Abstract:
A turn-swing target adapter allows increased flexibility in moving and controlling a target for use in shooting ranges and ballistic training areas. In particular, the adapter allows an operator to rotate the target, swing the target forwards and backwards, or any combination thereof. The adapter allows for convenient mounting to a separate base or to an existing target mounting system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/670,303, filed Apr. 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. The Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a device used for targets for shooting and ballistic training. More specifically, the present invention relates to a turn-swing target adapter for moving a target during a shooting or ballistic training exercise.  
         [0004]     2. State of the Art  
         [0005]     In conducting shooting exercises or ballistic training it is often desirable to move the target. Moving targets can increase the challenge presented to the shooter as he or she must aim accurately at the target and track its movement.  
         [0006]     Likewise, a target can be moved between a position where the target is not presented to the shooter (i.e. extending generally parallel to the line of fire) and a position where the target is presented to the shooter (i.e. generally perpendicular to the line of fire). The sudden presenting and withdrawing of the target tests the shooter&#39;s reaction time and may simulate the appearance of a sudden threat.  
         [0007]     The movement not only increases the shooter&#39;s skills generally, but may be made to simulate various scenarios which increase the shooter&#39;s specific skills. For example, the target may be made to resemble an animal and to move like an animal which is standing up or otherwise moving. Alternatively, the target may be made to represent a person, such as an armed criminal, and made to move similar to a person exiting a door, popping up from behind something, etc. It will be appreciated that the target may be made to represent many different objects and scenarios. It is thus desirable to have increased flexibility in moving a particular target. It is often desirable to have multiple directions of movement, and to be able to thus vary the movement of a particular target.  
         [0008]     In addition to providing valuable training, a movable target system often increases the enjoyment of the shooters. Individual shooters often grow tired of shooting at stationary targets, especially as this skill is mastered. Thus, a moving target system provides new challenges which are more difficult to master, and provides increased incentive and enjoyment for continued shooting.  
         [0009]     While movement in one direction is an improvement over a stationary target, targets which move only in one direction are often somewhat predictable. These targets offer less of a challenge to a shooter than a target which moves in multiple directions.  
         [0010]     While movable target mounts are available, target mounts or systems with movement in multiple directions, i.e. multiple types of movement, are often quite costly. These mounts are also typically not portable, and as such can not be taken to different areas. These target systems are thus not well suited for purchase by individuals. Available target mounts which are portable and relatively inexpensive are typically limited in the ways that they may be made to move. Many movable targets will only move in one direction, such as turning or swinging forwards and backwards. Many individual shooters, however, desire a target mount which is capable of moving the target in a way which is not easily predictable, and which is also portable and relatively inexpensive.  
         [0011]     There is thus a need for a target mount or target adapter which is both portable and relatively inexpensive, and which allows a shooter to move the target in multiple directions to provide the desired shooting enjoyment and complexity.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved turn-swing target adapter for shooting and ballistic training. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a target adapter which is relatively inexpensive, portable, and easy to operate.  
         [0013]     According to some aspects of the present invention, a target adapter is provided which allows a user to move a target in a variety of directions. A target adapter is provided with multiple pivot points such that a user may turn a target back and forth, swing a target side to side, or any combination thereof.  
         [0014]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a target adapter is provided which is portable. The adapter may be made so as to be compact and relatively lightweight, allowing a user to take the target adapter to a variety of locations for use.  
         [0015]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a target adapter is provided which is both durable and relatively inexpensive. The target adapter may be made from steel plate which is formed and welded as needed to create the adapter. The adapter is thus resilient to the impacts and associated shock and vibrations which are associated with target shooting. Additionally, the adapter is relatively inexpensive as it does not require expensive machining or expensive parts, such as motors or electronic parts. The target adapter is typically operated by levers which may be connected to strings or cables. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a target adapter according to aspects of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIGS. 2   a - 2   b  show top and side views of a base portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1 , and according to the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the body and base portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the body and base portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of a target mount portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of a target mount portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of another target mount portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of another target mount portion of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  shows another perspective view of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention. 
     
    
       [0026]     It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The various embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]     The drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.  
         [0028]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a turn-swing target adapter according to the present invention is shown. The adapter, indicated generally at  10 , is formed from a base  14 , a body  18 , and a target mount  22 . The body  18  may be pivoted about a horizontal axis by lever  26  to thereby pivot target  30 . A spring  34  is typically attached to the base  14  and body  18  and used to bias the target into a predetermined pivotal orientation. Depending on how the target adapter  10  is oriented to the user, the adapter  10  may be made to present the target  30  to the user and turn away from the user when the lever  26  is moved, or as is more common, remain with the target  30  turned away from the user and present the target  30  to the user when the lever  26  is moved.  
         [0029]     The target mount  22  may be swung from vertical as shown to the right by moving lever  38 . Spring  42  is attached to the target mount  22  via arm  46  and to the base  14  to bias the target  30  upright as shown. Typically, levers  26 ,  38  are moved by cords or cables (not shown) which are attached to holes  50 ,  54 . The cables may extend along the ground towards the shooter, or may extend sideways or away from the user, pass through a pulley, eyelet, etc. to change the direction of the cable and direct the cable towards the user, to a shooting range operating location, or any location that is desired. The target adapter  10  may also be provided with a deflection plate  58  to prevent bullets from hitting the pivoting or bending mechanism of the target adapter  10 . The deflection plate  58  may be made from angle steel as shown so that a bullet is not deflected towards a shooter. Additionally, semicircular or even flat pieces of steel work as deflection plates. Various deflection plates may be mounted to the target adapter  10  as is necessary to prevent damage to the various parts of the adapter  10 .  
         [0030]     Turning now to  FIG. 2   a,  a side view of the target adapter base of the adapter of  FIG. 1  is shown. The base  62  is attached to a vertical pivot member  66  which forms a pivot for the body of the target adapter (not shown). The base  62  is shown with holes  70  which may be used to attach the base to legs or to an existing stand (not shown) and thereby stabilize the adapter for use. The base may also be formed with a stop  74  which can be used to limit the rotation of the body of the target adapter. The base is also formed with a mounting location for a spring. For the embodiment shown, the flange  78  and hole  82  are used to mount the spring (not shown).  
         [0031]     Turning to  FIG. 2   b,  a top view of the base of  FIG. 2   a  is shown. Of particular interest, the flange  78  and hole  82  are more clearly shown. It will be appreciated that while the pivot member  66  is shown as a cylindrical rod, a square pivot member will also work, as the body will typically have a round hole or tube which is placed over the pivot  66  to form a hinge. The stop  74  may also be replaced with a larger flange, and may be provided with an adjustable bolt which contacts a flange on the adapter body to limit rotation of the body and allow the amount of rotation to be adjusted.  
         [0032]     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a top view of a target adapter body  86  of the adapter of  FIG. 1  is shown. The body  86  is shown mounted on the base  62  of  FIG. 2 . The body  86  is formed with a plate  90  which has a pivot hole, indicated at  94 . The plate  90  is attached to a tube  98 , the bore of the tube being aligned with the hole  94  and placed over pivot  66  forming a hinge. The plate  90  has an arm  102  and hole  106  for attaching a spring  110  to the base  62  at hole  82 . The spring  110  urges the plate  90  to rotate in a clockwise direction. The plate  90  is also formed with lever  114  and hole  118  to which a cord or cable may be attached. The cord would be used to rotate the plate  90  in a counterclockwise direction and thereby rotate the target. Plate  90  is also formed with a semicircular section  122 . Section  122  is formed with a semicircular slot indicated at  126 . Slot  126  fits over stop  74  and is used to limit the rotation of the adapter body  86 . As shown, the slot allows the adapter body  86  to rotate within a 90 degree range relative to the base  62 . It will be appreciated that the slot  126  may be formed in a variety of sizes so as to allow for different amounts of rotation of the adapter body  86 . However, 90 degrees is a preferred amount of rotation as it allows a target to be rotated such that it is fully presented to or directly sideways to a user. The edge of plate section  122  has a hole  130  formed therein. The hole  130  is used to mount another spring which connects the plate  90  to the target mount assembly.  
         [0033]     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the target adapter body  86  of  FIG. 3  is shown. It can be seen with greater clarity how slot  126  fits over stop  74 , and how the plate  90  and tube  98  fit over the pivot member  66  to form a pivotal hinge. Also shown is a bracket  134  which is mounted to the top of tube  98 . The bracket  134  is typically formed with holes  138  which are used to attach the target mount assembly. The base  62  may also be formed with a flange  136  having holes  140  formed therein, allowing the target adapter to be mounted onto a stand. Similarly, the flange  136  and holes  140  may be used to mount the adapter onto an existing target stand or target system, converting a conventional target to a target which is capable of turning and swinging. Thus, an existing target may be unbolted from the existing stand, and the target adapter attached to the stand and target to make a moving target system.  
         [0034]     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a front view of a target mount assembly of the adapter of  FIG. 1 , indicated generally at  142 , is shown. The target mount  142  is shown attached to bracket  134  via holes  138 . The target mount  142  has a shaft  146  which extends through holes  138  and forms a pivot which allows a target to be pivoted forward and backward. A mounting plate  150  is attached to the shaft  146  to which a target is mounted. The target may be a paper target attached to a frame, or may be a sturdier target such as one made from cardboard. It is, however, advantageous for the target to be attached to a frame to provide a strong and secure attachment as the target is moved during operation of the target adapter. The mounting plate  150  is typically provided with holes  154  to thereby attach a target.  
         [0035]     The mounting plate and other components of the target adapter may typically be constructed by welding the metal pieces together. While welding weakens the metal somewhat, it is not anticipated that the target adapter will receive too many direct hits by bullets because the target is held apart somewhat from the target adapter. A lever  158  having a hole  162  is attached to the shaft  146  and used to pivot the shaft and thereby swing the target forward and backward, or side to side depending on orientation. The hole  162  is typically used to attach a cord or cable that a user may pull on to swing the target, but may also be used to connect the adapter to a mechanized target moving apparatus or a pushrod or lever extending from such an apparatus or another target control system.  
         [0036]     The shaft  146  is also connected to an arm  166  which extends sideways from the shaft  146  and has a hole  170  formed in the end of the arm. The hole  170  is typically used to connect a spring to the hole  130  formed in the plate  90 . This spring biases the shaft  146  to swing a particular direction. Thus, a user may pull on a cable attached to lever  158  and thereby swing the target mount  142  in one direction, and the spring will swing the target mount  142  back upon releasing the cable. The arm may also have a flange  174  which is used to limit the motion of the target, in particular to limit how far the spring may pull the target in one direction. The bolt  178  passes through a threaded hole in the bracket  134 , stopping the rotation of the target mount  142  when the flange  174  contacts the bolt  178 . Adjusting the amount of the bolt  178  passing through the bracket  134  will adjust where the target mount  142  stops moving. If desired, a nut  182  may be used to fix the position of the bolt  178 .  
         [0037]     It will also be appreciated that the holes  154  may be sized and spaced similarly to holes  140  in the base flange shown in  FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the target mounting holes  154  and the base flange holes  140  may be formed of a predetermined size and position so as to attach to currently existing target systems. Thus, where a shooting range has a target line, individual targets may be removed from the line and a target adapter according to the present invention may be attached in their place, with the target being reattached to the upper target mount of the target adapter. Thus, many targets may be adapted for use as a turn/swing target by using the target adapter of the present invention.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of the target mount  142  of  FIG. 5  is shown. It can more clearly be seen how the lever  158  is oriented relative to the mount  142 , and how rotation of the lever  158  will swing the mount  142  side to side. The hole  162  in the lever  158  is also more clearly seen. The arm  166 , spring mounting hole  170 , and flange  174  may also be more clearly seen. The flange  174  is shown in contact with bolt  178 , limiting the movement of the target mount  142 . It will be appreciated that the mounting plate  150  may be made a variety of different sizes and the holes  154  may be placed in different locations as may be suitable to mounting various targets.  
         [0039]     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , an alternate side view of the target mount of  FIG. 5 , indicated generally at  186  is shown. The target mount  186  is formed similar to the mount of  FIG. 5  and  6 , having a bracket  190  attached to a tube  194  (which is attached to a base plate similar to that of  FIG. 3 ). The bracket has holes formed therein to allow a shaft  198  to be mounted, forming a hinge. One end of the shaft is attached to a lever  202  having a hole  106 , which allows for swinging of a target. As discussed before, the hole  206  is typically used to attach a cable or thin rope to the lever  202  for movement of the target. The target mount  186  is also shown with an arm  210  having a hole  214  for attaching a spring to thereby bias the target mount  186  in the orientation shown. A flange  218  is used in combination with a bolt  222  and nut  226  to limit the rotation of the target mount  186 . Also shown is a second flange  230  shown attached to the arm  210  and shaft  198  which may be used to limit the rotation of the target mount  186  to the left. The flange  230  may be designed to contact a part of the bracket  190  as shown, or may also use an adjustment bolt similar to bolt  222 . A user may thus select how far the target will swing to each side.  
         [0040]     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a side view of another target mount of the adapter of  FIG. 1 , indicated generally at  234  is shown. The target mount is constructed with a bracket  238  similar to those previously discussed, the bracket  238  having holes formed therein for receiving a shaft  242 . The shaft has a lever  246  attached to the far end, the lever  246  having a hole  250  for attaching a rope or cable to swing the target. An arm  254  is attached to the near end of the shaft  242  and a hole  258  is formed in the arm  254  to attach a spring  262 . The spring extends downwardly from the shaft  242  and attaches to the plate (such as plate  90  of  FIG. 3 ). A mounting plate  266  having holes  270  formed therein is attached to the top of the shaft  242 , and used to attach a target, usually via a frame. In operation, a user will pull a rope or cable attached to lever  250 , causing the target to swing to the right. The movement of the target to the right also moves arm  254  and thereby stretches the spring  262 . The restorative force of the spring  262  causes the target to swing back to the left, and, if the spring is not used to stop the target, an oscillatory motion is established where the target swings forward and backward, or side to side, depending on how the target adapter is oriented relative to the user.  
         [0041]     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , another perspective view of the target adapter of  FIG. 1  and according to the present invention is shown. While  FIG. 1  shows a view generally from the front of the adapter,  FIG. 9  shows a view generally from the rear of the adapter and as such details structures not clearly visible from  FIG. 1 . As such,  FIG. 9  shows the various subassemblies and structures of the adapter as shown in  FIGS. 1-8  in an assembled form so as to present the relationships therebetween. The target adapter  274  has a base  278  to which a body plate  282 , tube  286 , bracket  290 , and mount  294  have been attached, as previously discussed. From the present view, it is more apparent how a spring  298  may be attached to the target mount arm  302  and body plate  282 . Also shown are feet  306  which may be attached to the base  278  to secure and stabilize the target adapter  274 . The feet may be formed with flanges  310  having holes  314  to allow the target to be staked to the ground if used outside, or bolted to a fixed object such as a mounting rail or the floor if used in an inside shooting range. It will also be appreciated that different types of support structures may be attached to the base  278  to secure the apparatus in many different shooting environments. Two ropes or cables  318  are shown attached to the rotational lever  322  and swing lever  326 . Pulling on the cables allows a user to operate the target adapter and move the target. As previously discussed, however, the levers may be connected to various other control structures such as control motors or levers which may already exist at a shooting range. Additionally, multiple target adapters may be connected to a single cable or control device.  
         [0042]     One advantage of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  is that the ropes or cables that actuate the rotational lever  322  and the swing lever  326  function generally parallel to each other. This makes it easier to gang a number of the adapters together at a shooting range.  
         [0043]     There is thus disclosed an improved turn-swing target adapter. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The preceding examples are illustrative of the invention, and do not define the scope of the invention.