US3729197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Archery target having pressure sensitive score indicating bags
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-01
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Granted: 1973-04-24
•
Expires: 1991-03-01
Abstract
Abstract A portable archery target adapted for use with automatic scoring apparatus. The score sensing operation of the target comprises a plurality of inflatable pressure bags conforming in shape to conventional scoring areas on a target; e.g., a plurality of annular areas concentrically disposed with respect to a bullseye. The pressure bags are carried by a target frame and each includes a protective facing to preclude bag rupture by an arrow which strikes the facing and generates a scoring pressure pulse. An arrow deflector carried by the frame and projecting forwardly from the pressure bags defines the scoring areas and obviates the difficulty of scoring arrows which strike between the scoring areas. Disposed within the deflector is a thickness of energy absorbing material which the arrows pierce before striking the bag facing. The target is fully portable and includes collapsible legs which are adjustable to angularly position the target for shooting from various distances.
Inventors
- 👤 W Blackaby
- 👤 D Swanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:53
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J3/00; F41J3/0004; F41J3/02; F41J5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
Penetrable archery target apparatus comprising: a. frame means defining a plurality of arrow scoring areas; b. an inflatable pressure bag for each scoring area the volume of which is variable in response to being struck, each inflatable pressure bag being carried by the frame means and conforming in shape to its associated scoring area, each inflatable pressure bag further including a protective facing to preclude its rupture by an arrow; c. a predetermined thickness of penetrable material disposed in front of the inflatable pressure bags to receive and retain arrows, said thickness being chosen to permit an arrow to penetrate said material and to strike the protective facing of an inflatable pressure bag; d. means associated with each of the inflatable pressure bags for sensing a change of pressure therein and for providing an output signal representative of said change in pressure; e. the sensing means being adapted for connection with means for providing a readout in accordance with said output signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
Penetrable archery target apparatus comprising: a. frame means defining a plurality of arrow scoring areas; b. an inflatable pressure bag for each scoring area the volume of which is variable in response to being struck, each inflatable pressure bag being carried by the frame means and conforming in shape to its associated scoring area, each inflatable pressure bag further including a protective facing to preclude its rupture by an arrow; c. a predetermined thickness of penetrable material disposed in front of the inflatable pressure bags to receive and retain arrows, said thickness being chosen to permit an arrow to penetrate said material and to strike the protective facing of an inflatable pressure bag; d. means associated with each of the inflatable pressure bags for sensing a change of pressure therein and for providing an output signal representative of said change in pressure; e. the sensing means being adapted for connection with means for providing a readout in accordance with said output signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein the inflatable pressure bags are detachably connected to the frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein the scoring areas are circular in shape and concentrically disposed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein the scoring areas are irregularly shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein each sensing means further comprises transducing means for providing an electrical output signal representative of said change in pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 5, wherein the transducing means comprises: a. a light source; b. light sensing means for providing said electrical output signal when exposed to a light beam from the light source; and c. means for interrupting the light beam in accordance with said change in pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
111 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein the sensing means comprises: a. a housing defining a cylinder; b. a piston disposed in the cylinder and movable between first and second positions, the piston having first and second opposed faces defining first and second pressure sub-chambers; c. conduit means establishing fluid communication between the associated pressure chamber and the first sub-chamber, the conduit means being connected so that the piston is movable toward the second position in response to increasing pressure in the associated pressure chamber; d. means normally biasing the piston to the first position; and e. a bleed passage establishing restrictive fluid communication between the first and second subchambers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, and further comprising adjustable leg means for maintaininG the target apparatus in a desired upright shooting position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a handle for carrying the target apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the frame means comprises a plurality of separate, rigid projections extending in a direction essentially in line with the intended flight path of an arrow, the rigid projections being constructed and arranged to define the boundary between scoring areas and to retain an arrow in the scoring area which it initially enters.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 10, wherein the separate projections are interconnected by a plurality of strut members constructed and arranged to present a minimum surface area to a projectile.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus defined by claim 11, wherein the frame means further comprises a backplate, and the interconnected rigid projections are releasably connected to the backplate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus defined by claim 12, wherein each of the inflatable pressure bags further comprises a plurality of rearwardly projecting resilient tabs, and the backplate includes an opening for each tab, each opening being constructed to releasably retain the associated tab.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus defined by claim 10, wherein the rigid projections extend through said predetermined thickness of penetrable material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
144 words
Penetrable target apparatus having a plurality of projectile scoring areas, comprising: a. frame means; b. means carried by the frame means for each of the projectile scoring areas and defining a pressure chamber the volume of which is variable in response to the chamber defining means being struck, each of said chamber defining means conforming in shape to its associated scoring area; c. a predetermined thickness of penetrable material disposed in front of the chamber defining means, said thickness being chosen to permit a projectile to penetrate the material and to strike the chamber defining means; d. means associated with each of the pressure chambers for sensing a change in pressure therein and for providing an output signal representative of said change in pressure; e. the sensing means being adapted for connection with means for providing a readout in accordance with said output signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
144 words
Penetrable target apparatus having a plurality of projectile scoring areas, comprising: a. frame means; b. means carried by the frame means for each of the projectile scoring areas and defining a pressure chamber the volume of which is variable in response to the chamber defining means being struck, each of said chamber defining means conforming in shape to its associated scoring area; c. a predetermined thickness of penetrable material disposed in front of the chamber defining means, said thickness being chosen to permit a projectile to penetrate the material and to strike the chamber defining means; d. means associated with each of the pressure chambers for sensing a change in pressure therein and for providing an output signal representative of said change in pressure; e. the sensing means being adapted for connection with means for providing a readout in accordance with said output signals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined by claim 15, wherein the chamber defining means comprises an inflatable pressure bag, each inflatable pressure bag having a protective facing to preclude its rupture by a projectile.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-23 | 1976-10-23 | 1977-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-23 | 1980-10-23 | 1981-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-23 | 1984-10-23 | 1985-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |