Ballistic target

Abstract

Ballistic target comprising a support frame (1) and a target portion (20) mounted on said support frame (1) in such a way that said target portion (20) is able to oscillate with respect to said support frame (1) if hit by a shot fired. The support frame (1) comprises at least one upright (10) on which a beam (11) is provided, a connection element (21) for connecting said target portion (20) to said beam (11) being provided. Said connection element (21) is mounted integral with the target portion (20), said beam (11) having a housing seat (110) of said connection element (21) so as to create a coupling between said beam (11) and said target portion (20).

Description

[0001] BALLISTIC TARGET

[0002] The present invention relates to a ballistic target comprising a support frame and a target portion mounted on the support frame in such a way that said target portion is able to oscillate with respect to the support frame if hit by a shot fired.

[0003] The support frame comprises at least one upright on which a beam is provided.

[0004] A connection element for connecting the target portion to the beam is also provided.

[0005] The above described is the common configuration of ballistic targets known in the state of the art as gong targets.

[0006] Such devices have a target portion consisting of a metal disc that must be hit by the shooters, for example using a pistol or rifle.

[0007] The disc is mounted oscillating on the support frame, by means of the presence of connection elements that allow the oscillation of the disc following the impact of a shot fired by a shooter.

[0008] Gong targets known in the state of the art generally have chains as a connection element, which are fixed to both the metal disc and the support frame through bolts.

[0009] It often happens that the shot fired by the rifle hits one of the bolts, breaking it and making the chain unusable.

[0010] This requires replacement of the chain and often also the metal disc, without, however, the shot having hit the target.

[0011] In addition, the use of chains and bolts requires specific machining of the metal disc, as the metal disc must be drilled to allow the chains to be fixed through the bolts, which also disrupts the mechanical resistance characteristics of the disc itself.

[0012] To overcome this problem, some gong targets known in the state of the art provide for the use of rubber or fabric bands instead of chains, in such a way as to be more resistant in the event of impact with the shot fired. However, these connection elements also require fixing to the disc, such as gluing, which often deteriorates and which, in any case, requires continuous maintenance.

[0013] There is therefore a need not met by the systems known in the state of the art to solve the disadvantages set out above, in particular, to make a ballistic target which is simple to make and whose target portion can be stably fixed to the support frame, but in an easy and durable manner.

[0014] The present invention achieves the above objects by making a target as described above, wherein the connection element is mounted integral to the target portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the beam has a housing seat of the connection element in such a way as to create a coupling between the beam and the target portion.

[0016] The connection element belonging to the target that is the object of the present invention is made in such a way as to have minimal dimensions and above all to make a coupling with the beam such as to allow the oscillation of the target portion and limit the chances that the shot impacts on the connection element, thanks also to its peculiar positioning.

[0017] In fact, as will be evident from the illustration of some embodiments, the dimensions of the connection element and of the housing seat, i.e. of the beam / connection element interface that allows the coupling of these two elements, are reduced to a minimum and represent the best compromise to obtain solidity of the target and of the components thereof with the minimum use of material.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection element is made in one piece with the target portion.

[0019] This refinement makes it possible to make a solid target portion, in such a way that, even in the case of impact of the shot fired on the connection element, it will not be necessary to replace the target portion, as it is particularly resistant to impacts.

[0020] Unlike the systems known in the state of the art, the connection element belonging to the target that is the object of the present invention is integral with the target portion, so it is not possible to provide for a relative movement between the connection element and the target portion.

[0021] In the systems known to the state of the art, the relative movement between the connection chains and the target portion requires that the target portion, in the condition coupled to the support frame, is always oriented along a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the target rests, due to gravity, which causes the target portion to behave like a pendulum.

[0022] In the target that is the object of the present invention, however, precisely due to the absence of relative movement between the connection element and the target position, the only movement is that provided between the connection element and the beam.

[0023] This is a passive movement, that is, a movement that occurs only if the shot impacts the target portion.

[0024] It is therefore possible to make the interface surfaces between the connection element and the beam so as to overcome the force of gravity and provide a specific position of the target portion, not necessarily oriented towards the horizontal plane on which the target rests.

[0025] In fact, according to a preferred embodiment, the beam and / or the connection element are made in such a way that, in the coupled condition, the plane identified by the target portion has a certain inclination with respect to the vertical plane, perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the target rests.

[0026] This is particularly advantageous as it makes it possible to dampen the impact force of the bullet hitting the target portion.

[0027] With respect to the systems known in the state of the art, the bullet will not impact with the target portion in a perpendicular direction, that is, giving the maximum energy, but a part of the energy will be discharged since the axis of displacement of the bullet and the plane of the target portion are not perpendicular to each other.

[0028] To optimize the damping of the shot fired, preferably, the inclination of the plane identified by the target portion with the vertical plane, has a value comprised between 5° and 12°, preferably between 7° and 10°. These values represent the best compromise that makes it possible not to modify too much the positioning of the target portion with respect to the "natural" position for the shooter, that is, along a vertical plane, and the damping of the shot.

[0029] One of the main features of the present invention is the realization of the coupling between the connection element and the beam of the support frame.

[0030] This coupling must ensure that the components of the target are not maintained and that they are easily and quickly assembled.

[0031] Advantageously, the coupling between the connection element and the beam is a shape coupling, wherein the connection element is inserted inside the housing seat provided on the beam.

[0032] To obtain said shape coupling, according to an improvement, the connection element has a body extending from the target portion and a widened terminal with respect to said body.

[0033] The housing seat of the beam must therefore have a shape that allows the insertion and retention of the enlarged terminal of the connection element.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the beam consists of a plate, while the housing seat consists of a through hole obtained in the thickness of said plate.

[0035] To facilitate the insertion of the connection element, advantageously, the through hole has a side opening configured for the insertion of the connection element.

[0036] Advantageously the side opening comprises an insertion slit extending from the housing seat towards the outside of the beam.

[0037] The peculiar shape of the side opening gives the target that is the object of the present invention a high ease of assembly, the assembly housing seat and side opening representing the best compromise between holding the target portion in position and the ease of assembly / disassembly of the target portion with respect to the support frame. According to a possible embodiment, the development axis of the insertion slit extends along a certain direction so as to be non-perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the beam.

[0038] The inclination of the development axis prevents the target portion from coming out of the housing seat even in the case of particularly angled shots, which hit the target portion on the sides.

[0039] As will be evident from the illustration of some exemplary embodiments, such shots could in fact cause the rotation of the target portion, with the risk of having the target portion come out from the housing seat through the opening slit.

[0040] As described above, one of the most advantageous aspects of the present invention is the possibility of providing a certain inclination of the plane identified by the target portion with respect to the horizontal plane on which the target rests.

[0041] To simplify production and realization of the connection element and the target portion, it is possible to provide that this inclination is made by a specific shape of the support frame.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the beam is mounted on the support frame, so as to already have the inclination necessary for damping the shot.

[0043] To obtain the desired inclination, it is therefore possible to provide that the at least one upright of the support frame has a slit for inserting the beam, with a certain inclination with respect to the horizontal plane on which the target rests.

[0044] The insertion slit, therefore, forces the beam to be positioned already inclined on the support plane, in such a way as to also force the target portion to follow this inclination, due to the abutment of the surfaces of the connection element with the surfaces of the housing seat.

[0045] Finally, according to a further embodiment, the target that is the object of the present invention provides means for adjusting the inclination of the insertion slit. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following disclosure of some exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figures 1a to 1 d illustrate four different views of a possible embodiment of the target that is the object of the present invention, in particular an axonometric view, a front view, a side view and a top view; figures 1 e to 1 g illustrate some details of a possible embodiment of the support frame belonging to the target that is the object of the present invention; figure 2 illustrates a detail of the coupling of the beam and connection element belonging to the target that is the object of the present invention; figures 3a and 3b illustrate a front view of the target portion and two top views of two possible embodiments of the beam belonging to the target that is the object of the present invention; figure 4 illustrates a principle diagram of a side view of the target that is the object of the present invention;

[0046] It is specified that the figures attached to the present patent application illustrate only some possible embodiments of the ballistic target that is the object of the present invention to better understand its described advantages and features.

[0047] Such embodiments are therefore to be understood as purely illustrative and not limiting to the inventive concept of the present invention, namely that of making a ballistic target simple to make and whose target portion can be stably fixed to the support frame, but in an easy and lasting manner.

[0048] With particular reference to figures 1a to 1 d, four different views of a possible embodiment of the target that is the object of the present invention are illustrated, according to a possible embodiment.

[0049] The target comprises a target portion 20 supported by a support frame 1 .

[0050] The target portion 20 is the part that is to be hit during target practises using the target that is the object of the present invention. The support frame 1 consists of a sort of portal resting on a horizontal plane A, on which the target portion 20 is hung.

[0051] The support frame comprises two uprights 10, arranged with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the support plane A and a beam 1 1 , arranged with their longitudinal axis parallel to the horizontal plane A.

[0052] Preferably, the beam 1 1 is connected to the uprights 10 by inserting its ends 1 12 into slots 100, which will be described later.

[0053] The lower terminals of the uprights 10 are then positioned at the horizontal plane A through the use of a support base 13.

[0054] The support base 13 is made in a manner completely similar to the device described in patent 102020000027008, the content of which is to be considered an integral part of the present description.

[0055] Both the beam 1 1 and the uprights 10 can be made of any material, but they are preferably made of wood or metallic material.

[0056] For example, it is possible to envisage making the uprights 10 in wood and the beam 1 1 in metal, or vice versa, or making the uprights 10 and the beam 1 1 both in metal or wood.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, both the uprights 10 and the beam 1 1 are made of ballistic steel, as well as the target portion 20.

[0058] Advantageously, the uprights 10 are made up of plate-like elements that are positioned on the edge support frame, i.e. with the faces wider and longer laterally, so as to have, at the front, a minimum thickness, comprised between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres.

[0059] Furthermore, as clearly illustrated in figures 1a and 1 d, the uprights 10 are positioned inclined with respect to the horizontal plane A, on which the target is positioned.

[0060] In combination with the reduced thickness, the inclination allows the uprights 10 to appear at the user's firing line sideways, thus giving the smallest possible surface on which a shot can impact.

[0061] The beam 1 1 is made as an elongated plate-like element and has two ends 1 12 that are inserted into special insertion slits 100 provided at the upper terminals of the uprights 10, as illustrated in figure 1 c. The insertion slits 100 are made to have a certain inclination with respect to the horizontal plane A on which the target is positioned.

[0062] As clearly illustrated in figure 1 c, the slits have their longitudinal axis incident with respect to the horizontal plane A, in such a way that, in the assembled condition of the support frame 1 , the plane identified by the beam 1 1 is not parallel to the horizontal plane A.

[0063] This configuration is illustrated in the front view of the target that is the object of the present invention, figure 1 b, which illustrates the upper surface of the beam 1 1 , which is therefore inclined with respect to the horizontal plane A.

[0064] In the variant illustrated in the figures, the target that is the object of the present invention always provides two uprights 10, a preferred and more stable solution, but it is possible to provide any number of uprights 10.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the support frame is intended to be demountable, consisting of a base 12, two hooking feet 13, the uprights 10 and the beam 1 1.

[0066] Figures 1 e to 1 g illustrate a possible embodiment of the various components, which are coupled to each other through mechanical joints.

[0067] In particular, the base 12 has insertion holes 122 for the insertion of corresponding feet 131 of the hooking feet 13.

[0068] The hooking feet 13 have an upper end with a hole 134 for passage of the uprights 10 in mounted condition of the support frame.

[0069] In particular, the hooking feet 13 are folded at the upper end, so that the hole 134 is arranged on a plane parallel to the rest plane A of the support frame.

[0070] The hooking feet 13 will therefore be fitted with the feet 131 inside the holes 132 of the base 12, after which the uprights 10 can be inserted inside the holes 134 of the hooking feet 13, so that the lower ends 135 of the uprights 10 intersect the holes 133 of the base 12.

[0071] Once the uprights 10 are positioned, the beam 1 1 may be mounted, as described. As described above, the target portion 20 is hung to the beam 1 1 , through a shape coupling of the connection element 21 with the beam 1 1.

[0072] The shape coupling allows the target portion and the connection element 21 to oscillate with respect to the support frame 1 and, in particular, with respect to the beam 1 1 , in the event that the target portion 20 is hit by a shot fired by a user.

[0073] The shape coupling is obtained by means of an insertion of a terminal of the connection element 21 inside a housing seat 1 10 of the beam 1 1.

[0074] A preferred embodiment of the beam 1 1 and the target portion 20 is illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0075] With reference to figure 3a, the target portion 20 is illustrated according to a front view and consists of a discoidal element from which the connection element 21 develops.

[0076] The connection element is thus made in one piece with the target portion 20 and has a body 210 extending from the target portion 20 and terminating with a terminal element 21 1 which is enlarged with respect to the body 210.

[0077] The body 210 extends above and along the direction of the diameter of the target portion 20, such that the connection element 21 has the longitudinal axis aligned with the diameter of the disc constituting the target portion 20.

[0078] It is of course possible to provide any shape of the target portion 20, but, preferably, the connection element 21 is positioned above and centrally, i.e. along the median line, of the target portion 20.

[0079] In combination with the shape of the connection element 21 of figure 3a, the beam 1 1 is illustrated in figure 3b, according to a top view.

[0080] According to this variant, the beam 1 1 is made up of a plate, which has two ends 1 12 and a through hole 1 10 constituting the housing seat of the connection element.

[0081] From a general point of view, the through hole 1 10 must have dimensions such as to allow the insertion of the terminal 21 1 of the connection element 21 , but, at the same time, in the inserted condition, the terminal 21 1 must be in abutment with the outer and upper surface of the beam 1 1 , so that the target portion 20 remains hanging and does not run the risk of slipping off the beam 1 1 , through the hole 1 10.

[0082] For example, to insert the terminal 21 1 it could be sufficient to tilt (rotate clockwise or counterclockwise the target portion 20 with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of figure 3a, i.e. perpendicular to the plane identified by the target portion 20) the target portion 20, so as to insert the terminal 21 1 entirely inside the hole 100, and then, once inserted, rotate the target portion again and obtain the coupling of the connection element 21 with the beam 1 1.

[0083] To facilitate the insertion of the connection element 21 into the hole 1 10, advantageously, the through hole 1 10 also has a side opening 1 1 1.

[0084] The side opening 1 1 1 preferably comprises an insertion slit extending from the housing seat 1 10 towards the outside of the beam 1 1.

[0085] The insertion slit therefore develops according to a development axis E.

[0086] According to the embodiment of figure 3b, the development axis E of the opening 1 1 1 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis F of the beam 1 1 , i.e. the opening 1 1 1 extends in a perpendicular direction with respect to the planes identified by the wider and longer faces of the beam 1 1 , i.e. the plane of figure 3b.

[0087] Preferably, the width of the opening 1 1 1 is smaller than the width of the body 210, while the thickness of the body 210 is smaller than the width of the opening 1 1 1.

[0088] Furthermore, the width of the terminal 21 1 is greater than the width of the through hole 1 10.

[0089] To insert the connection element 21 into the hole 1 10, it will therefore be necessary to rotate the target portion 20 about its longitudinal axis G, through a 90° rotation, so as to insert the connection element 21 from the thickness side of the element itself.

[0090] Once the connection element 21 has been completely inserted into the hole 1 10, through a rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation previously made, the connection element 21 will remain engaged in the hole 1 10, as illustrated in figure 2 and in Figures 1a to 1 d. The connection element therefore remains engaged inside the housing seat, i.e. the hole 1 10, of the beam 1 1 as the external surfaces of the terminal 21 1 are in abutment with the external surfaces of the beam 1 1 at the housing seat.

[0091] The interaction between the terminal 21 1 and the beam 1 1 thus prevents the target portion 20 from slipping off from the beam 1 1 , in such a way that the target portion 20 is hung from the beam 1 1 , as illustrated in figure 1a.

[0092] The connection element 21 and the beam 1 1 therefore have a shape coupling, thanks to which the target portion 20 can have a relative movement with respect to the support frame 1 , if the target portion 20 is hit by a shot fired by a user.

[0093] The characteristics just described also apply to the variant of figure 3c which differs from figure 3b in the inclination of the opening 1 1 1.

[0094] According to the variant illustrated in figure 3c, the development axis E of the insertion slit extends along a certain direction so as to be nonperpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis F of the beam 1 1.

[0095] The procedure for inserting the target portion 20 into the housing seat 1 10 is completely similar to that described above and relating to figure 3b.

[0096] The only difference is a greater difficulty of removing the target portion 20 in the event that a shot fired impacts laterally on the target portion 20 causing a rotation of the target portion itself around the axis G.

[0097] As described above, the beam 1 1 is fixed to the uprights 10 by inserting its terminals 1 12 into the insertion slots 100 of the uprights 10.

[0098] As clearly illustrated in figure 1 d, the insertion opening 100 has a certain inclination with respect to the plane A on which the target rests, so that the plane identified by the beam 1 1 is inclined with respect to the plane A.

[0099] Advantageously, as illustrated in figure 3b, the terminals 1 12 of the beam 1 1 have a narrowing 1 13, which makes it possible to stabilize the joint between the beam 1 1 and the uprights 10. In fact, it is precisely the narrowings 1 13 that constitute the part of the beam 1 1 inserted into the insertion slots 100.

[0100] The combination of the weight of the target portion 20 and the inclination of the beam 1 1 causes, once the terminals 1 12 of the beam 1 1 are inserted into the insertion slots 100 and at the level of the narrowings 1 13, the beam 1 1 to slide towards the front portion of the target, until the narrowings 1 13 come into abutment with the inner surfaces of the front 101 of the slot 100.

[0101] Since all the surfaces of the components of the target that is the object of the present invention are constituted by flat surfaces, with unbevelled edges, once all the joints have been obtained, in the absence of external forces, such as for example the impact of the shot, all the components remain fixed in their position.

[0102] As a result, the inclination of the beam 1 1 is also transmitted to the target portion 20, which is inclined with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane A on which the target is rested.

[0103] This condition is illustrated, through a principle diagram, in figure 4, in which a section of the beam 1 1 and a section of the target portion 20 are indicated.

[0104] Once the beam 1 1 is inserted into the uprights 10 and the connection element 21 is inserted into the housing seat of the beam 1 1 , the beam 1 1 identifies a plane C, inclined with respect to the horizontal plane A, which inclination forces the target portion 20 into an inclined position, that is, identifying a plane B inclined with respect to the horizontal plane A.

[0105] The plane B preferably has an inclination with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane A of a value comprised between 5° and 12°, preferably between 7° and 10°.

[0106] As described above, these inclination values make it possible to dampen the impact of a shot fired that has a shooting direction oriented parallel to the horizontal plane A and shown in figure 4 with the arrow D.

[0107] The inclination of the target portion 20 thus makes it possible to discharge part of the force generated by the impact of the shot fired downwards with reference to figure 4. Finally, according to a possible embodiment, it is possible to provide means for adjusting the inclination of the insertion slit 100 of the uprights 10.

[0108] For example, it could be possible to make an insertion slit 100 wider than the thickness of the beam 1 1 and provide for thicknesses, such as wedge elements, to be inserted between the beam 1 1 and the insertion slit 100.

[0109] While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative constructions, some preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail.

[0110] It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific illustrated embodiment but, on the contrary, the aim is to cover all the modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0111] The use of “for example”, “etc.”, “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise indicated.

[0112] The use of “includes” means “includes, but not limited to” unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Ballistic target comprising a support frame (1) and a target portion (20) mounted on said support frame (1) in such a way that said target portion (20) is able to oscillate with respect to said support frame (1) if hit by a shot fired, the support frame (1) comprising at least one upright (10) on which upright a beam (1 1) is provided, a connection element (21) for connecting said target portion (20) to said beam (1 1) being provided, characterized in that said connection element (21) is mounted integral with the target portion (20), said beam (1 1) having a housing seat (1 10) of said connection element (21) so as to create a coupling between said beam (1 1) and said target portion (20).

2. Target according to Claim 1 , wherein said connection element (21) is made in one piece with said target portion (20).

3. Target according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said beam (1 1) and / or said connection element (21) are made in such a way that in the coupled condition the plane identified by the target portion (20) has a certain inclination with respect to the vertical plane, perpendicular to the horizontal plane (A) on which the target rests.

4. Target according to Claim 3, wherein the inclination has a value comprised between 5° and 12°, preferably between 7° and 10°.

5. Target according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said connection element (21) has a body (210) extending from said target portion (20) and an enlarged terminal (21 1) with respect to said body (210).

6. Target according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said beam (1 1) consists of a plate, said housing seat (1 10) consisting of a through hole obtained in the thickness of said plate.

7. Target according to Claim 6, wherein said through hole has a side opening (1 1 1) configured for insertion of said connection element (21).

8. Target according to Claim 7, wherein said side opening (1 1 1) comprises an insertion slit extending from the housing seat (1 10) towards the outside of the beam (1 1).

9. Target according to Claim 8, wherein the development axis (E) of the insertion slit extends along a certain direction so as to be nonperpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis (F) of said beam (1 1).

10. Target according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one upright (10) has a slit (100) for inserting said beam (1 1), which insertion slit (100) has a certain inclination with respect to the horizontal plane (A) on which the target rests.1 1. Target according to Claim 10, wherein means for adjusting the inclination of the insertion slit (100) are provided.

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