Shooting targets

Abstract

Target (1) for ball-trap shooting, comprising a generally dome-shaped body (10) comprising a convex first face and a concave second face (120), the body comprising an outer ring (130) connecting the first face to the second face, and wherein the second face comprises at least one circular central portion (121) having an axis of axial symmetry (z), with the second face of the body comprising an alternation of trenches (122) and ribs (123) each extending radially from the outer ring to the circular portion and in that it comprises, for each trench, for at least one portion at the bottom of the trench to the first face, a body thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

Description

[0001] "Targets for shooting"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of targets, in particular for practicing shooting with firearms. The various disciplines of clay pigeon shooting are particularly targeted.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] The shooting discipline is clay pigeon shooting. In this field, we know target throwing devices also called clay pigeons. Clay pigeon shooting consists of throwing a pigeon by a mechanical launcher that a shooter tries to reach by firing pellets using a rifle. The pellets then dislocate the target if it is reached. These targets are generally dome-shaped targets, for example about 110 mm in diameter; the convex shape produced by the dome creates a first face while the interior volume of the dome creates a second face, opposite the first.

[0006] They are generally made of a material capable of resisting the forces of the launcher but also allowing dislocation when the target is reached by a projectile such as a pellet from a firearm.

[0007] Currently, in order for the targets to have sufficient resistance to throwing but break upon impact with a pellet, the first convex face has at least, from an external crown to a central circular portion, a step and a riser, each riser having a slope. The second face is smooth.

[0008] However, the resistance of targets to throwers while maintaining a minimum thickness for dislocation upon impact with the pellet is not optimal. Some targets may break upon projection by the thrower and others may not dislocate visibly or at least not spectacularly.

[0009] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a target architecture having stress concentration zones thus promoting the rupture of the target while maintaining resistance to throwing.

[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a target for clay pigeon shooting is provided, comprising a body in the general shape of a dome comprising a first convex face and a second concave face opposite the first face, the body comprising an outer crown connecting the first face to the second face, and in which the second face comprises at least one central circular portion having an axis of axial symmetry z.

[0013] The target is configured so that the second face of the body comprises an alternation of trenches and ribs each extending radially from the outer crown to the circular portion. In addition, it comprises, for each trench, for at least one portion at the bottom of the trench up to the first face, a body thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0014] Thus, the invention proposes a particularly resistant and aerodynamic solution. This solution makes it possible to have a target that is both resistant to the forces during the projection of the target by a target launching machine and has the fragility necessary for breaking during a point force applied with the impact of a pellet fired by a rifle.

[0015] While current techniques guide professionals towards optimizing the materials used to manufacture targets for better dislocation, a particular architecture is proposed here that provides increased resistance to throwing while maintaining optimal breakability for shooting.

[0016] Therefore, the proposed solution allows a distribution of stresses favorable to throwing by a mechanical throwing arm while allowing an increase in the breaking of the target during lead impacts.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a profile view of a target.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the second face of a target.

[0021] Figures 3A to 3B show the second face of a target and a cross-section at the trenches.

[0022] Figures 4A to 4B show the second face of a target and a cross-section at the ribs. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of a trench.

[0023] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0026] According to one embodiment, the trenches and the ribs have an obtuse junction angle less than or equal to 110°, preferably less than or equal to 108°.

[0027] This strong variation in angle provides a concentration of stress, thus avoiding stiffening the target in certain directions, in particular by avoiding triangulation of the structure.

[0028] According to one example, the thickness of the body at the at least one rib portion up to the first face is greater than 3 mm, preferably 4.2 mm.

[0029] This results in a strong thickness gradient all around the target with alternating deep trenches. The thick ribs ensure the transmission of radial forces, for example those applied by the launching arm of target launching devices, like the ribbed vaults of a vault.

[0030] In one example, the thickness of the body in at least one trench is configured to have a thickness of the body at the central circular portion greater than a thickness of the body at the outer crown.

[0031] The variation in thickness in a trench allows the creation of areas with high stress concentrations promoting the rupture of the target.

[0032] In one example, the body thickness on a rib is configured to have a body thickness at the central circular portion less than a body thickness at the outer crown.

[0033] In one example, the first face includes at least one step and at least one riser and the thickness of the body is the smallest between the bottom of a trench of the second face and the first riser of the first face.

[0034] This area of ​​thinner body thickness will be the most likely area of ​​failure when a projectile hits the target.

[0035] In one example, the at least one trench is configured to have a width at the central circular portion equal to a width at the outer crown.

[0036] In one example, a trench width at the central circular portion is greater than a trench width at the outer crown.

[0037] This variation in width implies a variation in the width of the ribs, which are therefore narrower in the area close to the central circular portion. It allows for a distribution of stresses like the ribbed vaults of a vault. In one example, the second face includes at least six trenches, and possibly between 15 and 20, for example 18.

[0038] In one example, the trenches are located equidistant radially along the axis of axial symmetry.

[0039] This distribution on the target allows a homogeneous distribution of stresses over the entire surface of the target body. Thus the forces are distributed over the entire body of the target during the throw and at the same time allows a diffusion of the rupture uniformly over the structure allowing an effective dislocation of the target.

[0040] In the following detailed description, the term body thickness is understood to be the thickness along the z axis of the target or as the distance between the first face and the second face.

[0041] In the following detailed description, terms such as "vertical", "upper", "lower" may be used. These terms must be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of a target, or the normal position of an element having a convex dome shape.

[0042] A body 10 of a target 1 according to the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0043] Target 1, also called clay pigeon, has a body 10.

[0044] Body 10 of target 1 is designed to be thrown into the air by a launcher and to be dislocated in the air by the firing of a projectile.

[0045] The body 10 has a general dome shape comprising a first convex face 110 and a second concave face 120. The second face 120 is opposite the first face 110.

[0046] The body 10 has a diameter between 80 and 110 mm. Preferably, the body 10 has a diameter of 110 mm.

[0047] The body 10 can be made from various materials such as petroleum resin or even vegetable resin combined with carbonate.

[0048] The body 10 of the target 1 being in the general shape of a convex dome, it furthermore advantageously comprises an axial symmetry along the axis by which it is caused to be put into proper rotation. The symmetry may also be central, so that the target 1 is completely balanced around its center. The axis of axial symmetry z is shown from Figure 2. The body 10 has a variable body thickness. This thickness is understood to be the distance between the first face 110 and the second face 120 along the axis of symmetry z. A description of the thicknesses will be given in this detailed description.

[0049] Generally speaking, the body 10 of the target 1 further comprises a first face 110 and a second face 120, a circular outer ring 130. The outer ring 130 connects the first face 110 to the second face 120.

[0050] The outer ring 130 is dimensioned to withstand friction forces during the delivery of the target to the launch zone. These forces are proportional to the weight of the target stack (up to 7 kg) that it supports. The outer ring 130 has a fixed thickness. The body 10 having a dome shape, the outer ring 130 has a circular shape and the outer edge of this outer ring 130 corresponds to the diameter of the body 10 of the target 1.

[0051] As explained above, the body 10 of the target 1 comprises two faces, including a first convex face 110.

[0052] This first convex face 1 10 corresponds to the upper face of the body 10 of the target 1. An example of this face is shown in Figure 1.

[0053] The term “upper face” means a position relative to normal use of the target 1. The first face 110 preferably comprises at least one step 111 and one riser 112. According to one possibility, the step 111 projects above the crown 130 and has a diameter smaller than the latter, thus defining a junction zone, for example flat and directed in a plane perpendicular to z. The step 111 corresponds to the part of the body 10 of the target 1 in contact with a launching arm of a projectile launcher. The at least one riser 112 can also be directed perpendicular to z or has a slope so as to rise in the direction of the z axis going towards the inside of the target.

[0054] The architecture of the first face 110 allows a distribution of the stresses during the impact of the projectile so that the body 10 of the target 1 dislocates. Indeed, a rupture is favored as soon as a surface has different orientations so as to avoid an excessively tangential application of the projectile on this first face 110.

[0055] The body 10 of the target 1 also comprises a second concave face 120.

[0056] The second face 120 is opposite the first face 110. The second face 120 is the lower face of the body 10 of the target 1.

[0057] The lower characteristic is understood to be for a position relative to normal use of the target 1, and in particular the position of the target when it is present on a launching plate before its projection by an arm. An illustration of this face is shown in Figure 2.

[0058] The second face 120 comprises a circular portion 121 as well as an alternation of trenches 122 and ribs 123 which extend radially along the axis of symmetry z. This alternation provides abrupt variations in thickness within the body of the target.

[0059] This second face 120 includes a specific architecture in order to allow the target 1 better resistance to forces and stresses when the target 1 is launched by a launching machine. The better resistance to launching forces does not, however, preclude better breakability of the target 1 during a point force applied during the impact of the target 1 with a projectile.

[0060] The architecture of the second face 120 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 5.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the second face 120 of the body 10 of the target 1 extends radially around the axis of axial symmetry z. The center of the second face 120 is preferably located on the axis of symmetry z.

[0062] The second face 120 has a circular portion 121 in its center. The central circular portion 121 has a circular-shaped perimeter and has a diameter of between 40 and 55 mm, preferably having a diameter of 53 mm for a target 1 whose diameter is 110 mm.

[0063] The center of the circular portion 121 is preferably located on the axis of symmetry z.

[0064] An alternation of trenches 122 and ribs 123 connects the circular central portion 121 with the outer ring 130. This alternation occurs all around the central circular portion. At least one trench 122 extends radially from the central circular portion 121 to the outer ring 130. Thus, the length of a trench 122 can be associated with the distance between an outer edge of the central circular portion 121 and an inner edge of the outer ring 130. It follows from the preceding paragraph, advantageously, that no trench 122 extends beyond the second face 120. Thus the outer ring 130 can be configured to be solid (typically, it could be a hollow cylinder shape of constant thickness and circular section) and not have any material removed. The outer crown 130 is then robust and can withstand the forces when throwing the target 1 or even when transporting it.

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 5, at least one trench 122 includes at least one trench 122 bottom 122a. The at least one trench 122 bottom 122a is planar.

[0066] At least one trench 122 comprises at least one flank 122b of trench 122. Preferably, a trench 122 comprises two flanks 122b. The at least one flank 122b of trench 122 is planar. According to one embodiment, at least six trenches 122 extend from the central circular portion 121 to the outer ring 130. These trenches 122 are advantageously located at equal distance radially along the axis of axial symmetry z. These trenches 122 are positioned with the same angular value along an orthonormal reference frame whose origin would be the axis of axial symmetry z. Thus, preferably, the ribs sweep an angular sector of identical size, as do the trenches (the angular sector swept by the trenches being preferably smaller than that of the ribs, and preferably at least twice smaller, or even at least three times smaller), so as to produce a regular alternation.

[0067] This distribution on the target 1 allows a homogeneous distribution of the stresses over the entire surface of the body 10 of the target 1. Thus the forces are distributed over the entire body 10 of the target 1 during the throw. In addition, this allows a diffusion of the rupture uniformly over the structure allowing an efficient dislocation of the target 1.

[0068] The trenches 122 are characterized by a thickness of the body 10 smaller than the ribs 123. A detailed description of this thickness will be given in the remainder of the description.

[0069] Further, the trenches 122 are also preferably characterized by their width. The width of at least one trench 122 extends substantially perpendicular to the length of a trench 122.

[0070] According to a first embodiment, the width 11 of a trench 122 at the central circular portion 121 is substantially equal to the width I2 of a trench 122 at the outer ring 130. According to a second embodiment, the width 11 of a trench 122 at the central circular portion 121 is greater than a width I2 of trench 122 at the outer ring 130.

[0071] In this second embodiment, the width 11 of a trench 122 at the central circular portion 121 is preferably less than or equal to 5 mm. The width 12 is preferably less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0072] The variation in width allows the sides of the trenches to be directed radially to obtain a better distribution of stresses and a better diffusion of forces when throwing target 1 and when a projectile impacts target 1. In fact, the force transfers are more radial.

[0073] Alternating with the trenches 122, the second face 120 comprises ribs 123.

[0074] Similar to the features of the trenches 122, the at least one rib 123 extends from the central circular portion 121 to the outer crown 130.

[0075] According to one embodiment, at least six ribs 123 extend from the central circular portion 121 to the outer ring 130. These at least six ribs 123 are positioned alternately with the at least six trenches 122. Thus, a rib 123 is located between two trenches 122. Similarly, a trench 122 is located between two ribs 123.

[0076] Thus, in a similar manner, these at least six ribs 123 are positioned with the same angular value following an orthonormal reference frame whose origin would be the axis of axial symmetry z.

[0077] This distribution on the target 1 allows a homogeneous distribution of the stresses over the entire surface of the body 10 of the target 1. Thus the forces are distributed over the entire body 10 of the target 1 during the throw. In addition, this allows a diffusion of the rupture uniformly over the structure allowing an effective dislocation of the target 1.

[0078] The ribs 123 advantageously have a thickness of the body 10 greater than the trenches 122. A detailed description of this thickness will be given in the remainder of the description.

[0079] Furthermore, the ribs 123 are preferably also characterized by their width. The width of at least one rib 123 extends substantially perpendicular to the length of a rib 123.

[0080] According to the first embodiment, the width of a rib 123 at the central circular portion 121 is substantially equal to the width of a rib 123 at the outer crown 130.

[0081] According to the second embodiment, the width of a rib 123 at the central circular portion 121 is less than a width of a rib 123 at the outer crown 130.

[0082] The variation in width allows for better stress distribution and force diffusion when throwing target 1 and when a projectile impacts target 1.

[0083] In addition, narrower ribs 123 in the area close to the central circular portion imply a distribution of stresses like the ribbed vaults of a vault.

[0084] The alternation of trenches 122 with ribs 123 implies the existence of a junction 124 between the trenches 122 and the ribs 123. The junction 124 between the trenches 122 and the ribs 123 comprises an obtuse junction angle 124a 124 less than or equal to 110°, preferably less than or equal to 108°. In addition, the junction angle 124a 124 may for example vary along the rib 123. Thus, preferably the junction angle 124a 124 will be greater in the vicinity of the circular central portion 121 than in the vicinity of the outer ring 130. The angle 124a of the junction 124 may have a variation of between 3° and 5°, preferably between 3° and 4°.

[0085] The junction angle 124a corresponds to the angle between a rib 123 and a flank 122b of trench 122. This junction angle 124a 124 is the angle taken in a portion of the body 10 of the target 1. The angle 124a is the complement of the angle formed between the portion in contact with the air of a rib 123 and a flank 122b of trench 122 and which is greater than 180°. This junction angle 124a 124 is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0086] This strong variation in angle provides a concentration of stress, thus avoiding stiffening the target in certain directions, in particular by avoiding triangulation of the structure.

[0087] In order to facilitate the demolding of target 1, a junction angle equal to 90° is not achievable.

[0088] Thus the surface of the second face 120 is preferably defined by a central circular portion 121, an outer crown 130 and an alternation of rib 123, junction 124 defining an angle 124a, flank 122b of trench 122, bottom 122a of trench 122, flank 122b of trench 122.

[0089] Body thickness 10

[0090] As expressed at the beginning of the description, the body 10 of the target 1 has a thickness. This thickness being the distance along the axis of axial symmetry z between the first face 110 and the second face 120.

[0091] The alternation of trenches 122 and ribs 123 implies an alternation of thickness of the body 10 of the target 1. These different thicknesses are illustrated in Figures 3B and 4B representing a sectional view of the target 1 according to a section on a trench (Figure 3B) or on a rib (Figure 4B).

[0092] Thus, for each trench 122, for at least a portion at the bottom 122a of trench 122 up to the first face 110, the body 10 has a body thickness 10 less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0093] In contrast, the thickness of the body 10 at the level of the at least one portion of rib 123 up to the first face 110 is greater than 3 mm, preferably 4 mm.

[0094] The difference in thickness between a trench 122 and a rib 123 makes it possible to obtain a strong thickness gradient all around the target 1 with alternating deep trenches. The thick ribs 123 ensure transmission of radial forces, for example applied by the launching arm of target launching devices, like the ribbed arches of a vault.

[0095] The thickness of the body 10 varies according to the alternation of the trenches 122 and the ribs 123 but it also varies within a trench 122 and within a rib 123 according to their length. Their length is already defined previously as being the distance between the central circular portion 121 and the outer crown 130.

[0096] The thickness of the body 10 in a trench 122 is configured so as to have a thickness e3 of the body 10 at the central circular portion 121 greater than a thickness e4 of the body at the outer crown 130.

[0097] At a trench 122, the distance between the first face 110 and the second face 120 is smaller at the outer ring 130 than at the central circular portion 121.

[0098] According to one example, the thickness e3 of the body 10 is between 2.8 and 3.2 mm, preferably it is 3 mm. The thickness e4 of the body 10 is between 1.1 and 1.5 mm, preferably it is 1.3 mm.

[0099] The variation in thickness in a trench 122 allows the creation of zones with high stress concentration promoting the rupture of the target 1.

[0100] It follows from the preceding description that the combination of the variation in thickness in a trench 122 with the variation in width of a trench 122 thus makes it possible to obtain a better distribution of stresses and a better diffusion of forces during the launching of the target 1 and the impact of a projectile on the target 1. More precisely, in a trench 122 which may have a width 11 and a body thickness e3 at the central circular portion 121 associated with a width 12 and a body thickness e4 at the outer ring 130, uniform fragility is obtained over all of the first 110 and second 120 faces of the target 1. The target 1 can then break easily when it receives a projectile. Indeed, this distribution of material allows a distribution of masses improving the gyroscopic stability of the target.The breakability results from the gyroscopic effect: the higher the rotation speed of the target 1 remains, the more it will have the capacity to dislocate at the slightest impact. Thus, a narrow and thin trench 122 at the level of the outer ring 130 and wide and thick at the level of the central circular portion 120 makes it possible to give the target a great fragility to the lead spray. This distribution of material also makes it possible to grant a great resistance to the target 1 necessary for example when transporting several targets 1 on top of each other. Indeed, this distribution of material makes it possible to have enough material present at the points of contact between two targets 1.

[0101] The thickness of the body 10 on a rib 123 is configured so as to have a thickness e1 of the body 10 at the central circular portion 121 less than a thickness e2 of the body 10 at the outer crown 130.

[0102] At a rib 123, the distance between the first face 110 and the second face 120 is greater at the outer crown 130 than at the central circular portion 121.

[0103] According to one example, the thickness e1 of the body 10 is between 3.8 and 4.2 mm, preferably it is 4 mm. The thickness e2 of the body 10 is between 4 and 4.4 mm, preferably it is 4.2 mm. It follows from the preceding description that the combination of the variation in thickness on a rib 123 with the variation in width of the ribs 123 due to the variation in the widths of the trenches 122, thus makes it possible to obtain a better distribution of the stresses and a better diffusion of the forces during the launching of the target 1 and the impact of a projectile on the target 1. The ribs 123 can thus have decreasing dimensions in width and height from the outer crown 130 towards the central circular portion 120, thus offering very high mechanical strength with a minimum of material. This allows target 1 to be resistant to forces when sending target 1.This distribution of masses is also perfect for gyroscopic stability. The smallest thickness of the body 10 is defined by the thickness between the first riser 112 of the first face 110 and the bottom 122a of a trench 122 of the second face 120.

[0104] Thus, the smallest distance between the first face 110 and the second face 120 corresponds to the projected distance along the axis of axial symmetry z between the first riser 112 and the bottom 122a of a trench 122. According to one example, this smallest thickness is between 1.5 and 1.1 mm, preferably this thickness is 1.3 mm.

[0105] This area of ​​thinner body thickness will be the most likely area of ​​failure when a projectile hits the target.

[0106] DIGITAL REFERENCES

[0107] I: target

[0108] 10: body

[0109] 110: first side

[0110] 111: walk

[0111] 112: riser

[0112] 120: second side

[0113] 121: central circular portion of the second face

[0114] 122: trench

[0115] 122a: bottom of trench

[0116] 122b: trench flank

[0117] 123: rib

[0118] 124: junction between the ribs and the trenches

[0119] 124a: junction angle between ribs and trenches

[0120] 130: outer crown of the body

[0121] II: trench width at the central circular portion

[0122] I2: trench width at the outer crown e1: thickness of the body on a rib at the central portion e2: thickness of the body on a rib at the outer crown e3: thickness of the body in a trench at the central portion e4: thickness of the body in a trench at the outer crown z: axis of axial symmetry

Claims

Claims 1 . Target (1) for clay pigeon shooting, comprising a body (10) in the general shape of a dome comprising a first convex face (110) and a second concave face (120) opposite the first face (110), the body (10) comprising an outer ring (130) connecting the first face (110) to the second face (120), and in which the second face (120) comprises at least one central circular portion (121) having an axis of axial symmetry (z), the second face (120) of the body (10) comprises an alternation of trenches (122) and ribs (123) each extending radially from the outer ring (130) to the circular portion (121) and in that it comprises, for each trench (122), for at least one bottom portion (122a) of the trench (122) up to the first face (110), a body thickness (10) less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm,characterized in that the thickness of the body (10) in a trench (122) is configured so as to have a thickness (e3) of the body (10) at the central circular portion (121) greater than a thickness (e4) of the body (10) at the outer ring (130) and in that a width (11) of the trench (122) at the central circular portion (121) is greater than a width (I2) of the trench (122) at the outer ring (130)., 2. Target (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the trenches (122) and the ribs (123) have an obtuse junction angle (124a) less than or equal to 110°, preferably less than or equal to 108°.

3. Target (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the body (10) at the level of the at least one rib portion (123) up to the first face (110) is greater than 3 mm, preferably 4.2 mm.

4. Target (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the body (10) on a rib (123) is configured so as to have a thickness (e1) of the body (10) at the central circular portion (121) less than a thickness (e2) of the body (10) at the outer crown (130).

5. Target (1), according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first face (110) comprises at least one step (11 1) and at least one riser (112) and in which the thickness of the body (10) is the smallest between the bottom (122a) of a trench (122) of the second face (120) and the first riser (1 12) of the first face (1 10).

6. Target (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second face (120) comprises at least six trenches (122).

7. Target (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the trenches (122) are located equidistant radially along the axis of axial symmetry (Z).

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