US3756599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Movable counterweighted dartboard
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-21
•
Granted: 1973-09-04
•
Expires: 1991-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A target is structured to shift to a new location in reaction to being struck by a missile. The target is mounted so as to simultaneously rotate and experience lateral displacement on a horizontal track when a missile such as a dart becomes affixed to the target at a point on either side of a vertical line extending through the target''s center.
Inventors
- 👤 A Imatt
- 👤 D Brand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:36
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J3/00; F41J3/0009; F41J3/0014; F41J3/0023; F41J3/02; F41J7/00; F41J7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A movable target assembly comprising: a. a generally horizontal track constituted by a pair of parallel rails; b. a target in contact with the rails and including; b.1. a front plate carrying an exposed strike zone for releasably holding missiles, b.2. counter weight means, b.3. a rotatable element positioned between and arranged to rigidly interconnect the front plate and counter weight means, the rotatable element having a pair of oppositely extending wheels that rest in rolling engagement on corresponding rails and an enlarged hub disposed between the rails. c. wherein when a missile strikes the strike zone and becomes attached to the target on either side of a vertical line through the target center, the missile is caused to gravitationally descend and thereby force the target to move laterally with the rotatable element rolling along the track until static balance is restored.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A movable target assembly comprising: a. a generally horizontal track constituted by a pair of parallel rails; b. a target in contact with the rails and including; b.1. a front plate carrying an exposed strike zone for releasably holding missiles, b.2. counter weight means, b.3. a rotatable element positioned between and arranged to rigidly interconnect the front plate and counter weight means, the rotatable element having a pair of oppositely extending wheels that rest in rolling engagement on corresponding rails and an enlarged hub disposed between the rails. c. wherein when a missile strikes the strike zone and becomes attached to the target on either side of a vertical line through the target center, the missile is caused to gravitationally descend and thereby force the target to move laterally with the rotatable element rolling along the track until static balance is restored.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure according to claim 1, wherein; the front plate and counterweight means have the same cross sectional shape and are disposed on opposite sides of the track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure according to claim 1, wherein; the front plate includes a foam core and a facing sheet constructed from generally self-sealing material, and, the missile is a dart.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure according to claim 1, including: a stationary reference scale; and, indicating means coupled to the target and arranged to point at the reference scale.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure according to claim 4, wherein; the indicating means is an arrow coupled to freely hang from the target.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The structure according to claim 5, wherein; the free end of the arrow is positioned beneath the lowest part of the target.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
136 words
A movable target game comprising: a. a substantially horizontal track; b. a front plate having a strike zone for releasably holding missiles; c. counterweight means axially spaced from the front plate; d. a rotatable element positioned in rolling engagement on the track and positioned between and arranged to rigidly interconnect the face plate and counterweight means; e. a stationary reference scale; and, f. indicating means coupled to the counterweight means and arranged to point at the reference scale, wherein when a missile strikes the strike zone and becomes attached to the front plate on either side of a vertical line through the front plate, the missile is caused to gravitationally descend and thereby force the rotatable element, counterweight means and frontal plate to move laterally along the track as a unit until static balance is restored.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
136 words
A movable target game comprising: a. a substantially horizontal track; b. a front plate having a strike zone for releasably holding missiles; c. counterweight means axially spaced from the front plate; d. a rotatable element positioned in rolling engagement on the track and positioned between and arranged to rigidly interconnect the face plate and counterweight means; e. a stationary reference scale; and, f. indicating means coupled to the counterweight means and arranged to point at the reference scale, wherein when a missile strikes the strike zone and becomes attached to the front plate on either side of a vertical line through the front plate, the missile is caused to gravitationally descend and thereby force the rotatable element, counterweight means and frontal plate to move laterally along the track as a unit until static balance is restored.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure according to claim 7, wherein; the track is constituted by a pair of parallel rails, and, the rotatable element has a pair of oppositely extending wheels that rest upon corresponding rails and an enlarged hub disposed between the rails.
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) | 1976-09-03 | 1977-03-05 | 1977-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-03 | 1981-03-05 | 1981-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-03 | 1985-03-05 | 1985-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |