Patent Publication Number: US-2015069706-A1

Title: Coupled frangible target suspension apparatuses and methods of use thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     To the full extent permitted by law, the present United States Non-provisional patent application, is a Continuation-in-Part, and hereby claims priority to and the full benefit of United States Non-provisional application entitled “FRANGIBLE TARGET SUSPENSION APPARATUSES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF,” having assigned Ser. No. 13/418,838, filed on Mar. 13, 2012, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None 
     PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     None 
     REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING 
     None 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for suspending targets, and more specifically to apparatuses for suspending frangible targets for shooting practice. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In order to obtain practice in firing a weapon and to become proficient in shooting, it is typical for a shooter to fire weapons at targets positioned remotely from the shooter&#39;s firing position. In many cases, such targets are fixed. In other cases, the targets are in motion. 
     Fixed targets typically comprise a round target area or a figure profile, and are often comprised of paper attached to a standard target frame, either directly or via a cardboard backing. Moving targets are usually profiles located at a fixed remote position, but, often, comprise frangible objects flung through the air via a throwing mechanism. The frangible objects are typically disk shaped and are made from chalk, clay or similar materials. 
     In the former case of a fixed profile paper target, it is often difficult to determine where on the target a shot hit, and with very distant targets is often even difficult to determine whether the shot hit the target at all. However, with the latter case, because of the frangible nature of the target, it is usually quite easy to see that the target has been struck by a bullet or shot, because the target breaks apart, often quite spectacularly. 
     Thus, frangible targets are particularly suited to fixed use when it is desired to see immediate visual confirmation of a shot striking the target. In such a use, the frangible target is often held in a stand on which the target rests, or is supported via a wire or hangers that connect to a rigid or flexible frame, or is retained within cutouts in cardboard holders. In some instances, the target may even be stood upon the ground or secured by wire to a standard target frame. 
     With individual targets, the shooter must place each target when needed by standing, hanging, inserting, attaching, or otherwise connecting the target to a target holding device. When a new target is needed, the shooter must replace the no longer present original one, and must do so repeatedly as necessary. Putting up a new target takes up valuable range time, when a shooter would prefer to be practicing, rather than installing targets. 
     Moreover, existing target holders are often damaged or destroyed by a misplaced shot. When such occurs, the target holder must be replaced before the shooter can continue his/her practice or competition. 
     Existing target holding devices take up space and require setup time. When a shooter wants to vary his/her practice with both paper and frangible targets, the shooter must utilize separate target holding devices for each type of target. 
     When targets, such as flat paper profiles, are transported, they take up very little space. Frangible targets are often constructed in a shape for stacking one on top of the other to minimize space requirements when not in use. Both types of targets are typically sold separately from their supporting devices, inconveniencing the purchaser by having to go to different sources, and providing less benefit to a manufacturer than would be achieved by providing a combination product to a user. 
     Various attempts have been made to overcome some of the aforementioned deficiencies. One previous target holding device is a housing sleeve for storing frangible targets with mounting feature for hanging the housing sleeve. The housing sleeve is adapted to store multiple targets in a vertical orientation, with targets sitting one above the other, with the bottom target exposed. Once the exposed target is destroyed, the next target in line drops down into the exposed region. Movement of the targets within the sleeve is controlled by utilizing a disk-shaped stopping feature, such as a washer, which prevents the lowermost target from dropping below a certain point. Because the targets are contained within a sleeve, the sleeve impedes stacking of the targets in a volume-efficient manner before use. Thus, this device is best suited to separate installation followed by addition of discrete frangible targets once the sleeve is suspended. Moreover, this device lacks a means for suspension in other than a vertically-hanging aspect. 
     Another previous device comprises horizontal cords from which shooting targets are hung. However, the shooting targets must first be secured to a holding arm before being hung from the cord, as the cord and targets are not integrated. 
     Yet another previous similar device suspends the targets via an arm suspended from a horizontal rod. However, because the rod is stiff, it prevents an assembly of the rods and targets from being efficiently stacked to minimize volume during transport and storage. 
     Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a target suspension apparatus that can be preassembled and efficiently stacked for transport and storage prior to use, but which when installed and used also provides a ready indication to a shooter of a shot impact the via the use of a frangible target. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a frangible target suspension apparatus wherein the frangible targets are secured to one or more support cords by passing the support cord through apertures in the side edges of the frangible targets and using tension caused by the weight to keep the frangible targets in place on the support cord, or by securing with adhesive, such as when the support cord is a tape, or by knotting the support cord, or utilizing a fastener to secure the support cord to the frangible target. In an alternative embodiment, the frangible target has side slots that cooperatively engage slots in a cover placed over the frangible target from the rear retaining the support cord in place. In order to maintain the face of the frangible target in a vertical disposition facing a shooter, portions of the support cord are selectively secured at a high point on both of the opposite edges of each of the frangible targets. 
     According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a frangible target suspension apparatus comprising one or more frangible targets secured at their sides to one or more support cords. The frangible targets are suspended from the support cord and may hang vertically or be secured in a horizontal disposition. The support cord is secured to the frangible targets by passing the support cord through apertures in the sides or edges of the frangible targets, wherein tension caused by the weight of the frangible targets binds the support cord to the frangible targets via contact of the support cord with the apertures. Further, the support cord may selectively pass under a bottommost target to provide additional support. 
     Alternatively, the support cord is secured to the frangible targets via adhesive, or may be secured by knots in the support cord below the lower aperture, by beads secured to the support cord below the lower aperture, or by clips or plugs which respectively clip to or plug into the apertures, and to which the support cord is secured. 
     In another alternative, the support cord comprises a tape adhesively secured to the edges of the frangible target and in yet another alternative, the support cord is molded within the frangible target when the frangible target is made. 
     The support cord may selectively comprise a single support cord having an apex for securing to a fastener affixed to a frame, or may selectively comprise two support cords that are independently secured to a frame over a fastener. 
     In another alternative, the frangible targets are retained by engagement with forward-facing slots in a cover/sleeve that is secured to the rear of the frangible target after the support cord is disposed in the forward-facing slots. Accordingly, the support cord is retained by the combination of the slots against the frangible target, thereby securing the frangible targets to the support cord. Additionally, a lip on the cover/sleeve is disposed over a portion of the front of the frangible target further securing the frangible target within the cover/sleeve. 
     In use, the frangible targets are secured to the support cord at their opposite edges as described above, and, subsequently, are secured to a frame by the support cord, wherein the frangible targets hang suspended from the support cord. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a frangible target suspension apparatus including a frangible target having a sidewall, a sleeve having a periphery and an inner wall of the periphery, the periphery having at least a pair of slots therein, and at least one support cord, wherein the at least one support cord is disposed within the pair of slots of the sleeve, and wherein the frangible target coupled to the sleeve hangs suspended from the at least one support cord. 
     In still a further exemplary embodiment of the method of suspending frangible targets, the method including the steps of providing a frangible target, the frangible target having a sidewall, a sleeve having a periphery and an inner wall of the periphery, the periphery having at least a pair of slots therein, and at least one support cord, inserting the at least one support cord into the pair of slots, and securing the frangible target to the sleeve, wherein the frangible target hangs suspended from the at least one support cord. 
     More specifically, the present invention is preferably a frangible target suspension apparatus comprising frangible disks and support cords, wherein the frangible disks have an inside, an upper throughhole and a lower throughhole. The support cord has an apex for attachment of the frangible target suspension apparatus by securing the apex over a peg or nail on a supporting frame. 
     The support cord passes through the upper throughhole to the inside of the frangible disk and then passes from the inside through the lower throughhole, thereby retaining the frangible disk on the support cord. The bottommost disk has a bottom edge and the support cord has a lower bend that passes along the bottom edge, thereby supporting the bottommost disk on the support cord. Weight of the bottommost disk pulls the support cord taught, engaging the support cord in the upper and lower throughholes, wherein the frangible disks are frictionally retained on the support cord by contact of the support cord with the throughholes. The frangible disks and support cord preferably comprise biodegradable materials. 
     Different methods of securing the support cords to the frangible disks are utilized, depending upon whether a single support cord or separate support cords suspend the frangible disks. Particularly, the frangible disks each have a right edge and a left edge and the support cords may be secured to the edges via adhesive. The support cord may selectively be secured at a high point to provide better control of the disposition of the frangible disk, particularly to maintain the frangible disk in a vertical disposition. Particularly, when secured at the high point, the weight of the frangible disk will pull the frangible disk into a vertical disposition. When adhesive is utilized, it is preferable that the support cord comprise a tape to allow greater surface area. The support cord may also selectively pass under the bottom edge of the frangible disk. 
     Below the lower throughholes, a knot may selectively be tied in the support cords, thereby preventing the frangible disk from sliding downward on the support cords under the influence of gravity. Alternatively, beads or crimpable tubes may be affixed to the support cord below the lower throughholes. In another alternative, pegs may be inserted into the upper and/or lower throughholes and frictionally retained therein, capturing the support cord, which may pass inside the frangible disk or may pass along the outside edges. Clips may also be utilized to clip to both the support cords and the throughholes, thereby retaining the frangible disks in position. 
     The frangible disk may selectively have a groove in the sides thereof, wherein the groove is dimensioned to receive the support cord, and wherein the support cord is inserted by pressing sideways into the groove. The frangible disk may also be molded onto the support cord when the frangible disk is manufactured. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the support cords are positioned over the back of the target. Subsequently, a cover with front-facing slots is secured over disk, thereby locking the frangible disk to the support cords and retaining the frangible disk and cover on the support cord, thereby preventing the frangible disk from sliding on the support cord. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the frangible disks and support cords are secured in a horizontal disposition, wherein the support cords have loops at the ends thereof, and wherein the loops are secured over any suitable fastener, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a plurality of hanging pegs/nails. 
     The frangible target suspension apparatus may be embodied as a multi-strand frangible target support having a plurality of frangible disks staggered in height and supported by outer support cords and inner support cords, to form two or more columns of targets. 
     The frangible target suspension apparatus is readily stored and transported by stacking the frangible disks one on top of the other. Thus, space is conserved and the close proximity of the frangible disks to each other fixes each in position, thereby preventing damage to the frangible disks during transport. 
     To use, the frangible target suspension apparatus is placed in service by disposing the apex over hanging pegs/nails on a frame, and, where securing loops are provided, by securing the loops via a suitable fastener, such as, for exemplary purposes only, pegs/nails affixed to the rails of the frame. Accordingly, the frangible target suspension apparatus is best suited to utilize against a substrate to which it is secured. In an alternate embodiment of a frangible target suspension apparatus, the loops are replaced with weights. In a further alternate embodiment, the support cords and loops could incorporate a tensioning device, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a bungee cord. 
     Once the frangible target suspension apparatus is secured to a frame, a target shooter proceeds a selected distance from the frangible target suspension apparatus, aims his/her weapon at a selected one of the frangible disks and commences firing, thereby destroying the selected frangible disk. The remaining frangible disks continue to be suspended on the support cord and may subsequently be targeted by the shooter. 
     Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide quick visual indication of a shot striking a target. 
     Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be suspended vertically, horizontally or at any angle in between. 
     Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be preassembled and ready for use. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to utilize a variety of materials for suspending frangible targets. 
     Yet a further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to utilize a variety of methods for attaching frangible targets to a support material. 
     Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is ability to be efficiently stacked for storage and/or transportation while taking up a minimum of space. 
     A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it could be made of biodegradable materials. 
     Still a further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it maintains the target face directed toward the shooter. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a frangible target suspension system with targets according to a preferred embodiment, shown suspended vertically; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frangible target suspension system with targets according to an alternate embodiment, shown suspended horizontally; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a frangible target suspension system with multiple columns of interconnected targets according to an alternate embodiment, shown suspended vertically; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having a single suspending cord adhesively secured to both sides of the target; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment utilizing two suspending cords adhesively secured one each to the sides of the target; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having a single suspending cord adhesively secured to both sides of the target and passing under and supporting the lowest target; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords secured to the target by passing through apertures in the sides of the target, shown with a lower retaining knot; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords secured to the target by insertion into retaining grooves in the sides of the target, shown with a lower retaining bead or crimpable tube; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords secured to the target by passing over the sides of the target, shown with retaining plugs or clips; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords secured to the target by passing through apertures in the sides of the target, shown with a retaining bead or crimpable tube; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending tapes adhesively secured to the target on both sides; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords secured to the target by inclusion during molding of the target; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a frangible target suspension system according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shown with targets stacked for storage or transport; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a set of multiple frangible target suspension systems according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shown installed on a support frame; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having a single suspending cord secured to both sides of the targets with loops below the lowest target; 
         FIG. 16A  is a front perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to an alternate embodiment having suspending cords removably secured to the target sides via rear-facing slots; 
         FIG. 16B  is a perspective view of the frangible target and cords of  FIG. 16A  rotated left ninety degrees; 
         FIG. 17A  is a front perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 16A  having the suspending cords retained via a sleeve attached from the rear of the frangible target; 
         FIG. 17B  is a front perspective view of the cover shown exploded off the suspended frangible target of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the sleeve showing the slots for the suspension cords and the tab for retaining the target; 
         FIG. 19  is a vertical side view of the sleeve of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a horizontal side view of the sleeve of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the frangible target and suspension cords, with the sleeve shown exploded off the frangible target; 
         FIG. 22  is a front side perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 21  having the suspending cords retained via a sleeve attached from the rear of the frangible target and the target retained by tabs integral to the sleeve; and 
         FIG. 23  is a side perspective view of a suspended frangible target according to the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 21  having the suspending cords retained via a sleeve friction fit and latched from the rear of the frangible target. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-17B , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  14 , the present invention in a preferred embodiment is frangible target suspension apparatus  10  comprising frangible targets  11  and support cord  12 , wherein frangible targets  11  comprise inside  16 , upper throughhole  15  and lower throughhole  21 , and wherein support cord  12  comprises apex  18 , and wherein apex  18  provides for attachment of frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , by securing support cord  12  over hanging peg/nail  41  (best shown in  FIG. 14 ). 
     Support cord  12  passes through upper throughhole  15  to inside  16  of frangible target  11  and then passes from inside  16  through lower throughhole  21 , wherein frangible target  11  is retained on support cord  12 . Bottommost disk  50  of frangible targets  11  comprises bottom edge  17  and support cord  12  comprises lower bend  13 , wherein lower bend passes along bottom edge  17 , thereby supporting bottommost disk  50  on support cord  12 . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that frangible targets  11  could comprise any suitable shape other than a disk shape without departing from the spirit of the preferred embodiment. Weight of bottommost disk  50  pulls support cord  12  taught, engaging support cord  12  in upper and lower throughholes  15 ,  21 , wherein frangible targets  11  are frictionally retained by contact of support cord  12  with throughholes  15 ,  21 , and wherein frangible targets  11  are retained in position on support cord  12  by frictional contact. 
     Frangible targets  11  and support cord  12  preferably comprise biodegradable materials. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that frangible targets  11  and support cord  12  could comprise materials other than biodegradable materials without departing from the spirit of the preferred embodiment. 
     In use, frangible target suspension apparatus  10  is secured to frame  100  (best shown in  FIG. 14 ), wherein frame  100  comprises top rail  101 , left rail  102  and right rail  103 , and wherein frangible target suspension apparatus  10  is secured by disposing apex  18  over a suitable protrusion, such as, for exemplary purposes only, hanging peg/nail  41 . A target shooter then proceeds a selected distance from frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , aims his/her weapon at a selected one of frangible targets  11  from among those comprising frangible target suspension apparatus  10  and commences firing, thereby destroying selected frangible target  11 . The remaining frangible targets  11  of frangible target suspension apparatus  10  continue to be suspended on support cord  12  and may subsequently be targeted by the shooter. 
     Frangible target suspension apparatus  10  is readily stored and transported by stacking frangible targets  11  one on top of the other (best shown in  FIG. 13 ). Thus, space is conserved and close proximity of frangible targets  11  to each other fixes each in position, thereby preventing damage to frangible targets  11  during transport. 
     Different methods of securing support cords  12  to frangible targets  11  could be utilized, whether a single support cord  12  or separate support cords  12  suspend frangible targets  11 . Particularly, in the alternate embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31  and left edge  32 , wherein right edge  31  and left edge  32  are on opposite sides of frangible target  11 , and wherein frangible target  11  is secured to support cords  12  via adhesive  39 , and wherein adhesive  39  is disposed on right and left edges  31 ,  32 , and wherein support cords  12  are retained by adhesive  39 . More particularly, in the alternate embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , single support cord  12  is adhesively secured to frangible target  11 ; in the alternate embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , two separate support cords  12  are adhesively secured one each to right and left edges  31 ,  32  of frangible target  11 ; and in the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 6 , support cord  12  is adhesively secured to a plurality of frangible targets  11  comprising at least upper disk  60  and bottommost disk  50 , wherein bottommost disk  50  is secured via adhesive  39  to support cord  12 , and wherein support cord  12  is secured at high point  70  to provide better control of vertical disposition of bottommost disk  50 . Particularly, since bottommost disk  50  is secured at high point  70 , weight of bottommost disk  50  will cause bottommost disk  50  to assume a vertical disposition. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other frangible targets  11  could have support cord  12  secured at high point  70  to facilitate maintenance of a vertical disposition. Bottommost disk  50  comprises bottom edge  17  and support cord  12  comprises lower bend  13 , wherein lower bend  13  passes proximate bottom edge  17  and may be selectively secured to bottom edge  17  via adhesive  39 . 
     Further alternate embodiments for securing frangible targets  11  to support cords  12  are depicted in  FIGS. 7-12 . Particularly, in  FIG. 7 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31  and left edge  32 , wherein right edge  31  comprises upper throughhole  15  and lower throughhole  21 , and wherein left edge  32  comprises upper throughole  15  and lower throughhole  21  (not shown), and wherein support cords  12  pass through upper throughholes  15  to inside  16  and from inside  16  through lower throughholes  21 , and wherein support cords  12  comprise knots  33  disposed below lower throughholes  21 . Knots  33  prevent frangible target  11  from sliding downward on support cords  12  under the influence of gravity. 
     Turning now more particularly to  FIG. 8 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31  and left edge  32 , wherein right edge  31  comprises slot  80  therein, and wherein left edge  32  comprises slot  80  therein (not shown), and wherein frangible target  11  is disposed on support cords  12 , and wherein support cords  12  are inserted into frangible target  11  by pressing sideways into slots  80 . Frangible target  11  may selectively comprise upper througholes  15  and lower throughholes  21 , wherein after insertion via slot  80 , support cords  12  pass through upper throughholes  15  to inside  16  and from inside  16  through lower throughholes  21 . Bead  34  is disposed on support cords  12  below lower throughholes  21 , wherein bead  34  is secured to support cord via any means known in the art, and wherein bead  34  retains frangible target  11  in position on support cord  12  and prevents frangible target  11  from sliding downward on support cords  12  under the influence of gravity. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that bead  34  could be replaced by a crimpable tube. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31 , left edge  32 , upper througholes  15  and lower throughholes  21 , wherein support cords  12  pass over edges  31 ,  32 , and wherein frangible target  11  is disposed on support cords  12 . Upper pegs  35  is may be selectively disposed within upper throughholes  15  and lower pegs  36  may be selectively disposed within lower throughholes  21 , wherein support cords  12  are secured to pegs  35 ,  36  by tying or looping support cords  12  over pegs  35 ,  36 , and wherein upper and lower throughholes  15 ,  21  are dimensioned to frictionally receive pegs  35 ,  36 , respectively, and wherein upper pegs  35  and/or lower pegs  36  secure support cord  12  on frangible target by pressing upper pegs  35  and/or lower pegs  36  into upper throughholes  15  and/or lower throughholes  21 , respectively. Upper pegs  35  and/or lower pegs  36  retain frangible target  11  in position on support cord  12  and prevent frangible target  11  from sliding downward on support cords  12  under the influence of gravity. Alternatively, pegs  35 ,  36  may engage support cords  12  and retain support cords  12  in contact with frangible target  11 , while pegs  35 ,  36  are frictionally retained in throughholes  15 ,  21 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 10 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31  and left edge  32 , wherein right edge  31  comprises upper throughhole  15  and lower throughhole  21 , and wherein left edge  32  comprises upper throughole  15  and lower throughhole (not shown), and wherein support cords  12  pass through upper throughholes  15  to inside  16  and from inside  16  through lower throughholes  21 , with section  37  of support cords  12  being disposed within inside  16 . Bead  34  is disposed on support cords  12  below lower throughholes  21 , wherein bead  34  is secured to support cord  12  via any means known in the art, and wherein bead  34  retains frangible target  11  in position on support cord  12  and prevents frangible target  11  from sliding downward on support cords  12  under the influence of gravity. 
     Turning now more particularly to  FIG. 11 , frangible target  11  comprises right edge  31  and left edge  32 . Support tapes  19  are secured to right edge  31  and left edge via adhesive  39 , wherein frangible target  11  is adhesively secured to support tapes  19 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , frangible target  11  comprises right side  31  and left side  32 . Support cords  12  are disposed within right side  31  and left side  32  during molding of frangible target  11 , thereby fixedly securing support cords  12  within molded sections  38 . 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 16A-16B , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-16B  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  14  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-16B , alternative frangible target suspension apparatus  300  comprises frangible targets  311  having front  316 , inside  315  and a periphery, such as sidewall  313 , wherein sidewall  313  comprises first slots  314  therein, and wherein first slots  314  are disposed over support cords  312 , and wherein when support cords  312  are pulled taught by weight of disks  311 , support cords  312  bind in first slots  314 , thereby retaining disks  311  in their selected position on support cords  312 . 
     In a further modification of the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-16B , as depicted in  FIG. 17A-17B , frangible targets  311  are secured to support cords  312  as set forth hereinabove for the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-16B . Subsequently, sleeve  200 , comprising periphery  213 , second slots  214  and inside  215  is secured over disk  311 , wherein periphery  213  is disposed proximate sidewall  313  (best shown in  FIG. 16A ), thereby locking support cords  312  within slots  214 , and retaining frangible target  311  and cover  200  on support cord  312  and preventing frangible target  311  from sliding on support cord  312 . Sleeve  200  further includes a lip or latch, such as clip  218  to keep frangible target  311  from falling out. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 2 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 2  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  14  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 2  comprises horizontal frangible target support  20 , wherein horizontal frangible target support  20  comprises frangible targets  11  and support cords  12 , and wherein support cords  12  comprise left ends  90  and right ends  95 , and wherein ends  90 ,  95  comprise loops  14 . Frame  100  comprises top rail  101 , left rail  102  and right rail  103 . Horizontal frangible target support  20  is secured in a horizontal disposition by securing loops  14  over any suitable fastener, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a plurality of hanging pegs/nails  40 , wherein the plurality of hanging pegs is selectively disposed in left rail  102  and right rail  103 , or, alternatively, disposed at opposite ends of top rail  101 . 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 3 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 3  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  14  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 3  comprises multi-strand frangible target support  30 , wherein multi-strand frangible target support  30  comprises a plurality of frangible targets  11  staggered in height and supported by left outer support cord  97 , right outer support cord  99  and inner support cords  98 , wherein each of inner support cords  98  is secured via means disclosed hereinabove alternately to right side  31  of one frangible target  11  and to left side  32  of another frangible targets disposed higher or lower than the previous frangible target  11 , wherein frangible targets  11  alternate in height between leftmost column  92  and middle column  94  and between rightmost column  93  and middle column  94 . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that middle column  94  could comprise a plurality of middle columns  94 . Left outer support cord  97  is secured via means disclosed hereinabove to left sides  32  of frangible targets  11  in leftmost column  92 , and right outer support cord  99  is secured via means disclosed hereinabove to right sides  31  of frangible targets  11  in rightmost column  93 . Multi-strand frangible target support  30  comprises a plurality of apexes  18  for support by fastening over a respective plurality of hanging pegs/nails  41  (best shown in  FIG. 14 ). Further, multi-strand frangible target support  30  is particularly suited for stacking as best depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 15 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of frangible target suspension apparatus  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 15  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  14  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 15  comprises frangible target suspension apparatus  120 , wherein frangible target suspension apparatus  120  comprises frangible targets  11  and support cord  12 , and wherein frangible targets  11  comprise inside  16 , upper throughholes  15  and lower throughholes  21 . Support cord  12  comprises apex  18  and loops  51  wherein loops  51  are disposed at bottom  121  of frangible target suspension apparatus  120 , and wherein support cord  12  secures each frangible target  11  of frangible target suspension apparatus  120  by passing through upper throughhole  15  to inside  16  and from inside  16  through lower throughhole  21 . Frangible targets  11  are retained in position on support cord  12  by weight of frangible targets  11  which pulls support cord  12  taught, binding same in throughholes  15 ,  21 . In an alternate embodiment of frangible target suspension apparatus  120 , bungee cord  52  could connect loops  51  with support cord  12 . To use, frangible target suspension apparatus  120  is placed in service by disposing apex  18  over hanging pegs/nails  41  (best shown in  FIG. 14 ). It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that apex  18  could be replaced by at least one loop  51 . 
     In a further modification of the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 17A-17B , as depicted in  FIG. 18 ,  19 ,  20 , circular ring, such as sleeve  200 , includes periphery  213 ,  217 , inner surface, such as inner wall  219 , pairs of slots, such as first and second slots  214 , clips  218 , such as upper and lower clip  218 , inside  215  the empty space of sleeve  200 , notch or cut out, such as slot  220  positioned opposite clip  218  to accommodate clip  218  when stacking two or more sleeve  200 , one on top of the other. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated frangible target  311  having sidewall  313 , with no slots  314 , is shown positioned proximate support cords  312 . Additionally, sleeve  200  is shown positioned proximate support cords  312  preferably with pairs of slots, such as first and second slots  214  facing support cords  312 . Preferably, first and second slots  214  are forward-facing to engage support cords  312  and frangible target  311  from behind. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated frangible target  311  shown positioned between support cords  312  with cords  312  positioned proximate sidewall  313  of frangible target  311 . Preferably sleeve  200  is releasably affixed, engaged, friction fit, binds, or couples thereto frangible target  311  with support cords  312  positioned therein pairs of slots, such as first and second slots  214  of sleeve  200  and having support cords  312  frictionally fit between sidewall  313  of frangible target  311  and inner wall  219  of sleeve  200 . It is contemplated herein that frangible target  311  may be positioned therein inside  215  of sleeve  200  with inner wall  219  and periphery  213  of sleeve  200  preferably disposed proximate sidewall  313  of frangible target  311  thereby locking support cords  312  within slots  214 , and releasably retaining frangible target  311  and cover  200  on support cord  312  and preventing frangible target  311  from sliding on support cord  312 . Sleeve  200  further includes clip  218 , such as upper and lower clip  218  positioned on a front edge  221  of sleeve  200 . Preferably clip  218 , such as upper and lower clip  218  are configured to releasably latch, bind, hold, or maintain frangible target  311  therein sleeve  200  and prevent frangible target  311  from falling or slipping out of sleeve  200 . Moreover, upper and lower clips  218  are preferably forward-facing to engage frangible target  311  from behind and releasably latch extending around sidewall  313  of frangible target  311 . 
     The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.