Abstract:
A shooting target which will give indication of whether the shooting target has been hit and where the shooting target has been hit has a plurality of non-conductive layers. A plurality of conductive layers are provided wherein a single conductive layer is coupled between non-conductive layers. A communication module is coupled to the plurality of conductive layers for monitoring when a metallic object forms a connection between at least two of the plurality of conductive layers for indicting when and where the shooting target has been hit by the metallic object.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates to hunting and, more specifically, to a lightweight artificial shooting target. The shooting target will provide indication of whether a shot has hit the target, and if the shot hit the target, whether the shot has hit a particular zone (i.e., a kill zone).  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    Hunting has become an increasingly popular sporting activity. Like any sport, in order to become a better marksman, one has to practice. Many people practice by shooting at paper targets. The targets are generally your standard paper targets which have a plurality of different color circles. Each circle has the same center with the radius of each circle diminishing until one comes to the last circle which is called the “bull&#39;s eye.” While these paper targets do allow one to hone one&#39;s shooting skills, the targets do not provided a realistic shooting target for the hunter. Furthermore, when shooting from a far distance, it is difficult to see where a shot has hit the target.  
           [0005]    Some hunters practice by shooting at targets which are in the shape of an animal that is being hunted. For example, there are presently shooting targets which come in the shape of a deer or other animal. The problem with these types of targets are that they give no indication as to where the bullet has struck the target or if the bullet has even struck the target at all. Thus, the hunter has to look through a pair of binoculars to see where the bullet has struck the target or he must go up to the target to see where the bullet has struck. Even if the bullet has struck the target, the target will give no indication as to whether the shot would have wounded the animal or would have killed the animal.  
           [0006]    Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved shooting target. The improved shooting target will provided an audible and/or a visual indication as to whether or not a shot has hit or missed the target. The improved shooting target will further indicate whether or not a shot would have killed an intended subject or if the shot would have only wounded the subject.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved shooting target.  
           [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved shooting target that will provided an audible and/or a visual indication as to whether or not a shot has hit or missed the target.  
           [0009]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved shooting target that will further indicate whether or not a shot would have killed an intended subject or if the shot would have only wounded the subject.  
           [0010]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
         [0011]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a shooting target which will give indication of whether the shooting target has been hit and where the shooting target has been hit is disclosed. The shooting target has a plurality of nonconductive layers. A plurality of conductive layers are provided wherein a single conductive layer is coupled between non-conductive layers. A communication module is coupled to the plurality of conductive layers for monitoring when a metallic object forms a connection between at least two of the plurality of conductive layers for indicting when and where the shooting target has been hit by the metallic object.  
           [0012]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a shooting target which will give indication of whether the shooting target has been hit and where the shooting target has been hit is disclosed. The shooting target has a first nonconductive layer. A first conductive layers having a front side is coupled to a back side of the first non-conductive layer. A second non-conductive layer having a front side is coupled to a back side of the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer having a front side is coupled to a back side of the first non-conductive layer. A second non-conductive layer having a front side is coupled to a back side of the first conductive layer. A communication module is coupled to the first and second conductive layers for monitoring when a metallic object forms a connection between the first and second conductive layers for indicting when and where the shooting target has been hit by the metallic object. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shooting target of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a lower rear view of the shooting target of FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of the target communication system.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the different layers of the shooting target.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the different layers of the shooting target showing a bullet penetrating the target. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0018]    Referring to the Figures wherein like numerals and symbols represent like elements, a shooting target  10  (hereinafter target  10 ) is shown. The target  10  will provide audible and/or visual indication of whether or not the target has been hit. The target  10  will further indicate whether or not the hit would have killed an intended subject or if the shot would have just wounded the subject.  
         [0019]    The target  10  is generally made out of a plurality of different layers. The layers may be cut into any type of size or shape. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the layers are cut into the shape of the animal to be hunted. As an example, the Figures show the target  10  cut in the shape of a deer. However, this is used just as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The target  10  and the layers that comprise the target  10  may be cut into any size or shape (i.e., bull&#39;s eye target, silhouette target, etc.).  
         [0020]    The target  10  will have a first layer  12  which is generally a cover layer. The first layer  12  is generally made out of a light weight but rigid material. However, it should be noted that first layer  12  does not have to be rigid. However, a rigid material is generally preferred. The first layer  12  must further be made out of a non-conducting material. Some examples of the first layer  12  may be cardboard, thin layers of wood (for example plywood and balsa wood), Styrofoam, laminations of mylar and polyester sheets, and the like. It should be noted that these are just used as examples and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The first layer  12  is cut into the desired shape and size for the target  10 . As may be seen from the Figures, the first layer  12  is cut in the shape of a desired animal to be hunted. However, this should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The first layer  12  may be painted or colored to give the target  10  a more aesthetically pleasing look. For example, a “Bull&#39;s Eye” target may have different color rings painted on the first layer  12 . A target  10  shaped like an animal may have the first layer  12  painted to provide a more life like appearance to the target  10 .  
         [0021]    The target  10  will have a second layer  14  which is a communication layer. The second layer  14  will be used to generate a signal to indicate if the target  10  has been hit. The second layer  14  is made out of a light weight conductive material. The second layer  14  is generally made out of a thin metal mesh material similar to that of a metal screen door or window screen. The second layer  14  may also be made from mylar or the like. The above are given as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The second layer  14  is cut into the same size and shape of the first layer  12 . The second layer  14  is then coupled to the first layer  12 .  
         [0022]    The target  10  will have a third layer  16 . The third layer  16  is an insulation layer. The third layer  16  will provide insulation between the second layer  14  and the fourth layer  18 . The third layer  16  is similar to the first layer  12 . The third layer  16  is generally made out of a light weight but rigid material. However, a rigid material does not have to be used. The third layer  16  must be made out of a non-conducting material. The third layer  16  is generally made out of the same or similar material to that of the first layer  12 . The third layer  16  is cut into the same size and configuration as that of the first layer  12  and the second layer  14 . The third layer  16  is then coupled to the second layer  16 .  
         [0023]    The target  10  will have a fourth layer  18 . The fourth layer  18  will also be a communication layer. The fourth layer  18  is used in conjunction with the second layer  14  to generate a signal to indicate if the target  10  has been hit. The fourth layer  18  is made out of a light weight conductive material. The fourth layer  18  is generally made out of a thin metal mesh material similar to that of a metal screen door and/or a window screen. Mylar may also be used. Again, the above are given as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The fourth layer  18  is cut into the same size and shape of the other layers and is then coupled to the third layer  16 .  
         [0024]    The target  10  will further have a fifth layer  20 . The fifth layer  20  is another insulation layer. The fifth layer  20  will provide insulation between the fourth layer  18  and the sixth layer  22 . The fifth layer  20  is similar to the first layer  12  and the third layer  16 . The fifth layer  20  is generally made out of a light weight but rigid material. Again, a rigid material does not have to be used, however, it is generally preferred. The fifth layer  20  must be made out of a non-conducting material. The fifth layer  20  is generally made out of the same or similar material to that of the first layer  12  and the third layer  16 . The fifth layer  20  is cut into the same size and configuration as the previous layers and is then coupled to the fourth layer  18 .  
         [0025]    The target  10  will have a sixth layer  22 . The sixth layer  22  is another communication layer. The sixth layer  22  is used in conjunction with the second layer  14  and fourth layer  18  to generate a signal to indicate if the target  10  has been hit and if the hit is in a particular “zone”. The sixth layer  22  is made out of a light weight conductive material. The six layer  22  is generally made out of a thin metal mesh material similar to that of a metal screen door and/or a window screen. Mylar may also be used. Again, the above are given as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The sixth layer  22  is cut into the size and shape of the area which would represent the particular “zone” area. For example, the sixth layer  22  may be cut into the size and shape of a “Bull&#39;s Eye”. The sixth layer  22  may be also be cut into the size and shape of a kill zone of an animal. It should be noted that the above are given as examples and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The sixth layer  22  is then coupled to the fifth layer  20 .  
         [0026]    The target  10  may further have a seventh layer  24 . The seventh layer  24  would be a cover/support layer. The seventh layer  24  is generally made out of a light weight but rigid material similar to that of the first layer  12 . Again, a rigid material is generally preferred but is not required. The seventh layer  24  is generally also made out of a non-conducting material. The seventh layer  24  is generally made out of the same or similar material to that of the first layer  12 , third layer  16 , and fifth layer  20 . The seventh layer  24  is cut into the same size and configuration as the first layer  12  and is then coupled to the fifth layer  20  and the sixth layer  22 .  
         [0027]    The target  10  is generally coupled to a stand  26 . The stand  26  will allow the target  10  to be self supporting so that the target  10  can be placed in an upright position. The stand  26  may be made in any manner. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the stand  26  has an “H” support  28  as a bottom member. The “H” support has two members  29  which arise from the “H” support and are coupled to the target  10 . A rock or other heavy object may be placed on the “H” support to provided additional support and to prevent the target from being blown over by a shot or the elements.  
         [0028]    The target  10  is coupled to a communication box  30 . When the bullet  31  penetrates the target  10 , the metal bullet  31  becomes a contact switch as the metal bullet  31  briefly and simultaneously comes into contact with two or more of the metal communication layers. When the metal bullet  31  comes into contact with two or more of the metal communication layers, a signal will be sent to the communication box  30 . If a bullet  31  does not come into contact with any of the communication layers, then no signal is sent to the communication box  30 . If the bullet  31  penetrates the target  10  and comes into contact with the second layer  14  and the fourth layer  18 , a signal is sent to the communication box  30 . The communication box  30  will then indicate that the target  10  has been hit and that the hit has a particular “zone” area. If the bullet  31  comes into contact with the second layer  14 , the fourth layer  18 , and the sixth layer  22 , a different signal is sent to the communication box  30 . The communication box  30  will then indicate that the shot has penetrated the “kill” zone of the target  10 .  
         [0029]    The communication box  30  may communicate the shot information in a plurality of different manners. The information may be given in a visual and/or audible manner. For example, the communication box  30  may be coupled to a visual signaling system. The visual signaling system may have different color lights to indicate the shot status. The communication box  30  will generate different signals based on the shot. If the target  10  is not hit, then the communication box  30  will not send a signal. If the bullet  31  penetrates the target  10  and comes into contact with the second layer  14  and the fourth layer  18 , a first signal is sent to the communication box  30 . The communication box  30  will then send a signal to the visual signaling system. The visual signaling system will illuminate a first light to indicate that the target  10  has been hit and that the hit has entered a particular “zone” of the target  10 . If the bullet  31  comes into contact with the second layer  14 , the fourth layer  18 , and the sixth layer  22 , a different signal is sent to the communication box  30 . The communication box  30  will then send another signal to the visual signaling system. The visual signaling system will then illuminate a second light to indicate that the shot has penetrated the “kill” zone of the target  10 .  
         [0030]    In a similar manner, the communication box  30  may be coupled to an audible indication system. The audible indication system will receive signals from the communication box  30 . The audible indication system will then send out an audible signal indicating whether the shot wounded the animal or if the shot hit the “kill” zone on the target  10 .  
         [0031]    The visual signaling system and the audible indication system may be positioned near the target  10 . However, this may create problems due to the distance between the target  10  and the person shooting. Thus, the communication box  30  may have a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter would be able to send different signals to a receiver located near the shooter. The receiver would then be coupled to the visual signaling system and/or the audible indication system to provided the shot information to the shooter.  
         [0032]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.