US2146066A - Shooting range - Google Patents

Description

E. A. GORNEY SHOOTING RANGE Feb. 7, 1939.

Filed May 25, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. I lbw/Web 4 Gulf/rs) ATTORNEY.

E. A. GORNEY' SHOOTING RANGE Feb. 7, 1939.

Filed May 25, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 EDWWRD qaif ygy INVENTOR.

ATTORNE E. A. GORNEY SHOOTING RANGE Feb. 7, 1939.

Filed May 25, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 607mm EDWHFD 4.

Patented Feb. 7, 1939' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOOTING RANGE Application May '25, 1937, Serial No. 144,677

4 Claims.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a shooting range adapted for use in target practice shooting and has as its object the provision of a construction whereby, target practice may be effectively carried on and the one practicing readily apprised of the results of the shots.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a target practice construction having a lo lighting system for illuminating the target for a predetermined length of time and automatically shutting off upon the elapse of the predetermined amount of time.

Another object of the invention is the prols. vision of a target practice construction so arranged that a target may be illuminated and set into motion simultaneously for a limited period of time thus requiring the operator to manifest skill and speed in shooting.

20 Another object of the invention is the provision of a coin controlled mechanism for controlling the operation of the structure.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a coin. controlled means for releasing a 25 predetermined number of bullets at each operation.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a construction of this kind, of a bullet dispensing mechanism capable of maximum ca- :iu pacity and easily and quickly operated to release a predetermined number of bullets at each operation.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a construction of this kind, of means 35 for electrically indicating the results of each shot.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a construction in which a gun shall be mounted in such a manner that it can not be 40 removed from the enclosure leading to the target itself.

Another object of the invention is the provision of means for indicating the number of operations of the device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of this class which will be simple in structure, economical of manufacture, durable, highly efiicient in use, easily operated, compact and safe.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

55 p The invention will be best understood by a reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention with a part broken away and a part shown in section. 5

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal, central, vertical, sectional view of the upper part of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a view taken on line l! of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the feeding magazine with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 7 with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the upper part of the feeding magazine.

Fig. 11 is a view taken on line ll-Il of Fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view taken on line l2-l2 of Fig.11.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view taken on line |3l3 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatical view illustrating the wiring used in the invention.

Fig. 15 is a View similar to Fig. 5 showing a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 16 is a view taken on line l6|6 of Fig. 15.

In the form illustrated, the invention is indicated' as a mechanism which is operated upon the pressing inwardly of a plunger, the pressing inwardly of which would be resisted until the deposit of a coin in the required position. While this illustration has been made it will, it is believed, appear obvious as the description proceeds that the coin release of the inwardly pressible plunger may be dispensed with, if desired. 40 The construction is one which is very compact and may be positioned in a small space so that the target range provided in this invention may be set up in a recreation room, restaurant, store or the like.

The invention comprises a base 36 mounted upon and projecting upwardly from which is an enclosing housing embodying the side Walls 31 and 38, the front 39, the top 42, and the rear wall 43, extending rearwardly on the base 36 and projecting upwardly therefrom in spaced relation are the supporting standard or wall 40 and M. These standards or walls 40 and M serve as a support for the rearwardly extended cylindrical housing or hollow shell 44, which is suitably secured, as by welding, to the rear wall 43. At the rear end of this housing 44 is a closure 45 swingably attached thereto as at 46 and provided with a suitable locking mechanism 41. An opening 48 is formed in the front wall 39 and mounted on the front wall so as to surround this opening 48 and extending inwardly therefrom is the tube or drum 49 secured within which, by means of the chain 5|, is a gun 50 preferably of the rifle type. The connection of the gun 59 with the tube 49 is such that the muzzle of the gun can not be withdrawn from the tube 49 and since 7 it is preferred toform the tube 49 from metal,

it is obvious that an accidental discharge of the gun would necessarily be within the tube 49 and directed toward the rear end thereof. This tube 49 is slightly telescoped with the conical deflecting tube 52 which is slightly larger at its large end than the tube 49 and which is mounted in spaced relation by the spacing chairs 53 which may be secured in any desired manner to either of these tubes, but preferably to the tube 52. The front or outer end of the tube 52 is secured by welding, or in any other suitable manner, to the lugs 54 which project downwardly from the cut-away portion of the rear wall 43. The rear or inner end of the tube 52 projects inwardly of the conical tube 55 and is mounted in spaced relation thereto by the spacing chair 53". The front or outer end of the tube 55 is supported by the supporting chair 53' mounted within the housing 44. The rear or inner end of the tube 55 is provided with a lug 51 which is pivotally connected by the pin 58 to the standard 59 which projects upwardly from the bottom of the housing 44. Positioned within the housing, at the forward end of the device and preferably at the upper side thereof, is the compartment housing 59 divided into a plurality of compartments 99, 9!, and 92 each of which is again subdivided into separate compartments communicating with which is an opening formed in the front wall 39 and closed by a lens 63. In each of these compartments is mounted a socket 64 in which a light bulb 84' is threaded. The wires leading to these light bulbs are passed through the cable 65 which leads into the control or switch box E9. A bracket 55 serves to support a light bulb socket El and a light bulb socket 69 is mounted on the floor plate 68. This floor plate 68, as well as the top plate 42 is provided with the ventilating openings '59.

Mounted within the housing or tube 44 is a bracket which serves to support a light socket I2. Depending from adjacent the rear end of the tube 44 is a pair of spaced supporting arms 14 and I5 each of which is provided at its lower end with a bearing I6 in which the shaft TI is rotatably mounted. Pivotally mounted on the shaft I1 (see Fig. 11) is a sleeve 18 projecting outwardly from which is an arm I9. This arm I9, as shown in Fig. 5, is connected at its end pivotally to one end of a link 89, the other end of .which is pivotally connected eccentrically to the disc 8! which is fixedly mounted on the shaft 82 projecting outwardly from the gear box 89 and which is rotated by the electric motor 84. Mounted on the shaft 85 of this motor is a fan 86 which serves to expel the air and gas from the interior of the tube 44 through the screen 88'. A bracket 81 is mounted in the tube 44 for supporting the motor 84.

Mounted on the shaft 11, as shown in Fig. 11, is a plate 88 which is positioned at one side of the sleeve I8. Mounted on this shaft 11 at the opposite side of the sleeve I8 is a plate 89 which is connected to the plate 88 by the stay bolt 99 which passes through each of the plates 89 and 88 and also through the sleeve I8. Consequently, it is obvious that upon a rockingof the sleeve I8,

the plates 88 and 89 are rocked in unison therewith.

Formed in the plate 88 is an'opening 9| in which is adapted to slideably engage anannular I target'forming member 92 having at its inner end a radially projecting peripheral flange 93 of larger outside diameter than the diameter of the opening 9| so as to overlie the same. The member 92 is of an outside diameter less than the diameter of the opening 91 so that there is, extending around the member 92, a space between the member 92 and the plate 88 sufliciently large to permit the passage of a bullet therethrough. Should a bullet strike this space it will pass between the members 92 and 88 and pass rearwardly until it strikes the flange 93which serves as a deflecting flange.

A target forming member 94 is also adapted to slideably engage in the opening formed in the member 92 with sufficient clearance around the member 94 to permit a bullet striking such space to pass between the members 92 and 94 rear- I wardly so that it will engage the deflecting flange 95 formed on the member'94 and which overlies I the opening formed in the member 92. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the member 92 iscarriedvby a pair of spaced arms 96 and the member 94 is carried by a pair of spaced arms 91, these arms being swingably mounted on the shaft 98 which is journalled in spaced supporting arms or bearings 99 which project inwardly from the member 88. The springs IIII mounted on the shaft 98' serve to normally retain the arms 96 and 91 swung to such a position that the members 92 and 94 will engage as shown in Fig. 11. The arrangement of the tube 55 and the plate 88 is such that the member 94 will be positioned centrally of the inner end of the tube 55 thus mounting a target adjacent the inner end of the tube 55.

Projecting outwardly from one of the arms 91, is a switch closing arm I82 carrying on'its outer end a block I93 of insulating material such as rubber or the like, which is adapted to engage one end of the spring arm lMwhich is fixedly attached at its opposite end to the lug I95 projecting inwardly from the plate 89; This spring arm I94 carries a contact I96 adapted to engage a contact I61 mounted onthe spring arm I98 which is also attached to the lug I65. An electric wire I09 is connected to the spring plate I84 and a wire II8 connects to the spring arm I98. The plate 89 is formed of insulating material.

A switch closing arm III is carried by one'of the arms 96 and provided on its outer end witha block H2 of insulating material such as rubber or the like and which is adapted to engage one endof the spring arm H3, the opposite end of which isattached to thelug II5 projecting inmember 92 and the member 88 serving as indieating lines for defining thevarious areas on the target. Thus, it is positioned concentrically of the tube 55 and visible through the tube 49 a structure simulating in all respects the usual target.

Secured to and depending from the plate 89, is the trough-shaped plate I2I having the side walls I23 and the base I22. Mounted on this base is a trough-shaped bracket comprising the base I24, the end wall I25 and the side walls I26.

'10 Swingably mounted on a shaft I21 projected through the sidewalls I26 is a switch closing plate I28 normally held rocked forwardly by the spring I29 which engages in the cup-shaped recess I30 formed in the base I24 adjacent the upper end thereof. Projecting rearwardly from the upper end of theplate I28 is a contact boss or leg I3I which engages one endoi the spring arm I32 which carries the contact I34, adapted to engage the contact I35 carried by the arm I36.

These arms I32 and I36 are mounted on the lug I31 which projects inwardly from the plate 89. A wire I38 connects to the arm I36 and a wire I39 connects to the arm I32. Mounted on the base I22 of the bracket, is a socket I40 for reception of a light bulb.

The construction of these parts is such that, upon a rocking rearwardly of the member 92, the arm III would eifect a flexing of the spring arm II3 so that the contacts II 4 and H8 would engage and thus a circuit, to be hereinafter described, would be closed. Similarly, a. rearward swinging of the member 94 would eifect, through the arm I02, a closing of a circuit by bringing the contacts I06 and I01 together. When the person using the gun shoots so as to strike the member 92 on its face or so as to pass through the space surrounding the member 92 and strike the flange 93, the member 92 would be forced rearwardly so that the arm III would 4 effect a closing of a circuit by bringing the contacts H4 and H8 together. Similarly, should the member .94 be struck on its face, or should the flange 95 be struck by a bullet, the arm 91 would rock to force the contacts I06 and I01 together.

5 Should the bullet pass directly through the opening I20, it would then impact against the plate 28 which is positioned rearwardly of and in alignment with the opening I20. This impact of the bullet would cause theplate I28 to rock rear- 50 wardly so as to bring the contacts I34 and I35 together. In normal operation, the motor 84 would be operating so that the plate 83 would be oscillating across the end of the tube but never passing out of the area defined by the end 5 of the tube 55. At the same time, the lights mounted in the sockets 61, 69, 12 and I40 would be lit so as to well illuminate the target and clearly define the opening I20, the space sur rounding the member 94, and the space surrounding the member 92. a

, Mounted on and projecting outwardly from the front wall, as shownin Fig. 6, is a guide sleeve I4I through which is slideably projected a plunger I43 adapted to receive a coin deposited in the opening I42 and carry the sameinwardly for depositing it in the coin chute I44. This type of control is one which is well known and its detail of structure is not illustrated as it forms no part, by itself, of the present invention. The construction is such that, the plunger I43 cannot be forced inwardly unless a coin is positioned in the opening I42. Projecting upwardly from the inner end of the plunger I43 is a stud I44 which engages in a slot I45 formed in the switch arm I46 which operate the switch contained therein. The cable I48 serves to conduct the wire into the switch box I41. A spring I49 fastened at one end to the stationary sleeve I4I, and at its opposite end to the inner end of the plunger I43, serves to normally retain the plunger I43 pressed outwardly.

When the plunger I43 is pressed inwardly, it will strike at its inner end against the up-turned end I50 of the crank, the downwardly-turned end I5I of which is journalled in an opening formed in the supporting plate I52 which is mounted within the housing. Consequently, an inwardly pressing of the plunger I43 serves to rock the crank on its pivot. This crank portion I5I projects through and is fixedly attached to a link I53. To one end of this link I53 is pivotally mounted the dog I55 by the pin I54. The spring I58 serves to retain the dog I55 rocked into operative position so as to normally retain it in contact with the teeth I12. A spring I58 is attached at one end to the link I53 and at its opposite end to the post I59 projecting upwardly from the supporting plate I52 so as to normally retain the link I53 moved into the position shown in Fig. 6. When in this position, the link I53 will engage the stop post I51 which projects upwardly from the supporting plate I52. Pivotally connected by the pin I6I to one end of the link I53 is one end of a bar I60 which is slideably projected through the guide strap I62. Pivoted on the end of this bar I60, intermediate its ends by means of the pin I64, is a rocker arm I 63 carrying the outwardly projecting stud I65 adapted to engage the control arm I66 of a time switch I61 leading from which are the wires I69 and I10. The spring I1I serves to normally prevent a rocking of the member I63 in one direction, one end of this spring I II being attached to the end of the member I63 and the other end of the spring I1I being attached to the bar I60. The teeth I12 are formed on the magazine base I13 which is rotatably positioned on the supporting plate I52, as shown in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8. A shaft I14 projects centrally through the base I13 and this base I13 is adapted to rotate about the axis of the shaft I14. It will be noted, that the base I13 is cup-shaped and formed in the side walls of this cup-shaped base are axially directed passages I15. A peripheral slot I16 is formed on the side wall of this cup-shaped base so as to open into the passages I15. Lying in this slot I16 is a Wire I11, one end of which is attached to the post I18 and the other end of which is coiled into a spring coil I11 and attached to the post I59 so that the wire I11 is retained in position to extend into and lie across a number of passages I15 as clearly appears in Fig. 6. Pressed into the upper end of each of these passages I15 is one end of a tube I19, the upper ends I of which are crimped inwardly. The shaft I14 is projected centrally through the spacing disc i8I which is provided with a plurality of peripheral recesses I8I', in each of which engages one of the tubes I19 as clearly appears in Fig. 9. Consequently, the disc I8I serves to retain the tubes extended in parallel relation upwardly from the base I13.

The shaft I14 also projects centrally through the cover I82 which engages the upper ends of the tubes I19 and which is formed cup-shaped to provide the embracing flange I83 which snugly embraces the row of tubes. A nut I 84 is threaded on the shaft I14 to retain the cover I83 pressed tightly against the upper ends of the tubes I19.

Formed in the supporting base I52 in alignextends into the switch box I41 and serves toment with the row of tubes I19, is an opening I85 communicating with a discharge chute I86 leading' to a discharge cup I81 mounted on and extended outwardly of the front wall 39. The construction is such that, if the base I13 is rotated about the axis of the shaft I14, the passages I15 are successively brought into register with the opening I85. Projecting upwardly from the cover I82 are studs I88 spaced apart circumferentially aroundthe cover a distance equivalent to the distance of the row of tubes I19. Projecting inwardly from the front wall is a supporting bracket I92 carrying the pin I9I which projects through the dog I90, intermediate its ends, and serves to pivotally mount the same. One end of this dog lies in the path of the studs I88 and the other end is attached to a lever I94 which is fixedly mounted upon a shaft I95 projecting into the housing I96 in which a counting mechanism is mounted and visible through its front end I91 which is positioned exterior of the front wall 39. The particular structure of the counting mechanism is not shown, as it may be of any well-known mechanical type. A spring I93 is attached at one end to the dog I90 and at its opposite end to the bracket I92 to normally retain the dog I90 swung to a position so that it will be entered successively by the studs I88 as the cover I82 is rotated. The tubes I19 are adapted for reception of bullets 190, these bullets being mounted in the tubes as shown in Fig. 8.

The mechanism illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 is such that, upon an inward pressing of the plunger I43, the crank will be rocked on its portion I59 to effect a rocking of the link I53 clockwise, in the form shown in Fig. 1, so'as to rotate the base I13 a distance equal to the one of the teeth I12. These teeth are spaced apart to correspond with the spacing between the tubes I19. At the same time, the bar I60 will serve through the switch arm I66 and close the time switch I61. As shown in Fig. 8, the wire I11 serves to prevent the downward passage of the bullets in the tubes from above so that as the base I13 is rotated to bring one of the passages I15 into register with the opening I85, only those bullets positioned be-' low the wire I11 will pass into the discharge chute I08 as clearly appears in Fig. 8.

In loading the tubes, they are removed and the V bullets are inserted from the lower end thereof.

The crimped upper ends I preventing the passage of bullets therethrough. A pin may then be inserted into the opening I99 formed in the tubes I19 adjacent their opposite end, to prevent undue dislodgement of the bullets from the tubes and thus facilitating their being carried from the place of loading to the structure.

In operation, when the plunger I43 is pressed inwardly it will close the time switch I61 which is interposed in the feed line 202 as shown in Fig. 14. This feed line cooperates with the feed line 29L. Upon the closing of the time switch I61, the circuit to the motor 84 and to each of the lights 99, 61, 12 and I40 will be closed. At the same time, the plunger willserve to operate the switch in the switch housing I41 and this switch I41A is illustrated in the diagrammatic View as being interposed in the line 293 leading off of the line 20I. This line 203 connects to one end of the magnetic coils 204, 206 and 201, connecting directly to one end of the coil 204 and connecting to the coils 206 and 201 by the wires 205 and 208 respectively. The opposite ends of these coils 204, 206 and 201 are connected to the wire 202 through the wires 209, 2I0 and 2. Consequently, upon an inward pressing of the plunger I43, each of the coils 204, 206 and 201 are energized at the same time that the motor 84 is set into operation and the light bulbs referred to are lit. Each of these coils 204, 206 and 201 is provided with a core 2I2 pivotally connected at its outer end to a dog 2I3 which is pivoted at one end and adapted at the opposite end for engaging the ratchet teeth 2I4 formed on the rotatable discs 2I5, 216 and 2I1, which may be made from suitable insulating material. A spring 2I8 serves to retain the dog 2I3 in engagement with the ratchet teeth 2| 4. Each of these discs 2I5, 2I6 and 2I1 is rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft 2I9 to which is attached one end of the helical spring 220, the opposite end thereof being attached to a stud 22I projecting outwardly from the face of the disc. such that, upon a rotation of the disc in a clockwise direction, in the drawing illustrated in Fig. 14, the spring will be wound to increase its tension and the teeth 2I4 will ride over the dog which will snap into engagement with each successive tooth and prevent reverse rotation of the discs 2I5, 2I6, and 2I1 as the case may be. Each of these discs is provided with'arcuate metallic stripping 222 contacting with each of which is a brush contact member 223 connected by a suitable wire 224 to the feed line and its connecting. wires to the feed line 202. 'The light bulbs 60', BI and 62 positioned inthe compartments 60, 6|, and 62 are each connected through the wiring 225 to the feed line 20L, Each of these light bulbs is also connected through the wire 226 to a 7 stitute the group of light bulbs 69, would be suc- I I cessively lighted. A similar action would take plate at each of the discs 2 I6 and 2 I1,

These discs and. their associated parts, are mounted in the housing 13.

At each of the discs there is provided an actuating mechanism to effect aclockwise rotation of the disc. This mechanism is the same at each of the discs so that a description ofrone will sufiice for all. For operating the disc 2I5, I provide a magnetic coil 228 one end of which is connected by the wire I39 to the spring arm' I32 so that when the contacts I34 and I35 are engaged with each other, one side of the coil 228 will be connected to the feed line 202, the other side of this coil 228 is connected through the wire 230 and 23I to the feed line 20I. Associated with the disc 2I6, is a magnetic coil 232 one end of which is connected by the wire I I9 to the spring arm I I1 so that when the contacts II 4 and H8 are engaged,

one end of the magnetic coil 232 will be con-r Wire I09 and I38 to the feed line 202. The op-:

The construction is V posite end of the coil 234 is connected by the Wire 23| to the feed line 2m. 7 Y

. The operating mechanism associated with each of the coils 228,232 and 234 is the same in each of thesecoils and is provided with a slidable core 235 having a slot 236 formed therein in which engages a pin 231 projecting outwardly from the end of th e pivotally mounted arm 238. Mounted intermediate its ends pivotally on the arm 238 intermediate its ends, is a dog 240 to one end of which is attached a spring 24I to normally maintain this dog 240 rocked downwardly against the stop pin 242. The constructionis such that, upon energizing of either of these coils, the core 235 will be drawn toward the left of the drawing so as to rock the arm 238 and force the end of the dog 240 into engagement with one of the ratchet teeth 243 and rotate the disc clockwise a distance equal to the space between a pair of ratchet teeth, thefratchet teeth 2I4 riding over the dog 2I3. The dog 2I3 serves to prevent reverse rotation. In the form shown in Fig. 14, each of the discs is rotated counterclockwise the limit of its movement. A stop pin 244 engagingthe endmost tooth 243 to prevent further reverse rotation. When the plunger is forced inwardly and the switch I14A closed, each of the coils 204, 206 and 201 being energized, will cause the core 2I2 to be moved to the leftof the drawing so as to disengage the dog 2I3 from the, ratchet teeth 2I4 and permit a reverse rotation of the discs if they have previously been moved clockwise by the actuation of the dog 240. When the plunger has been pressed inwardly and the time switch I61 set, the target will be oscillating and illuminated and all of the discs2l5, H6 and 2I1 will be returned to neutral position. When the operator shoots and makes a bulls-eye, by directing the bullet through the passage I20 so as'to rock the plate I28 to bring the contacts I34 and I35 into engagement with each other, the coil 228 would be energized and the disc 2 I would be'moved clockwise sufiiciently to bring the arcuate'metallic strips 222 into engagement with one of; the brushes 221 so as to close the'circuit to one'of the light bulbs in the group 60. I have shown three light bulbs in each group as it is intended that the machine shall operate by depositing three bullets in the discharge cup at each operation. Should the operator again strike a bulls-eye, the disc 2I5 would be moved to light the second bulb in the group 60, the dog 2I3 retaining the disc 2I5 moved to this position. Should another shot also make a bulls-eye, the disc 2I5 would be rotated clockwise to a distance to close the circuit to the other bulb in the group 60. The time switch is so set as to allow ample time to shoot three shots but still limiting it to such an extent as to require quick action on the part of the shooter and when the time expires and the time switch I61 opens and the circuit to the light bulb 69, 91, 12 and I40 as well as the motor 84 would be broken at the next operation. When the plunger I43 is pressed inwardly the switch I41A would be closed to energize the coil 201 so as to release the dog 2 I3 from engagement with the teeth 2I4 and permit the reverse rotation of the disc 2 I 5 to neutral position as shown in Fig. 14. This switch I41A remains closed only while the plunger is pressed inwardly and upon release of inward pressure the spring I49 would pull the plunger I43 outwardly so that the switch I41A is normally open.

The discs 2I6 and 2H operate in the same manner as does the disc 2| 5. When the bullet strikes the member 94 so as to rock the arm 91 and move the contacts I06 and I01 into engagement, the coil 234 would be energized to move the disc clockwise a sufficient distance for lighting one of the bulbs in the group 62. Similarly, when the member 92 is struck by a bullet so as to efiect a rocking of the arms 96 and force the contact II8 and H4 into engagement, the coil 232 would be energized to rotate the disc 2I6 clockwise a distance suflicient for lighting one of the bulbs in the group 6|.

Thus, the bulbs in the groups 69, 6E and 62 serves as a means for indicating to the shooter the results of his shooting. It is believed apparent from the description already given that as the plunger I43 is pressed inwardly, in addition to setting the mechanism into operation as already described, the feeding mechanism will be moved to a position to discharge a predetermined number of bullets I98. The operator then will load the gun while the muzzle is still retained in the tube 49 and proceed to shoot while the lights illuminating the target are turned on. The fan will operate to maintain the mechanism free from smoke and obnoxious gases. It is thus provided a construction in which target practice may be safely carried on, leaving the individual shooter in full control of the mechanism. By observing the counter I98, the operator will be able to tell the number of bullets which have been discharged from the tubes I19, as this counting mechanism Will be operated every eleventh movement of the plunger I43. It is obvious of course that the counter may be regulated to indicate other than every eleventh operation, but this mechanism is provided so that there will be clearly indicated at all times, the number of bullets which have been fed out of the tubes I19.

In Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, I have shown a slightly modified form of the invention in which the motor 84 is supported by the bracket 245 and the lug 246 which is pivoted to the end of the bracket 245. The lug projects from the housing of the motor 84. In place of the gear 8I, I have substituted a pulley 8| around which passes a belt 241. This belt also passes around a pulley 248 rotatably mounted on the shaft 249. This shaft 249 is journalled in bars formed on the arms 250 and 25I which project inwardly from the tube 44 fixedly. The pulley 248 is fixed to the hub 252 projecting centrally outwardly from the circular disc 253 which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 249. Through this disc 253 is formed a pair of circumferential concentric rows of passages I20. Behind the disc 253 is positioned a plate I28 corresponding to and mounted in the same manner as is the plate I28. The boss I3! is adapted, upon a rearward rocking of the plate I28, to force the contact I34 into engagement with the contacts I34 and I 35 corresponding to the contacts I34 and I35 and being similarly connected. The contact I34 is mounted on the spring arm I32 which is mounted on the horizontally turned extension 254 formed on the upper end of the standard 255. The contact I35 is mounted on the enlarged portion 258 of the standard 255. These parts all function to the same end and purpose as do the parts associated with and operated by the plate I28.

It will be noted, that in this form, shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the parts 92 and 94 are dispensed with, together with the circuit closing parts operated by the arms 96 and 91 so that the housing which is divided into the compartments 60, GI, and 62 would be provided with only one set of compartments and but one of the discs, shown in Fig. 14, would be utilized. It will be noted, however, that the disc 253 would be rotated when the counter is set into operation so that the target would comprise a rotating disc instead of an oscillating one.

Inboth forms of the invention shown, the members 49, 52 and 55 are used and these members together may be considered a tunnel at the end of which the target is located. The target is located beyond the end of the tunnel a sufficient distance to permit the bullets impacted against the members 88, 92 and 94 to drop downwardly in the space between the end of the tunnel and the target.

With a device constructed in this manner, it is believed obvious that the variations enumerated are obtained and a durable, practical, operative structure provided.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction, I do not wish to limit myself to the precise details of structure shown, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as may come within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new is:

1. In a shooting range of the class described, a bullet discharging magazine; means for operating said magazine for discharging a predetermined number of bullets therefrom; a shooting tunnel; means for illuminating said tunnel; a movable target positioned at the end of said tunnel; means for moving said target; a timing control means for controlling said moving means and said illuminating means; and means operable upon the operation of said magazine for instituting the operation ofsaid timing control means. I

2. In a shooting range, a cabinet having a shooting tunnel, a gun movably mounted at one end of said cabinet, a movable target mounted at the other end of said cabinet, means for moving the target and means for illuminating said target, a bullet discharging magazine,.means for operating said magazine fordischarging a pluatlases rality of bullets therefrom, and a control mechanism for all of said means whereby the illumination and initiation of movement ofsaid target is synchronized with discharge of bullets from said magazine, and timing means on said. control means whereby the illumination, and movement of said target continues for a predetermined period of time.

3. In a shooting range, a cabinet having a shooting tunnel, a gun movably mounted at one end of said cabinet, a movable target mounted at the other end of said cabinet, means for moving the target and means for illuminating said target, a bullet discharging magazine, means for operating said magazine for discharging a plurality of bullets therefrom, and a coin-actuated control mechanism for all of said meanswhereby V the illumination and initiation of movement of said target is synchronized with discharge of bul- Y 7 ed at one end of said cabinet, amovable target mounted at the other end of said cabinet, means for moving the target and means for illuminating the target, a means comprising a bullet discharging magazine for makingapredetermined number of bullets available to any operator whereby he may manually load said gun, and a control mechanism for all of said means whereby the illumination and initiation of movement of said target is synchronized'with discharge of said bullets from said'magazine, and timing means on said control means whereby illumination and movement of said targetcontinues for a predetermined period of time afterbullets have become available to the operator.

EDWARD A; GORNEY.

Images