Joint plate mounting mechanism

Abstract

A joint plate mounting mechanism includes a backing strip with a first arm, a second arm and a middle portion disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provision Patent Application 63 / 182,128, Filed Apr. 30, 2021, which is expressly incorporated herein.BACKGROUNDState of the Art[0002]In order to train people properly in the use of firearms, it is important that each firearm user receive sufficient experience in live-fire exercises with the weapons which they will be using. Because many bullets contain lead or other materials which can be hazardous to people's health or the environment, it is important to safely contain the projectiles. This is often done in a bullet trap made of hardened steel.[0003]Because bullets and other projectiles are traveling at a high rate of speed, it is important that the bullet trap be made so as to limit the possibility of bullets escaping from the trap. Failure to do so can cause damage to the building housing the trap and potential injury to those in the vicinity.[0004]For decades bullet traps have been formed of plates of hardened ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a backing strip for clamping two plates together. The backing strip has a beveled middle section and may have slots through which bolts may extend. There is also a backing band with slots in the arms and no slot in the middle portion. The ends of the backing strip may be beveled or tapered. The technical effects of the invention are improved clamping efficiency, reduced likelihood of bolt separation, and improved overall stability of the clamped assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Failure to do so can cause damage to the building housing the trap and potential injury to those in the vicinity.

While welded pieces form a secure containment structure, the areas at which the plates are welded together are weakened by the welding process.

Additionally, if a plate gets damaged, the plate must be cut out and a new piece welded in its place.

One challenge with bullet traps is that occasionally three plates have to come together.

One problem with the facing and backing strips 16 and 70 is that they are generally formed from mild steel because hardened steel may crack when it is bent anywhere near 90 degrees.

Thus, this leaves a joint which is prone to being damaged by projectiles.

While these methods of holding joints together in a bullet trap or a bullet stop have been used extensively for the last twenty years, they are not without their problems.

Repeated impacts can cause the plates to bow or sag.

Additionally, the repeated vibrations can loosen the backing washers, and it is not uncommon for them to become sufficiently loose that the shim moves or falls out altogether.

This lessens the gripping ability of the backing washer and increases the risk that a gap will open between the plate and the facing strip, thereby allowing bullet fragments or lead dust to escape from the trap.

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