US20240151502A1

US20240151502A1 - Shooting Target System

Info

Publication number: US20240151502A1
Application number: US18/297,889
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald Frank Holmes, SR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-04-10
Publication date: 2024-05-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shooting target system comprised of a target body with at least one recording area and at least one target. The target may be a plurality of target styles for practice shooting, competition shooting, firearm zeroing, etc. The body may also have at least one recording area that allows a user to record relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target. The system may also include a method of zeroing a firearm shooting the system and a method of target shooting with the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/423,612, which was filed on Nov. 8, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of shooting targets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shooting target system comprised of a target body with at least one recording area and at least one target. In differing embodiments, the target may be a plurality of target styles for practice shooting, competition shooting, firearm zeroing, etc. The body may also have at least one recording area that allows a user to record relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target. The system may also include a method of zeroing a firearm shooting the system and a method of target shooting with the system. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals shoot firearms for hobby, sport, hunting, etc. Said individuals may seek to improve the accuracy of their shooting. However, a shooter's ability to make accurate shots can be affected by several factors, including the environment, weather, distance, firearm, and bullet used to take a shot. Because of the many outside factors, it may be difficult for an individual to remember what adjustments to their aim, firearm, and bullet selection must be made to hit accurate shots.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a system that allows a user to track a plurality of shooting conditions and factors. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shooting target system that provides a shooting target and a means to record shooting-related factors and variables. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a shooting target system that can be used to zero a rifle and also record shooting-related factors and variables at the time of zeroing.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a shooting target system. The system is comprised of a target body with at least one recording area and at least one target. In differing embodiments, the target may be a plurality of target styles for practice shooting, competition shooting, firearm zeroing, etc. The body may also have at least one recording area that allows a user to record relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target. The system may also include a method of zeroing a firearm shooting the system and a method of target shooting with the system.
In this manner, the shooting target system of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a system that allows a user to track a plurality of shooting conditions and factors. The system also provides a shooting target and a means to record shooting-related factors and variables. In addition, the device can be used to zero a rifle and also record shooting-related factors and variables at the time of zeroing.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a shooting target system comprised of a target body with at least one recording area and at least one target. The body has at least one target printed on the body that may be any size, shape, style, arrangement, etc., of firearm target known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the target has at least one circular ring. The target may also have at least one crosshair that is preferably identical to the crosshair style of a firearm optic that is being used with the system. In this manner, a user simply aligns their optic crosshair with the target crosshair to easily zero their firearm at any distance.
The body is also comprised of at least one recording area. The recording area may be in the form of a box, a line, or another designated area of the like that a user can write within/on. The recording area may be located on the front side and/or back side of the body in an area that does not obstruct the target. The recording area allows a user to write down relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target. These factors include, but are not limited to: date, time, elevation, elevation adjustment, temperature, humidity, weather conditions, wind direction, wind speed, wind adjustment, distance, total shots, total shots hit, scenario, firearm, caliber, barrel type, barrel attachment, cartridge type, cartridge powder type, cartridge powder charge, optic, high bullet speed, low bullet speed, the standard deviation of bullet speed, extreme spread, and average bullet speed.
The system is also comprised of a first method of use of zeroing a firearm. First, the body is positioned at a distance away from a shooter. Then, the shooter can align the crosshairs of a firearm optic with the crosshair of a target of the body and fire at least one shot at the target to zero their firearm at a given distance. The shooter can then adjust their firearm optic until their shot impacts the center of the crosshair. Then, after shooting has finished, the shooter can record information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic when the shot was taken on at least one recording area of the body.
In a second method of using the system can be used to shoot a target and record related information at the time of the shot. First, the body is positioned at a distance away from a shooter. Then, the shooter can aim at the target of the body and fire at least one shot at the target to attempt to hit the target. Then, after shooting has finished, the shooter can record information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic when the shot was taken on at least one recording area of the body.
Accordingly, the shooting target system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a shooting target system that allows a user to track a plurality of shooting conditions and factors. The system also provides a shooting target and a means to record shooting-related factors and variables. In addition, the device can be used to zero a rifle and also record shooting-related factors and variables at the time of zeroing. In this manner, the shooting target system overcomes the limitations of existing methods of shooting, recording, and zeroing firearms known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention with multiple targets in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention with multiple targets in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical view of the functions of a mobile application of one potential embodiment of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 7 illustrates flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a target body of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a system that allows a user to track a plurality of shooting conditions and factors. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shooting target system that provides a shooting target and a means to record shooting-related factors and variables. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a shooting target system that can be used to zero a rifle and also record shooting-related factors and variables at the time of zeroing.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a shooting target system, comprised of a target body with at least one recording area and at least one target. In differing embodiments, the target may be a plurality of target styles for practice shooting, competition shooting, firearm zeroing, etc. Further, the body may also have at least one recording area that allows a user to record relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target. The system may also include a method of zeroing a firearm shooting the system and a method of target shooting with the system.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a target body 110 of a shooting target system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system 100 is comprised of target body 110 with at least one recording area 120 and at least one target 200. The target body 110 is preferably square in shape, but may be rectangular, circular, etc., in differing embodiments. The body 110 is preferably made from a paper and/or paper-based material known in the art. The material may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.
The body 110 has at least one target 200 printed on the body 110. The target 200 may be positioned on any area of the body 110. The target 200 may be any size, shape, style, arrangement, etc., of firearm target known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the target 200 has at least one circular ring 202. The ring 202 may be any color known in the art. The target 200 may also have at least one crosshair 204. The crosshair 204 may be any style of optic reticle crosshair known in the art. The center of the crosshair 204 is preferably positioned at the center of the ring 202. In one embodiment, the body 110 may have multiple targets 200 in any orientation/arrangement, as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .
In the preferred embodiment, the crosshair 204 style of the target 200 is identical to the crosshair style of a firearm optic that is being used with the system 100. In this manner, a user simply aligns their optic crosshair with the target crosshair 204 to easily zero a firearm at any distance. In the preferred embodiment, the target 200 is a ⅜ target that can be used to zero a firearm. In various embodiments, the target 200 may be one to six inches in size and/or any size known in the art.
The body 110 is also comprised of at least one recording area 120. The recording area 120 may be in the form of a box, a line, or another designated area of the like that a user can write within/on. The recording area 120 may be located on the front side 112 and/or back side 114 (as seen in FIG. 4 ) of the body 110 in an area that does not obstruct the target 200. The recording area 120 allows a user to write down relevant information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic factors while shooting the target 200. The recording area 120 may have at least one indicia 130 in the form of a letter, word, phrase, symbol, etc., that signifies what information should be written within the area 120.
The recording area 120 may be used to record information related to (but not limited to):

- 1. Date—the date the target 200 was shot
- 2. Time—the time of day the target 200 was shot
- 3. Elevation—the elevation at which the target 200 was shot (i.e., feet above/below sea level)
- 4. Elevation adjustment—any elevation adjustment made to the optic of the firearm before shooting the target 200 to account for the elevation of the location where the shot was taken
- 5. Temperature—the temperature at the location the target 200 was shot at the time of the shot
- 6. Humidity—the humidity at the location the target 200 was shot at the time of the shot
- 7. Weather condition—the weather conditions (i.e., sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.) at the location the target 200 was shot, at the time of the shot
- 8. Wind direction—the direction of any wind blowing at the location the target 200 was shot at the time of the shot
- 9. Wind speed—the speed of any wind blowing at the location the target 200 was shot at the time of the shot
- 10. Wind adjustment—any windage adjustment made to the optic of the firearm before shooting the target 200 to account for wind speed and wind direction at the time of the shot
- 11. Distance—the distance between the shooter and the target 200
- 12. Target size—the size of the target 200
- 13. Total shots—the total amount of shots fired at the target 200
- 14. Total shots hit—the total amount of shots that impacted the body 110 and/or the target 200
- 15. Scenario—the scenario in which the shots were fired (i.e., practice, competition, etc.)
- 16. Firearm—the name, type, and style of firearm used to the shoot the target 200
- 17. Caliber—the caliber of the firearm used to shoot the target 200
- 18. Barrel type—the length, rifling, twist rate, material, name, brand, etc., of the barrel of the firearm used to shoot the target 200.
- 19. Barrel attachment—any attachment on the barrel of the firearm used to shoot at the target 200 (i.e., suppressors, muzzle breaks, compensators)
- 20. Cartridge type—the type/caliber of the bullet cartridge used to shoot the target
- 21. Cartridge powder type—the amount/type of cartridge powder used within the cartridge used to shoot the target 200
- 22. Cartridge powder charge—the amount/type of cartridge charge used within the cartridge used to shoot the target 200
- 23. Optic—the type, name, brand, magnification level, reticle, etc., of the optic used on the firearm that was used to shoot the target 200.
- 24. High bullet speed—the highest bullet speed recorded (via a chronograph)
- 25. Low bullet speed—the lowest bullet speed recorded (via a chronograph)
- 26. Standard deviation of bullet speed—the standard deviation of bullet speed shot at the target 200
- 27. Extreme spread—the difference between the highest and lowest velocity in the bullet shot at the target 200
- 28. Average bullet speed—the average speed of the bullet shot at the target

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical view of the functions of a mobile application 300 of one potential embodiment of a shooting target system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the system 100 may be a partially virtual (i.e., including a mobile application) that can be used on a smart device. In this embodiment, the recording area 120 is not found on the body 110 but is instead, found on the mobile application 300 such that a user can record the information 302 listed above into the mobile application 300. For each target 200 shot (and/or each shot of the target 200), a user can upload a picture 304 of the target 200 along with the corresponding recording area 120 information (as listed above).
The system 100 is advantageous as each body 110 can be stored easily to allow a user to view their exact shots on a target 200 at any time. Further, a user can view the exact variables and equipment used to make said shots. The system 100 can also be used to easily zero a firearm.
The system 100 is also comprised of a first method of use 400 of zeroing a firearm, as seen in FIG. 6 . First, the body 110 is positioned at a distance away from a shooter [Step 402]. Then, the shooter can align the crosshairs of a firearm optic with the crosshair 204 of a target 200 of the body 110 and fire at least one shot at the target 200 to zero their firearm at a given distance [Step 404]. The shooter can then adjust their firearm optic until their shot impacts the center of the crosshair 204 [Step 406]. Then, after shooting has finished, the shooter can record information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic when the shot was taken on at least one recording area 120 of the body 110 [Step 408].
In a second method, the system 100 can be used to shoot a target 200 and record related information at the time of the shot, as seen in FIG. 7 . First, the body 110 is positioned at a distance away from a shooter [Step 502]. Then, the shooter can aim at the target 200 of the body 110 and fire at least one shot at the target 200 to attempt to hit the target 200 [Step 504]. Then, after shooting has finished, the shooter can record information related to the environment, firearm, bullet, and optic when the shot was taken on at least one recording area 120 of the body 110 [Step 506].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “shooting target system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the shooting target system 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shooting target system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the shooting target system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the shooting target system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the shooting target system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the shooting target system 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shooting target system comprising:

a body;

a target positioned on the body and comprised of a ring; and

a recording area.

2. The shooting target system of claim 1, wherein the target is comprised of a crosshair.

3. The shooting target system of claim 2, wherein the crosshair is positioned within a center of the ring.

4. The shooting target system of claim 1, wherein the recording area is comprised of a box.

5. The shooting target system of claim 1, wherein the recording area is comprised of a line.

6. The shooting target system of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a paper material.

7. The shooting target system of claim 1, wherein the recording area is comprised of an indicia.

8. The shooting target system of claim 7, wherein the indicia is comprised of a letter, a word, a phrase or a symbol.

9. A shooting target system comprising:

a body;

a target positioned on the body and comprised of a ring; and

a mobile application.

10. The shooting target system of claim 9, wherein the mobile application allows a user to record a factor.

11. The shooting target system of claim 10, wherein the factor is comprised of a date, a time, an elevation, an elevation adjustment, a temperature, a target size, a humidity, a weather condition, a wind direction, a wind speed, a wind adjustment, a distance, a total number of shots, a total number of shots hit, a scenario, a firearm, a caliber, a barrel type, a barrel attachment, a cartridge type, a cartridge powder type, a cartridge powder charge, an optic, a high bullet speed, a low bullet speed, a standard deviation of bullet speed, an extreme spread, or an average bullet speed.

12. The shooting target system of claim 9, wherein the mobile application allows the user to upload a photo of the target.

13. The shooting target system of claim 10, wherein the factor corresponds to the target.

14. The shooting target system of claim 9, wherein the body is comprised of a paper material.

15. A method of using a shooting target system, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a target body of a shooting target system at a distance away from a user;

shooting a target of the target body; and

recording a factor related to the shooting of the target in a recording area.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the recording area is located on the target body.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the recording area is located on a mobile application.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the target is comprised of a crosshair.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprised of the steps of aligning a crosshair of an optic of a firearm with the crosshair and shooting at the target.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprised of repeating the aligning of the crosshair and shooting the target until the firearm is zeroed.