Improvements in, applicable to, or connected with Targets, Mantlets, and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Apr., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 11th Jan., 1900-Accepted, 24th Feb., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in, applicable to, or connected with Targets, Mantlets,
and the like.
I, WILLIAM DAVID TRICK, Marina, Bryn Road, Swansea, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Volunteer Force, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
My invention consists in improvements in, applicable to, or connected with
targets, mantlets, and the like, and relates more particularly to the type described
in Letters Patent granted to me No. 243 January 4th 1898.
I carry out my invention as follows:-
I construct a mantlet preferably from bullet proof steel plate, which may be
further protected by a timber, or the like, backing, if required. The mantlet is
placed upon a timber foundation, which rests upon the surface of the ground. I form
a store shed for the canvas targets from corrugated sheet iron, timber, or other
suitable material; this occupies a central position in the case of a double
mantlet from which two targets are worked, or the right or left hand side of
a single mantlet, as the case may be, when only one target is employed. This
store is fitted with grooves on the inside, at the top and bottom, into which
the targets are slid; it is also fitted with a door, which may conveniently be
operated and fastened by ropes, strands, or the like, passing through the interior
of the store to the mantlet, and secured by a cleat or cleats. Removeably hinged to
the posts which form the extremity of the store in the case of a double mantlet are
two light wooden frames upon which the canvas targets are stretched or mounted:
Two stout stay frames or posts are also erected a sufficient distance behind the
frame of each target to steady the same, and support the pulleys and chains or
strands, by which the targets are worked. The distance from the front part
of the mantlet to the stay posts being such that the frames carrying the targets
can be withdrawn within their shelter, this being their normal position when
out of use or under repair.
The frames carrying the targets are operated as follows:-Within the shelter
of the mantlet are pivoted two L-shaped levers, two chains, strands or the
like being so attached to each lever and the top of the hinged frame through
suitable guide pulleys as that by raising or lowering the levers the frames may
be swung inwardly or outwardly; a third chain is so attached to each lever as
to hold in the closed position a locking device operated by the swinging.
frames.
The levers may be secured in the downward position by a pin and chain
or the like, or I may employ weights.
The front of the mantlet is protected by two doors so hung as that when the
targets are exposed they can be raised so as to form an overhead shelter to the
marker, and in order to further protect him when repairing the target I may
employ a hinged side wing bullet proof protection plate or plates fitted with
apparatus for fixing the same at any required angle.

page_text: For signalling the value of hits on the target, I employ two rotating tubes
or shafts these are stepped into a seating and are preferably fitted with a drop
handle suitable for engaging with slots or the like formed in a quadrant; the
tubes or shafts pass through the roof of the shelter and are fitted at their
upper ends with a sheet metal figure or device which conveys by its position
when turned by the drop handle the value of the hits.
When second or third class targets are used, I may modify the frames and
locking mechanism to suit the same or I may employ additional posts or the
like.
The operation of the targets is as follows:-The lever or levers connected by
chains, strands or equivalent passing through suitable guide blocks and attached
to the hinged frames on which the targets are stretched are pressed in the down-
ward direction, and the frames swung outwardly until arrested by a post driven
into the ground which also enables the target to resist the pressure of the wind;
at the same time the third chain attached to the lever as described operates
the locking mechanism so as to prevent the gate swinging back or inwardly.
T: 11/1
AL 1900
Improvements in, applicable to, or connected with Targets, Mantlets
and the like.
I, WILLIAM DAVID TRICK, Marina, Bryn Road, Swansea, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Volunteer Force, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement: -
My invention consists in improvements in, applicable to, or connected with
targets, mantlets, and the like, and relates more particularly to the type described
in Letters Patent granted to me No. 243 January 4th 1898.
I carry out my invention as follows:-
I construct a mantlet preferably from bullet proof steel plate, which may be
further protected by a timber, or the like, backing, if required. The mantlet is
placed upon a timber foundation, which rests upon the surface of the ground. I form
a store shed for the canvas targets from corrugated sheet iron, timber, or other
suitable material; this occupies a central position in the case. of a double
mantlet from which iwo targets are worked, or the right or left hand side of
a single mantlet, as the case may be, when only one target is employed. This
store is fitted with grooves on the inside, at the top and bottom, into which
the targets ara slid. Removeably hinged to the posts which form
of
the extremity of the
double mantlet
al
two light wooden frames upon which the canvas targets are stretched or mounted.
Two stout stay frames or posts are also erected a sufficient distance behind the
frame of each target to steady the same, and support the pulleys and chains or
strands, by which the targets are worked. The distance from the front part
of the mantlet to the stay posts being such that the frames carrying the targets
can be withdrawn within their shelter, this being their normal position when
out of use or under repair.
store in the
case
are
The frames carrying the targets are operated as follows:-Within the shelter
of the mantlet are pivoted two L-shaped levers, two chains, strands or the

page_text: like being so attached to each lever and the top of the hinged frame through
suitable guide pulleys as that by raising or lowering the levers the frames may
be swung inwardly or outwardly a third chain is so attached to each lever as
to hold in the closed position a locking device operated by the swinging
frames.
The levers may be secured in the downward position by a pin and chain
or the like, or I may employ weights.
The front of the mantlet is protected by two doors so hung as that when the
targets are exposed they can be raised so as to form an overhead shelter to the
marker, and in order to further protect him when repairing the target I may
employ a hinged side wing bullet proof protection plate or plates fitted with
apparatus for fixing the same at any required angle.
For signalling the value of hits on the target, I employ two rotating tubes
or shafts; these are stepped into a seating and are preferably fitted with a drop
handle suitable for engaging with slots or the like formed in a quadrant; the
tubes or shafts pass through the roof of the shelter and are fitted at their
upper ends with a sheet metal figure or device which conveys by its position
when turned by the drop handle the value of the hits.
When second or third class targets are used, I may modify the frames and
locking mechanism to suit the same or I may employ additional posts or the
like.
The operation of the targets is as follows:--The lever or levers connected by
chains, strands or equivalent passing through suitable guide blocks and attached
to the hinged frames on which the targets are stretched are pressed in the down-
ward direction, and the frames swung outwardly until arrested by a post driven
into the ground which also enables the target to resist the pressure of the wind;
at the same time the third chain attached to the lever as described operates
the locking mechanism so as to prevent the gate swinging back or inwardly.
I will now proceed to describe my invention more particularly reference being
had to the accompanying drawings in which-
Fig. 1, is a general sectional plan view of double target.
Fig. 2, is an elevational perspective view of same.
Fig. 3, shews locking device for swinging frame.
Fig. 4, shews a view of overhead and side protecting plate.
Fig. 4, is a combined triangular overhead and hinged side protecting plate. .
Fig. 4b, shews sliding side protecting plate.
Fig. 5, shews detail of lever operating frames and locking mechanism.
Fig. 6, shews details of locking device and also adjustable catch.
Fig. 7, shews detail of signalling gear.
Fig. 8, shews detail of rollers for store.
Fig. 9, shews detail of overhead pulleys for ropes 14'.
In the drawing 1, is the mantlet constructed with timber 3, and about 2 feet
of earth and protected by bullet proof steel or other type of metal plates 2, the
mantlet is preferably constructed upon a timber foundation which rests upon
the surface of the ground.
According to my present invention I prefer to form the store or enclosure 4,
in which the canvas targets are placed when not in use, from corrugated sheet
iron, but it may be constructed in timber or other suitable material, this store
occupies a central rearward position in the case of a double mantlet from which
two targets are worked as shewn in Fig. 1, or it may be placed to the right or
left hand rearward side in the case of a single mantlet from which one target
is worked. The rearward position of the store is advantageous as when so
placed no shadow is thrown upon the target in bright sunlight. The store is
fitted with grooves 5, and to facilitate the removal and replacement of the
targets I prefer to mount rollers 6, these are threaded upon a piece of round
wire 7, which is afterwards bent to suitable shape and secured by staples or
the like 8. The store is provided with a door 9, situated, when the back of the

page_text: rifle range is banked, at the end facing the mantlet; when the range is not
banked, the position of the door is optional as regards its two extremities.
Removeably mounted on hinges 10, secured to the posts 11, are (in the case of
a double mantlet) two light wooden frames 12, and upon these the canvas
targets 13, are stretched or mounted at the mantlet extremity of the store. Two
stout stay frames or posts 11, are erected a sufficient distance behind the frame
of each target to steady the same and on these I mount two side or flat pulleys 15.
A cord cham or strand 14, is passed through these pulleys one end being secured
to each frame at 14. The cord after passing through the frame is secured to
a button, washer or the like 14h, the other end is led over a pulley 16; suspended
from the door lintel 20' and secured to an eye 17, in the lower end of the
lever 18, pivoted at 19, to the side post 20, of the shelter. The upper end of
this lever is forked as at 21. To an eye 22, in the innermost branch 23, of fork
is attached a cord 14', or the like which after passing over a suspended pulley 161
(see Fig. 9), and flat pulley 15", is led out in an oblique direction and fastened
to the upper bar of the swinging frame 12, the cord passing through the frame
and being secured to a button 14b, as before the flat pulley 15ª, being inter-
posed between the frame and suspended pulley 16', to obviate the cross pull
coming directly upon the pulley 16 and lever 18. To the eye 221, in the
outermost branch of the fork 23, is attached one end of a cord or strand 14",
the other end being fastened to the bent-up arm 25, of the locking bar 26,
mounted in bearing 27, (see Fig. 1) upon the posts 11. At a suitable point
upon this locking bar is forged or mounted an arm 28, bent or curving upwards
as at 29, which engages with a staple 30, eye bolt or the like driven into the
style of the frame and securely locks the frame in position when the target is
in use.
Upon raising the handle end of the lever the frames 12, carrying the targets 13,
hinged as described are first released by the interaction of the cord, strand,
or the like 14", and the locking bar 26, and then swung open. The adjustment
of the lever 18, and the ropes or strands 14, 14', 14", being so arranged as
that when the lever 18, occupies the vertical position or nearly so the cord or
strand shall tighten sufficiently to cause the arm 28, of the locking device 26,
to rise and securely lock each frame. To prevent the ropes twisting I may in
some cases place. shackles between the mantlet and the target frame and
posts.
A pin 31, attached to a chain and passing into the post may be employed
for fixing the lever in position. To enable me to make the locking arm 28,
suit the position of the catch 30, on any given target I make the arm 28, and
bent locking point 29, detachable from the locking bar 26, the shank of the
arm 28, is screwed as at 32, and the locking bar faced as at 33, and drilled so
as to allow the arm 28, to pass through; its length is adjusted by means of
the nuts 34, to suit the catch 30, on any size of target.
The mantlet is provided with protective doors 35, (see Fig. 4,) which are
hinged at the top and swing upwardly being maintained in their horizontal
position by means of the hinged brackets 36, thus affording an overhead pro-
tection from weather. When a double mantlet is used or when two mantlets
are in the same alignment I provide side protecting doors, wings, or plates 37.
hinged as at 38, to the doorpost 39, they are formed of bulletproof steel plate 2
faced with wood 3, said door, wing, is provided with a pivoted handle 40, which
is used to swing the door to any required angle but which can be raised to a
vertical position when the door is closed. In some cases I may combine the
overhead protecting door 35, and side door 37, as shewn in Fig. 4ª, the top
of the side door being formed at an angle so as to minimize the possibility of a
shadow being thrown upon the target in bright sunlight. I may also form
these side protecting doors with concave faced rollers 41, so as to slide in or
out on a rounded or other rail 42, (see Fig. 4b). This protecting plate is provided

page_text: with an eye or staple 54, through which a rod or bar 53, passes acting as a
guide. It is fitted with a handle as at 40¹. This form of protecting plate or
door I prefer to use with the sliding form of signalling arms described in my
previous Specification No. 243/98. For signalling the value of hits on the
target I employ for each target two rotating shafts or tubes 43, these are stepped
into a seating 44, each shaft is fitted with a drop handle 45, pivoted at 46,
said handle engaging with slots 47, formed in a bracket 48, through which the
shafts pass.
The rods or tubes 43, pass through the roof of the shelter and are fitted at
their upper ends with a sheet metal figure or device 52, which conveys by its
position the value of the hits. The slots 47, are so arranged as to allow only
the full face of the signal to be seen or the thickness of its edge, this latter
at a small distance being almost undiscernable. I prefer that the signal
devices should be removeable and for this purpose I form the tube 43, with a
screwed end and to this is fitted a long socket 55. Into the other end of this
socket I place the short length of tubing 431, which carries the device 52.
A hole is formed through the socket 55, and tube 431, by drilling and through
this I pass a pin 56, a part of its length being hinged as at 57, so as to drop
down when through the socket and thereby prevent its accidental removal.
When first and second-class targets are employed which come nearer the ground
line, I employ a post 49, of varying height which tends to steady the target
and enable it to resist wind pressure. To suit varying sizes of targets I provide
sunk boxes 50, in which the posts 49, are placed.
The operation of my invention is as follows:-on raising the handle of the
lever 18, the target is swung into its position and locked there by means of
the locking hook or catch 28, and eye 30. To repair the target the handle of
lever is depressed and the target swung inwardly, the side doors if used being
moved to such an angle as to allow same to pass and be locked in its inward
position by means of the bent catch 51, (see Fig. 3), which by its form holds
the target fast. The position of the hit having been ascertained the marker by
means of the signalling devices communicates the same to the firing party; he
then repairs the target draws back the frame locking catch 51, depresses the
handle of the lever and thereby causes the target and frame to swing into position
and be locked there.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. The combination with a mantlet or safety shelter employed for rifle or
shooting practise and having a swinging frame and target stretched thereon
operated by ropes or the like from within, of a store occupying a central or in
the case of a single mantlet, a right or left hand position, so as to avoid any
shadow from it falling upon said targets or target when extended for use-sub-
stantially as herein set forth.
2. For the purpose of preventing a shadow being cast upon the target or
targets: the combination with a mantlet having a swinging target or targets as
in Claim 1. of the triangular form of protection plate and the hinged side
wing plates with apparatus for securing the same in position mounted and
operating in the manner herein specified.
3. For the purpose of operating the swinging frames and targets combined
with a mantlet store, protecting and side wing plates as herein specified, the
combination and arrangement of lever or levers rope gear, and pulleys, inter-
acting therewith and with said gates and the locking mechanism with the pin
device for locking said levers, as herein set forth.
4. For the purpose of locking the frames and targets combined with a
mantlet, store, and protecting plates as herein specified when said targets are

page_text: drawn inwardly for repair; the combination and use of the locking device des-
cribed in detail under Fig. 3.
5. For the purpose of signalling the value of the hits to the firing party,
the combination with a mantlet or mantlets swinging frame or frames, target
or targets, thereon and protecting plates arranged as herein specified of,.the
apparatus described and shewn under Fig. 2, and 7.
I.
if⭑
Dated.this 11th day of January 1900
FRANCIS M. ROGERS,
Chartered Patent Agent, Applicant's Agent.