WO2009038848A2 - Target frame assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A target frame apparatus composed of a self-healing plastic with four corner pieces suitably adapted to fit two hollow vertical rails and two horizontal hollow rails (all of equal length) to make a square or rectangular shape. An alternative version of the target frame additionally employs two T-connector units and a third horizontal rail to allow smaller silhouette targets to be placed within the target frame. The target frame also contains strategically placed holes and means to allow the frame to be attached to a target and the entire target and frame to then be attached to a vertical support structure. This target frame system is adjustable for use with different sizes of targets and vertical support structures.

Description

TARGET FRAME ASSEMBLY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is non-provisional application claims priority from Serial No. 60/936,038, filed June 18, 2007 in the name of the same inventor hereof, and to which priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to target frame assemblies for retaining targets for use with firearms and, more particularly, to an improved target frame assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bullet shooting and shooting practice are quite common among hunters, sportsmen, outdoor or gun enthusiasts, law enforcement and military personnel, etc. For law enforcement agencies and military institutions in particular, shooting ranges are extremely popular as an effective means of training personnel to improve shooting accuracy and timing. Shooting practice at shooting ranges generally involves single or multiple shooters attempting to hit targets which are generally located at varying distances and at varying heights. Often, shooting ranges are located outdoors in large open fields that are unprotected from weather. Larger targets within such shooting ranges are generally placed at a greater distance. Because larger targets are placed at greater distances, shooters are generally less accurate in hitting the actual target, and there is an increased probability that the bullets may hit the target frame thereby causing it to shatter or become distorted in shape. Therefore, there is a need for a target frame that can withstand outdoor weather conditions and multiple direct hits from bullets without becoming distorted or having to be replaced.

It will also be appreciated that much of the difficulty in operating a shooting range is transporting the targets and target frames (and replacing targets and target frames) to the desired location and positioning the targets and target frames in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner.

Presently, most large target frames at existing military and law enforcement shooting ranges are composed of targets stapled to wood target frames which are then secured to upright wooden posts. Such existing wood target frames are time and labor intensive in their construction and repair, frequently requiring various tools such as jigs, pneumatic equipment and staples. Such existing wood target frames also tend to easily fragment or become distorted in their shape when struck with bullets and are difficult to repair and/or replace. Existing wood target frames are also difficult to transport and store and, because they often contain staples, may be dangerous to handle. Additionally, existing wood frames may be easily damaged by rough handling or dropping, and may warp easily and become mined when improperly stored or exposed to wet or inclement weather.

Given the problems and limitations with existing prior art as discussed above, it remains desirable in the pertinent art to provide a target frame apparatus that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the known prior art, including, but not limited to, those discussed above. Many range operators simply desire a target stand which is easy to transport and assemble without requiring the use of tools, is sturdy and durable enough to withstand multiple direct hits from errant bullets without shattering or becoming distorted and which may withstand adverse weather conditions without warping or becoming ruined. BMEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a square target frame comprising vertical and horizontal rails connected to corner units. The target frame is particularly adapted for use in shooting ranges utilizing large targets. The target frame is capable when attached to a target and vertical uprights of presenting a bullet target to a shooter at varying heights.

The target frame as disclosed represents an improvement over the prior art in that the corner units, vertical rails and horizontal rails are each composed of a lightweight, durable and weather resistant high-density polyethylene plastic material enabling the target frame to better withstand multiple direct impacts from bullets striking the target frame without distorting or splitting. The high-density plastic material is self-healing such that the material partially closes in on the bullet hole after the bullet passes through the target frame, allowing the target frame to remain structurally intact while simultaneously allowing the location of each bullet to be determined. The high-density plastic material also does not warp or become ruined easily when exposed to wet and/or inclement weather, lasts longer than existing wood target frames (thereby reducing long term costs) and is environmentally friendly.

The present invention also offers additional advantages and improvements over the existing prior art in that the invention may be constructed rapidly, often in under one minute, without the use of tools. Also, the present invention stores easily and efficiently. Notably, the vertical and horizontal rails of the present invention stack neatly, using approximately less than 1/5 th the space of an existing wood target frame.

In one variation of the invention, the square target frame is comprised of four corner units, two vertical hollow rails and two horizontal hollow rails, all of which are composed of the high-density polyethylene self healing plastic material. The vertical and horizontal rails are each suitably adapted to slide onto the two protruding ends of each of the comer units, which protruding ends are so oriented such that, when vertical and horizontal rails are inserted onto the respective protruding ends of a corner unit, the vertical rail and the horizontal rail sit at ninety degree angles relative to one another. The horizontal rails and vertical rails each have pre-drilled holes strategically placed to allow the horizontal and vertical rails to be fastened to the projecting end of each of the corner units and to allow the target to be fastened to the target frame.

The invention offers several alternatives for connecting the corner units to the rails, including corner units with tab snaps on the protruding ends, corner units with tapered snaps on the protruding ends or corner units with holes in the protruding ends. For the corner units with holes in the protruding ends, reusable zip ties may be employed to connect the corner units to the vertical and horizontal rails. These zip ties are inexpensive, sturdy, easy to use, quick to assemble and not dangerous like staples. The zip tie variation of the invention is assembled by inserting one vertical rail and one horizontal rail onto each of the comer pieces and sliding and tightening a recyclable zip tie through the hole located where the respective horizontal and vertical rail are attached to the comer unit. This process is repeated until all horizontal and vertical rails are attached to a respective corner unit. Once the target frame is assembled, the target is then attached to the frame by sliding the reusable zip tie through the hole in the target frame and through the target itself and then securing the zip tie.

Another variation of the invention employs T-connector units and a middle horizontal rail to construct a silhouette target frame to allow one or two smaller silhouette target(s) be mounted on the middle and upper horizontal rail of the silhouette target frame. In the silhouette target frame variation of the invention, the target frame is comprised of four comer units, two T- connector units, two 39 inch long vertical rails, two 12 inch long vertical rails and three horizontal rails. The upper corner units each receive the upper end of a 39 inch rail and one end of a horizontal rail, while the lower corner units each receive the lower end of a 12 inch vertical rail and one end of a horizontal rail The T-connector units each receive the lower end of a 39 inch vertical rail, the upper end of a 12 inch rail and one end of the third horizontal rail. The T- connector units and the third horizontal rail are each composed of the same high-density self- healing polyethylene plastic material. The third horizontal rail is located at such a height to allow a variety of smaller silhouette targets to be mounted within the target frame.

Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the particular embodiments of the present teachings, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 3 provides a close up view of a vertical rail according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the vertical rail of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a close up view of a horizontal rail according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of one end of the horizontal rail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 provides a close up view of a corner unit with pre-drilled holes in the protruding ends according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one alternate version of a corner unit which includes a tapered snap mechanism. FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of a corner unit which includes a tapered snap mechanism.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged side perspective view of a corner unit which includes a tapered snap mechanism.

FIG. 9 provides a front perspective view of the vertical rail of FIG. 3 and the horizontal rail of FIG. 5 attached to the corner unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 A provides a side perspective view of the vertical rail of FIG. 3 and the horizontal rail of FIG. 5 attached to the corner unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternate version of a corner unit which includes a tab snap mechanism.

FIG. 10 A is a side perspective view of a corner unit which includes a tab snap mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the vertical rail of FIG. 3 and the horizontal rail of FIG. 5 attached to the corner unit of FIG. 10.

FIG. 1 IA is a side perspective view of the vertical rail of FIG. 3 and the horizontal rail of FIG. 5 attached to the comer unit of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a silhouette target frame showing two 12 inch vertical rails, two 39 inch vertical rails, three horizontal rails, four corner units and two T-connector units.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a T-connector unit.

FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of a T-connector unit.

FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of a T-connector unit.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a target and target frame assembly. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a target attached to a target frame attached to uprights. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the target and target frame attached to uprights. FIG. 16A is a side perspective view of the target and target frame attached to uprights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In its most basic embodiment the present invention as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 is target frame having four corner units (8), two vertical rails (6) and two horizontal rails (4), all of which are assembled to form a six foot by six foot square target frame. As depicted in FIG. 3, vertical rail (6) measures 66.5 inches long by 2.751 inches wide by 1.501 inches deep. As shown in FIG. 4, vertical rail (6) is hollow, with a wall measuring 0.188 inches thick, and an internal opening measuring 2.375 inches wide by 1.125 inches deep, allowing vertical rail (6) to easily slip over protruding end (16A) of corner unit (8) (which protruding end measures 2.35 inches wide by 1.08 inches deep), with clearance to spare. Horizontal rail (4), as shown in FIG. 5, measures 66.5 inches long by 2.751 inches wide by 1.501 inches deep. As depicted in FIG. 6, horizontal rail (4) is hollow, with a wall measuring 0.188 inches thick, and an internal opening measuring 2.375 inches wide by 1.125 inches deep, allowing horizontal rail (4) to easily slip over protruding end (16B) of corner unit (8) (which protruding end measures 2.35 inches wide by 1.08 inches deep), with clearance to spare.

Each corner unit (8) is in the shape of an "L", with a solid base measuring 2.70 inches by 2.780 inches, and protruding ends (16A) and (16B) each measuring 2.05 inches long by 2.35 inches wide by 1.08 inches deep. The protruding ends (16A) and (16B) of corner unit (8) may be offered in three variations: FIG. 7 shows various views of protruding end (16A) with pre-drilled hole (18A), and protruding end (16B) with pre-drilled hole (18B); FIGs. 8, 8A, 8B, 9 and 9A show various views of protruding ends (22A) and (22B) with tapered snap (24) in place of pre- drilled holes (18A) and (18B); and FIGs. 10, 1OA, 11 and HA show various views of protruding ends (26A) and (26B) with tab snaps (28) and (30) in place of pre-drilled holes (18A) and (18B).

As shown in FIG. 2, in its preferred embodiment, each corner unit (8) is attached to one horizontal rail (4) and one vertical rail (6) by slidably mounting one end of said horizontal rail (4) onto one protruding end (16B) of corner unit (8) such that hole (12A) (or hole (12E)) of horizontal rail (4) aligns with hole (18B) of corner unit (8) and slidably mounting one end of said vertical rail (6) onto one protruding end (16A) of corner unit (8) such that hole (14E) (or hole (14A)) of vertical rail (6) aligns with hole (18A) of corner unit (8). This process is repeated until all vertical and horizontal rails are slidably mounted onto each of the four corner units.

Once vertical rail (6) is slidably mounted onto protruding end (16A) of corner unit (8), and hole (14E) and hole (18A) are properly aligned, one end of zip tie (44) is first threaded through the aligned hole opening for holes (14E) and (18B), then threaded through hole opening (20), and then inserted into receiving end of zip tie (44) to form a loop. The loop is then securely tightened. This process is repeated until all vertical and horizontal rails are slidably mounted and secured onto each of the four corner units.

As an alternative to using zip ties to secure corner unit (8) to vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4), one may instead simply insert vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) into a corner unit (8) that has protruding ends with a tab snap mechanism. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 11 A, as vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) are inserted over the respective protruding ends (26A) and (26B), the tab snaps (28) and (30) of protruding end (26A) and (26B) will depress and release into holes (14E) (or hole (14A)) of vertical rail (6) and hole (12A) (or (12E)) of horizontal rail (4), thereby securing corner unit (8) to vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4). Vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) may then be released from corner unit (8) by using one's fingers to simultaneously depress the tab snaps (28) and (30) of protruding end (26A) and (26B) and pulling vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) away from corner unit (8).

As an additional alternative to using zip ties to secure corner unit (8) to vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4), an end user may instead simply insert vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) into a corner unit (8) that has protruding ends tapered snap mechanism as depicted in FIGs. 8, 8 A and 8B. As shown in FIGs. 9 and 9 A, as vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) are inserted over the respective protruding ends (22A) and (22B), the tapered snap (24) of protruding end (22A) and (22B) will depress and release into hole (14E) (or hole (14A)) of vertical rail (6) and holes (12A) (or hole (12E)) of horizontal rail (4), thereby securing corner unit(8) to vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4). Vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) may then be released from corner unit (8) by inserting a tool, such as a flat-head screwdriver, to release the tapered snaps (24) of protruding end (22A) and (22B) and pulling vertical rail (6) and horizontal rail (4) away from corner unit (8).

As shown in FIG. 12, another variation of the invention employs two T-connector units (34) and a third horizontal rail (32) to construct a silhouette target frame to allow a smaller silhouette target be mounted on the middle horizontal rail (32) and upper horizontal rail (4) of the silhouette target frame. In the silhouette target frame variation of the invention, the target frame is comprised of four corner units (8), two T-connector units (34), two long vertical rails (48), two short vertical rails (46), two horizontal rails (4), and one middle horizontal rail (32). Middle horizontal rail (32) measures 66.5 inches long by 2.751 inches wide by 1.501 inches deep. Middle horizontal rail (32) is hollow, with a wall measuring 0.188 inches thick, and an internal opening measuring 2.375 inches wide by 1.125 inches deep, allowing middle horizontal rail (32) to easily slip over protruding end (34C) of T-connector unit (34) (which protruding end measures 2.35 inches wide by 1.08 inches deep), with clearance to spare. T-connector unit (34) is in the shape of a "T" with a solid base and three protruding ends (34A), (34B) and (34C) each suitably adapted to respectively receive one end of vertical rail (48), one end of vertical rail (46) and one end of horizontal rail (34). The upper corner units (8) each receive an upper end of a long vertical rail (48) such that hole (54A) aligns with hole (18 A) of corner unit (8) and one end of horizontal rail (4) such that hole (12A) (or hole (12(E)) align with hole (18B) of corner unit (8). The lower corner units (8) each receive the lower end of short vertical rail (46) such that hole (52E) aligns with hole (18A) of corner unit (8), and one end of a horizontal rail (4) such that hole (12A) (or hole (12E)) align with hole (18B) of comer unit (8). The T-connector units (34) each receive the lower end of long vertical rail (48) such that hole (54E) aligns with hole (34A), the upper end of short vertical rail (46) such that hole (52A) aligns with hole (34B), and one end of horizontal rail (32) such that hole (32A) (or hole (32E)) aligns with hole (34C) of T-connector (34). The T-connector units (34) and horizontal rail (32) are each composed of the same high- density self-healing polyethylene plastic material. Horizontal rail (32) is located at such a height to allow a variety of smaller targets to be mounted within the target frame.

FIGs. 13, 13A and 13B show various perspective views of the connector unit (34).

As shown in FIG. 14, once the frame is constructed, the target backing is attached to the target frame by first threading zip tie (44) through various hole openings (50) in the target, then threading zip tie (44) through the properly aligned respective hole in the target frame, and then inserting the free end of zip tie (44) into the receiving end of zip tie (44) to form a loop. The loop is then securely tightened. This process is repeated until zip ties have been respectively threaded through the target and through each of hole openings, a loop is formed and then each loop is securely tightened.

As shown in FIG. 15, the target and target frame are then inserted into slots (40) and secured to uprights (42) with a tying mechanism (60) looped through hole (62) and securely tightened. FIG. 16 shows front and side views of the target and target frame assembly secured to uprights (42).

There is thus disclosed an improved target frame. The preceding figures each illustrate different aspects of the target frame, and for clarity, each figure does not show all aspects of the invention. The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. In this regard, it should be noted that certain dimensions have been provided for various embodiments of the present invention; however, these dimensions are exemplary only, and they may be varied as desired without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated that a target frame according to the present invention need not include all features as shown in the preceding figures.

Claims

We claim:

1. A target frame assembly comprising, in combination: four corner units each composed of a high-density self-healing plastic material; two vertical rails each composed of a high-density self-healing plastic material; wherein each vertical rail is adapted to be connected at each end thereof to one of the corner units; two horizontal rails each composed of a high density self-healing plastic material; wherein each horizontal rail is adapted to be connected to at each end thereof to one of the corner units; wherein at least one of the two vertical rails and the two horizontal rails is adapted to retain a shooting target within a space defined by an assembled frame comprising the two vertical rails, the two horizontal rails, and the four corner units.

2. The target frame assembly of Claim 1 wherein each of the four corner units contains first and second protruding ends, wherein the first protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the vertical rails and wherein the second protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the horizontal rails.

3. The target frame assembly of Claim 2, wherein each protruding end contains an opening therein, positioned so as to be capable of being aligned with a mating opening in one of the vertical rails and the horizontal rails.

4. The target frame assembly of Claim 2, wherein each protruding end comprises a snap insert, configured to be inserted into an end of one of a vertical rail and a horizontal rail.

5. The target frame assembly of Claim 1, further comprising a target.

6. A target frame assembly comprising, in combination: four corner units each composed of a high-density self-healing plastic material; four vertical rails each composed of a high-density self-healing plastic material; wherein each vertical rail is adapted to be connected at an end thereof to one of the corner units; three horizontal rails each composed of a high density self-healing plastic material; wherein at least two of the horizontal rails are adapted to be connected to at each end thereof to one of the corner units; two T-connectors composed of a high-density self-healing plastic material; wherein each T-connector is adapted to be connected to two vertical rails and one horizontal rail; wherein at least two of the four vertical rails and at least two of the three horizontal rails is adapted to retain a shooting target within a portion of a space defined by an assembled frame comprising the four vertical rails, the three horizontal rails, the four corner units, and the two T- connectors.

7. The target frame assembly of Claim 6 wherein each of the four corner units contains first and second protruding ends, wherein the first protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the vertical rails and wherein the second protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the horizontal rails.

8. The target frame assembly of Claim 7, wherein each protruding end contains an opening therein, positioned so as to be capable of being aligned with a mating opening in one of the vertical rails and the horizontal rails.

9. The target frame assembly of Claim 7, wherein each protruding end comprises a snap insert, configured to be inserted into an end of one of a vertical rail and a horizontal rail.

10. The target frame assembly of Claim 6, further comprising a target.

11. The target frame assembly of Claim 6, wherein each of the T-connectors contains first, second and third protruding ends, wherein the first protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the vertical rails, wherein the second protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of another of the vertical rails, and wherein the third protruding end is adapted to be inserted into an end of one of the horizontal rails.

12. The target frame assembly of Claim 11, wherein each of the first, second and third protruding ends contains an opening therein, positioned so as to be capable of being aligned with a mating opening in one of the vertical rails and the horizontal rails.

13. The target frame assembly of Claim 11, wherein each of the first, second and third protruding ends comprises a snap insert, configured to be inserted into an end of one of a vertical rail and a horizontal rail.

14. The target frame assembly of Claim 10 wherein, when assembled, the assembly defines an upper region bounded by two vertical rails and two horizontal rails and a lower region bounded by two vertical rails and two horizontal rails, and wherein the target is positioned in only one of the upper and lower regions.