US2630321A

US2630321A - Flying target

Info

Publication number: US2630321A
Application number: US140715A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert E Clyne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1950-01-26
Filing date: 1950-01-26
Publication date: 1953-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 1970-03-03

Description

R. E. CLYNE FLYING TARGET March 3, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 26. 1950 INVENTOR [Mm-14% ATTORNEYS R. E. CLYNE FLYING TARGET March 3, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 26, 1950 65 Jgll.

1 N VENTOR Iafierilllyzze ATTORNEYS March 3, 1953 R. E. CLYNE I 2,630,321

FLYING TARGET Filed Jafi. 26, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 3, 1953 FLYING TARGET Robert E. Clyne, Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio Application January 26, 1950, Serial No. 140,715

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to targets and particularly to flying targets intended to simulate the actions of a live bird.

The invention generally comprises a target structure having fragile means defining flightsustaining and guiding surfaces and a self-contained propelling device, the arrangement being such that upon being struck by a missile from a gun such as a shot gun, at least some of the surfaces of the target will be destroyed or torn and upset the flight characteristics of the target whereby it will simulate the actions of a bird that has been struck by a similar missile. The flying target of the present invention comprises generally a flight-sustaining structure and propelling means consisting of a capsule of compressed gas which, when released, provides jet propulsion for the target. The capsule is sufiiciently heavy and so located that upon even partial destruction of the flight-sustaining surfaces, the target will move erratically and drop substantially vertically to the ground quite near a point directly below the position in which it was hit.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a flying target adapted to simulate the flight of a bird and the action of a bird hit by a missile from a shotgun or the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a flying target that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and of light shipping weight.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a flying target capable of being readily launched in the desired direction without the necessity of providing complicated or expensive launching equipment.

Further objects and advantages will appear as the description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are, respectively, rear side, and top views of one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of a further embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of Fi 4.

Fig. 6 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. '7 is a detailed elevational view taken substantially along the line 'l-| of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the capsule-retaining clip shown in section in Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the modification of Fig. 4.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are, respectively, top plan,

rear elevation and side elevational views of a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line {3-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an elevational view of the inflatable member and capsule-supporting pouch of the modification of Figs. 10-12.

Figs. 15 and 16 are, respectively, bottom and side views of a still further modification and Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line Ill-H of Fig. 16 with the capsule shown in elevation. 1

Referring now to the modification of Figs. 1-3 there is shown a flying target having a generally triangular framework comprised of thin strips 2 of stiff, light-weight material such as balsa wood or the like, which are overlapped at the corners of the triangle and suitably cemented or otherwise joined together. The triangular framework thus provided is covered with a sheet or membrane of thin material such as tissue paper, thin plastc or the like 4, stretched over the triangular frame and suitably cemented to the frame members 2. A sheet of suitable fragile material 6 is folded in such a manner as to define a generally pyramidal structure having edge flaps 8 which are cemented to the upper surface of the membrane 4 to define guiding surfaces extending generally fore and aft of the target to maintain it on a predetermined course.

A strut member l8, which may be of the same material as the members 2, is cemented or otherwise attached at its ends to the adjacent rear corners of the triangular framework described above and is so bowed that it extends downwardly as indicated in Fig. l. A motor support strut 20 is cemented at one end to the leading corner of the triangular frame structure and cemented or otherwise attached to the member i8 near its mid-point to define a downwardly and rearwardly extending supporting structure.

The motor comprises a capsule 22 of com,- pressed gas having a puncturable seal in the reduced end portion 24. The capsule 22 may be of conventional construction and of a type readily available on the market containing a charge of compressed carbon dioxide gas. Suitable tapes or bands 26 affix the capsule 22 to the motor support bar 20 adjacent the leading or front end thereof and the arrangement is such that the axis of the capsule is directed downwardly and rearwardly of the flight-sustaining membrane 4. The bands 26 may be of an adhesive nature or may be endless rubber bands.

in such capsules is sufficient to sustain flight of the target throughout the usual range desired in shooting at such mechanical targets.

It will be evident that the Weight of the .capsule 22 is such, relative to the size of theflighF sustaining surfaces, that when the propellant gas is exhausted, the target willinotrglide to a.

landing, but will head substantially ,vertically downward and many of such targets may be reclaimed for further use. themembrane 4 and the sheet 6 are of fragile material and-may comprise thinplastic material or thin-paper. During target practice with such a target, in the-event a shot strikes either the flight-sustaining or direction control surfaces, that surface will be brokenor shattered to such an extent that the'target will flutter and then drop substantially vertically to theground in life-like simulation of the'actionsof a real bird under similar circumstances.

Figs. 4-9 illustrate a further embodiment'of the invention whereinthe flight-sustaining and guiding surfaces are provided-by sheet material of a self-sustaining character, yet suificiently fragile to shatter or break-upon 'being' struck by a missile. The flight-sustaining"wings" are preferably formedof a relatively thin sheet of plastic material andmay be shaped to anydesired outline, such as the triangular shape shown in Fig. 9. Thedirection control surfaces are defined by a folded pyramidal structure32, preferably of the same material as the wings 30. The wing structures 30 are 'provided-with'elongated slots or openings 34 and 36 (see Figs. -6 and 7) and the lowermost edges of the structure 32 are provided with downwardly projecting'hookshaped-tabs 38 and 40.'-'Preferably'twotabs 38 are provided, one at each lowermostedge of the rear portion of the stru'cture32 and onetab 40 is providednear the'front'of the'stru'cture 32.

The tabs 38 are first insertedin the-openings 34 and the structure 32 then moved or slid forwardly to engage the hook portion of the'tab 38 with the undersurface of thewing structure 30 and to position the tab 40 over the opening 36; The

tab 40 is then lowered through the opening to the position shown in Fig.6. A clip member 42,preferably of metal having'springcha'racteristics, has an upwardly extending portion 44 providedwith'an opening 46 and a tab'"48; The base portion of the-clip-42 extends upwardly through the opening '36. H The springlike nature of the clip 42 permitsthe'tab -48 thereof to be inserted in an opening 52 in thewing structure- 301and permits: the endportion 48 to be sprung rearwardlylsufiiciently farto receive the tab "48. Upon releaseof the end portion 43,- it will 's'pring forwardlyito engage the'rearmost edge 54 of the opening .50 in .thezhook portion of .the tab to thereby hold the entireistructurer in assembled As previously described,

relation. The end portion 48 of the clip 42 is also provided with lateral ears 56 bent rearwardly in the manner shown to engage and retain the forward end of a capsule 22. The neck portion 24 of the capsule extends rearwardly and downwardly through the opening 46 in the portion 44 of the clip.

Theoperational characteristics of the modification of Figsirt) are the same as those described in connection with Figs. 1-3 and need not be repeated. It is to be noted, however, that the component parts of this modification are readilylseparable and may be shipped and stored separately, thus conserving considerable space,

and'ass'embled as needed. In the event such a target flies through its entire course without beingxstruck by .a missile, it is quite likely that at leastcertain of the component parts thereof may be salvaged for further use.

Referring now to Figs. 10-14, showing a further' modification, a Wing structure 60 is shown as comprising a single sheet of fragile material such as stiff paper, which may be impregnated with a suitablestiffening material, or a sheet of plastic having the desired characteristics.- To the undersurface of the Wing structure 60 a hollow pyramidal structure 62 is cemented or otherwise fastened by means of flaps-64 to define a compartment 65 therein tapering forwardly toward the front or leading edge of the target.- The outer surfaces of the structure 62 comprise guiding'surfaces to maintain the target substantially on a predetermined course. The compartment 65 defined by the structure 62 is provided on its underside with-an opening 66 (see Figs. 10 and 13). The opening 66 is a relatively elongated narrow opening near the-front portion of the structure 62 and extends forwardly and rear- Wardly of the target on-a downwardly and rear- Wardlydirected portion of the structure 62. An inflatable bag, such as a rubber balloon 68 is of a shape to substantially fill the compartment 65 when inflatedand has attachedthereto, such as by being vulcanized thereto or integrally formed therewith, a pouch l0.-"The'pouch I0 may-be of the same-material as the inflatable member 68 and is preferably of a shape to snugly receive and frictionally grip a capsule 22 of the-usual construction. The-pouch-lll is of generally cylindrical shape and has an open end 7 2 through which'the neck portion 24 of the-capsule 22 projects and a closed end 13. The connection between the pouch !0 and theinflatable member 68 is generally of the same size and shape as the opening 66 previously described so that the device may be assembled by inserting the inflatable member 68 in the compartment 65 with the pouch 10 locatedoutwardly of the compartment and the area-joining=said pouch to the inflatable member located within' the'opening 66.

Wh'enthe'member 68 is fully'inflated, it will be clear that the pouchlil and-thecapsule 22 therein will b'e 'held in relatively fixed relation to the rigid portions of the target whereby to propel the targetin the predetermined direction.

The wing structure of this modification 'neednot be frangible but the structure 62 is of material that may be readilyipenetrated by shot froma shotzgun or other missile. -In the event a shooter fires with sufficient accuracy to hit the structure 62;fthe"shot. will penetrate the material thereof and rupture the inflatable member ES, permitting it to collapseriUpon collapse of the member 68 the pouch T0 and capsule 22 therein will no longer beheld-in flxedrela-tion to the target' but may freely swing relative thereto in an unpredictable manner. Clearly such action of the capsule 22 while compressed gas is issuing therefrom will result in extremely erratic movements of the target with resultant loss of flying speed and the target will descend substantially vertically, again in simulation of the actions of a live bird that has been hit in a vital spot.

A still further modification of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 15-1'7 wherein the entire target, including flight-sustaining and guiding surfaces, comprises an inflatable member 80 that may be provided with longitudinally extending surfaces 82 defining directional control surfaces and a relatively large expanse of generally horizontal surfaces 84, defining flight-sustaining areas. The inflatable member 80 has molded or cemented thereto a pouch 86, similar to the pouch described in connection with the previous modification, adapted to receive and frictionally hold a capsule 22 in position to project from the rearmost open end thereof. The pouch 86 may be formed integrally with the body 89 and of the same material or may be separately formed and attached thereto by a subsequent operation. Preferably the material of the body 80 and pouch 8'5 is thin, vulcanized rubber similar to that employed in the fabrication of toy balloons. As shown, particularly in Fig. 16, the body 80 when inflated will assume a relatively rigid shape and will hold the pouch 86 and capsule 82 in fixed relation thereto wherein the neck 24 of the capsule 22 is directed rearwardly and downwardly and wherein the capsule is supported adjacent the front or leading end of the target.

This modification of the invention has all of the characteristics of the previously described embodiments in that upon loss of flying speed the target will not glide to a remote point, but will descend substantially vertically and if not struck by a missile, may be reclaimed. In the event the target is struck by a shot while it is in flight, clearly the inflatable body 80 will burst and the structure that remains will no longer have flight-sustaining characteristics but will drop vertically to the ground in simulation of a bird that has been shot.

Although a limited number of embodiments have been shown and specifically described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may embody other modifications falling fairly within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A flying target comprising, an inflatable flexible member, a support for a capsule of compressed gas fixed to a wall of said member at a plurality of points spaced a substantial distance apart in the direction of flight of said target, said support adapted to hold a capsule of compressed gas in relatively fixed position relative to said wall when said member is inflated whereby a jet from said capsule will propel said target in a predetermined direction and whereby the direction of said jet relative to said target may change in an unpredictable manner when said member is punctured and collapsed.

2. A flying target comprising, a relatively rigid wing structure of fragile material, a hollow compartment fixed to said wing structure on the underside thereof, an opening of substantial extent through the bottom of said compartment, a flexible inflatable member in said compartment, a pouch adapted to hold a rigid capsule of compressed gas, said pouch being fixed to said inflatable member at a plurality of spaced points through said opening whereby a capsule in said pouch is held in fixed relation to said target when said member is inflated but freely swingable relative thereto when said member is deflated.

3. A flying target comprising, a relatively rigid frame structure, means on said frame structure for swingably supporting a capsule of compressed gas, a flexible inflatable member carried by said frame structure and arranged thereon to establish predetermined flight characteristics for said target and connected to said capsule supporting means to hold the latter in fixed relation to said frame only when said member is inflated to thereby determine the direction of flight of said target when propelled by gas issuing from said capsule and whereby deflation of said member during flight of said target will change the flight characteristics thereof and release said capsule for swinging movement to cause erratic movements of said target.

4. A flying target comprising: a frame, means on said frame for supporting a capsule of compressed gas, said means being movable to a plurality of positions relative to said frame to direct a jet issuing from said capsule in different directions relative to said frame, a flexible inflatable member carried by said frame, means connecting said member to said capsule supporting means to hold said supporting means in one of said positions when said member is inflated and to release said supporting means whereby it may assume another of said positions upon rupture of said member to thereby change the direction of flight of said target.

ROBERT E. CLYNE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 303,885 Ridge Aug. 19, 1884 1,925,427 Wurtzer Sept. 5, 1933 2,545,586 Pollack Mar. 20, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 10,349 Great Britain 1902 493,086 Germany Mar. 3, 1930 574,536 Great Britain Jan. 9, 1946 OTHER REFERENCES Popular Science Monthly (page 152), July 1945.