Patent Publication Number: US-2012043722-A1

Title: Smart shooting range

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/296,257 filed on Jan. 19, 2010 and entitled SMART SHOOTING RANGE, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to facilities designed for weapons and firearms training. More particularly, the invention relates to an advanced capability shooting range employing intelligent command and controls. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Today, it is ever more important for the gun owner, law enforcement officer, soldier or marine to always maintain preparedness and shooting proficiency by regularly participating in tactical training exercises. While most target practice is accomplished in permanent indoor and/or outdoor facilities, it has become increasingly important to conduct engagement and target exercises in remote locations. It is further important to closely simulate actual tactual or combat situations with live rounds that cannot be fully achieved with video equipment. 
     Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advanced capability target shooting system and method having wireless and programmable control. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a system that is able to monitor results contemporaneously rather than having to inspect targets at a later time. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a target system that has a self-contained, rechargeable electrical source that it does not rely on external power. It is still further an object of the present invention to integrate a lighting system to the target range that also can be controlled remotely. It is yet still further to provide a target system that is able to detect and recognize an individual shooter in relative proximity to a plurality of targets. It is yet still further an object of the present invention to provide a firearm shooting target that is mechanically able to rotate about two axes individually or simultaneously. 
     These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention in a first aspect, is a target shooting range comprising: a first substantially planar target; a first electrical motor coupled to the first substantially planar target about a vertical shaft, the vertical shaft about a vertical axis; and a second electrical motor about a horizontal shaft about a horizontal axis, the second electrical motor further coupled to the first substantially planar target via the vertical shaft, and via the horizontal shaft, the first substantially planar target simulating either friend or foe or target appearing or target disappearing or threat terminated. 
     The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized wherein target shooting range further includes a horizontal length of steel tube coupled to the vertical shaft t and providing structural support to the first substantially planar target. Also, a housing is provided for enclosing the first motor and the second motor and the horizontal shaft, the housing further having a slot therein, the vertical axis rotating about the slot; and a power supply is provided external to the housing and adjacent thereto. 
     The invention in this aspect is further characterized as having a transreceiver coupled to the first electrical motor; and a computer device in communication with the transreceiver providing command and control to the target shooting range. The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized as including second and subsequent substantially planar targets, the first, second and subsequent substantially planar targets providing a simulated tactical scenario to a user. Yet further, the target shooting range in this aspect comprises: a planar structural support member about the horizontal axis and perpendicular axis; a spiral support member adjacent to and supported by the planar structural support member; the spiral support member fixed to the horizontal shaft so that the spiral support member rotates with the horizontal shaft; and a support pin engaging the spiral support member and fixed to the planar structural member proving support to the first substantially planar target when the first substantially planar target rotates about the horizontal shaft. 
     In a second aspect, the invention is characterized as target shooting range comprising: a first substantially rectangular target; a plurality of electro-mechanical components coupled to a rechargeable battery for converting electrical potential to mechanical rotational work, the plurality of electro-mechanical components coupled to the first substantially rectangular target; and an H-frame for supporting and engaging the first substantially planar target. 
     The target shooting range in the second aspect is further characterized wherein the H-frame comprises two upright bars and a cross bar. Also according to the invention, the plurality of electro-mechanical components comprise an electrical motor, a horizontal shaft and a counter balancing weight for providing stabilization for the substantially rectangular target, further wherein the a pair of riser bars couple the horizontal shaft to the H-frame and wherein the riser bars comprise steel tube material. Further to this invention embodiment, the support base comprises a rectangular frame having a plurality of support slats width-wise across the rectangular frame, the rectangular frame further comprising four elongated “L” frame lengths of steel. 
     These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a rear perspective illustration of a first preferred shooting target of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view the first preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 1C  is a profile view of the invention embodiment with exemplary range of motion; 
         FIG. 1D  is a rear view of the invention embodiment; 
         FIG. 1E  is a rear perspective view of the shooting target with the housing for components removed as to reveal mechanical linkages; 
         FIG. 1F  is an enlarged view of area defined by line  1 F in  FIG. 1E ; 
         FIG. 1G  is a schematical illustration of various features of a preferred target shooting range; 
         FIG. 1H  is a frontal perspective view of several target embodied by the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front plan view of a second preferred invention embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective illustration thereof; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of the second preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2D  is a rear view of a second preferred invention embodiment; 
         FIG. 2E  is a profile view thereof; and 
         FIG. 2F  is an enlarged view of that illustrated in  FIG. 2B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With regard to  FIG. 1A , a rear perspective illustration of a first preferred shooting target of the present invention is provided. Generally the invention comprises a pivotally mounted target  11 , a housing  20  for electro-mechanical components  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 , and a rechargeable battery  30 . The target is mounted on a T-frame with fasteners such as screws that can be hand tightened as many targets will be employed and subsequently removed in the lifetime of a particular unit. Specifically the T-frame is formed by vertical shaft  24  about vertical axis  99  coupled to a horizontal length of steel tube  41  coupled to the vertical shaft  24  for providing structural support to the first substantially planar target  11 . 
       FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1C , provide additional views of the present invention shooting target. Slot  21  in housing is provided to allow for shaft to rotate from and upright position to an unengaged position as demonstrated by the directional arrow in  FIG. 1C . With further reference to and  FIG. 1D , the target is supported by parallel lengths of steel tube  42 ,  43 . 
     With regard to  FIG. 1E , a rear perspective view of the shooting target is shown with the housing  20  for mechanical components removed as to illustrate mechanical linkages  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 . Electric motors  22 ,  23  drive the linkages and importantly, the target is rotatable about both horizontal  98  and vertical axes  99 . In this way, the target can be versatile to simulate particular tactical scenarios. For example, the substantially planar target  11  can rotate from an unengaged position to the engaged position about either axis  98 ,  99 . Also, from the unengaged profile position, it could rotate in either direction to simulate an unfriendly target or a friendly non-target. All such action is programmable according to the present invention also employing wireless electronics ( FIG. 1G ). 
     Additionally according to the invention  10  ( FIG. 1G ), the target is fitted with a pressure sensor array  51 , such that when an accurate hit(s) are scored, the target  11  will rotate to the unengaged (dead) position. Further, all action  11 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  is able to be monitored in real time as shown in  FIG. 1G . As shown, the invention  10  also contemplates multiple additional features able to be controlled remotely, including: video systems  14 , motion sensors  15 , lighting systems  16 , feedback alarms, in addition to scene props such as smoke  18  and acoustical simulators  17 . 
       FIG. 2A  through  FIG. 2F  detail a second preferred embodiment  60  of the present invention. The invention embodiment generally comprises a rechargeable battery  30 , electro-mechanical components  70  coupled to a horizontal shaft  71  further coupled to an H-frame  62 ,  63 ,  64  supported by a relatively large base  65 . Since the second preferred embodiment  60  is much larger than the first  11 , the second adds weights  75  for counter balance and a large stabilizing support base  65 . 
     More particularly with regard to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , horizontal bar  64  is flanked by two upright bars  62 ,  63  bars forming an H-frame  62 ,  63 ,  64 , wherein the substantially planar target  61  is mounted thereto.  FIG. 2C  illustrates a top plan view thereof. As shown in  FIG. 2B  and in  FIG. 2C , support base  65  comprises comprising a rectangular frame  65  having a plurality of support slats  66  width-wise across the rectangular frame, wherein the rectangular frame further comprises four elongated “L” frame lengths of steel. 
     With regard to  FIG. 2D  through  FIG. 2F  the H-frame  62 ,  63 ,  64  are linked to a plurality of electro-mechanical components  70 ,  71 ,  75  coupled to a rechargeable battery  30  for converting electrical potential to mechanical rotational work. More particularly, the plurality of electro-mechanical components  70 ,  71 ,  75  comprise an electrical motor  70  a horizontal shaft  71  and a counter balancing wheel  75  about the shaft  71  for providing stabilization of the target  60 . The electro-mechanical components could alternatively employ and electrical solenoid in lieu of the motor  70 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 2F , the battery  30 , the plurality of electro-mechanical components  70 ,  71 ,  75  are supported by two lengths of steel tube  67  within the rectangular support frame  65 . 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
     While the particular Smart Shooting Range as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.