Patent Publication Number: US-2010116163-A1

Title: Firearm targets and methods for manufacturing firearm targets

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is related to firearm targets and methods for manufacturing firearm targets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Military personnel, law enforcement officers, hunters, and sport shooters use firearm targets to hone their marksmanship. Target shooting enables shooters to improve their accuracy and precision at a shooting range or other controlled environment. Conventional targets include a paper substrate and a target image printed directly onto the paper substrate. The target image often includes a bull&#39;s eye with concentric rings. One drawback of conventional targets is that it is difficult for shooters to see the bullet holes from a distance. This problem is particularly acute in darker environments and with smaller caliber rounds. As a result, shooters typically walk to the target and inspect the target at close range after firing several rounds. This process is time-consuming and may disrupt a shooter&#39;s concentration and rhythm. 
     One existing approach to improve the visibility of bullet holes in targets includes forming the bull&#39;s eye of the target with a layer of detachable dark ink. When a bullet strikes the bull&#39;s eye, the dark ink layer fractures around the point of impact and the fractured portion of the layer detaches from the target. Because the detached portion of the dark ink layer is larger than the bullet hole, an adjacent surface of the paper substrate is exposed. The contrast between the surrounding dark ink and the exposed paper substrate enables a shooter to identify the point of impact. One problem with this approach, however, is that not all shots strike the bull&#39;s eye, and shots that miss the bull&#39;s eye are difficult to see. 
     Another existing approach to improve the visibility of bullet holes in targets includes covering the entire target with the layer of detachable dark ink. Although this approach improves the visibility of all shots that strike the target, these targets are disfavored by many shooters who prefer targets with a traditional bull&#39;s eye configuration. Accordingly, there is a need to improve the visibility of bullet holes in firearm targets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic front view of a target assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic side view of the target assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic front view of the target illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the target taken substantially along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic front view of a target in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic front view of a target in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Overview 
     The following disclosure describes several embodiments of firearm targets and methods for manufacturing firearm targets. In one embodiment, a target includes a substrate, a release layer on the substrate, and an ink layer on the release layer such that the release layer is positioned between the ink layer and the substrate. The ink layer at least partially defines a target image, and has a first section with a first color and a second section with a second color different than the first color. For example, the first section can be black and the second section can be orange, red, brown, or another suitable color. The target may further include a synthetic layer between the ink layer and the substrate. 
     In another embodiment, a target includes a substrate, a first ink layer covering at least part of the substrate, and a second ink layer carried by the substrate. The second ink layer includes (a) a first section having a first color and covering at least part of the first ink layer, and (b) a second section having a second color different than the first color. The second ink layer is configured so that the impact of a firearm projectile (e.g., a bullet) detaches a portion of the second ink layer from the substrate and exposes a surface of the substrate and/or the first ink layer. The first ink layer may also include a first section having a third color different than the first and second colors, and a second section having a fourth color different than the first, second, and third colors. 
     In another embodiment, a target includes a substrate and an ink layer carried by the substrate. The ink layer includes a first section having a first color and a second section having a second color different than the first color. The target is configured such that penetration of a projectile removes a portion of the ink layer and exposes a surface adjacent to the ink layer. The target may further include a release layer positioned between the ink layer and the substrate, or a release agent in the ink layer. 
     Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods for manufacturing firearm targets. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a release layer on a substrate and printing an ink layer on the release layer with the ink layer at least partially defining a target image. The ink layer includes a first section with a first color and a second section with a second color different than the first color. The method may further include (a) depositing a second ink layer between the release layer and the substrate, and/or (b) disposing an adhesive layer on the substrate opposite the release layer. 
     Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to firearm targets that are attached to a backing member with an external adhesive or fasteners, but in other embodiments the targets can have an integral adhesive layer on the back side to attach the targets to backing members. Several details describing well-known structures or processes often associated with fabricating firearm targets are not set forth in the following description for purposes of brevity and clarity. Also, several other embodiments of the invention can have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described in this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the invention may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the invention may have other embodiments without several of the elements shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-8 . Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from other items in reference to a list of at least two items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and/or other types of features and components are not precluded. 
     B. Embodiments of Target Assemblies 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic front view and  FIG. 1B  is a schematic side view of a target assembly  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The target assembly  100  includes a target stand  102 , a backing member  108  carried by the target stand  102 , and a target  110  attached to the backing member  108 . The illustrated target stand  102  includes a base  103 , a plurality of arms  105  projecting generally upward from the base  103 , and a plurality of legs  106  projecting generally downward from the base  103 . The base  103  includes a surface  104  for supporting the backing member  108 , and the arms  105  are arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the base  103 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the arms  105  in each pair are spaced apart by a gap corresponding to the thickness of the backing member  108 . The legs  106  are configured for insertion into the ground so that the target assembly  100  can be used in a field or other suitable location. In other embodiments, the target stand  102  can have a different configuration, or the target assembly  100  may not include a target stand. 
     The backing member  108  can be placed on the target stand  102  by sliding the backing member  108  between the arms  105 . The backing member  108  can be a corrugated plastic structure, a piece of paper stock, or other suitable member to which one or more targets  110  can be attached. Although the illustrated target  110  is attached to the backing member  108  with strips of tape  190 , in other embodiments the target  110  can be attached to the backing member  108  with glue, staples, nails, pins, or other suitable fastening devices. Alternatively, the back side of the target  110  can include an integral adhesive layer for attaching the target  110  to the backing member  108 . In other embodiments, the target assembly  100  may not include a backing member, or the backing member  108  can have a different configuration. 
     C. Embodiments of Targets 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic front view of the target  110  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The target  110  includes a plurality of target images  112  and a field  120  between the target images  112 . The individual target images  112  include a plurality of concentric rings  114  (identified individually as  114   a - d ), a cruciform  116  centered relative to the rings  114 , and a plurality of arcuate segments  118  positioned between adjacent rings  114  and between an inner ring  114   a  and the cruciform  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, the concentric rings  114  and the cruciform  116  have a first color, the arcuate segments  118  have a second color different than the first color, and the field  120  has a third color different than the first and second colors. For example, in several applications, the rings  114  and the cruciform  116  are fluorescent yellow, the arcuate segments  118  are black, and the field  120  is orange. In additional embodiments, however, the first, second, and/or third colors can include brown, red, white, green, and other suitable colors. In either case, the contrast between the different first, second, and third colors enables a shooter to easily identify the target image  112 . In other embodiments, such as the embodiments described below with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the target  110  can include more or less than four target images  112 , and some of the target images can have different configurations. For example, the target images may not include the concentric rings  114 , the cruciform  116 , and/or the arcuate segments  118 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the target  110  taken substantially along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . The illustrated target  110  includes a substrate  130 , a first ink layer  140  formed on the substrate  130 , a synthetic layer  150  deposited on the substrate  130  and the first ink layer  140 , a release layer  160  formed on the synthetic layer  150 , and a second ink layer  170  disposed on the release layer  160 . The substrate  130  can be an organic material such as paper or an inorganic material such as mylar. The substrate  130  may also have a different color than the rings  114  ( FIG. 2 ), the arcuate segments  118 , and/or the field  120 . For example, the substrate  130  may be white, green, red, brown, or another suitable color. The illustrated substrate  130  includes a plurality of first areas A 1  aligned with corresponding target images  112  ( FIG. 2 ) and a second area A 2  aligned with the field  120 . 
     The illustrated first ink layer  140  includes a plurality of sections  142  (only two shown and identified individually as  142   a - b ) covering corresponding first areas A 1  of the substrate  130 . As a result, the first ink layer  140  does not cover the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . In other embodiments, however, the first ink layer  140  can cover the first and second areas A 1  and A 2  of the substrate  130 . In either case, the color of the first ink layer  140  corresponds to the color of the rings  114  and the cruciform  116  because the rings  114  and the cruciform  116  are portions of the first ink layer  140  that are visible through the other layers. 
     The illustrated synthetic and release layers  150  and  160  extend across the target  110  over the first and second areas A 1  and A 2  of the substrate  130 . The synthetic and release layers  150  and  160  can be generally transparent so that the first ink layer  140  and the second area A 2  of the substrate  130  are visible through the layers  150  and  160 . The synthetic layer  150  can be made of an elastically deformable material that is configured to stretch when a projectile contacts the layer  150 . For example, the synthetic layer  150  can be composed of polypropylene, synthetic varnish, or other suitable materials. In other embodiments, a natural material such as natural resin or varnish can also be used. The release layer  160  is configured to inhibit the second ink layer  170  from adhering to the target  110  such that a portion of the second ink layer  170  freely detaches from the target  110  when a projectile (e.g., bullet) strikes the target  110 . The release layer  160  does not, however, cause the entire second ink layer  170  to detach when a projectile strikes the target  110 . Rather, the release layer  160  allows the areas of second ink layer  170  outside of the strike zone to remain adhered to the target  110  such that only the portion of the second ink layer  170  proximate to the point of impact is removed from the target  110 . 
     The synthetic and release layers  150  and  160  operate together to detach a portion of the second ink layer  170  surrounding the point at which a projectile strikes the target  110 . For example, as the projectile passes through the target  110 , the projectile stretches the synthetic layer  150 , which fractures an adjacent region the second ink layer  170 . The release layer  160  enables the fractured portion of the second ink layer  170  to detach from the target  110  and form an opening  171  ( FIG. 2 ) in the second ink layer  170 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the opening  171  is larger than a hole  132  formed by the projectile in the substrate  130  and/or the first ink layer  140 . As a result, the opening  171  exposes a section of the substrate  130  or the first ink layer  140 . 
     The illustrated second ink layer  170  includes (a) a plurality of first sections  172  aligned with corresponding first areas A 1  of the substrate  130 , and (b) a second section  178  aligned with the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . The first and second sections  172  and  178  of the second ink layer  170  define the target images  112  and the field  120 , respectfully. Specifically, the individual first sections  172  include a plurality of discrete arcuate portions  173  with external surfaces that form the arcuate segments  118  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ) of the target image  112  ( FIG. 2 ). The second section  178  surrounds the first sections  172  and has an external surface that forms the field  120  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first sections  172  are spaced apart from the second section  178  by gaps G 1 , which expose portions of the first ink layer  140 . These exposed portions of the first ink layer  140  form the outer rings  114   d  ( FIG. 2 ) of the target images  112 . Adjacent arcuate portions  173  of the individual first sections  172  are spaced apart from each other by gaps G 2 , which expose other portions of the first ink layer  140 . These exposed portions of the first ink layer  140  form the inner concentric rings  114   a - c  and the cruciform  116  of the target images  112 . In other embodiments, the first and second sections  172  and  178  of the second ink layer  170  may be spaced apart from the substrate  130  by different distances. For example, the first sections  172  can be disposed over the first and second area A 1  and A 2  of the substrate  130 , and the second section  178  can be disposed on the portion of the first section  172  over the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . 
     One feature of the target  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is that the first sections  172  of the second ink layer  170 , the second section  178  of the second ink layer  170 , and the first ink layer  140  have different colors. An advantage of this feature is that the difference in color enables a shooter to clearly differentiate between the target image  112  and the field  120 . The difference in color between the first ink layer  140  and the first sections  172  of the second ink layer  170  also provides a contrast so that the shooter can easily distinguish the different arcuate segments  118  of the target image  112 . Another advantage of this feature is that the target  110  has a traditional bull&#39;s eye configuration that is favored by some shooters. 
     Another feature of the illustrated target  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is that the synthetic and release layers  150  and  160  are positioned between the substrate  130  and the first and second sections  172  and  178  of the second ink layer  170 . As a result, when a projectile strikes one of the target images  112 , the portion of the corresponding first section  172  proximate to the impact point detaches and exposes the first ink layer  140 . Moreover, when a projectile strikes the field  120 , the portion of the second section  178  proximate to the impact point detaches and exposes the substrate  130 . An advantage of this feature is that the target  110  enables a shooter to clearly identify his shot from a distance, even if the shot misses the target images  112  and strikes the field  120 . As a result, the shooter does not need to walk to the target  110  and inspect the target  110  at close range after firing several rounds. 
     Another feature of the illustrated target  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is that the substrate  130  and the first ink layer  140  have different colors. Accordingly, if a shot strikes one of the target images  112 , one color is exposed, and if a shot misses the target images  112  but strikes the field  120 , a different color is exposed. An advantage of this feature is that the shooter can determine whether the shot struck one of the target images  112  based on the color exposed within the opening  171 . 
     D. Additional Embodiments of Targets 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target  210  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The target  210  is generally similar to the target  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, the target  210  includes a substrate  130 , a synthetic layer  250  on the substrate  130 , a release layer  160  on the synthetic layer  250 , and an ink layer  170  on the release layer  160 . The illustrated target  210 , however, does not include a second ink layer positioned between the substrate  130  and the release layer  160 . As a result, portions of the substrate  130  are exposed through (a) the gaps G 1  between the first sections  172  and the second section  178  of the ink layer  170 , and (b) the gaps G 2  between adjacent arcuate portions  173  of the individual first sections  172  of the ink layer  170 . These exposed portions of the substrate  130  form the concentric rings and the cruciform of the target image. Moreover, other portions of the substrate  130  are exposed when portions of the first or second sections  172  or  178  of the ink layer  170  detach from the target  210 . In other embodiments, the target  210  may include a second ink layer disposed between the substrate  130  and the release layer  160 . In additional embodiments, the synthetic layer may not be transparent, but rather can be colored. In these embodiments, the colored synthetic layer is exposed through the gaps G 1  and G 2  and when portions of the ink layer  170  are removed. 
     The illustrated target  210  further includes an adhesive layer  280  formed on the substrate  130  opposite the synthetic layer  250 , and a removable member  285  removably attached to the adhesive layer  280 . The adhesive layer  280  is a pressure sensitive adhesive for selectively adhering the target  210  to the backing member  108  ( FIG. 1 ) or other external surfaces. The removable member  285  can be selectively peeled or otherwise removed from the adhesive layer  280  before attaching the target  210 . In additional embodiments, the target  210  may not include the adhesive layer  280  and the removable member  285 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target  310  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated target  310  is generally similar to the target  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, the target  310  includes a substrate  130 , a first ink layer  340  on the substrate  130 , a synthetic layer  350  on the first ink layer  340 , and a second ink layer  370  on the synthetic layer  350 . The illustrated target  310 , however, does not include a release layer between the first and second ink layers  340  and  370 . Rather, the illustrated second ink layer  370  includes a release agent that inhibits the layer  370  from adhering to the target  310  so that fractured portions of the layer  370  detach from the target  310 . In other embodiments, the target  310  may include a release layer between the first and second ink layers  340  and  370 , and/or the second ink layer  370  may not include a release agent. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first ink layer  340  includes a plurality of first sections  342  aligned with corresponding first areas A 1  of the substrate  130  and a second section  344  aligned with the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . The first sections  342  have a first color, and the second section  344  has a second color different than the first color. As a result, when a projectile strikes the target image, one of the first sections  342  with the first color is exposed, and when a projectile strikes the field, the second section  344  with the second color is exposed. The shooter can accordingly determine whether his shot struck a target image based on the exposed color. In other embodiments, the first and second sections  342  and  344  can have the same color. 
     The illustrated target  310  further includes a protective layer  388  disposed over the second ink layer  370 . The protective layer  388  protects the second ink layer  370  from scratching or other damage and inhibits accidental removal of the layer  370 . In other embodiments, the target  310  may not include the protective layer  388 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a target  410  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The target  410  is generally similar to the target  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, the target  410  includes a substrate  130 , a first ink layer  140 , a synthetic layer  450 , a release layer  460 , and a second ink layer  470 . In the illustrated target  410 , however, the release layer  460  is positioned between the first ink layer  140  and the synthetic layer  450 , and the synthetic and release layers  450  and  460  are disposed on only portions of the target  410 . Specifically, the synthetic and release layers  450  and  460  are aligned with the first areas A 1  of the substrate  130  and do not cover the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . 
     The illustrated second ink layer  470  includes a plurality of first sections  472  aligned with corresponding first areas A 1  of the substrate  130  and a second section  478  aligned with the second area A 2  of the substrate  130 . The individual first sections  472  include a plurality of first arcuate portions  473   a  and a plurality of second arcuate portions  473   b  arranged concentrically with the individual second arcuate portions  473   b  positioned between adjacent pairs of first arcuate portions  473   a.  The illustrated first and second arcuate portions  473   a - b  have different colors and form the arcuate segments of the target image. The second section  478  can have the same color as either the first or the second arcuate portions  473   a - b.  Alternatively, the second section  478  can have a different color than the first and second arcuate portions  473   a - b.  In either case, because the synthetic and release layers  450  and  460  are not positioned between the second section  478  and the substrate  130 , the area around the point of impact is not expected to fracture and detach from the target  410  when a projectile strikes the second section  478  of the second ink layer  470 . 
     E. Additional Embodiments of Target Images 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic front view of a target  510  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The target  510  is generally similar to the target  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, the target  510  includes a target image  512  and a field  520  surrounding the target image  512 . The illustrated target  510 , however, includes a single target image  512  having a generally oval shape. The target image  512  includes a plurality of concentric rings  514 , a cruciform  516  centered relative to the rings  514 , a plurality of numbers  517  marking corresponding rings  514 , and a plurality of arcuate segments  518  between adjacent rings  514  and between an inner ring  514   a  and the cruciform  516 . In the illustrated embodiment, the concentric rings  514  and the cruciform  516  have a first color, the arcuate segments  518  have a second color different than the first color, and the field  520  has a third color different than the first and second colors. In other embodiments, the entire target image  512  can have a single color. In either case, the arcuate segments  518  and the field  520  are formed with an ink layer that is configured to partially detach when a projectile contacts the target  510 . In additional embodiments, the target  510  can have more than one target image, and/or the target image can have a different configuration. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic front view of a target  610  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The target  610  is generally similar to the target  510  described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . For example, the target  610  includes a target image  612  and a field  620  surrounding a portion of the target image  612 . The illustrated target image  612 , however, does not include a bull&#39;s eye, but rather has a vermin. In the illustrated embodiment, the target image  612  has a first color defining the outline and contour of the vermin&#39;s body, a second color shading one portion of the vermin&#39;s body, and a third color shading another portion of the vermin&#39;s body. The illustrated field  620  has a fourth color different than the first, second, and third colors. In several applications, only the target image  612  is formed with an ink layer configured to partially detach when a projectile contacts the target  610 . In other applications, the target image  612  and the field  620  are both formed with an ink layer configured to partially detach when a projectile contacts the target  610 . In either case, the target image  612  may include a different animal or object in other embodiments. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, many of the elements of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments in addition to or in lieu of the elements of the other embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.