Patent ID: 12228381

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following provides a detailed description of particular embodiments of the present invention. Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the illustrated configurations will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that various aspects discussed in one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. For example, in some cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The reason is to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art by avoiding the following description from being unnecessarily redundant. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and these are not intended to limit the gist disclosed in the scope of claims.

It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that configurations of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the invention is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. It should also be understood that terminology contained herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the aspects or configurations shown unless expressly indicated as such. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the invention is not to be understood as a requirement that such aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of the aspect in the claims.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a spring” may include one or more of such springs, and reference to “the retainer” may include reference to one or more of such retainers.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object, such as the clamping mechanism, that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context, such that enclosing nearly all of the clamp would be substantially enclosed, even if the distal end of the structure enclosing the clamp had a slit or opening formed along a portion thereof. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is “substantially free of” a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it lacked a bottom.

As used herein the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. For example, something maybe said to be generally circular even though it has a somewhat oval shape or is polygonal rather than being completely smooth.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

Concentrations, amounts, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The present invention generally relates to a clamping system including a clamping mechanism that allows a target and/or target backer board to be installed and/or removed with one hand, and also protects the structure of the clamping mechanism from any stray rounds. As used herein, the term “target” is used to refer to any type of target and/or target backer board at which a projectile is fired or launched.

One particular embodiment of the present invention is shown and described in a target clamp ofFIG.1.FIG.1shows an exploded, perspective view of a target clamp, generally indicated at4, made in accordance with principals of the present invention. The target clamp4may include a target engagement face8, which holds a target against a retainer12. It will be appreciated that the target engagement face8may comprise an elongate flat structure, such as a piece of steel. However, there is no requirement the target engagement face8be a continuous piece of metal or other material so long as it engages a target sufficiently to secure the target against the retainer12.

The target engagement face8may be provided with an arm, rod or projection which forms an extension14(such as a post or a stud) which can be used as a handle and/or function as a rotation limiting device. The extension14may extend outwardly from the target engagement face and may be secured to the target engagement face by one or more screws21(FIG.2) disposed near one end14a(FIG.2) of the extension. InFIG.1, the extension14is shown extending at an angle of approximately ninety degrees, though other angles could be used. The extension14may extend through a recess or opening15in the retainer12. The extension14may be designed to engage a top edge of a target, such that when the top edge of the target pushes upwardly against the extension14, the target engagement face8moves from a first, open position relative to the retainer12, to a second, closed position, so as to hold a target against the retainer12.

A side, cut-away view of the clamp4in the first, open position, is shown inFIG.2; and a side, cut-away view of the clamp4in a second, closed position, is shown inFIG.3. It can be seen that as extension14is pushed upwardly from the first, open position (FIG.2), the extension14brings the target engagement face8into near, if not actual, contact with the retainer12. If a target (shown at dashed lines13) were positioned between the lower portion of the target engagement face8and the retainer, the target engagement face would hold the target against the retainer, thereby securing the target. Thus, while discussed herein as the target engagement face8engaging the retainer12, it will be appreciated that the target engagement face and the retainer only need to be biased toward a position which is closer together than the thickness of the target so that the two surfaces will result in a compressive force on the target to hold the target between the target engagement face and the retainer.

The extension14can also be used to more directly move the target engagement face8into and out of engagement (or near engagement) with the retainer12. This may be helpful, for example, where the target material is not sufficiently rigid to move the extension14between positions—such as a paper target or a cardboard target which has become wet. By simply moving the extension up (FIG.3) or down (FIG.2) the user can move the target engagement face8between positions.

The target engagement face8may further include additional projections16, which may be located generally below the extension14. The projection(s)16may extend toward and may extend through the retainer12. The projections16may be teeth which engage the outside of the target, or may be projections which extend through the target (such as a target backer which has one or more complementary holes to accept the projection(s)16). A target and/or target backer to be held in place by clamp4may have holes adjacent an upper end13awhich align with the projections16so as to engage the target engagement face8and move the target engagement face8from a closed position into an open position when a user pulls downwardly on the target, and the hole(s) in the target engaged with the projection(s)16exert a downward force on the projection(s)16. In such a configuration, the retainer12may have holes or slots24for receiving the projection(s)16when the target engagement face is in a second, closed position. It will be appreciated that some configurations are not provided with projection(s)16and work to hold the target between the target engagement face8and the retainer12only through friction.

It will also be appreciated that the extension14could be sized to likely be inserted into a hole or slot in the target or target backer and then move the target engagement face8into the second, closed position, when the target or backer is pushed upwardly, and back into the first, open position, when the target or backer is pulled downwardly. As shown inFIG.2, however, the extension14can also be used to limit rotation of the engagement face8in the first, open position. The same could be accomplished by a stop which engages the mounting frame28to prevent over-rotation of the engagement face8.

The target engagement face8may be integrally formed with or attached to a mounting frame28. The mounting frame28may engage a base32in such a way that the mounting frame28is able to pivot relative to the base32so that the target engagement face8may pivot relative to the retainer12. Thus, it will be appreciated that the retainer12and the base32may be formed from a single piece of material or may be attached to one another. The mounting frame28may include one or more dowels35(FIG.1), which may be received by corresponding recesses37(FIG.1) in the base32. Alternatively, the base32may have some sort of projection, such as a dowel, bolt, etc. on which the mounting frame28may pivot.

Also shown inFIG.1is a biasing element40. The biasing element40may be one or more biasing member such as springs42, an elastic member (not shown) or some other element to bias the mounting frame28. As shown inFIG.1, the biasing element40engages the mounting frame28adjacent a plane bisecting the pivot point46formed by the dowel35or other projection on which the mounting frame28pivots. This may be accomplished, for example, by one end of the spring42attaching to a support bar44which extends across the back of the mounting frame28, with an opposing end being attached via a hole48and/or notch52in the base32. The support bar44may be disposed slightly below the pivot point46when the mounting frame28is flat, but above the pivot point when the mounting frame is rotated into the first, open position. (It will be appreciated that numerous different structures may be used for attaching the end of the biasing element40to the mounting frame.)

As shown inFIG.2, the center point of the support bar44(represented by line60) is disposed above the center point of the pivot point46(as represented by the line64) when the mounting frame28is oriented so that the target engagement face8is in the first, open position. The force of the spring(s)42bias the mounting frame28in that orientation with the support bar44being held above the pivot point46.

In contrast, inFIG.3, the mounting frame28has been rotated upwardly at the forward end, thereby rotating the support bar44so that its center point (as represented by line60) is now oriented below the center point (represented by line64) of the pivot point. In such a configuration, the spring(s)42pull forwardly on the support bar44and bias the mounting frame28so that the target engagement face8is in the second, closed position. To move between positions, the force exerted on the extension14or projections16need merely be greater than the force of the spring biasing the support bar44either above or below the pivot point46.

It will be appreciated that the same result could be accomplished by attaching the biasing element40below the pivot point46and directing the bias away from the target engagement face8, etc., to hold the mounting frame in the first, open position, and then having the attachment point of the spring42, etc. move above the pivot when the mounting frame28is moved into the second, closed position. Likewise, a shaped memory material could be attached to the mounting frame so that one end moves from above the pivot point in the first, open position, and then to a point below the pivot point in the second, closed position, with the biasing element returning to its original shape to hold the mounting frame in either position until sufficient force is applied to overcome the bias.

When an upward force, or force generally perpendicular to the biasing element40, is applied to the target engagement face8, typically by engaging the projection(s)16or extension14with a target, the mounting frame28rotates about the pivot point46until the biasing element40is attached to the mounting frame28on the opposite side of a plane passing through the pivot46horizontally.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, movement of the target clamp4into and out of the second, closed position, can typically be done by simply pulling downwardly on a target, the downward pull on the target causing a downward force on the projection(s)16engaged with the target. If desired, the extension14may function as a handle and may also be used so that the user does not need to pull on the target. Use of the extension14as a handle may be practical if the targets being shot are of a thinner material and less able to withstand the force of a downward pull, such as using a paper target as opposed to one made of thick cardboard.FIG.1also shows a tab or lever54which may be pressed to open the clamp (i.e., pivot the target engagement face8clockwise). The tab54may be connected to the mounting frame28opposite extension14. The tab may be provided in addition to or in replacement of the extension14and either may be used to move the clamp4from a second, closed position, to a first, open position.

While discussed herein as the target being mounted from the bottom, up into the clamp4, other orientations are possible. It will be appreciated that a target could be placed into the clamp with the clamp oriented so that the target is advancing sideways, or such that the target is being moved vertically downward as it engages the clamp and moves the target engagement face8from the first, open position, to the second, closed position.

It will be appreciated that the same result could be accomplished by attaching the biasing element40below the pivot point46and directing the bias away from the target engagement face8, etc., to hold the mounting frame in the first, open position, and then having the spring42, etc. move above the pivot when the mounting frame is rotated upwardly into the second, closed position. Likewise, a shape memory material could be attached to the mounting frame so that one end moves from above the pivot point in the first, open position, and then to a point below the pivot point in the second, closed position, with the biasing element returning to its original shape to hold the mounting frame in either position.

It will also be appreciated that the clamp4may be used in any orientation. While shown and discussed as rotating about a horizontal plane with the target engagement face8moving generally vertically inFIGS.1-3, the same configuration could be rotated 90 degrees upwardly or downwardly so that the target is inserted from the side or 180 degrees so that the target is inserted from the top. Likewise, the configuration could be rotated 90 degrees away from the viewer so that the target is inserted from the side and extends generally horizontally from the clamp.

Turning now toFIG.4, there is shown a side, cut-away view of another configuration of a clamp, generally indicated at4′. Clamp4′ is in an open position inFIG.4(the same configuration of clamp4′ can also be seen inFIG.5in a fully closed position andFIG.6in a closed position for reference). The clamp4′ generally comprises a target engagement face8′. Attached to, or formed integrally with the target engagement face8′ may be an extension14′ which limits rotation of the target engagement face in either direction. One or more projection(s)16′ for engaging one or more complementary holes or recesses in a target to be held by the clamp4′ may also be provided. It will be appreciated thatFIGS.1-3show the extension14as a separate bolt connected to the target engagement face8, whileFIGS.4-6show the extension14′ as being integrally formed with the target engagement face8′.

The extension14′ may pass through a recess, hole, or opening15′ on the retainer12′. The opening15′ may be large enough for the extension14′ to move freely from an open position (shown inFIG.4, wherein the extension14′ rests at the bottom portion15aof the opening15′) to a closed position (shown inFIGS.5-6, wherein the extension14′ is near the top portion15bof the opening15′). For example, the target engagement face8′, and thus the extension14′ formed integrally with the target engagement face8′, may rotate about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to the retainer12′ between the open and closed position. The configuration shown inFIGS.4-6shows the target engagement face8′ rotating about 25 degrees relative to the retainer12′ between the open and closed position.

The target engagement face8′ may also be connected to a mounting frame28′ for mounting the target engagement face8′. A dowel, screw, or other mechanism (not visible inFIG.4, as it is located behind the spring42′) may be used to pivotably connect the mounting frame28′ to the retainer12′ and/or base32′ of the retainer12′, so as to form a pivot point46′ (FIG.5). The mounting frame28′ may pivot relative to the retainer12′ about this point, and allow the rotation of the target engagement face8′ and extension14′ within the opening15′ of the retainer12′ described above.

The configurations shown inFIGS.4-7may further comprise a locking lever50. This locking lever50may ensure that the target engagement face8′ and retainer12′ remain in a closed position unless the locking lever is lifted (as described below).

In the fully open position shown inFIG.4, the target engagement face8′ and extension14′ cannot rotate any farther in the clockwise direction. The extension14′ is prevented from additional clockwise rotation by its engagement with the bottom15aof the opening15′. The spring42′ (or another type of biasing member may be provided) exerts a pull on the attachment point44′ which is effectively above the center of the pivot point46′ and thereby biases the mounting frame28′ and the target engagement face8′ to hold it in this position. In this position, the extension14′ is in a downward position.

The clamp4′ may be closed by inserting a target backer upwardly, as indicated by arrow55, between the target engagement face8′ and the retainer12′. The force of the top of the target backer against one of the projections (i.e., the extension14′ or the projections16′) may lift the mounting frame28′ upwardly and cause the target engagement face8′ to rotate counter-clockwise towards the retainer12′. Alternatively, or in addition to the target backer being inserted at arrow55, a user may push upwardly on the portion of the extension14′ that extends through the opening15′ on the retainer12′ as indicated by arrow58inFIG.4. As the target engagement face8′ rotates counter-clockwise towards the retainer12′, the projection(s)16′ on the target engagement face8′ may either pass through complementary recesses provided in the target and/or engage the target (such as through a friction fit, teeth which pierce into the target, projections16′ puncturing target paper, etc.).

FIG.5shows a side, partially cut-away view of the clamp4′ in a fully closed position. When the clamp4′ is closed, the locking lever50keeps the target engagement face8′ from rotating clockwise. In this position, the spring42′ pulls the target engagement face8′ in a counter-clockwise direction. The locking lever50may be attached to the top mounting structures via three hinges or joints. A stationary joint62is formed by the connection of an arm63extending from a mounting plate71to a floating arm67. A second joint65which can move or float vertically relative to the mounting plate71may be formed by a pivotable attachment between another part of the floating arm67and a portion of the locking lever50. A third joint68may be formed by a pivotable attachment between the lockable lever50and the mounting frame28.

The locking lever50keeps the target engagement face8′ from rotating open (clockwise inFIGS.4-6). In the locked position shown inFIG.5, the second, floating joint65is slightly below the line formed between a plane69bisecting the joint62and the joint68. In such a position, the locking lever50is biased into the locked position wherein it prevents movement of the target engagement face8′. The locking lever50must be pushed upward by a user, and the hinge or second joint65must pass the line69bisecting the joint62and the joint68before the locking lever50will no longer be biased in a locking position. As shown inFIG.6, joint65is at the point of equilibrium. If the lever is lifted any more, the locking lever will unlock and allow movement of the mounting frame28′. If it moves downward, the locking lever50will lock and prevent movement of the mounting frame.

FIG.7shows a bottom, perspective view of a clamp4′ attached to a portion of a target carrier80, including a motor unit84to rotate the clamp4′ via a belt88, chain, or gear train. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a target carrier (whether a target retriever or a stationary carrier) will usually have a blocking plate (not shown) which protects the motor unit84and the clamp4′ from being hit by projectiles. Thus, the clamping mechanism is protected from stray shots, etc., which could cause damage to the clamp and cause the clamp to fail. Additionally, the biasing element, etc., is located behind the front of the clamp, providing additional protection to the clamp functionality.

FIG.8shows a side target engagement face8″ view of another target clamp, generally indicated at4″. The target clamp4″ includes a target engagement face8″ and a retainer12″. Attached to, or formed integrally with the target engagement face8″ may be an extension14″, only a small portion of which is visible. As will be explained below, the extension14″ can be used both to limit the amount of rotation of the target engagement face8″, and to act as a handle for manually moving the target engagement face between the first, open position, and the second, closed position. To this end, the extension14″ can travel within opening15as was discussed previously with respect toFIG.4.

The target clamp4″ includes a mounting plate71′ which may be connected to the base32″ for attachment to a target retriever, a base unit or other structure. While shown herein as two pieces attached to one another, the mounting plate71′ and the base32″ could be made integrally. Likewise, the base32″ and the retainer12″ can be formed separately or as a single piece of material. A mounting frame28″ may be pivotable attached to the base32″ by a pivot point46″.

FIG.8shows the target clamp4″ in a closed position such that the projections16″ extending from the target engagement face8″ may extend toward, or into a channel or void in, the retainer12″ to thereby help secure a target or target backing between the target engagement face and the retainer. When in a second, closed position as shown inFIG.8, the locking lever50′ may extend into engagement with the back side of the structure forming the target engagement face8″ to thereby hold the target engagement face in a second, closed position.

The body of the locking lever50″ may be attached to the mounting frame28″ by a pivot structure or third joint68′, which may be formed by a pin, a dowel, a rod or other structure which allows the locking lever and the mounting frame to pivot with respect to one another. The locking lever50″ may also have a pivot structure or second joint65′ which may be toward an opposing end of the locking level body. The second joint65′ engages a pivot arm90adjacent a first end90athereof. A second end90bof the pivot arm90may engage the base32″ at a pivot point formed by a pivot point or hinge92formed by a pin, dowel, rod, etc. so that the pivot arm may move with respect to the base and the locking lever50″.

Also shown inFIG.8is a pin, rod or other anchor44″ disposed on the mounting frame28″ for receiving a biasing element (not shown) to selectively bias the mounting frame28″ into one of two positions which correspond with the first, open position, and the second, closed position, of the target engagement face8″.

Turning now toFIG.9there is shown an opposing side view of the target clamp4″. The support bar44″ is held in place by a pin clip44a. The pin which forms the third joint68′ likewise may use a pin clip68aor some other structure. The remaining structures are numbered according to the discussion regardingFIG.8.

Turning now toFIG.10, there is shown a rear view of the target clamp4″ configuration shown inFIG.8. The view makes visible the biasing element or member in the form of a pair of springs which are attached at one end through the slots48′ in the base32′ and at an opposing end on the support bar44″ connected to the mounting frame28″. When the support bar44″ is disposed below the pivot point46″ about which the mounting frame28″ if it's with respect to the base32″, the springs42″ of player force which hold the mounting frame in the position shown which is consistent with the engagement base8″ being advanced toward the retainer12″ to hold a target in place. If the support bar44″ were disposed above the center of the pivot point46″, the mounting frame28″ would be biased upwardly rearward of the pivot point and downwardly forward of the pivot point so that the target engagement face8″ would be moved away from the retainer12″. The target engagement face8″ can be locked in this position by pulling downwardly on the locking lever50′ thereby pivoting the body of the locking lever with respect to the mounting frame28″ at joint65′ and cause movement of the pivot arm90as described above;

FIG.11shows a front view of the target clamp4″ so that the engagement of the biasing elements or springs8″ with the base32″ through the slots48′ can be seen. Also visible is the extension14″ which extends through the opening15″ in the base32″. The extension14″ is in the upper position consistent with the target engagement face8″ being advanced toward the retainer. Also visible inFIG.11are the pivot points46″ about which the mounting frame (not visible inFIG.11) rotate, as well as the second ends90bof the pivot arms and the hinges92formed thereat with the base32″. The projections16″ disposed in the slots24′ in the retainer12can also be seen.

FIG.12shows a top view of the target clamp4″ with the mounting plate71′ being disposed generally in the middle of the target clamp. It will be appreciated, that of a variety of mounting plates mounting brackets having any number of configurations could be used to mount the target clamp4″ to a target retriever, a base unit, or some other structure. The mounting plate71′ may have one or more holes96or slots to facilitate attachment to the other structure. Additionally, the mounting plate71′ may have slots98which receive an upper portion32aof the base (otherwise not visible inFIG.12).

Also visible inFIG.12are locking lever50′ which engages the backside of the target engagement face8″, along with the opposing ends90aand90bof the pivot arms90, along with their hinges65′ and92. The projections16′ can also be seen. Furthermore, a pair of spring clips97may be disposed so as to extend into contact with the locking lever50′ and the flange12awhich extends from the retainer12″.

Turning now toFIG.13, there is shown a bottom view of the target clamp4″. The flange12aand extending from the retainer12″ is readily apparent, as is the locking lever50′ which is disposed in engagement with the backside of the structure forming the target engagement face8″ so as to hold the target engagement face adjacent the retainer12″. The slots99in the locking lever50′ can be used to receive the body50awhich engages the hinges68′ and65′.

Also visible are the projections16″ which can be used to assist with engaging a target disposed in the slot between the target engagement face8″ and the retainer12. Likewise, a small portion of the base32″ and the mounting frame28″ can be seen, as well as the springs42″ which form the biasing member element for holding the clamp in either the first, open position, or the second, closed position, depending on the orientation of the target clamp4″.

FIG.14shows a rear perspective view of the target clamp configuration shown inFIG.8. The mounting frame28″ is generally visible as it extends from the pivot point46″ where it pivotably engages the base32″. The mounting frame28″ may be attached to the body50aof the locking lever50′ by a pin, etc. forming a hinge68′. The mounting frame may also hold the support bar44″ to which one end of the springs42″ or other biasing member(s) may be anchored. A retention bracket102may be attached to the springs42″ to keep them spaced a proper distance. Alternatively, the spring clip97may be configured to engage the support bar44″ and thereby provide a physical obstruction to the ends of the springs moving toward one another. Thus, structure102could also be a portion of the spring clip97.

As was discussed above, when the support bar44″ is disposed above the center of the pivot point46″ the rear end of the mounting frame28″ will pivot upwardly drawing the target engagement face8″ away from the retainer12″ and bias the structure in the orientation. However, when the support bar44″ is disposed below the pivot point46″ the rear end of the mounting frame28″ is biased downwardly, thereby urging the target engagement face8″ toward the retainer12″.

The spring clip97can be used to bias the locking lever50′ downward with respect to the mounting frame28″ to thereby move or hold the locking lever into a locking position wherein it abuts the structure forming the target engagement face8″. The spring clip may wrap around the pin, bar, etc. which forms the second joint68′ and passes through the body50aof the locking lever50′ and the mounting frame28″.

FIG.15shows a front perspective view of the target clamp4″. The front view shows the extension14″ can be moved in the opening15″ to move the target clamp4″ between a first, open position, and a second, closed position, similar to that shown inFIG.15. The pivot arm90is shown with the first and90abeing disposed in communication with the body50aof the locking lever50′ on one side, while only the second end90battached to the base32″ is shown on the opposing side.

Other structures such as the land12a, the projection16″, a portion of the target engagement face8″ and the hinges65′ and68′ are visible on one side of the image. The pivot point46and the support rod44″ can also be seen. Likewise the mounting plate71′, along with the holes96and the portions32aof the base32″ are visible. It will be appreciated from the various embodiments shown herein that multiple modifications can be made to any portion of the target clamp4″ by selecting various aspects shown in the drawings.

Turning now toFIG.16, there is shown a side cross-sectional view of the target clamp4″ in a first, open position. The locking lever50′ has been moved out of engagement with the backside of the structure forming the target engagement face8″ and pivoted away there from. The movement of the locking lever50′ and the locking lever body50acauses the pivot arm92pivot about hinge92at the second end90. The locking lever50′ and locking lever body50aalso pivot about hinge68′ so as to pivot relative to the mounting frame28″. The movement of the locking lever50′ also allows the mounting frame28″ to pivot about the pivot point (not shown inFIG.16) so that the rear portion of the mounting frame moves upwardly. As shown inFIG.16, the mounting frame28″ may move upwardly into engagement with the mounting plate71′. The upward movement of the rear portion of the mounting frame28″ causes a downward movement by the front portion of the mounting frame, as well as by the structure forming the target engagement face8″ and the extension14″. The ultimate movement of the mounting frame28″, the target engagement face8″ and the extension14″ may be limited by the size of the opening15″, or by engagement of the mounting frame with the mounting plate71′.

In this position, the support bar44″ will be generally above the pivot point (not shown) so that the spring42″ or other biasing member(s) biases the mounting frame28″ into the position shown. As such, the target clamp4″ is ready to receive a target. If the target is a more rigid material, such as sturdy cardboard or some other backer, pushing upwardly with the target against the extension14″ or against the projection16″ will push the forward portion of the mounting frame28″ upwardly, thereby causing rotation of the support bar44″ downwardly and changing the bias provided by the spring42″ from retaining the mounting frame in the open position shown into a closed position.

Also shown inFIG.16is a line69′ which bisects the hinge92at the second, closed position, and90bof the pivot arm90and the hinge or pivot point68′ which pivotably connects the body50aof the locking lever50′ to the mounting frame28″. The pivot point or hinge65′, which is disposed at the first end90aof the pivot arm90, is disposed well above the line69′.

FIG.17shows a side cross-sectional view of the target clamp4″ in a second, closed position. The extension14″ has been raised in the opening15″ so as to cause the mounting frame28″ to rotate about the pivot point46′ until the support bar44′, which is engaged by the biasing member in the form of spring(s)42″, as positioned generally below the pivot point. This causes the springs42″ to bias the mounting frame28″ into the position shown, with the target engagement face8″ having been advanced toward the retainer12″ and the projections16″ extending toward or into slots in the retainer. In this position a target or target backer can be securely held between the target engagement face8″ and the retainer12″.

It will be noted that the pivot point or hinge65′ at the first end90aof the pivot arm90is disposed in general alignment with the pivot point or hinge68′ and pivot point or hinge92. In this position, however, the locking lever50′ is not engaging the backside of the structure forming the target engagement face8″. Thus, while the target clamp4″ is in the second, closed position, it is not locked in place.

Turning now toFIG.18there is shown a side cross-sectional view of the target clamp4″ in a third, locked position. The orientation is similar to that shown inFIG.17except that the locking lever50′ has been pulled downwardly so that the pivot point or hinge65′ engaging the first end90aof the pivot arm90is disposed generally below the line69′ bisecting the pivot point or hinge68′ and the pivot point or hinge92. With the pivot point or hinge65′ in this orientation, the spring clip97will tend to bias the locking lever50′ into engagement with the structure forming the target engagement face8″ and hold it in the position shown inFIG.18.

In order to release the locking mechanism, all that one needs to do is push upwardly on the rear end of the locking lever50′ sufficiently to move the pivot point or hinge65′ above the line69which bisects pivot points or hinges68′ and92. This moves the target clamp4″ out of the third, locked position, and into the second, closed position, wherein control over the target clamp can be exercised. For example, by moving the extension14″ up or down in the opening15″, the target clamp4″ can then be moved out of the second, closed position, by simply pulling down on the extension14″; or, if the target is sufficiently durable, by pulling downwardly on the target or target holder. This causes the downward force to be applied to the projections16″ and cause the mounting frame28″ to rotate sufficiently that the holding rod44″ moves back above the pivot point46″ and the spring42″ biases the target clamp into the first, open position.

Without releasing the locking lever50′, the target engagement face8″ will remain locked in the closed position. Moving the locking lever from the second, locking position, back into a first, unlocked position, as shown inFIG.17allows the user to open the target clamp4″ either pulling on the target13or moving the extension14″. This returns the target clamp4″ back to the first, open position.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.