Patent Publication Number: US-6983939-B2

Title: Three dimensional archery target with replaceable target elements

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional archery target with replaceable target elements. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of archery targets are known, including conventional three-dimensional life-size animal-simulating archery targets. Such targets have a shape resembling that of a game animal, for example, a deer or other animal. The targets may be formed in a single piece from a lightweight foam material, such as polyurethane foam. These targets are adapted for use with both broad head arrows, which comprise a plurality of intersecting razor blades tapering to a sharp point, and field point or target arrows. Critical target areas may be indicated on the target, e.g., by bull&#39;s eye markings, which are either applied onto or molded into the foam target. 
     Repeated arrow strikes on a foam archery target will cause the target to deteriorate. This outcome is especially true when broad head arrows are used. When a broad head arrow hits a target, the blades forming the arrowhead slice through the target material to a considerable depth. As the target material is hit repeatedly, pieces of the target are cut loose. Therefore, a target is destroyed much more rapidly with broad head arrows than with field point or target head arrows. However, even when field point or target head arrows exclusively are used, at least a portion of the target will inevitably be destroyed with repeated use. 
     In practice, a very large proportion of the arrow strikes on an archery target fall within a relatively small portion of the target. For example, an archer will typically aim at an area of the target corresponding to vital organs of the animal which the target represents. Most archers will hit this target or bull&#39;s eye area most of the time. Therefore, this target area will be destroyed rapidly, due to repeated arrow strikes, while most of the remaining target remains relatively undamaged. The functional life of a three-dimensional life-size animal simulating archery target may be extended, and the cost of using such a target reduced, by making replaceable a target section of the archery target which is likely to be destroyed rapidly due to repeated arrow strikes. 
     Instead of forming the target from a single piece of molded foam, a three-dimensional life-size animal simulating archery target may be molded in multiple pieces, which are detachably joined together to form the target, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,082 (McKenzie, et al.). As one piece of the target is destroyed by repeated arrow strikes, this section alone may be replaced, eliminating the need to replace the entire target. Thus, the life of the target is extended, and the operating cost thereof reduced. The replaceable target section in McKenzie is approximately one-third of the total target. Thus, it is relatively expensive to replace. Further, the vertical dovetails holding the body sections together tend to come apart with repeated arrow strikes, due to the dynamic force of arrows impacting the target. 
     Another known three-dimensional life-size animal-simulating archery target is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,403 (Morrell). This archery target includes a foam body, which may be formed of front and rear body sections connected together by a dovetail joint structure. The foam body includes a target insert receiving recess into which a target insert is placed. The target insert may be filled with packing material, such as cotton molt, for use with only target arrows, or may be formed of foam, for use with both broad head and target arrows. The target insert may be held in place in the recess using straps and wire. A body cover, which may be made of cloth, or molded in foam, is used to cover the removable and replaceable target insert. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,100 (Rinehart) discloses an archery target having a target section aperture formed therein and a replaceable target section adapted to fit in the target section aperture. The replaceable target section is held in place in the target section aperture by one or more support rods extending through support rod apertures formed in the body section and the replaceable target section. The support rods may also extend into other target body sections, to hold the target body sections together to form a structurally stable archery target. A replaceable target insert may be positioned in a target insert aperture formed in the replaceable target section. Arrowheads can be damaged or destroyed if they strike the metal support rods. Broad heads either become trapped in the target insert or will cause tear out with relatively few shots. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional archery target having at least one three-dimensional body segment with an outer surface having at least one target aperture. The target aperture is connected to a chamber within the body segment. In one embodiment, one or more planar target elements are located in the chamber and subject to a compressive force on major surfaces thereof. The planar target elements comprise a plurality of side edges forming a target face accessible through the target aperture. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber comprises first and second generally opposing surfaces adapted to apply the compressive force to the target elements. One or both of the first and second generally opposing surfaces can optionally be non-planar. A cover is optionally releasably attached to the body segment that extends across a portion of the chamber. The cover can pivotally attached to the body segment. 
     In one embodiment, the compressive force is applied to the target elements by a cover. In another embodiment, a plate is located in the chamber. One or more displacement mechanisms can be provided to displace the plate into compressive engagement with the target elements located in the chamber. In another embodiment, at least one wedge shaped plate is located in the chamber to apply a compressive force on the target elements. The compressive force is typically about at least 5 pounds per square foot. 
     In another embodiment, the compressive force is applied by one or more bands surrounding a plurality of the target elements. In another embodiment, the one or more planar target elements are a replaceable target assembly. Members located in the body segment can be used to secure the target elements in the chamber. The chamber optionally includes at least one surface adapted to mechanically couple with the target elements. 
     The side edges of the target elements can be arranged generally horizontally or vertically within the chamber. The target elements are preferably constructed of foam. The target elements typically have a thickness in the range of about 1/16 to about ⅜ inches. Foam target elements typically having a density selected in the range of about 2 pounds to about 10 pounds. The one or more target elements can be a single, continuous structure or a plurality of discrete target elements. 
     The chamber can have first and second opposing surfaces adapted to frictionally engage with the target elements. In another embodiment, the chamber includes at least one surfaces adapted to mechanically couple with the target elements. The surfaces preferably include a structure adapted to mechanically couple with a generally corresponding structure on the target elements. 
     The archery target preferably has a pair of target apertures located on opposite sides of the body segment, wherein each of the target apertures is connected to the chamber. The pair of target apertures can be generally parallel and/or aligned with each other. In another embodiment, the archery target includes at least three target apertures each connected to the chamber. The target apertures can optionally be oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other. In one embodiment the target face is generally coplanar with a portion of the outer surface adjacent to the target aperture. 
     In one embodiment, the body segment comprises a plurality of interconnected body segments. The body segments preferably simulates an animal. Reinforcing members optionally extend through portions of the body segment. In one embodiment, the reinforcing members extend substantially around the chamber. The body segment preferably comprises foam. 
     The present invention is also directed to a three-dimensional archery target with one or more foam target elements comprising a shape that mechanically couples with a generally corresponding shape in the chamber. 
     The present invention is also directed to a three-dimensional archery target including a plurality of planar foam target elements having a shape that mechanically couples with a generally corresponding shape in the chamber. The planar target elements comprising a plurality of side edges forming a target face accessible through the target aperture. 
     The present invention is also directed to a three-dimensional archery target having one or more planar foam target elements subject to a compressive force generated by in the chamber. The planar target elements comprise a plurality of side edges forming a target face accessible through the target aperture. 
     The present invention is also directed to a target element for a three-dimensional archery target having a target aperture connected to a chamber within a body segment. The replaceable target element includes one or more foam members having a pair of major surfaces, a first pair of generally opposing side edges adapted to be a target face, and a second pair of generally opposing side edges adapted to mechanically couple with corresponding structures in the chamber. 
     The replaceable target element can be a single structure or a plurality of planar foam members. In one embodiment, the second pair of generally opposing side edges include a notch, a curvilinear shape and/or a taper adapted to engage with a generally corresponding structure in the chamber. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method of using a three-dimensional archery target having a target aperture connected to a chamber within a body segment. The method includes the steps of positioning one or more planar target elements in the chamber in the three-dimensional body segment and applying a compressive force to major surfaces of the target elements such that side edges of the planar target elements comprise a target face accessible through the target aperture in the body segment. 
     The method also includes the steps of relieving the pressure from the planar target elements, replacing one or more planar target elements, and applying a compressive force to the planar target elements. 
     The compressive force can be applied by the chamber, closing a cover over the chamber, displacing a plate located in the chamber or inserting one or more wedge shaped members into the chamber. In another embodiment, the compressive force is applied by one or more bands surrounding the target elements. The target elements can optionally be a replaceable target assembly. The target elements are optionally mechanically coupled with a corresponding structure in the chamber. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method of using a three-dimensional archery target having a target aperture connected to a chamber within a body segment, comprising the step of mechanically coupling side edges of one or more foam target elements with corresponding structures in the chamber. The one or more target elements can be a plurality of planar target elements. The method can also include the step of applying a compressive force to the target elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of a three-dimensional archery target in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the three-dimensional archery target of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a method of installing target elements in the three-dimensional archery target of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the three-dimensional archery target of  FIG. 1  with the cover removed. 
         FIGS. 5   a  through  5   f  illustrate various chambers for retaining target elements in a three-dimensional archery target in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a reinforcing structure for a replaceable target assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a mechanism for compressing the target elements in an archery target in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the archery target of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate mechanism for compressing the target elements in an archery target in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternate archery target in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the archery target of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the archery target of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of a replaceable target assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the replaceable target assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 4  illustrate various aspects of an exemplary three-dimensional archery target  20  in accordance with the present invention. An archery target in accordance with the present invention is preferably formed in the shape and size of a game animal. For example, the three-dimensional archery target  20  of  FIGS. 1–4  is formed in the shape and size of a deer. 
     An archery target in accordance with the present invention can be constructed from one or more body segments, depending on a variety of factors, such as cost, size of the animal being simulated, the posture of the animal, and a variety of other factors. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the three-dimensional archery target  20  includes a first body segment  22  and a second body segment  24 . The first body segment  22  illustrates the torso and legs of a deer. The second body segment  24  is the head of the deer. 
     The body segments  22 ,  24  can be constructed from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as wood, paperboard, polymeric materials, such as plastics, foams, non-woven materials, and the like. The body segments  22 ,  24  can be solid or hollow, depending upon the material from which they are constructed. 
     Polyurethane foam materials are preferred because of the low cost, ease of molding using conventional molding techniques, lightweight, and durability. Polyurethane foam is a semi-rigid material that can be deformed slightly, but retains that deformed shape instead of returning to its original shape. Polyurethane foam with a density of about 10 pounds to about 50 pounds is preferred. When a broad head arrow tip impacts polyurethane foam, the blades of the points enter the foam causing a x-shaped cut. The foam cuts cleanly rather than being deformed and does not close around so the arrow is generally easy to withdraw. Outer surface  26  of the body segments  22 ,  24  is preferably coated with a material to seal the foam against moisture, to protect it from UV degradation, and give the target a lifelike appearance. 
     A variety of reinforcing members  28 ,  30  are preferably molded into the body segments  22 ,  24 . The reinforcing members  28 ,  30  can be a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic or composite materials. Metal tubing provides a high degree of rigidity, but can damage an arrow tip that strikes it. Plastic tubing is typically less rigid, but is not as likely to damage the arrow tip. 
     In one embodiment, the reinforcing members  28 ,  30  extend beyond the bottom of the body segment  22  to provide anchors  32 . The anchors  32  can be driven into the ground or attached to a base in order to support the archery target  20 . In an alternate embodiment, metal stakes or other supporting structures are inserted into the optionally hollow reinforcing members  28 ,  30  to support the archery target  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing member  30  extends all the way into a portion of the second body segment  24  so as to increase the strength at the junction  34 . The material and configuration of the reinforcing members  28 ,  30  can vary with the size and shape of the present three-dimensional archery target and a variety of other factors. 
     As best-illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the three-dimensional target  20  includes a replaceable target assembly  40  located in the region of the vital organs of the animal simulated. In the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable target assembly  40  includes a plurality of generally planar target elements  52  arranged so that side edges comprise a target face  104 . In another embodiment, the replaceable target assembly  40  includes a single target element, such as a block of foam, that extends substantially across apertures  94 ,  96  of the archery target  20 . As used herein, a “replaceable target assembly” refers to one or more target elements pre-configured to function as an archery target with or without the present three-dimensional archery target. 
     As best-illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the replaceable target assembly  40  is located in a chamber  60  formed in the first body segment  22 . The chamber  60  preferably extends through the entire width of the first body segment  22  so that the replaceable target assembly  40  is accessible from either side of the archery target  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber  60  is bounded on four sides. Lower surface  62  of cover  42  forms a top surface of the chamber  60 . Lower surface  64  and side surfaces  66 ,  68  form the other three surfaces of the chamber  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  42  applies a compressive force  102  to the major surfaces of the target elements  52 . The compressive force  102  is opposed by the lower surface  64 . The lower surface  64  can optionally include a camber or non-planar structure  70  which serves to increase or concentrate the compressive force  102  in the center of the target face  104 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the archery target  20  with the cover  42  removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the target elements  52  have a pair of recesses  80 ,  82 , which mechanically couple with structures  72 ,  74  on the side surfaces  66 ,  68  of the chamber. The combination of the recesses  80 ,  82  and the structures  72 ,  74  resist movement of the target elements  52  in the directions  84 ,  86 . This arrangement is desirable because the force of an arrow striking the archery target  20  or an arrow being removed from the archery target  20  will fall generally along the directions  84 ,  86 . 
     As used herein, “mechanically coupled” refers to interengaging structures on target elements and an archery target that resist displacement of target elements relative to an archery target due to an arrow strikes or an arrow being removed. Mechanical coupling does not require a tight mechanical fit between the interengaging structures. A gap may exist between some of the surfaces of the interengaging structures, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5   a – 5   f . The gap facilitates installation and removal of the target elements from the chamber.  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment where the target element  52  has a shape complementary to the structures  72 ,  74  (see also  FIGS. 5   a – 5   f ). As will be illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a – 5   f , the target elements  52  of the present invention can assume a wide variety of shapes, with or without features that mechanically couple with the chamber  60  in the body segment  22 . 
     The method of the present invention includes positioning a plurality of the target elements  52  in the chamber  60 . Side edges  90 ,  92  of the target elements  52  are accessible through first target aperture  94  and second target aperture  96 , respectively. The cover  42  is then replaced so that cover anchor  44  is located in recess  98  and cover anchor  46  is located in recess  100 . Pins  48 ,  50  are replaced in holes  48   a ,  50   a , respectively, so that the cover  42  is securely attached to the first body segment  22 . In one embodiment, a reinforcing member is molded into the cover  42  (see  FIG. 6 ). The reinforcing member preferably extends under the pins  48 ,  50 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the pins  48 ,  50  pass through the reinforcing member. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  42  applies a compressive force  102  to the target elements  52 . The compressive force  102  can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the number of target element  52  located in the chamber  60 . The compressive force  102 , either alone or in combination with the mechanical coupling of the structures  72 ,  74  with recesses  80 ,  82  releasably retain the target elements  52  in the first body segment  22 . The side edges  90 ,  92  of the target elements  52  form the target face  104  located generally where the vital organs of the animal simulated by the archery target  20  are located. 
     The replaceable target assembly  40  can be repaired by removing the compressive force  102  and replacing some or all of the target elements  52 . In many situations, the replaceable target assembly  40  can be restored to essentially perfect condition by replacing less than all of the target elements  52 . The ability to replace individual target elements  52  significantly reduces the cost of maintaining the archery target  20  in working condition. 
     The target elements  52  are preferably constructed from a foam material, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,440 (Pulkrabek), which is incorporated by reference. The foam is weather resistant and can be used either indoors or outdoors. In one embodiment, the foam is compressed to about 70% to about 20% of its uncompressed thickness. In another embodiment, the foam is compressed to about 50% to about 5% of their uncompressed thickness. For high density foam that is not easily compressed, a compressive force of about 5-pounds/square foot or greater is typically used. Other materials, such as corrugated cardboard, softwoods in either solid form or layered structures such as plywood, and materials made from natural or synthetic fibers can also be used for the target elements  52 . In another embodiment, the target elements  52  are constructed from a woven or a non-woven polymeric material. 
     As used herein, “target element” refers to a material adapted to be located in a chamber of an archery target. The target element can be a sheet material with an edge that forms a portion of a target face. Each layer in the replaceable target assembly can be discrete target elements or a larger piece of sheet material folded in a serpentine manner to arrange multiple edges into a target face. The larger piece of sheet material can optionally be die cut to facilitate folding. In another embodiment, the plurality of planar target elements discussed above can be replaced by a single continuous structure or material that extends across a portion of the target aperture in the three-dimensional archery target  20 . For example, the target element  52  can optionally be a single piece of foam that extends substantially across the apertures  94 ,  96 . Although the embodiments illustrated in the Figures show the edges of the target elements co-planar, it is possible for the replaceable target assembly to have a non-planar target face. 
     In one embodiment, the target elements  52  are about ⅛ inch to about ¼-inch thick cross-linked foam. Cross-linked foam exhibits greater self-healing at each puncture hole and provides longer target life, especially when the target is used with arrows having broad head or expandable tips. The combination of relatively thin target elements  52  and the type of foam produce very little compression about the arrow shaft and head. The foam also prevents the arrow from turning during removal, which assures that broad heads follow the same hole on ingress and egress, without tearing. Arrows are therefore easily withdrawn without resort to arrow gripping devices or excessive arm, shoulder or tugging body movement. 
     The foam may be open or closed cell, although a closed cell polyethylene foam is preferred. Close celled foam is less susceptible to the intrusion of moisture and deterioration from ultraviolet rays. A variety of foam materials, such as polyethylene or polyurethane foams or blends thereof may also be used to advantage. The foam preferably has a density of about 2 pounds to about 10 pounds. In contrast to higher density foam materials, it is believed the low density material facilitates arrow removal without the friction or adherence of the layered material to the arrow that is exhibited by higher density and continuous pour foam targets. The weight of the archery target  20  is also reduced when using a low density foam and which is advantageous for the archer who wants to transport a target to his or her hunting camp. 
       FIG. 5   a  is a top view of a three-dimensional archery target  110  having a chamber  112  with a single target aperture  114 .  FIG. 5   a  illustrates a major surface of target element  118 . Portion  116  of the first body segment  22  forms a backstop that serves to retain target elements  118  in the chamber  112  and to prevent arrows from penetrating completely through the body portion  22 . The target element  118  can be one of a plurality of planar members or a single structure that substantially fills the chamber  112 . 
       FIG. 5   b  is a top view of a three-dimensional archery target  120  with an alternate chamber  122  including curved structures  124 ,  126  adapted to mechanically couple with the target elements  132 . The curved structures  124 ,  126  also serves to deflect arrows  130  towards the center of the chamber  122 . 
       FIG. 5   c  is a top view of a three-dimensional archery target  140  having a chamber  142  with no structure for mechanically coupling with the target elements  148 . Rather, the target elements  148  are retained in the chamber  142  by friction, such as along side edges  148   a ,  148   b  of the target element  148  and the side surfaces  144 ,  146  of the chamber  142 . In another embodiment, frictional forces are applied to the target elements  148  by the lower surface of the cover and the lower surface of the chamber (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 5   d  is a top view of an archery target  150  in which the chamber  152  includes a pair of opposing concave recesses or undercuts  154 ,  158  adapted to mechanically couple with target elements  156 . The undercuts  154 ,  158  extend into the body segment a sufficient amount to retain the target element  156  in the archery target  150 . In an embodiment where the target element  148  is a single piece of material, the target element is preferably constructed from a resilient material, such as foam, that will return to substantially its original shape after being deformed to engaged with the undercuts  154 ,  158 . 
       FIG. 5   e  is a top view of an archery target  160  having a chamber  162  with tapered sidewalls  164 ,  166 . The tapered sidewalls serve to direct arrows towards the center of the chamber  162 . The target elements  168  preferably have corresponding tapers to mechanically couple with the sidewalls  164 ,  166 . 
       FIG. 5   f  is a top view of an archery target  170  having a chamber  172  with a pair of opposing tapered structures  174 ,  176 . The tapered structures  174 ,  176  mechanically couple with corresponding tapers in the target elements to retain the target elements  178  in the chamber  172 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternate three-dimensional target  180  in which the chamber  182  is substantially surrounded by lower reinforcing member  184  and upper reinforcing member  186 . The lower reinforcing member  184  is molded into the first body segment  22 . The upper reinforcing member  186  is molded into the cover  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pins  48 ,  50  preferably engage with the distal ends of the reinforcing members  184 ,  186 . 
     Consequently, the replaceable target assembly  40  is completely surrounded by an interlinked reinforcing structure that provide a substantial compressive force on at least the major surfaces of the target elements  52 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an alternate three-dimensional target  200  in which chamber  202  for receiving the replaceable target assembly  40  is completely surrounded by the material forming the first body segment  22 . In one embodiment, replaceable target assembly  40  is slid into the chamber  202  through one of the target apertures  204 ,  206 . 
     In one embodiment, plate  208  is located on top of the stack of target elements  210 . The plate can be any rigid or semi-rigid material capable of transmitting a compressive force to the target elements  210 , such as wood, plastic, metal or composites thereof. Wood and plastic are preferred because an arrow tip striking a metal plate would likely be damaged. 
     In one embodiment, displacement mechanisms  212  are provided to displace the plate  208  into a compressive relationship with the target elements  210 . The illustrated displacement mechanisms  212  are threaded members embedded in the first body segment  22 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , adjustment points  214  are located along the top of the archery target  200 . The user can adjust the compressive force  216  applied to the major surface of the target elements  210  by turning one or more of the adjustment points  214 . The compressive force  216  is opposed by the lower surface of the chamber  202 . Providing a plurality of adjustment points permits the force  216  to vary in different locations along the target face  218 . 
     In another embodiment, the displacement mechanisms  212  are an integral part of the plate  208 . For example, the plate  208  could be two plates with a scissors mechanism or cam structure adapted to displace one plate relative to the other. 
     In another embodiment, the displacement mechanisms  212  are eliminated and the plate  208  is a wedge shaped member that is pushed into the chamber  202  through one of the target apertures  204 ,  206  after the target elements  210  are in place. The wedge shape of the plate  208  creates the compress force  216  on the target elements  210  located in the chamber  202 . A pair of wedge shaped plates  208  simultaneously forced into both target apertures  204 ,  206  is preferred. The opposing forces applied to the opposing wedge shaped members serve to minimize movement or shifting of the target elements  210  in the chamber  202 . 
     The wedge shaped plates  208  can be located on the top, the bottom, or anywhere in the stack of target elements  210 . In one embodiment, the wedge shaped plate  208  is constructed from a high density foam that can be inserted anywhere in the stack of target elements  210 . The compressive force  216  can be increased by increasing the number of wedge shaped plates  208  inserted into the stack of target elements  210  and/or by increasing the number of target elements  210  in the chamber  202 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a replaceable target assembly, such as the replaceable target assembly  270  in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , is slid into the chamber  202  through one of the target apertures  204 ,  206 . The shape of the target elements  272  can vary from that disclosed in  FIG. 13 . The displacement mechanisms  212  are preferably treaded members that can be advanced to engage with the replaceable target assembly  270  to retain it in the chamber  202 . Any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 8  can be used with target elements oriented vertically or a variety of other angles. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an alternate three-dimensional archery target  230  in accordance with the present invention. The replaceable target assembly  232  is located in the chamber  234  with the target elements  236  oriented vertically. It is within the scope of the present invention to arrange the target elements  236  in any orientation. Plate  238  is displaced in a direction  240  by displacement mechanisms  242  so as to create compression force  244  on the major surface of the target elements  236 . The compressive force  244  is opposed by the rear wall of the chamber  234 . In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement mechanisms  242  include one or more knobs  246  located near the front of the archery target  230 . The knobs  246  are easily turned to increase or decrease the compressive force  244  on the replaceable target assembly  232 . The knobs  246  allow the user to reduce the compressive force  244  so that one or more of the target elements  236  can be replaced. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate side and front views of an alternate three-dimensional archery target  250  in accordance with the present invention. As best illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the archery target  250  includes a single chamber  254  that is accessible through first and second target apertures  256 ,  258  along the sides of the archery target  250  and third and fourth target apertures  260 ,  262  located along the front and rear of the archery target  250 . In the illustrated embodiment, a single replaceable target assembly  252  is preferably located in the chamber  254 . Consequently, the user can launch arrows at all four sides of the archery target  250 . Any of the target elements and displacement mechanisms disclosed herein can be used with the archery target  250 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an alternate replaceable target assembly  270  in accordance with the present invention. A plurality of target elements  272  is retained in a pre-compressed state by one or more bands  274 . The bands can be metal, polymeric, natural fibers, or combinations thereof. Plates  276 ,  278  can optionally be located on the top and the bottom of the stack of target elements  272 . The plates  276 ,  278  can be larger than, smaller than, or the same size and shape as the target elements  272 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the replaceable target assembly  270  includes a pair of opposing recesses  280 ,  282  which correspond to structures in the chamber of the three-dimensional archery target (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). 
     In another embodiment, the replaceable target assembly  270  is a continuous piece of homogeneous or composite material, such as foam, having the opposing recesses  280 ,  282 , with or without the plates  276 ,  278 . In yet another embodiment, the replaceable target assembly  270  is a plurality of pieces of material, such as foam, bonded together to form a single structure. Any of the target element shapes disclosed herein can be used in these various embodiments of the replaceable target assembly  270 . 
     The replaceable target assembly  270  of  FIGS. 13 and 14  are preferably pre-compressed so as to not require any additional compression by the three-dimensional archery target. Consequently, the replaceable target assembly  270  can be used with a wide variety of archery targets. On the other hand, an arrow strike can possibly cut the bands  274  and decompress the target elements  272 , rendering the replaceable target assembly  270  inoperative. Additional, it is not possible to replace a single target element  272  without disassembling the entire replaceable target assembly  270 . Rather, the whole replaceable target assembly  270  must be replaced. In an alternate embodiment, a pre-compressed version of the replaceable target assembly  270  is used in combination with compressive force provided by the three-dimensional archery target (see e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 ). 
     All patents and patent applications disclosed herein, including those disclosed in the background of the invention, are hereby incorporated by reference. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example and although the target elements of uniformly thick layers is disclosed, differing thickness might also be incorporated into the target assembly.