Patent Abstract:
The method of competitive marksmanship includes the steps of providing a first shooter with a first designated target system having a first target composition, the composition including various graphic elements. Respective selectable rule-based values are, in accordance with rules, assigned for respective graphic elements of the first target composition. A second shooter is provided with a second designated target system, the system having a second target composition, visually different from the first composition, and the target composition also including various graphic elements. Each respective graphic element of the second target composition is then assigned a rule-based respective value. As the game progresses, and in accordance with variations of the game, there is calculated a progressive accumulation of values resultant of a successful scoring of hits upon elements of the target composition of each shooter&#39;s respective designated target system, until a winner is declared.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a novel method of competitive marksmanship and, preferably, simulated combat marksmanship. An aspect of the present novel method of marksmanship lies in its use of novel types of targets, elements therein and novel rules for the use of the targets. 
         [0002]    Historically, shooting targets have always been identical for each competitor as, for example, is shown in  FIG. 1 , labeled “Prior Art.” 
         [0003]    Further, within the art of targets, numerous forms and types of single competitor targets, or like targets for use by multiple competitors, are known in the art. These for example are reflected in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,470 (2001) to Miller, entitled Precise Aim Sighting Target; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,181 (2007) to Bateman, entitled Portable Shooting Target. 
         [0004]    Also known in the art are targets of numerous different individual appearances as, for example, may be seen in The Glock FAQ target gallery website glockfaq.com/targets.htm. Therein are shown dozens of targets having almost every conceivable appearance and image thereupon. Various targets of other forms may be seen at www.lyndenhuggins.com/Hunting/Targets, www.tjtarget.com and site for “My Real Picture Targets” in which the targets consist of photographs of typical hunted animals, such as rabbits, deer and elk 
         [0005]    There, as well, exist many dozens of United States design patents directed to the ornamental appearance of marksmanship targets. Some of these, for example, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 392,687 (1998) to Wilson, entitled Target Game and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 381,732 (1997) to Tenor, entitled Indicia for a Target are directed to a design portion of a target game, the rules of which however are not disclosed in said design patents. The same is similarly in the case in several other design patents, that is, the rules or protocols associated with a given ornamental target are not disclosed in any fashion in the design patent itself. 
         [0006]    There also exists in the art psychedelic targets, as are reflected in U.S. Design Pat. No. 269,631 (1983) to Dulude, entitled Gun Target, again without any rules or protocol associated therewith. There also exists in the art actual battlefield or combat training target as is reflected in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,265 (1994) to Prevou, entitled Battlefield Reference Marking System Signal Device. 
         [0007]    Finally, there is shown in the prior art a system which simulates a complete hunting environment, that is, a virtual hunting range within an environment projected onto a hemispherical enclosure of the system. See United States Patent Application Publication US 2007/0015116 (2007) to Coleman, entitled Method of and Apparatus for Virtual Shooting Practice. The concept of a target projected by cinematic means has been known in the art since 1935, as is reflected in United Kingdom Patent No. 459,313 (1935) to Chollat, entitled Shooting Target with Cinematographic or Animated Pictures. 
         [0008]    The concept of mechanically moveable or physically variable targets is also known as is reflected in published German Patent Specification DE 195 43 492 A1 (1997) to Stechemesser. 
         [0009]    In distinction, the instant invention differs from those targets and target systems, above described, not only in its differences of appearance but, more particularly, in the manner and concept of use thereof. The invention also differs from all art of record in that it provides a unique platform for competitive marksmanship between two or more competitors of a type unlike that heretofore known in the art. 
         [0010]    Yet further, the platform of a present game, as described below, is one having a potential for numerous variations thereof, as may suit the needs and preferences of particular competitors. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention relates to a method of competitive marksmanship relative to specific target types, as is more fully set forth below. The method includes the steps of providing a first shooter with a first designated target system having a first target composition, the composition comprising a plurality of graphic elements. Therein, respective selectable rule-based values are, in accordance with rules, assigned for respective graphic elements of the first target composition. Thereafter, a second shooter is provided with a second designated target system, said system having a second target composition, visually different from said first composition, and said target composition also comprising a plurality of graphic elements. Thereafter, each respective graphic element of said second target composition is assigned a rule-based respective value. As the game progresses, and in accordance with variations of the game, there is calculated a progressive accumulation of values resultant of a successful scoring of hits upon elements of said target composition of each shooter&#39;s respective designated target system, until a winner is declared. 
         [0012]    In broad concept, there exist three categories of targets, namely, full Force targets, split targets in which the players share the same firing lane or position, and mixed targets, also used when players share the same firing position or lane. In each of these three such categories, there exists in turn three bases upon which the competitive marksmanship may proceed, namely, unlimited time rules and slot limited time rules, and limited shot rules. 
         [0013]    As may be more fully appreciated with respect to the following, the inventive method of competitive marksmanship has as object the provision of completely new and different kind of competitive shooting, namely, one in which each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target. 
         [0014]    It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of marksmanship in which, within the context of shooting by each competitor at a dissimilar target, there exist a multiplicity of combinations and sub-combinations of target selection and therein distinct rules of time and shot selection. Each option thereof is yet subject to numerous refinements in order to add interest to the shooting experience and competitive stimulation thereof. 
         [0015]    The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims appended herewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the prior art method of competitive marksmanship in which two competitors are shooting at separate like targets. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram showing the basic target and rule variations applicable to the present method, as well as the variations which are available within each target/rule sub-rule. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are examples showing the use of dissimilar targets comprising different elements within the target composition of each respective competitor. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a target in accordance with the present invention showing the split field type target. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a view of the target used with the present method, employing so-called mixed targets. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  corresponds to  FIG. 3A  in which however a graphic expression of the elements of the first target composition of the first designated target system of the first shooter is shown. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  corresponds to  FIG. 3B  in which however a graphic expression of the elements of the second target composition comprising the second designated target system used by the second shooter is shown, 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  corresponds to  FIG. 4  in that it shows a graphic expression of a target of the split target type. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  corresponds to the schematic of  FIG. 5  however showing a graphic expression of the respective elements of each of the respective target compositions and elements of a mixed target system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 1  (Prior Art), there is shown a representative shooting and target format for competitive marksmanship as it is generally known in the art. Therein, as may be noted, each competitor, noted in  FIG. 1  as Competitor  1  and Competitor  2  shoots at identical targets  10  and  12  having thereon identical graphics  14  which, in the classical type of target, is simply that of a series of concentric circles, although enumerable other target configurations are known, as is set forth in the Background of the Invention. Therein, competitors fire a given number of shots and the shooter having the most closest to the center of their respective targets thereby score the highest number of points and win the competition. 
         [0026]    In the instant inventive method, there is offered an entirely new and different format of competitive marksmanship in which, at essence, each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target. As such, the experience of competitive shooting may be expressed not only with traditional guns, pistols, rifles or arrows but, alternatively, in electronic form or in a children&#39;s analog in which non-lethal bullets are used in the shooting device. Paramount in the instant method is that each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target and that each dissimilar target is defined by a particular target composition comprising a multiplicity of graphic elements that provide to the target composition in distinctive character or connotation. 
         [0027]    An overview of the rules which govern the method of competitive marksmanship, also termed herein the “rules of engagement,” begin (see  FIG. 2 ) with a target type selection, that is, a selection between three different types of respectively dissimilar targets. In the so-called full Force target selection, each competitor is provided with an entirely separate target  16  and  18  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ), thereby completely isolating Force elements  20  of Force A from Force elements  30  of Force B that appear in target  18  (also target B). Simply stated, competitor one will shoot at target N 16  while competitor two will shoot at target B/ 18 . Therein, all of the shown elements  20  will, as a group, comprise a first target composition  24  of a first designated target system  16 . Similarly, a second shooter (competitor  2 ) is provided with a second designated target B/ 18  having a second target composition  26  and therein a multiplicity of graphics which are common in theme or connotation with all other graphic elements  30  (Force B) of target B/ 18 . The same is conversely true with target A. Elements  30  will exhibit an opposite or opposing connotation of these of elements  20 . This form of practice of the inventive method is reflected in the left hand one third of the flow diagram of  FIG. 2 . It is to be appreciated that elements  20  are expressed as a plurality thereof, namely, elements  20 . 1  to  20 . 5 . The same is true of elements  30 , shown as elements  30 . 1  to  30 . 5 . 
         [0028]    In the next general mode in which the inventive method may be practiced, there are provided so-called split targets  100  and  102  (see  FIG. 4 ) upon a single physical target  104  which is used when the respective shooters or competitors wish to share the same firing position or lane. However, within the respective upper and lower portions  100  and  102  of the split target  104  are provided the same respective designated target systems, namely, first designated target system  116  and second designated target system  118  as are correspondingly employed in the separate so-called individual full Force targets shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Similarly, within each respective split target  100  and  102  is shown a similar or comparable first target composition  124  and second target composition  126 . Therein, in similar to that fashion above described with respect to separate targets A and B shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively are a multiplicity of graphic elements  120  of first target composition  124  of split target  104  and second graphic elements, visually different from those first composition  124 . These would take the form of elements  130 , which, in aggregate, correspond to Force B, related in subject matter or connotation to that of Force B elements  30  of target composition  26  target B/ 18  shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0029]    In summary, split targets  100  and  102 , which, in combination, comprises physical target  104 , each exhibiting a correspondence, but typically having fewer elements therein, to Force A/element  20  of  FIG. 3A  and Force B/elements  30  of target B, above described, of  FIG. 3B . 
         [0030]    The instant method of competitive marksmanship may be executed in a yet further physical format, namely, that of so-called mixed target  200  (see  FIG. 5 ). Therein, as is the case in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , all Force A elements are indicated by a square and all Force B elements by a circle or oval, Force A elements being denoted by reference numerals  220  in  FIG. 4 , and Force B elements by reference numerals  230  in  FIG. 5 . Accordingly, as may be appreciated with regard to said figure, graphic elements  220 . 1  to  220 . 6  and  230 . 1  to  230 . 6 , of the respective Forces are mixed, or interspersed with each other in the mixed target  200  of the invention. Therein, the first and second target compositions  224  and  226  are intermixed although the elements  220  and  230  thereof retain their particular opposing appearance or identity. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , there is shown the appearance, in graphic expression, of target A of Competitor  1  in  FIG. 3A . Therein, the graphic expression of Force A element  20 . 1  is shown as a Zero aircraft of design element  20 A. 1 . The target N 16  Force A element  20 . 2  is expressed as elements  20 A. 2  which is a rendering of a Kate aircraft. The same correspondence proceeds throughout  FIG. 6 , that is, target A/ 16  design element  20 A. 3  comprising a graphic expression of element  20 . 3  of Force A; design element  20 A. 4  comprising a design element expression of Force A element  20 . 4 , the aircraft carrier element  28 A. 5  in  FIG. 6  comprising a graphic expression of element  20 . 5  of Force A of target N 16 , and the aircraft carrier  20 A. 6  of  FIG. 6  comprising a graphic element corresponding to Force A element  20 . 6  of target A/ 16 . 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 6  is shown a similar correspondence relative to the conceptual view of  FIG. 3B  showing target  6 / 18 . That is, graphic element  30 A. 1  of Fig. B corresponds to element  30 . 1  of  FIG. 3B ;  30 A. 2  to element  30 . 2 ;  30 A. 3  to element  30 . 3 ;  30 A. 4  to element  30 . 4 ;  30 A. 5  to element  30 . 5 , and  30 . 6  to aircraft carrier  30 A. 6  of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0033]    With respect to the split target protocol  104  shown in  FIG. 4  and described above, the graphic expression thereof is shown in  FIG. 8  as a single target  104 A. Therein the upper field  100 A of split target of  FIG. 8  is seen to represent a graphic expression of the conceptual target  100  shown in  FIG. 4 . More particularly, element  120 . 1  is expressed in target  100 A as a Sherman tank  120 A. 1 ; element  120 . 2  of target  100  is expressed as personnel and machine gun carrier  120 A. 2  in target  100 A of  FIG. 8 . The same form of graphic expression corresponds throughout target  100 A, that is, element  120 . 3  of  FIG. 4  corresponding to graphic element  120 A. 3 ; element  120 . 4  corresponding to the tank of element  120 A. 4  of  FIG. 4 ; element  120 . 5  corresponding to the Sheffield tank of element  120 A. 5 ; and element  120 . 6  of  FIG. 4  corresponding to element  120 A. 6  expressed as artillery piece on target  100 A of  FIG. 8 . 
         [0034]    As may be noted, lower field composition  118  of lower target  102  corresponds to the lower target  102 A shown in  FIG. 8  in which each of the graphic elements thereof represents graphic expressions of the elements  130  of Force B shown in  FIG. 4 . Therein, element  130 . 1  corresponds to the Mark 4 Panzer tank of element  130 A. 1 ; element  130 . 2  corresponds to the armored personnel half track of element  130 A. 2  of  FIG. 8 ; element  130 . 3  corresponds to the armored personnel carrier and mobile machine gun of element  130 A. 3 ; element  130 . 4  of target field  118  of target B of  FIG. 4  is expressed as element  130 A. 4  upon target  102 A of  FIG. 8 ; element  130 . 5  is expressed as element  130 A. 5 ; and element  130 . 6  is expressed as element as  130 A. 6  on lower target  102 A of split target  104 A in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0035]    With reference to the mixed target embodiment of the present invention, the graphic expression of the mixed target, target  200 , of  FIG. 4  is shown as target  200 A in  FIG. 9 . Therein it may be appreciated that, within the interdispersal of Force A elements with Force B elements upon field  224  (field  224 A in  FIG. 9 ) is a mix of the forces of the respective shooters. In  FIG. 9 , aircraft of World War II vintage Royal Air Force are shown interspersed between “enemy” German aircraft of the same period. All Force A elements begin with the digits  220  while all element of the opposing Force begin with the digits  230 . Therefrom, it may be seen that Force A element  220 . 1  of  FIG. 4  is expressed as Force A element  220 A. 1  in  FIG. 9 ; Force A element  220 . 2  is expressed as element  220 A. 2 ; Force A element  220 . 3  as element  220 A. 3 ; and Force A element  220 . 5  as Force A element  220 A. 5  in  FIG. 9 . Correspondingly, with respect to Force B, element  230 . 1 . of  FIG. 4  as expressed as Force B element  230 A. 1  in  FIG. 9 ; element  230 . 2  as element  230 A. 2 ; element  230 . 3  as element  230 A. 3 ; element  230 . 4  of  FIG. 4  is element  230 A. 4  of  FIG. 9 ; element  230 . 5  as element  230 A. 5 , and element  230 . 6  as element  230 A. 6  of  FIG. 9 . Therein, opposing “allied” and “enemy” forces, that is, Forces A and B are shown interspaced with each other in the target  200 A of  FIG. 9  at which both competitors/shooters attempt to score in accordance with the rules of engagement set forth herein. 
         [0036]    With reference to the flow chart of  FIG. 2 , there is shown the above set forth methods of target selection, namely, full Force ( FIGS. 3A  and B), split target ( FIG. 4 ), and mixed target ( FIG. 5 ). However, with respect to further terms, conditions or limitations with which each of said forms of target may be employed, these areas relate to the basic rules of engagement, i.e., unlimited time for shooting, shooting within a limited time, and limited shot rules. As noted in  FIG. 2 , these are defined as follows: 
         [0037]    Unlimited time: each side fires at respective targets, whether at the full Force, split, or mixed type, until one side eliminates all of the targets in a designated target system. 
         [0038]    Limited time: a predetermined total amount of time, as stipulated, within which each shooter is permitted to attempt to score. Within that limited time, each shooter is permitted an unlimited number of shots at his designated target system, namely, Force A or Force B. 
         [0039]    Limited shot rules: each shooter/player is permitted a pre-determined number of shots at his selected first or second target composition. 
         [0040]    Within any of the above nine target/rule selections, shown in  FIG. 2 , various additional limitations or rules may be agreed upon by the parties in each of the target/variations, these as follows: 
         [0041]    1. Kill ratio basis of scoring. In either of the ‘limited’ versions of the game, at the end of the game, scores are determined by adding the “kill ratios” of all individual components of a “force” that has been completely eliminated. For example, if there five are individual elements  20 / 30 , each with a “kill ratio” of 3, and they have each been hit three times, they would represent a score of 15. However, if one of those components had only been hit twice, that element would not score any points. 
         [0042]    2. Qualifying shots. Contestants determine what constitutes a ‘hit’ on target, for example, whether flags, masts and/or antennae on ships constitute a hit (see Handicapping below). 
         [0043]    3. Target order/Contestants may determine the order in which the targets are to be engaged, for example, all fighter aircraft must be eliminated before bombers may be targeted. Other forms of “Target Order” may be: order of target value (i.e., targets are to be destroyed in ascending/descending order or value), or row order (i.e., front rank first, and the like). 
         [0044]    4. Target elimination. Contestants may determine that once a target with a “kill ratio” of two or more has been hit once, then that target must be completely, eliminated before any other target may be acquired. 
         [0045]    5. Order of firing. Contestants may decide, particularly when sharing a firing position, to alternate either single or a specified number of shots, or elect an independent ‘fire at will.’ 
         [0046]    6. Penalties for infraction: A penalty may be applied to any infraction of the agreed upon “rules of engagement.” Examples of infractions may include: exceeding the time allowed (if applied to the limited time variant of the game), exceeding the agreed number of shots (if applying the limited shot version of the game), requiring eliminating individual components of Force A or B before acquiring another element of the target composition, and hitting elements out-of-order. Such penalties are of course agreed upon before the commencement of the game and, penalties for such infraction may include the following: 
         [0047]    1. Point reduction: a competitor&#39;s score may be reduced if one of the agreed rules of engagement are breached. 
         [0048]    2. Shot deduction: if playing the limited shot version of the game, infractions may call for a reduction of total number of shots allowed. 
         [0049]    3. Time deduction: if using the limited time variant of the game, points may be deducted for a time infraction or, in the case of individual time shots, the player&#39;s next shot time allocation may be reduced. 
         [0050]    4. Handicapping: Handicapping may be applied either as another form of penalty, or as a means of, equalizing any unfair advantage due to differing skill levels or experience. Handicapping may include: 
         [0051]    “Kill Ratios”—Higher “kill ratios” may be applied to one player/team to equalize skill levels or as a penalty. When using any of the scoring versions of the game, then the original score value of each component will apply to both sides, irrespective of the number of hits required for that component to be eligible to score. 
         [0052]    “Target Zones”—Specific target zones may be applied to individual components to make it more difficult to eliminate/score. For example, it may be determined that for one player/team, only shots to aircraft from the cockpit to the propeller—or only shots on ships above the hull—or only shots to tanks above the tracks—constitute a hit. 
         [0053]    “Target Range”—Particularly with “Full Force” targets, distance to target is adjusted to allow for differences in skill levels. 
         [0054]    While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5