Patent Abstract:
An electronic moving target system and method, which users may aim and shoot various instruments at which can be configured to present rigid or flexible targets from a variety of different directions. The target system presents users with realistic moving targets which may be quickly and easily be replaced as needed. The moving target system is fully programmable by a user and may present a series of varying challenges to a marksman. The moving target system may include a target surface operatively connected to a control arm which is powered by a motor. The motor receives signals from a control box supplying instructions from a microcontroller.

Full Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0001]    The following relates to a user controlled target system and method, and more specifically to embodiments of a moveable target providing integration of easy to replace, inexpensive target surfaces into a fully programmable, portable, motorized target practice system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Conventional shooting targets such as paper or metal targets are typically either stationary or use centrifugal force to create motion for a short duration. Stationary targets do not accurately simulate real life scenarios in which targets are typically in motion. Additionally a stationary target is less challenging to hit. 
         [0003]    Devices which rely on centrifugal force to generate motion require the user to manually set the target in motion and the movement will typically last for a limited period of time. Targets that require the user to manually set the target in motion may not safely be implemented in facilities where multiple people are shooting because it could potentially place the user in the line of fire from other shooters. 
         [0004]    Devices which rely on metal targets present a further safety risk as projectiles can ricochet off of the target object and back towards the user or toward other individuals in the vicinity. The ricochets may be dangerous due to their unpredictability and ultimately cause injuries or may damage expensive equipment. Furthermore, the replacement of metal targets may be time consuming and involve an intricate installation or disassembly process. Metal target systems can require invasive changes to the range&#39;s infrastructure at great expense and may require extensive periods of time when individuals must refrain from actively shooting down range. 
         [0005]    Thus, a need exists for a fully programmable moveable target which also features quick installation and removal of used target surfaces, a method for moving a target in various user controlled directions from a safe distance and a method for quickly installing and removing the replaceable target systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A first aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a moving programmable target practice system comprising a target surface, a control arm capable of receiving and securing the target surface, a motor capable of changing the target surface&#39;s position; and a microcontroller capable of directing the motor&#39;s output. 
         [0007]    A second aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a method for moving a target comprising the steps of placing the microcontroller in communication with a motor, programming a microcontroller with at least one set of instructions to control the motor, connecting a control arm to the motor, attaching a target surface to the control arm and supplying a signal to the microcontroller to execute at least one of the at least one set of instructions. 
         [0008]    A third aspect of this disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for securing a target surface comprising a least one pair of intersecting grooves, wherein the at least one pair of intersecting grooves include at least one flange interlocking with the target surface. 
         [0009]    A fourth aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a method for securing a target surface to a control arm comprising interlocking a first side of a target surface with a first side of a control arm and interlocking a second side of the target surface against a second side of the control arm. 
         [0010]    A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for target practice comprising a removable target surface, a control arm and a means for securing the target surface to the control arm. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a moving target system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a moving target system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the embodiment of the moving target system of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a moving target system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  depicts a flow chart of an alternate embodiment of a moving target system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a control arm; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of the embodiment of the control arm of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4C  depicts a top view of the embodiment of the control arm of  FIG. 4A   
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a motor box; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  depicts a side view of the embodiment of the motor box of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  depicts a front view of the embodiment of the motor box of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a control arm and a motor box; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a control arm attached to a motor box 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an input mechanism; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7B  depicts a side view of the embodiment of the input mechanism of  FIG. 7A   
           [0027]      FIG. 8A  depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of the moving target system featuring an array of targets; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8B  depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of a moving target system of 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a moving target system featuring a computer as a wireless input mechanism. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10A  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a moving target system while installing a target surface. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10B  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a target attaching to a control arm. 
           [0033]      FIG. 11A  depicts a front view an alternative embodiment of a moving target system including swivel. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11B  depicts a front view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11A  including a secondary motor attached to the swivel. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11C  depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11A  including a secondary motor attached to the swivel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12A  depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11A  including a control arm attached to the secondary motor attached to the swivel. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12B  depicts a front view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11A  including a control arm attached to the secondary motor attached to the swivel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures, in some cases, show overlapping components in assembly. The overlap is illustrative of an interference fit in which the components flex or otherwise accommodate the assembly of the components. 
         [0039]    As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , which depicts a preferred embodiment of a moving target system  100 . The moving target system  100  includes a motor box or housing  101 . The motor box  101  may house and protect electrical components which may send electrical signals to the motor. The motor box  101  may be constructed out of any material sufficiently strong enough to protect the interior components of the motor box  101  including bullet proof materials such as Kevlar®, Lexan®, carbon fiber composite materials or sufficiently strong metals such as steel, iron, and titanium. The motor box  101  may store a power supply  301 , a drive circuit, power circuit and a target arm controller  303 . In one embodiment the power supply  301  may be an alkaline or lithium battery or other portable power system. In other embodiments the power system may be an AC or DC power supply, AC/DC adapter, linear power supply, a wall outlet, lithium ion or other battery types (both non-chargeable and rechargeable), switched-mode power supply, programmable power supply or even an alternative power source such as a solar panel or fuel cell. The power system is not limited to a single source but may include multiple power systems working together (i.e. wall outlet and a battery) or in the alternative, the power sources may augment each other, such as in the event of power loss from one power system  301 , a battery backup may be initiated to replace a constant supply of power such as power flowing from a wall outlet. 
         [0041]    As depicted in  FIG. 3A  the power system  301  may supply energy to the microcontroller  302  and motor  304 . The power circuit uses the power supplied from the power supply  301  to initiate the drive circuit. In one embodiment, a microcontroller  302  may be located within the power circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  302  resides on a second power circuit and draws power from the power supply  301  separately from the power circuit. The second power circuit may smooth out the flow of power from the power supply  301  and evenly distribute it to the microcontroller  302  and the motor  304 . 
         [0042]    The microcontroller  302  may be a small computer on a single integrated circuit. The microcontroller  302  may contain any or all of the following components, including but not limited to, a processor core, memory and programmable input and output peripherals. The components of a microcontroller may be integrated on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The microcontroller may be a mixed signal microcontroller capable of integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems. In one embodiment, the drive circuit may be dynamically manipulated by a microcontroller  302 . The microcontroller may achieve such manipulation by being fully programmable with instructions in any known programming language. Programming languages used to deliver instructions may include C#, C, C++, PHP, Java, Javascript, AJAX, Perl, Ruby, Python, Visual Basic, VB.net or any other known programming language. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller may be an Arduino programmed in the Arduino language based on C and/or C++. In yet another alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 9 , the microcontroller  302  may be replaced with one or more computers  901 , cellular phones, tablets or a combination thereof, capable of running programmable software and operatively capable of sending a signal to the motor box  101  to manipulate the power system  301 , the power circuit and/or drive circuit. 
         [0043]    The motor box  101  may be constructed out of a material rigid enough to protect the contents of the interior of the motor box  101  from incoming projectiles. Suitable materials for constructing the motor box  101  may include metal such as steel, iron, and titanium, wood, plastic, concrete, or bullet proof materials may be used such as Kevlar®, Lexan®, or carbon fiber composite materials. 
         [0044]    As depicted in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the motor box  101  may include an input mechanism  305 . In one embodiment the input mechanism  305  may be a button or touchscreen  102  capable of sending a signal to initiate a power supply  301  or change the operating mode of the target system  100 . In an alternative embodiment a dial  103  may be substituted for the button  102 . In the preferred embodiment a dial  103  may be used in conjunction with the button  102  to control the signal sent to the power supply  301 . For example, manipulating the dial may be one means for increasing the voltage supplied to the interior components of the motor box  101 . The increased voltage from the power supply  301  may increase the frequency of signals sent by the microcontroller to the motor  304  and thus may ultimately increase the output signal to the motor  304 . In this preferred embodiment, the button  102  may initiate the power system and the dial  103  may control operating mode variables including but not limited to motor speed, direction and timing. 
         [0045]    In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism  305  may include a wired or wireless receiver  901  receiving inputs from a wireless transmitter, controlled by an input device such as a remote control  700 . A wireless signal may be sent from a remote control  700  to the wireless receiver  902 . The remote control  700 , input mechanism  305  or wireless transmitter  902  may be dispatched using an infrared frequency or a radio frequency (RF) such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and may be received by a wired or wireless receiver&#39;s  901  equipped with a sensor. In another embodiment, the receiver may be directly connected to the input device through such means as a wire, USB cable or network cable directly plugged into the receiver  901 . The input device is not limited to handheld remote controls  700  but in alternative embodiments may also include one or more computers  901 , tablets, cellular telephones, or other device capable of sending signals to a receiver  902 . For example a smartphone may be equipped with an application or program (an “app”) which may generate a signal sent to the receiver and may be used as a controller  700 . In additional embodiments, the input mechanism  305  may include features that recognize and respond to RFID tags. The RFID tag may be attached to an individual such as the user, third party or the RFID tag may be attached to an object, such as a pre-selected weapon. In the preferred embodiment featuring the RFID control mechanism, when the RFID tagged individual or object comes within a specified distance from the input mechanism  305 , the system  900  may initiate operation. In the alternative, the RFID tag may initiate upon preselected distance or orientation of the tag in proximity to the input mechanism  305 . For example raising a firearm into a position wherein the firearm is ready to be discharged may initiate the power supply  301 . 
         [0046]    In the embodiments of target system  100 , the control mechanism  305  may also initiate one or more of numerous operating modes. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  302  may be pre-programmed with many different operating modes which may be selected by the user. Operating modes may each include custom settings. Customizable settings may include variables such as motor  304  speed, the timing for which a motor  304  will initiate the operating mode or cease functioning, the intervals at which a motor  304  will change its speed, direction or the length of the motor stroke, the angles the target will swing, the resting period between the height of the swing, the angle and speed of the target surface&#39;s  110  rotational or twisting motion or any combination of these parameters. In an alternative embodiment, the target system  100  may be adapted to include vertical (up and down) movement as well, such as along a Y-axis. A target system  100  may also include an in and out movement along an X-axis. 
         [0047]    In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  302  may be pre-programmed with two operating modes. The first operating mode may include a constant sweeping motion back and forth of the control arm  111  at a user designated speed. The second operating mode may include random movement by the target, and may include randomized variation in speed and direction of movement. 
         [0048]    In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism  305  may initiate a sequence of operating modes. The sequence of operating modes may initiate one after another or may include a rest period in between each operating mode. The rest period may be a pre-programmed time limit or may be controlled by the active user and/or third party. In yet another alternative embodiment, the microcontroller  302  may select an operating mode at random upon initiation of the power supply  301  by the input mechanism  305 . Any of the aforementioned embodiments may utilize lights, sounds or a combination thereof to signal the initiation, completion and/or change in operating mode. Embodiments of target system  100  may also utilize lights, sounds and combinations thereof during operating modes in a preset or random fashion to further disrupt concentration and enhance the training of the user. 
         [0049]    A conductive means may be used to communicate a signal from the microcontroller  302  and the drive circuit to the motor  304 . In the preferred embodiment the conductive means is a series of wires operatively connecting the drive circuit and the motor  304 . The wires may include a power, ground and signal wire. In an alternative embodiment a single power wire may be used. The wire(s) may output signals from the microcontroller  302  to the motor  304 . The wire(s) may be any length or gauge of thickness capable of transferring the electrical signals sent from the microcontroller  302 , and drive circuit to the motor  304 . In an alternative embodiment, the target system  100  may be completely wireless. Instead of using a single motor box  101 , wired or wireless connections may be used between a control box which may house the microcontroller  302 , power supply  301 , drive circuits and power circuits, and a separate motor box  101 . 
         [0050]    The motor  304  may receive electrical signals produced by the microcontroller  302  and the motor  304  may translate those electrical signal provided transferred through conductive means such as a wire, into a mechanical output. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanical output is the rotation of the motor&#39;s  304  drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the motor  304  may be a DC motor. DC motors may include servo motors, shunt motors, separately excited motors, series motors, permanent magnet DC (PMDC) and compound motors. In alternative embodiments the motor  304  may be selected from a group consisting of stepper motors, brushless DC motors, hysteresis motors, reluctance motors, universal motors induction motors and/or synchronous motors. 
         [0051]    The selection of a motor may depend on the movement desired by the control arm  111 . For example, in one embodiment, a servo motor may be used wherein the desired movement of the control arm  111  is in a pendulum motion and/or twisting motion along a pivot point. In an alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a first motor box  101  may be placed in communication with a second motor box  1230 , preferably by a conductive means such as wire  1260 . The two motor boxes  101  and  1230  are preferably equipped with servo motors and may be used together to articulate movement is both a pendulum fashion and a motion toward or away from the user. In yet another alternative embodiment a stepper motor may be used if the target system  100  is desired to be moved laterally along a fixed path. The target system  100  is not limited to a single motor or motor type; alternative embodiments may use any combination of one or more motors to achieve the desired movement or movements of the target system  100 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C depict the preferred embodiment of the motor box  101 . In the preferred embodiment, the motor box  101  may contain a splined gear  121  operatively connected to the drive shaft of the motor  304 . Upon the initiation of the drive shaft, the splined gear  121  may rotate accordingly. The splined gear  121  may contain externally facing teeth or ridges as depicted in  FIG. 5A . In this embodiment the external tooth splined gear  121  may be mated with a splined hub  122  which may be attached to or integrated with the control arm  111 , as depicted in  FIG. 2B . In the preferred embodiment of this mated connection, the control arm  111  includes an integrated splined hub  121  which may protrude from the backside of control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment, the external splined gear  121  mates with an internal teeth of the splined hub  122  by placing the splined hub  122  over the external teeth of the splined gear  121 . Once mated, the output force of the motor  304  may be transferred by the external teeth of the splined gear  121  to the internal teeth of the splined hub  122  thus providing motion to the control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment the splined gear  121  may rotate the control arm  111  clockwise or counterclockwise in any varying degree motion, including 360° of rotation or more. In an alternative embodiment, the splined hub  122  may have external radial protrusions which mate with the internal radial protrusions of the splined gear  121 . 
         [0053]    In alternative embodiments such as the one depicted in  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11B ,  FIG. 11C ,  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B , one or more interlocking splined gears  121 ,  1221  may be used in tandem or separately to rotate the control arm in a twisting motion, or toward and/or away from the user rather than an arcing pendulum motion. The twisting motion may change the angle of the target surface  110  in relation to the user. One possible way to achieve variations in target motion is by using a system of multiple motor boxes  101  and  1230  communicatively attached to one another via a conductive means such as a wire  1260 . In the preferred embodiment, a first motor box  101  may be outfitted with a swivel apparatus  1250 . The swivel apparatus  1250  may be constructed out of any solid or rigid material such as metal, plastic, rubber, metal, stiff paper any other means capable of supporting a second motor box  1230  including bulletproof material such as Kevlar®, Lexan® and carbon fiber composites. The swivel  1250  may be attached to the splined gear  121  through a screw or opposing splined hub attached to the swivel  1250 . The swivel may further include a mounting brackets  1240  for fastening the second motor box  1230 . In the preferred embodiment, the second motor box  1230  is fastened to the swivel&#39;s  1250  bracket  1240  using screws threaded through a bore  1241 . The second motor box  1230  may include a second splined gear  1221  capable of receiving a control arm  111 . 
         [0054]    In an alternative embodiment, the motor box  101  may be vertically mounted by attaching mounting hardware to a mounting bracket fixed on the motor box  101  thus securely fastening the mounting bracket to a mounting surface. Mounting hardware may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, screws, nails or any other hardware commonly known to attach brackets to a surface. The target system  100  may be mounted to a mounting surface which may include a wall, ceiling, beam, lateral cable or any other surface which may support a suspended target system  100 . The target system  100  may be mounted in any orientation and is not limited to being mounted in a vertical position. For example the target system  100  may be mounted to mounting surface perpendicular to the Earth&#39;s surface such as a pole or column. 
         [0055]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  depict the preferred embodiment  600  for attaching the control arm  111  to the motor box  101 . In this embodiment, the control  111  may include a splined hub  122  which may include a bore large enough to accommodate a connecting hardware  503 . In the preferred embodiment  600  the connecting hardware  503  may be a screw. Connecting hardware  503  is not limited to screws and alternative embodiments may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, fasteners, nails, rivets, pins, or any other hardware commonly known to fasten two materials together. In the preferred embodiment  600 , the connecting hardware passes through the splined hub  122  of control arm  111 . Connecting hardware  503  passes through the splined hub  122  and through a central portion of the splined gear  604 . Once properly tightened, the control arm  111  may be securely affixed to the motor box  101  but may still have enough freedom of movement to respond to the movements of the motor  304  transferred to the splined gear  121 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict the preferred embodiment of the control arm  111 . The control arm may be fabricated out of any rigid material including plastic, hardened rubber, wood, and metals including steel, iron, titanium and the like. The control arm may also be formed out of bulletproof material including for example, Kevlar®, Lexan®, and carbon fiber composite materials. The control arm  111  in the preferred embodiment is a single fabricated piece however; the control arm  111  may be multiple interconnected portions. The control arm  111  may include a first groove  402  capable of receiving a target surface  110 . The control arm may have as many grooves necessary for receiving a target surface  110  securely and in place within the control arm  111 . For example the control arm may have an “X” shape with a third intersecting groove bisecting the lower portion of the “X.” 
         [0057]    In the preferred embodiment the control arm  111  may include a first groove  402  and a second groove  403 . In the preferred embodiment the first and second groove may intersect perpendicularly at a right angle forming an upper case “T” shape. In alternative embodiments the grooves may intersect at various angles and form any shape desired. The intersecting grooves may further be constructed with at least one flange. In the preferred embodiment, the first groove  402  and the second groove have flanges along their edges. The control arm  111  includes a first flange  107  running along the top edge of the first groove  402 . The control arm  111  may further comprise a parallel flange  108  running along the opposite side of the first groove  402 . This embodiment may also include flanges running along the edge of the second groove  403 . In the preferred embodiment, the first intersecting flange  109  and second intersecting flange  112  may be aligned perpendicular to the flanges of the first groove  402 . In alternative embodiments, the first intersecting flange  109  and second intersecting flange  112  may be aligned at any angle incident to the first groove  402 . 
         [0058]    The Flange  107  may include a U-shaped hook or it may be perpendicular to the first groove  402 . The shape of the flange is not limited to these shapes and alternatively the flange may intersect with the first grove  402  at any angle of incidence desired to secure and fasten the target surface base  113 . The flange  107  or the parallel flange  108  may employ any of these shapes. It is not necessary that opposing flanges include the same shape, but in fact opposing flanges may include a combination of shapes. The intersecting flange  109  and  112  may also employ the shapes described pertaining to the flange  107  and parallel flange  108 . Accordingly these intersecting flanges may employ a combination of flange shapes which may be the same as or different from each other and the flange shape of the first groove  402 . 
         [0059]    Alternatively, other embodiments may incorporate other means to fasten the target surface  110 . The means for attaching the target surface  110  to the control  111  may include hooks, nuts, bolts, washers, loop fasteners, pins, nails, staples, screws, adhesives, glues or any known method of fastening one material to another. These alternative embodiments may be used separately from or in conjunction with the intersecting grooves  402  and  403  and the previously described flanges  107 ,  108 ,  109  and  112 . 
         [0060]    A target surface  110  may interconnect with the control arm  111 . The target surface  110  may be made out of any material capable of being rigid enough to maintain its shape. The target surface  110  may also be constructed out of material that is flexible, resilient, yet still may be capable of having its shape manipulated. Rigid and resilient materials may include paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, foam, or any combination thereof or any other material capable of being rigid and/or resilient to deformation, including soft or malleable metals. In the preferred embodiment, the target surface  110  is constructed out of cardboard and may be 5 to 10 inches wide, however any length or width of the target surface  110  may be used. 
         [0061]    The target surface  110  may also be customized for specific projectiles. In one embodiment customized target surfaces  110  may include a surface designed to withstand the impact of an arrow released from a bow, compound, hunting bow or crossbow. In another embodiment, a target surface  110  may be further customized for arrows and bolts by laminating the target surface and/or applying foam based material to the target surface. 
         [0062]    Other embodiments may further include designing the target surface  110  with increased or decreased thickness or with a specific material capable of withstanding the increased force of a bullet fired from handguns, shotguns or rifles. In these alternative embodiments the target neck  114  may be comprised of metal while the target surface  110  may still be comprised of cardboard or other soft yet rigid materials. Not only might the type of fire arm used be taken into consideration when fabricating the target, the target surface  110  may further be customized for durability based on the caliber of bullet fired. The target surface  110  and target neck  114  may be thicker or more rigidly constructed as the caliber size of the bullet used increases. 
         [0063]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the target surface  110  may be coated with a reflective material to reflect a laser beam. Reflective material may include reflective tape, reflective paint, reflective coatings or any other substance capable of imparting reflective properties to the target surface  110 . 
         [0064]    Target surface  110  designs are not limited to the square or rounded shapes of traditional targets. Embodiments of target surfaces  110  may be customized to represent any geometric shape, animals, humans or any other creature, real or imaginary, and any shape whether it is two-dimensional or three-dimensional. 
         [0065]    As depicted in  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B , the method for interconnecting the target surface  110  with the control arm  111  may include using the shape of the control arm  111  to bias the target surface base  113  against the structural features of the control arm  111 . In the preferred method of installation, a first side of the target surface base  113 A may be fitted or pressed against the interior side of flange  107 , preferably at about a 45 degree angle of incidence with the first groove  402 . The shape of flange  107  may hold the first side of the target surface base  113 A in place within the first groove  402 . The second side of the target surface base  113 B may be securely mated with parallel flange  108 . Similar to the first side of the target surface base  113 A, the second side of the target surface base  113 B may be fitted against the interior portion of the parallel flange  108 . The shape of the parallel flange  108  may hold the second side of the target surface base  113 B in place within the first groove  402 . In order to make the proper interconnection, the second side of the target surface base  113 B may be deformed or manipulated into position between the parallel flange  108  and the first groove  402 . Once properly in position between the parallel flange  108  and the first groove  402 , the second side of the target base  113  may be reformed back into its original shape. Upon reformation of the second side of the target base, it is preferred that the target base  113  lies securely and flush within the first groove  402 . 
         [0066]    In an alternative method of installation, the installation of the target surface  110  into first groove  402  may be conducted in the reverse order of the preferred method. Depending on the method used for inserting the target surface base  113 , a user conducting the installation and removal of the target may deform either the first side of the target surface base  113 A or the second side of the target surface base  113 B to facilitate easier installation or removal. In this alternative method of installation, the target base  113  is angled into the control arm by first mating the second side of the target base  113 B against interior portion of the parallel flange  108 . The first side of the target base  113 A may be deformed as necessary to angle the rigid yet flexible material, against the interior portion of the flange  107 . Once the first side of the target base is in position between the interior portion of the flange  107  and the first groove  402 , the first side of the target base  113  may be reformed back into its original shape. Upon reformation of the first side of the target base, it is preferred that the target base  113  lies securely and flush within the first groove  402 . 
         [0067]    In the preferred embodiment, once the target base  113  has been securely fitted into the first groove  402 , the target neck  114  may then naturally fall flatly within the second groove  403 . In this preferred embodiment, the target neck  114  may be sized to a width that fits between the first intersecting flange  109  and opposing intersecting flange  112  to provide extra stability while the target system initiates operation. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict an alternative embodiment comprising a multiple target system  800 . The multiple target system  800  may be comprised of multiple target surfaces  806  and  811  operating using an array of motor boxes  801  and  810 .  FIG. 3B  depicts a flow chart for one embodiment of the multiple target system  800 . In this preferred embodiment, the first motor box  801  may contain a microcontroller  302 , a power supply  301  and a power circuit and/or drive circuit. The first motor box  801  may also be capable of receiving a signal from the input mechanism  305 . The microcontroller  302  may control both motor A  306  housed in motor box  801  and motor B  307  housed in the second motor box  810 . The output from the microcontroller  302  may be transferred from motor box  801  to motor box  810  through conductive means or wireless transmission. The preferred conductive means are wire  804 . In an alternative embodiment, motor box  801  and  810  may include two separate and complete motor boxes acting in conjunction with each other. 
         [0069]    In the preferred embodiment of the multiple target system  800 , a microcontroller  302  may be programmed to independently control each motor  801  and  810  with separate sets of instructions, ultimately independently controlling the position of each control arm  807  and  813  independently. Accordingly, the parameters described above including speed, angle of the target surface, start and stop time, and stroke of the motor may be independent from each of the other motors  801  and  810  in the array of motors. 
         [0070]    Target surfaces  806  and  811  may be identical to each other or the target surfaces  806  and  811  may differ in shape and size from one another. In the preferred embodiment the multiple target system  800  may be suspended from the ground however one or more of the control arms  807  and  813  may be mounted to a ground surface, or a mounting surface. The multiple target system  800  is not limited merely to two target surfaces, but may include an indefinite number of targets in alternative embodiments. In these alternative embodiments the innumerable amount of targets may be controlled by either a single motor box or in an array of motor boxes as described above. 
         [0071]    The multiple target system  800  may be controlled similarly to the method described above for the single target system  100 . In the preferred embodiment of the multiple target system  800 , a master remote control  700  capable of individually controlling each motor  801  and  810  may be used. The master remote control may be capable of issuing separate commands to each motor  801  and  810  or it may issue a single set of instructions to both motors  801  and  810 . In an alternative embodiment, one or more individual remote controls may used to input separate commands to each motor  801  and  810 . 
         [0072]    In the preferred embodiment, the method for moving a target system  100  may include constructing a motor box or housing  101 . The step of constructing the motor box  101  may include fabricating the motor box  101  out of a material rigid enough to protect the contents of the interior of the motor box  101  from incoming projectiles. Suitable materials for constructing the motor box  101  may include metal such as steel, iron, and titanium, wood, plastic, concrete, or bullet proof materials may be used such as Kevlar®, Lexan®, or carbon fiber composite materials. 
         [0073]    The method for moving a target system  100  may further include assembling a series of electrical components which may send electrical signals to the motor  304  or in alternative embodiments a series of motors  306  and  307 . The motor(s)  304  may each be housed within the motor box  101  or separately from the motor box  101 . The step of assembling electrical components may include placing electrical components in communication with each other. Electrical components may include one or more power supply  301 , input mechanism  305 , microcontroller  302 , target arm controllers  308  and  309 , as well as placing electrical components in communication with mechanical devices such as motor  304 . 
         [0074]    Electrical components may be placed in communication with one another using various means. Wires of various lengths and gauges to accommodate desired voltage requirements may be used. Alternatively, electrical components may also be placed in communication with one another by using printed circuit boards (PCB) or printed wiring board (PWB) which may include electrically conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces and may be etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. In the alternative, electrical components may be soldered together in a manner that allows for the electrical signal from each component to be delivered to each other connected component. Communication is not limited to these forms but may also include other known means for distributing, storing, switching or converting electrical energy. Such alternative forms may also include or incorporate switches, relays, transformers, resistors, and semiconductors. Further alternatives for transmitting signals between electronic components may also include utilizing radio waves such as wi-fi, RFID or Bluetooth, proximity sensor, motion sensor or other infrared may also be used or other known wireless methods of communication. 
         [0075]    Electrical components may be placed in communication with one another through the use of various circuits. In the preferred embodiment a power circuit and drive circuit are used to communicate between the power supply  301 , microcontroller  302  and motor  304 . In one embodiment the step of communicating between the microcontroller  302  and the motor may include supplying power through the power circuit to the microcontroller  302  and the motor  304 . The microcontroller  302  may send voltages and signals through the drive circuit to the motor  304  thus controlling the motor output including motor speed, direction, timing and length of stroke. During the step of communicating with the microcontroller, the motor  304  may receive electrical signals produced by the microcontroller  302  and the motor  304  may translate those electrical signals provided through conductive means such as a wire, into a mechanical output. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanical output is the rotation of the motor&#39;s  304  drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the motor  304  may be a DC motor. DC motors may include servo motors, shunt motors, separately excited motors, series motors, permanent magnet DC (PMDC) and compound motors. In alternative embodiments the motor  304  may be selected from a group consisting of stepper motors, brushless DC motors, hysteresis motors, reluctance motors, universal motors induction motors and/or synchronous motors. 
         [0076]    In the preferred embodiment, communication with the microcontroller  302  may result in physical movement of the motor  304 . The step of moving the motor may depend on the type of motor  304  used. For example a servo motor may be used wherein the desired movement of the control arm  111  is in a pendulum motion and/or twisting motion along a pivot point. In an alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a first motor box  101  may be placed in communication with a second motor box  1230 , preferably by a conductive means such as wire  1260 . The two motor boxes  101  and  1230  are preferably equipped with servo motors and may be used together to articulate movement is both a pendulum fashion and a motion toward or away from the user. In yet another alternative embodiment a stepper motor may be used if the target system  100  is desired to be moved laterally along a fixed path. The target system  100  is not limited to a single motor or motor type; alternative embodiments may use any combination of one or more motors to achieve the desired movement or movements of the target system  100 . 
         [0077]    Using the preferred method, the input mechanism  305  may be placed in communication with an outside source such as a signal sent to a wireless receiver, computer, cell phone, tablet or other device capable of sending a signal to the input mechanism  305 . Alternative methods for supplying a signal may include a master remote control  700  capable of individually sending a signal to a receiver and/or multiple receivers simultaneously or in the alternative the master remote control may supply independent signals to each input mechanism. Alternatively, the outside source or signal may include manual force upon a button or dial which engages or communicates to the power supply  301  that an electrical signal may be sent to the microcontroller  302  and/or motor. In the preferred embodiment, the power supply, once initiated may supply the microcontroller  302  with electrical current or a voltage. The microcontroller  302  may also send electrical signals to the motor  304 . 
         [0078]    The preferred method of placing the microcontroller  302  in communication with the motor  304  is by electrical wires. Any number of wires, thickness, gauge or length of wire may be used which can effectively communicate with the motor to begin or cease operations of a programmed instruction. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  302  is placed in communication with the motor  304  by three wires. The wires may include a ground, a power, and a signal wire. Alternatively a single power wire may be used to initiate and communicate with the motor  304 . 
         [0079]    The method of moving a target system  100  may also include a step of affixing the target system to a surface, for example to increase stability. The motor box  101  may be vertically mounted by attaching mounting hardware to a mounting bracket fixed on the motor box  101  thus securely fastening the mounting bracket to a mounting surface. Mounting hardware may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, screws, nails or any other hardware commonly known to attach brackets to a surface. The target system  100  may be mounted to a mounting surface which may include a wall, ceiling, beam, lateral cable or any other surface which may support a suspended target system  100 . The target system  100  may be mounted in any orientation and is not limited to being mounted in a vertical position. For example the target system  100  may be mounted to mounting surface perpendicular to the Earth&#39;s surface such as a pole or column. 
         [0080]    Under the preferred method for moving a target system  100 , the microcontroller  302  may be programmable. The step of programming a microcontroller  302  may be done by pre-programming the microcontroller directly from the manufacturer or by the end-user in any known programming language including but not limited to deliver instructions may include C#, C, C++, PHP, Java, Javascript, AJAX, Perl, Ruby, Python, Visual Basic, VB.net. The step of programming the microcontroller may include generating or modifying source code and/or saving or deleting instructions to the microcontroller  302  which may provide instructions for an operating mode. The instructions may be saved directly to the microcontroller memory. Multiple sets of instructions may be saved and recalled by the user as an operating mode of the targeting system  100 . Each operating mode may include customizable settings as variables such as motor  304  speed, the timing for which a motor  304  will initiate the operating mode or cease functioning, the intervals at which a motor  304  will change its speed, direction or the length of the motor stroke, the angles the target will swing, the resting period between the height of the swing, the angle and speed of the target surface&#39;s  110  rotational or twisting motion or any combination of these parameters. The step of programming may include writing, saving, deleting, or modifying an operating mode saved to microcontroller  302 . The step of programming the microcontroller  302  may further include generating any sequence of coded instructions that can be inserted into the microcontroller  302  or any other mechanism which may replace the microcontroller such as computers, tablets, cell phones, laptops, arduinos or any other computing device. 
         [0081]    In alternative embodiments, the step of programming a microcontroller  302  may further include programming one or more computers  901 , cellular phones, tablets or a combination thereof, running programmable software and operatively capable of sending a signal to the motor box  101  which may manipulate the power system  301 , the power circuit and/or drive circuit. 
         [0082]    The method of moving a target may further include the step of connecting a control arm  111  to the motor box  101 . In the preferred embodiment, the control arm  111  may be attached to the motor box&#39;s splined gear  121 . The splined gear  121  may contain externally facing teeth or ridges. In the preferred embodiment the act of connecting may include interlocking the external tooth splined gear  121  with a splined hub  122 . In the preferred embodiment of this mated connection, the control arm  111  includes an integrated splined hub  121  which may protrude from the backside of control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment, the external splined gear  121  mates with an internal teeth of the splined hub  122  by placing the splined hub  122  over the external teeth of the splined gear  121 . Once mated, the output force of the motor  304  may be transferred by the external teeth of the splined gear  121  to the internal teeth of the splined hub  122  thus providing motion to the control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment, once connected the splined gear  121  may rotate the control arm  111  clockwise or counterclockwise in any varying degree motion, including 360° of rotation or more. In an alternative embodiment, the splined hub  122  may have external radial protrusions which are connected with the internal radial protrusions of the splined gear  121 . 
         [0083]    In alternative embodiments of the method of moving a target, the step of connecting may include interlocking one or more splined gears  121 ,  1221  which may be used in tandem or separately to rotate the control arm in a twisting motion, or toward and/or away from the user rather than an arcing pendulum motion. Alternatively, the step of connecting a control arm to a motor may include multiple motor boxes  101  and  1230  communicatively attached to one another via a conductive means such as a wire  1260 . In the preferred embodiment, the step of connecting may include a first motor box  101  outfitted with a swivel apparatus  1250  attaching to a splined gear  121  through a screw or opposing splined hub attached to the swivel  1250 . The swivel may further include a mounting bracket  1240  for fastening the second motor box  1230 . In the preferred embodiment, the step of connecting may include the second motor box  1230  being fastened to the swivel&#39;s  1250  bracket  1240  using screws threaded through a bore  1241 . The second motor box  1230  may then be attached to a second splined gear  1221  capable of receiving a control arm  111 . 
         [0084]    The preferred method of connecting the control arm to the motor box  101  may include passing through a splined hub  122  connecting hardware  503  which may include a central bore of the splined hub  122 . In the preferred embodiment  600  the connecting hardware  503  may be a screw. Connecting hardware  503  is not limited to screws and alternative embodiments may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, fasteners, nails, rivets, pins, or any other hardware commonly known to fasten two materials together. In the preferred embodiment  600 , the connecting hardware may pass through the splined hub  122  of control arm  111 . Connecting hardware  503  passes through the splined hub  122  and through a central portion of the splined gear  604 . Once properly threaded through the bore, the step of connecting may include tightening the connecting hardware affixed to the control arm  111  in order to securely affix the control arm to the motor box  101 . 
         [0085]    The method of moving a target may further include the step of attaching a target surface  110  to a control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment the method for attaching the target surface  110  includes utilizing at least one groove of the control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment the target surface may be held in place to a control arm  111  by a first groove  402  and/or a second groove  403 . In the preferred embodiment the first and second groove may intersect perpendicularly at a right angle forming an upper case “T” shape. In alternative embodiments the grooves may intersect at various angles and form any shape desired. The first and second groove may aid in attaching the target surface to the control arm providing space which may hold or secure the target surface  110 . In addition, the intersecting grooves  402  and  403  may further include at least one flange for aiding in securing the target base  113  and target surface  110  to the control arm  111 . In the preferred embodiment, the first groove  402  and the second groove have flanges along their edges. The control arm  111  may include a first flange  107  running along the top edge of the first groove  402 . The control arm  111  may further comprise a parallel flange  108  running along the opposite side of the first groove  402 . This embodiment may also include flanges running along the edge of the second groove  403 . In the preferred embodiment, the first intersecting flange  109  and second intersecting flange  112  may be aligned perpendicular to the flanges of the first groove  402 . In alternative embodiments, the first intersecting flange  109  and second intersecting flange  112  may be aligned at any angle incident to the first groove  402 . 
         [0086]    The Flange  107  may include a U-shaped hook for attaching the target base  113  to the control arm  111  or it may include a flange  107  perpendicular to the first groove  402 . The shape of the flange is not limited to these shapes and alternatively the flange may intersect with the first grove  402  at any angle of incidence desired for attaching, securing and fastening the target surface base  113 . The flange  107  or the parallel flange  108  may employ any of these shapes and may be used in combination with flange  107  to further secure or provide additional attachment points of the target surface  110  or target surface base  113 . It is not necessary that opposing flanges include the same shape, but in fact opposing flanges may include a combination of shapes. The intersecting flange  109  and  112  may also employ the shapes described pertaining to the flange  107  and parallel flange  108 . Accordingly these intersecting flanges may employ a combination of flange shapes which may be the same as or different from each other and the flange shape of the first groove  402 . 
         [0087]    Alternatively, the step of attaching the target surface  110  to the control arm  111  may include other embodiments which may incorporate other means to attach the target surface  110 . The means for attaching the target surface  110  to the control  111  may also include hooks, nuts, bolts, washers, loop fasteners, pins, nails, staples, screws, adhesives, glues or any known method of fastening one material to another. These alternative embodiments may be used separately from or in conjunction with the intersecting grooves  402  and  403  and the previously described flanges  107 ,  108 ,  109  and  112 . 
         [0088]    The method for attaching the target surface  110  to the control arm  111  may include using the shape of the control arm  111  to bias the target surface base  113  against the structural features of the control arm  111 . In the preferred method of attaching, a first side of the target surface base  113 A may be fitted or pressed against the interior side of flange  107 , preferably at about a 45 degree angle of incidence with the first groove  402 . The shape of flange  107  may hold the first side of the target surface base  113 A in place within the first groove  402 . The second side of the target surface base  113 B may be securely mated with parallel flange  108 . Similar to the first side of the target surface base  113 A, the second side of the target surface base  113 B may be fitted against the interior portion of the parallel flange  108 . The shape of the parallel flange  108  may hold the second side of the target surface base  113 B in place within the first groove  402 . In order to make the proper interconnection, the second side of the target surface base  113 B may be deformed or manipulated into position between the parallel flange  108  and the first groove  402 . Once properly in position between the parallel flange  108  and the first groove  402 , the second side of the target base  113  may be reformed back into its original shape. Upon reformation of the second side of the target base, it is preferred that the target base  113  may lie securely and flush within the first groove  402 . 
         [0089]    In an alternative method of attaching, the target surface  110  to the control arm  111 , the reverse order of the preferred method may be used. Depending on the method used for inserting the target surface base  113 , a user attaching the target may deform either the first side of the target surface base  113 A or the second side of the target surface base  113 B to facilitate easier attachment or removal. In this alternative method of installation, the target base  113  may be angled into the control arm by first mating the second side of the target base  113 B against interior portion of the parallel flange  108 . The first side of the target base  113 A may be deformed as necessary to angle the rigid yet flexible material, against the interior portion of the flange  107 . Once the first side of the target base is in position between the interior portion of the flange  107  and the first groove  402 , the first side of the target base  113  may be reformed back into its original shape. Upon reformation of the first side of the target base, it is preferred that the target base  113  lies securely and flush within the first groove  402 . 
         [0090]    In the preferred embodiment, once the target base  113  has been securely attached into the first groove  402  of the control arm  111 , the target neck  114  may then naturally fall flatly within the second groove  403 . The first intersecting flange  109  and opposing intersecting flange  112  may provide extra stability once attached while the target system initiates operation. 
         [0091]    The method for moving a target may further include a step of supplying a signal to a microcontroller wherein the microcontroller  302  executes at least one set of the programmed instructions. A signal may be supplied to the microcontroller  302  by any known means for initiating the power supply  301  or any means known to change the operating mode of the target system  100 . Such means for supplying a signal may include a button or touchscreen  102  and/or a dial  103 . In one embodiment for supplying a signal, manipulating the dial may be one means for increasing the voltage supplied to the interior components of the motor box  101 , including the microcontroller  302  which may respond to the increased voltage by executing a set of programmed instructions in accordance with the microcontroller&#39;s programming. For example the signal sent may instruct the microcontroller to increase the frequency of signals to send to the motor  304  and thus may ultimately increase the output signal to the motor  304 . In this preferred embodiment, the button  102  may initiate the power system and the dial  103  may control operating mode variables including but not limited to motor speed, direction and timing. 
         [0092]    In an alternative embodiment, the step of supplying a signal may include supplying and receiving a signal from a wireless transmitter, controlled by an input device or input mechanism such as a remote control  700 . A signal may be transmitted through a wired or wireless connection. A wireless signal may be sent from a remote control  700  to the wireless receiver  902 . The remote control  700 , input mechanism  305  or wireless transmitter  902  may be using an infrared frequency or a radio frequency (RF) such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and may be received by a wired or wireless receiver  901  which may be equipped with a sensor. In another embodiment, the receiver may be directly connected to the input device through such means as a wire, USB cable or network cable directly plugged into the receiver  901 . The input device is not limited to handheld remote controls  700  but in alternative embodiments may also include one or more computers  901 , tablets, cellular telephones, or other device capable of sending signals to a receiver  902 . For example a smartphone may be equipped with an application or program (an “app”) which may generate a signal sent to the receiver and may be used as a controller  700 . In additional embodiments, the input mechanism  305  may supply a signal using RFID tags. The RFID tag may be attached to an individual such as the user, third party or the RFID tag may be attached to an object, such as a pre-selected weapon. In the preferred embodiment featuring the RFID control mechanism, when the RFID tagged individual or object comes within a specified distance from the input mechanism  305 , the system  900  may receive a signal to initiate operation. In the alternative, the RFID tag may supply the signal once an individual or object&#39;s orientation of the tag in proximity to the input mechanism  305  is properly aligned in a programmed position that is recognized by a receiver. For example raising a firearm into a position wherein the firearm is ready to be discharged may initiate the power supply  301 . 
         [0093]    The step of supplying a signal to execute at least one instruction may include in one embodiment initiating via an input mechanism  305  one or more operating modes. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  302  may be pre-programmed with many different operating modes which may be selected by the user. Operating modes may each include custom settings. Customizable settings may include variables such as motor  304  speed, the timing for which a motor  304  will initiate the operating mode or cease functioning, the intervals at which a motor  304  will change its speed, direction or the length of the motor stroke, the angles the target will swing, the resting period between the height of the swing, the angle and speed of the target surface&#39;s  110  rotational or twisting motion or any combination of these parameters. In an alternative embodiment, the target system  100  may be adapted to include vertical (up and down) movement as well, such as along a Y-axis. A target system  100  may also include an in and out movement along an X-axis. The step of supplying a signal may include in one embodiment initiate a sequence of operating modes. The sequence of operating modes may initiate one after another or may include a rest period in between each operating mode. The rest period may be a pre-programmed time limit or may be controlled by the active user and/or third party. In yet another alternative embodiment, the microcontroller  302  may select an operating mode at random upon initiation of the power supply  301  by the input mechanism  305 . Any of the aforementioned embodiments may utilize lights, sounds or a combination thereof to signal the initiation, completion and/or change in operating mode. Embodiments of target system  100  may also utilize lights, sounds and combinations thereof during operating modes in a preset or random fashion to further disrupt concentration and enhance the training of the user. 
         [0094]    The method for moving a target may include the step of supplying a signal to execute at least one instruction for multiple targeting surfaces controlled by motors  306  and  307 . In this embodiment the first motor box  801  may contain a microcontroller  302 , a power supply  301  and a power circuit and/or drive circuit. The first motor box  801  may also be capable of receiving a signal from the input mechanism  305 . The microcontroller  302  may control both motor A  306  housed in motor box  801  and motor B  307  housed in the second motor box  810 . The output from the microcontroller  302  may be transferred from motor box  801  to motor box  810  through conductive means or wireless transmission. The preferred conductive means are wire  804 . In an alternative embodiment, motor box  801  and  810  may include two separate and complete motor boxes acting in conjunction with each other upon receiving a signal supplied by one or more input mechanisms  305 . 
         [0095]    In the preferred embodiment of the multiple target system  800 , a microcontroller  302  may be programmed to independently control each motor  801  and  810  with separate sets of instructions, ultimately independently controlling the position of each control arm  807  and  813  independently. Accordingly, the parameters described above including speed, angle of the target surface, start and stop time, and stroke of the motor may be independent from each of the other motors  801  and  810  in the array of motors.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8