   a  can include a control booth  314 . In one implementation, the control booth  314  is integrally formed with shooting range modules  312   a - d . For example, in the illustrated implementation, a first portion  350  of a shooting range module  312   a  can be pre-engineered with a control booth  314 . Firing positions  60  can be located in the second portion  352 , which defines at least a portion of the shooting area  316 . In this manner, control booth  314  can be used to control components of shooting range module  312   a  and/or monitor a person or targets within the shooting area  316 . 
     As described above with respect to shooting range system  10  ( FIG. 1 ), the first portion  350  can be engineered with one or more removable panels  120 , one being illustrated with dotted lines. Once the removable panel  120  is removed, the resultant opening may be left open to allow unimpeded access to the first portion  350  of the adjacently positioned shooting range modules  312   b - d . Stated another way, upon removal of removable panel  120 , access is provided to the control booth of any adjacent shooting range modules  312   b - d . The control booth  314  for shooting range system  300  can then be optionally defined by one or the combination of accessible control booths from the positioned shooting range module  312   b - d . Accordingly, the first portion  350  may, either alone or in combination with adjacent shooting range modules, define the control booth  314 , and is thus expandable to accommodate the various number of shooting lanes. 
     A module control  318  can be positioned within control booth  314  of shooting range module  312   a , and can be used to monitor any number of shooting lanes and/or operate various components of shooting range system  300 . The module control  318  can be operatively connected to the ventilation system  16  ( FIG. 1 ) to manage operation of the air flow through all or part of shooting range system  300 . For instance, the module control  318  can control the ventilation system  16  of shooting range module  312   a , the ventilation system of control booth  314 , and/or any or all of the ventilation systems of shooting range modules  312   b - d.    
     Additionally, the module control  318  can be operatively connected to various other components of the electrical system. For example, the module control  318  may control lighting, communication systems, electronic retrieval systems  72  ( FIG. 2 ), monitors  66  ( FIG. 2 ), etc. of shooting range module  312   a  and/or any and all of the shooting range modules  312   b - d.    
     Optionally, one module control  318  can act as a master control to control all shooting range modules  312   a - d  within the shooting range system  300 . Further, each module control  318  can be modular and moved from one shooting range module to another to maintain the module control  318 , or master control, centrally within the shooting range system  300 . Accordingly, each shooting range module  312   a - d  can include electrical and signal transmitting connections to enable movement and repositioning of the control module  318 . 
     In addition to the one or more removable panels  120 , the shooting range module  312   a  and any or all of the shooting range modules  312   b - d  can include a divider wall  320  that extends between the control booth  314  and the shooting area  316 . The divider wall  320  can allow participants, onlookers, or others to be positioned outside the danger zone and the shooting area  316 , while also allowing them to move around and monitor any of the various shooting lanes. In addition, the divider wall  320  creates a separation between the control booth  314  and the shooting area  316  that aids with sound attenuation. When shooting range system  300  includes divider wall  320 , one or more doors  46  may also be formed in shooting range modules  312   a  to allow access to the control booth  314  and/or shooting area  316 . 
     One or more sight windows  322  can be formed in divider wall  320 . In  FIG. 8 , shooting range module  312   a  has one sight window  322  within divider wall  320 . Sight windows  322  allow a person within the control booth  314  to view the shooting area  316 , including any people or targets therein. The combination of divider wall  320  and the sight windows  322  can further allow safe monitoring and/or control of shooting area  316 . Optionally, divider wall  320  can be fabricated from bullet-proof, anti-rebound, and/or sound-absorbing materials. For instance, divider wall  320  may be made from a steel plate, or may have one more layers of metal, fiber board, safety wood, or other materials. In some configurations, divider wall  320  can be formed from the same or different materials as dividing wall  64  ( FIG. 2 ), deflector structures  104  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or walls  24 ,  26 ,  28 , and  30  ( FIG. 1 ). Additionally, sight windows  322  can be fabricated from a substantially transparent, bullet-proof and/or anti-rebound material such as bullet-proof glass. In this manner, control booth  314  can be protected from stray bullets or projectiles which may it against divider wall  320 . 
     The divider wall  320  can also isolate the control booth  314  from the environment within the shooting area  316 . In some configurations, the ventilation system  16  ( FIG. 1 ) provides heating and/or air conditioning to shooting area  316 . Where control booth  314  is isolated from shooting area  316 , control booth  314  can have a separate ventilation system including heating and/or air conditioning components to reduce the risk that contaminants and airborne particles from shooting area  316  will enter control booth  314 . 
     Optionally, ventilation system  16  ( FIG. 1 ) can provide ventilation to shooting area  316  through use of an air-wall  324 . In one configuration, the air-wall  324  can be fabricated from a sheet of material which contains a series of holes or perforations through which air from the inlet duct  36  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 ) passes to create a laminar flow in shooting area  316  in the direction of arrow A. The sheet of material can be substantially transparent, thus allowing a person inside the control booth  314  to view the shooting area  316  through the sight windows  322  and the air-wall  324 . Representative transparent materials usable in the air-wall  324  can include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (e.g. Lexan) and polyacrylic (e.g. Lucite). 
     It can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art that the air-wall  324  can be separate from the divider wall  320 , as shown. In other configurations, the divider wall  320  can be perforated or include a series of holes, thereby optionally eliminating the need for the air wall  324 . In addition, in some configurations, the sight windows  322  are not formed in divider wall  320 . Further, a transparent air-wall  324  may form substantially the entire divider wall  320  and sight windows  322 , such that separate sight windows  322  can be omitted without eliminating the visual view of the shooting lanes from control booth  314 . Alternatively, either in place of, or in addition to the sight windows  322 , a video surveillance system may be used to monitor shooting range module  312   a . In such an implementation, the master or module control  318  may include one or more display monitors (not shown) which receive a video feed from one or more cameras (not shown) which monitor the shooting lanes. In still other configurations, an inlet register or grill replaces air-wall  324  to deliver heat and/or air to shooting range module  312   a.    
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a shooting range system, identified by reference numeral  400 , having a control module  414  and one or more shooting range modules  412   a - e . In one implementation, shooting range modules  412   a - e  are separately formed from control module  414 . For example, shooting range modules  412   a - e  may be the same or similar to other shooting range modules described herein and can be mounted together to create the shooting range system  400 , thereby providing flexibility to indoor training and testing. Although five shooting range modules  412   a - e  are illustrated in the shooting range system  400 , it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the shooting range  400  can include more or fewer than five shooting range modules. 
     As illustrated, the shooting range system  400  can include the control module  414  which is separate from the shooting range modules  412   a - e . The control module  414  functions in a similar manner to the control booth of  FIG. 8 , i.e. by providing a safe location for a range controller to view and control at least one of the lighting, heating, cooling, target retrieval, etc. of the shooting range modules  412   a - e . As the control module  414  is separate from shooting range modules  412   a - e , it can be transported separately and may be installed either at the same time as or after the shooting range modules  412   a - e . In one implementation, the control module  414  is a modular container which is configured to allow a person to control and/or monitor the inside of the shooting range modules  412   a - e . The length and/or height of the control module  414  can be adapted to form a spatial relationship with shooting range modules  412   a - e . For example, the control module  414  may be constructed similar to the shooting range module  212  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , such that the length, width, and/or height is selectively configurable. Control module  414  can be adapted such that its length is substantially the same as all or a portion of the combined width of shooting range modules  412   a - e . In this manner, a person in the control module  414  can monitor shooters, targets, and components within shooting range modules  412   a - e  from within a single container, whether or not such module is fabricated from one or more separate modules or containers. 
     In the illustrated implementation of the shooting range system  400 , separate doors  46   a - b  are provided to allow access to the control module  414  and the shooting range modules  412   a - e , respectively. Door  46   a  is formed on the end of the structure making up the control module  414 . In addition, door  46   a  may be single-swing or double-swing, or may be an access door similar to access door  76  ( FIG. 2 ). Door  46   b  may also be any type of door as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, for example, the shooting range modules  412   a - e  include removable panels  120  between air-wall  324  and shooting positions  60 . The removable panels can form a walk-way behind the shooting positions  60 , and can further be adapted to support the door  46   b.    
     Control module  414  can be selectively connected to the shooting range modules  412   a - e . By connecting the control module  414 , a person within the control module  414  can monitor or control the shooting range system  400 . For example, the control module  414  can include a master control or one or more module controls  318  which allows control of targets, lighting, air flow, and the like within shooting range modules  412   a - e . To facilitate such control, the control module  414  can be connected to shooting range modules  412   a - e  in any manner as described above, or by any other suitable method. Corresponding male-type and female-type connections may be positioned on the shooting range modules  412   a - e  and/or control module  414  and may be used with or without gaskets to connect a side of control module  414  to at least one end of the shooting range modules  414   a - e . In other embodiments, the control module  414  is only electrically connected to the shooting range modules  412   a - e  such as where, for example, a video surveillance system is used to monitor the shooting lanes. 
     Optionally, the shooting range system  400  may have sight windows  322  positioned between the control module  414  and the shooting range modules  412   a - e.  Sight windows  322  act as means for visually monitoring the shooting lanes, as described above. The sight windows  322  may be fabricated from a transparent bulletproof material or can be one or more removable panels. In one configuration, mating sight windows  322  are installed in the walls of each of the structures forming the shooting range modules  412   a - e  and the control module  414 . It can be appreciated, however, that in other configurations, the shooting range modules  412   a - e  and/or the control module  414  may have removable panels in which sight windows  322  can be placed either before or after shooting range modules  412   a - e  are coupled to control module  414 . Additionally, in some configurations of shooting range system  400 , an air-wall  324  is connected to the ventilation system  16  ( FIG. 1 ), as described above, and provides laminar air flow along the length of shooting range modules  412   a - e.    
     Generally, the shooting range system of the present invention is fully capable of modular expansion as shooting range demand increases and is completely self-contained only requiring power source and location from the customer. The shooting range system is also transportable in sections to reassemble at alternative locations, includes means for abating noise to satisfy statutory noise emission specifications, and includes a ventilation system that is designed to ventilate across entire range removing harmful vapors, fumes, and airborne particulate matter safely during range operation. 
     By achieving the above, the present invention can function as a modular shooting range for Military and Law Enforcement training and test firing use. The modular characteristics of the shooting range system enable a customer to purchase and use module as needed based upon location and budgetary constraints. For instance, a customer may need a total of ten firing positions, but can only afford to purchase two positions. The present invention enables the used to continue to purchase and add shooting modules until their end goal for the number of positions required is met. This important feature allows many ranges of the Military and Law Enforcement to start their training as needed and allow the customer to plan further expansion into their yearly budget, as this is a piece of equipment. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.