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(11) | EP 1 593 927 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A firearm targeting device |
| (57) This invention relates to a firearm targeting device (1) comprising a support frame
(3) mounting a plurality of targets (5(a) - 5(e)) thereon. Each of the targets is
moveable to and from a first substantially upright targeting position and a second
substantially horizontal shot position. The firearm targeting device (1) is provided
with means to automatically return the targets from a shot position to a targeting
position. By having means to automatically return the targets to a targeting position,
the safety of the marksmen using the firing range is improved as there is no longer
any need for the users to go out onto the firing range to replace their targets. The
particular construction described is robust and cost effective to manufacture and
may be disassembled to allow replacement or repair of parts. |
Introduction
[0001] This invention relates to a firearm targeting device comprising a support frame mounting a plurality of targets thereon, each of the targets being movable to and from a first targeting position whereby the target is presented to the marksman and a second shot position indicative that the target has been successfully shot.
[0002] Firearm targeting devices are commonly used on firing ranges operated by gun and shooting clubs as well as on private firing ranges and firing ranges operated by the security forces. These firearm targeting devices typically comprise a cardboard cut out or sheet of paper with a silhouette of a human or animal printed thereon. The silhouette typically has a number of firing zones of different sizes printed thereon with points being awarded depending on the level of difficulty of successfully shooting a bullet into that zone. Alternatively, firearm targeting devices may comprise a number of small objects such as tin cans or the like that must be knocked over by the marksman by the marksman shooting the tin cans. Points may be awarded depending on the successful number of "hits" achieved by the marksman. Typically, the marksman will be positioned a predetermined distance away from the firearm targeting device and will be allowed to fire a number of rounds at the targets or alternatively will be allowed to fire as many rounds as they wish within a predetermined period of time. After all their rounds have been fired, the cardboard target is retrieved from the firing range in order to tally the marksman's score and new targets are put in position for the next marksman on the firing range.
[0003] Although relatively simple and inexpensive to operate, there are numerous problems with the existing firearm targeting devices. First of all, once the marksman has finished firing at the target, the target must either be retrieved from the firing range for inspection and or scoring. Similarly, a fresh target must be put in place each time for the next marksman. This requires an individual to walk out onto the firing range and retrieve the target from its stand. Although not important on private firing ranges where only a single marksman is firing at a target at any one time, this becomes a major problem on firing ranges where numerous marksmen may be using the firing range simultaneously. This can be extremely dangerous indeed as other individuals may also be using the firing range at the same time and it is important to coordinate each of the marksmen so that shots are not fired at any of the targets on the range when one of the targets is being retrieved. Although there are numerous systems in place to coordinate the actions of the marksmen it is not uncommon for shots to be fired even when an individual is retrieving their target from its stand. Tragically, this has resulted in the serious injury and in some cases loss of life of individuals on the firing range.
[0004] The current best practice to ensure that shots are not fired by other marksmen when an individual is retrieving a target from the firing range entails all the marksmen on the firing range unloading their weapons and placing their firearms in a rack prior to an individual going out onto the range. Although this has improved the safety of individuals on the firing range this is seen as time consuming and is highly undesirable to the operators of the firing range as they lose a significant amount of potential shooting time due to the retrieval and or replacement of targets. This reduces the potential revenue for the operator of the firing range.
[0005] Another problem with the known firearm targeting devices even for private firing ranges is that the marksman must spend a significant amount of his or her time retrieving the targets and replacing the targets with fresh targets. This reduces the amount of time available for shooting.
[0006] It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a firearm targeting device that overcomes at least some of the difficulties with the known firearm targeting device that is both simple and cost effective to manufacture and use.
Statements of Invention
[0007] According to the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device comprising a support frame mounting a plurality of targets thereon, each of the targets being moveable to and from a first targeting position whereby the target is presented to a marksman and a second shot position indicative that the target has been successfully shot, characterised in that the firearm targeting device further comprises a sensor to detect when one or more of the targets has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position and means responsive to the sensor to return the one or more targets from a shot position back to a targeting position.
[0008] In this way, there will be no need for an individual to go out onto the firing range in order to retrieve their target or indeed to set up the targets for the next user of the firing range. Once a target has been shot and moved to the shot position, the sensor will detect that it is in a shot position and the means responsive to the sensor will operate to move the target back again into a targeting position. It will be possible for the marksman to see whether they have been successful in their shooting as the target will move to a shot position before being automatically replaced to a targeting position some time thereafter. This is seen as particularly beneficial as no individual will at any stage be forced to go out onto the firing range thereby obviating the possibility of a stray shot injuring the individual. Furthermore, the remaining marksmen will not have to cease firing while a target is retrieved thereby maximizing the available shooting time at their disposal. The operators of the firing range will also benefit by first of all having a safer environment but secondly will be able to sell more bullets to their patrons due to the increase in available shooting time.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which each target further comprises a support bar and a target portion mounted thereon, the support bar being pivotally mounted on the support frame. This is seen as a particularly simple construction of firearm targeting device that will allow for a simple reliable action of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position when they are shot by a marksman.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the target portion is releasably mounted on the support bar. This is further seen as advantageous as the individual targets can be changed depending on the experience and ability of the marksman. Targets of varying sizes may then be placed on the firearm targeting device so that varying levels of difficulty are possible. It may for example be desirable to place relatively small targets on the support bars for competitions and the like. Furthermore, although it is envisaged that the targets can be made from plate steel, by having the targets releasably mounted on the support bar it will be possible to change the targets when necessary due to wear and tear.
[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which there are provided a plurality of anchorage points on each support bar for reception of a target. By having a plurality of anchorage points on each support bar it will be possible to alter the position of the target relative the support bar thereby allowing targets to be at varying heights on the support frame with respect to each other.
[0012] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which each support bar is provided with means to prevent inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position. By having means to prevent inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting opposition to a shot position the targets will only be able to be moved to a shot position under the action of a bullet striking the target. In this way, wind or the vibrations caused by other targets falling on the support structure will not cause a target to topple over.
[0013] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the means to prevent inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position further comprises a magnetic catch mounted on the support bar. This is seen as a particularly simple and efficient way to prevent the targets from moving inadvertently to a shot position. Furthermore, the magnetic catch is sufficient to ensure that the target will be able to be knocked over under the force of a bullet.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the means to prevent inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position further comprises a counter weight mounted on the support bar.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which there is provided a catchment screen mounted on the support frame behind and spaced apart from the targets and a ricochet prevention screen mounted intermediate the catchment screen and the targets. This is seen as a particularly useful feature as the catchment screen will be able to stop the onward travel of any bullets beyond the support structure. Furthermore, the ricochet prevention screen will go some way to preventing harm to the marksman due to a ricochet off the firearm targeting device.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the ricochet prevention screen is mounted spaced apart from the catchment screen. By having the ricochet prevention screen mounted spaced apart from the catchment screen it will be possible for a bullet to travel through the ricochet prevention screen, hit off the catchment screen and be stopped from passing back through the ricochet prevention screen as the energy of the bullet is gradually dispersed. Furthermore, this configuration will prevent excessive damage being caused to the ricochet prevention screen as the bullets will be able to pass clearly through the ricochet prevention screen.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the ricochet prevention screen further comprises a sheet of resilient rubber material. This is seen as a particularly useful material to use for the ricochet prevention screen as a bullet will be able to pass through the rubber material with relative ease before the bullet comes into contact with the catchment screen and shattering on the catchment screen. Once the bullet has passed through the rubber, the resilient rubber material will close around the area where the bullet passed through thereby preventing return of the bullet through the hole previously made by it. This will significantly reduce the possibility of a ricochet off the firearm targeting device.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the means responsive to the sensor to return the targets from a shot position to a targeting position further comprises a power supply and a ram, the ram being connected to a mechanical linkage, whereby operation of the ram causes the mechanical linkage to abut against the one or more targets and return the one or more targets to a targeting position. This is a particularly simple configuration that has as few moving parts as possible while at the same time being highly reliable in use.
[0019] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the catchment screen is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the catchment screen comprising a rear portion bridged by a pair of side portions, the rear portion being mounted across the rear of the support frame and the side portions extending forwardly from the rear portion along the sides of the support frame. In this way, the danger of ricochet shots passing out from the side of the firearm targeting device will be also significantly reduced and a safer device is provided.
[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the mechanical linkage comprises an abutment bar pivotally mounted on the support frame and extending substantially the width of the targeting device. In this way, the targets may be arranged across the width of the support structure and arranged to move from a substantially upright targeting position to a substantially horizontal shot position. As the targets are knocked down, the mechanical linkage and consequently the abutment bar may be operated to pivot all of the targets that have been moved to a shot position up again to a targeting position.
[0021] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the power supply further comprises a 12 V battery pack. In another embodiment, there is provided a solar panel mounted on the rear of the firearm targeting device to provide a recharging current to the 12V battery pack.
[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the ram further comprises a pneumatic ram. This is a particularly simple ram to operate and will require a relatively simple air compression unit to function. The air compression unit is relatively inexpensive to operate and does not require a lot of power or complex control equipment to operate.
[0023] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the pneumatic ram is a single acting ram and there is provided a spring acting on the single acting ram to return the ram to a contracted configuration once pressure to the ram has been removed. This is seen as a particularly efficient way of providing the ram. The single acting ram is both inexpensive to provide and is also robust in use. Once the targets have been returned to the targeting position, it is possible to remove the pressure from the pneumatic ram and the spring will cause the ram to return to its contracted position. This in turn will return the mechanical linkage to return to a rest position.
[0024] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the sensor to detect when one or more of the targets has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position further comprises a trip switch. This is seen as a particularly simple and robust construction of sensor for use with the present invention. The sensor will not be prone to failure caused by vibrations or by impact caused by the targets being replaced to a targeting position.
[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which the sensor to detect when one or more of the targets has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position further comprises a plurality of sensors, each target mounted on the support frame having a sensor associated therewith. In this way, the firearm targeting device can detect whether one or more targets has been knocked over or whether a particular target or combination of targets has been knocked over. In this way, the means responsive to the sensor to return the one or more targets from a shot position to a targeting position can operate on one or more of the sensors detecting that a particular target or targets have been knocked over or that all the targets have been knocked over.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a firearm targeting device in which each of the plurality of targets are of different size with respect to the other targets. This will increase the challenge to the marksman using the device.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0027] The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a firearm targeting device according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the firearm targeting device with the catchment screen and ricochet prevention screen removed;
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternative construction of firearm targeting device with all of the protective screens removed;
Figure 4 is a close up rear partial perspective view of portion of the firearm targeting device as shown in Figure 3;
Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrammatic cross-sectional views of the firearm targeting device with the targets in varying positions on the support structure; and
Figure 6 is an exploded view of another still construction of firearm targeting device according to the invention;
[0028] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown a firearm targeting device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising a support frame 3 mounting a plurality of targets 5(a) to 5(e) thereon, each of the targets being moveable to and from a targeting position and a shot position. The firearm targeting device 1 comprises a sensor 7 to detect when one or more of the targets has moved from a targeting position to a shot position and means responsive to the sensor (not shown) to return the one or more targets from a shot position back to a targeting position. The firearm targeting device further comprises a catchment screen 9 having a rear portion 11 and a pair of side portions 13, 15 extending forwardly therefrom. The catchment screen further comprises a top portion 16 hingedly mounted to the rear portion. A ricochet prevention screen 17 is mounted on the catchment screen 9 and spaced apart from the rear portion 11 of the catchment screen. The ricochet prevention screen is mounted intermediate the rear portion 11 of the catchment screen and the plurality of targets 5(a) to 5(e).
[0029] Each of the targets 5(a) to 5(e) are of different dimensions with respect to the other targets and each target further comprises a support bar 19 mounting a target portion 21 thereon. The support bars are pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on a cross bar 23 of the support frame 3 and each support bar 19 has means to prevent inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position provided by way of a magnetic catch 25. Finally, a deflector plate 27 is mounted on the front of the support frame 3 below the level of the targets 5(a) to 5(e) with the front face of the deflector plate 27 angled towards the ground.
[0030] In use, all of the targets will begin in an upright targeting position similar to the position of target 5(e) shown in the drawings. A marksman (not shown) will position himself a fixed distance away from the firearm targeting device and will fire shots at the targets 5(a) to 5(e). On the marksman successfully hitting a target, the target will be knocked over to a substantially shot position similar to the positions of targets 5(a) to 5(d) respectively shown in the drawing. In order to dampen the vibrations of a falling target a cushioned dampening strip 29 is provided towards the rear of the support frame so that a falling target will fall on the dampening strip thereby minimizing the vibration effects of the falling target. Furthermore, in order to prevent inadvertent movement of one of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position caused by high winds or by vibrations caused by another target falling against the support frame, each support bar 19 has a magnetic catch 25 mounted on its end remote from the target portion 21. The magnetic catch is sufficient to anchor the support bar 19 in an upright targeting position against the support structure until the target at the other end of the support bar is hit directly by a bullet. When the last target 5(e) is hit by the marksman, the sensor 7 which is provided by a trip switch detects that the target 5(e) has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position and this causes the means responsive to the sensor to operate to return all of the targets in a shot position to an upright targeting position once more.
[0031] Finally, any bullets that pass onwards subsequent to hitting one of the targets 5(a) to 5(e) or without hitting one of the targets will hit against the ricochet prevention screen 17. The ricochet prevention screen is provided by way of a sheet of resilient rubber material so that a bullet can pass through the ricochet prevention screen before passing onwards to the catchment screen 9. Shortly after passing through the ricochet prevention screen, the hole in the ricochet prevention screen caused by the bullet will close over due to the elasticity of the rubber. Once the bullet makes contact with the catchment screen, the bullet will have a tendency to shatter. The shattered fragments of the bullet will then be directed back towards the ricochet prevention screen 17 but will be unable to travel back through the ricochet prevention screen 17. The top portion 16 of the catchment screen is hingedly mounted on the rear portion and is shown in a partially open configuration. The top portion 16 may be hinged out of the way to allow the rubber ricochet prevention screen to be replaced or removed.
[0032] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings there is shown a rear view of an alternative construction of firearm targeting device where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. For reasons of clarity, the firearm targeting device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, has all of the protective coverings removed from the support frame 3. The firearm targeting device 31 has a plurality of targets 33 mounted thereon. In this instance, each of the targets 33 is of similar size to the other targets 33 mounted on the support frame 3. The firearm targeting device 31 has means responsive to the sensor (not shown) to return one or more of the targets from a shot position back to a targeting position. The means responsive to the sensor comprises a power supply provided by way of a 12 V battery 35, a pneumatic ram 37 connected to a mechanical linkage indicated generally by the reference numeral 39, and an air compressor 41 connected to the battery and the pneumatic ram 37. The mechanical linkage 39 further comprises an anchorage bar 43 which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and an abutment bar 45 connected to the anchorage bar 43 and extending substantially the entire width of the support frame 3. The battery 35 and the air compressor 41 both rest on a tray 46 supported on the support frame.
[0033] In use, on the marksman hitting at least one of the targets and knocking it over to operate the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to operate the air compressor 41. The air compressor pumps air into the cylinder 47 of the pneumatic ram 37 thereby pushing the piston 49 of the pneumatic ram out of the cylinder. As the piston 49 moves out of the cylinder 47, the piston 49 acts on the anchorage bar 43 causing the anchorage bar 43 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. As the anchorage bar 43 rotates, the abutment bar 45 will pivot about the anchorage bar 43. Further extension of the piston 49 will cause the abutment bar 49 to pivot until it comes into contact with one or more of the support bars 19 of the targets 33 that are in a shot position. Further still extension of the piston 49 will cause the abutment bar to rotate further and return the target from a substantially horizontal shot position to a substantially upright targeting position. Once the piston has been extended by an amount sufficient to return the targets to a targeting position, the air compressor may be switched off once again. There is further provided a spring (not shown) that acts on the piston 49 to return the piston 49 to a contracted configuration whereby the piston is housed inside the cylinder 47 of the pneumatic ram. A valve 51 is provided in the air supply line 53 connecting the air compressor to the pneumatic ram to allow air to be released from the cylinder to allow the return of the piston 49 into the cylinder 47 under action of the spring.
[0034] Referring to Figures 5(a) and 5(b) of the drawings there are shown diagrammatic cross-sectional views of a firearm targeting device similar to that shown in Figure 1 where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The target is shown in a shot position in Figure 5(a) and in a targeting position in Figure 5(b). In figure 5(a), the target has been shot by a marksman and is in a substantially horizontal shot position. The sensor (not shown) detects that the target has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position by a bullet and sends a signal to the air compressor 41 to operate. The air compressor 41 causes air to be forced into the cylinder 47 of the pneumatic ram 37 thereby causing the piston 49 of the pneumatic ram 37 to extend to the position shown in Figure 5(b). As the piston moves out of the cylinder the piston will cause the anchorage bar 43 to rotate which in turn causes the abutment bar 45 to pivot about the anchorage bar and return the targets to an upright position as described above.
[0035] Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings there is shown an exploded view of another still construction of firearm targeting device according to the present invention where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The catchment screen further comprises a pair of grooves 55, 57, each formed in one of the side portions 13, 15, for reception of the ricochet prevention screen 17. The ricochet prevention screen 17 may therefore be removed from the grooves by moving the top portion 16 of the catchment screen out of the way about its hinge and lifting the ricochet prevention screen upwards free of the grooves 55, 57. Finally, the catchment screen is mounted on the support frame by way of a pair of arms 59, 61 adjacent the side portions 13, 15 of the catchment screen for reception in a pair of complimentary slots 63, 65 formed either side of the support structure. In this way, the catchment screen may be easily assembled onto the support structure by inserting the arms 59, 61 into their respective slots 63, 65. In order to release the catchment screen from the support structure, the catchment screen may be slid backwards until the arms 59, 61 are free of the slots 63, 65. This will allow simple maintenance to be carried out and for either of the screens to be replaced if necessary in a simple and efficient manner.
[0036] Throughout this specification, the invention has been described in terms of a single sensor mounted on the support frame to determine when one of the targets has been knocked down. It is envisaged that a single sensor could be used and a marksman would have to knock the target associated with that sensor down in order to operate the means responsive to the sensor to return the targets to a targeting position from a shot position. Alternatively, there could be provided a number of sensors on the support frame so that the targets would not be returned to a targeting position until all of the targets had been shot or until a predetermined number of targets, for example three out of the five targets, had been shot. Furthermore, by having a number of sensors, any of the targets could be returned to the targeting position if they were to be knocked down by a bullet. It is envisaged that the targets will be returned to a targeting position after a predetermined time sufficient for the marksman to identify that the target was indeed successfully hit by a bullet.
[0037] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the ram used could of course be another type of ram and need not be a pneumatic ram. Additionally, the ram could be a single acting ram with a spring used to return the ram to the rest position or indeed the ram could be a double acting ram whereby the ram could be controlled to return the abutment bar to a position whereby it was not in engagement of the target support bars. A ram could indeed be provided for each target but the embodiment described is seen as quite a simple solution requiring a single ram to operate with an abutment bar that can act on any of the targets that have been shot.
[0038] The power supply described is a 12 V battery but or course the device could be operated off other power supplies including the mains voltage. However, the 12 V battery is seen as a simple lightweight solution that will enable the firearm targeting device to be placed anywhere without the constraints of a power outlet. The firearm targeting device may also be provided with a solar panel on the rear or top portion of the catchment screen if desired to enable the 12 V battery pack to be recharged when there is sunlight incident on the solar panel. This will help to prolong the life of the battery.
[0039] Furthermore, it is envisaged that each of the target portions 21 may be removably mounted on their respective support bar 19. This may be by way of a bracket welded on the back of the target portion with appropriate holes drilled therein corresponding to holes on the support bar so that a split pin may be inserted through the holes to hold the target portion in position relative the support bar. In this way, the targets may be changed for other targets when they become worn over time or indeed the targets could be changed for other targets depending on the competence of the marksman using the firearm targeting device. The targets could be silhouettes of small and different sized animals if desired. Furthermore, the support bars could have a number of different anchorage points drilled along the length of the support bar to allow the height of the targets to be adjusted. Alternatively the support bars could be of different heights so that the targets are not all at the same level for the marksman.
[0040] Finally, it is envisaged that the device could also have a remotely controlled override for the sensor whereby the targets could be returned to their targeting position under the issuance of a control signal issued by the marksman. This is seen as particularly useful in the case where there is only a single sensor on the smallest target and despite numerous attempts the marksman is unable to successfully shoot the target and automatically return the targets to the targeting position. The firearm targeting device can therefore be run in an automatic mode or a manual mode if required. Furthermore, it is envisaged that various timers and scoring systems could be incorporated into the firearm targeting device so that the firearm targeting device could operate on a "pay and play" basis whereby the marksman could essentially feed a meter to allow the sensor to continue to operate and cause the targets to be returned to a targeting position. Furthermore, there could be provided a scoring system whereby a tally of the number and type of targets hit by the marksman over a particular shooting session could be kept such as in a competition or the like.
[0041] Finally, the means to prevent inadvertent movement of a target from a targeting position to a shot position is described throughout as a magnetic catch. It is envisaged that a counter weight could also be used instead of the magnetic catch if desired.
1. A firearm targeting device (1) comprising a support frame (3) mounting a plurality
of targets (5(a)-5(e)) thereon, each of the targets being moveable to and from a first
targeting position whereby the target is presented to a marksman and a second shot
position indicative that the target has been successfully shot, characterised in that the firearm targeting device further comprises a sensor (7) to detect when one or
more of the targets has been moved from a targeting position to a shot position and
means responsive to the sensor to return the one or more targets from a shot position
back to a targeting position.
2. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 1 in which each target (5(a)-5(e))
further comprises a support bar (19) and a target portion (21) mounted thereon, the
support bar being pivotally mounted on the support frame (3).
3. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 2 in which the target portion (21)
is releasably mounted on the support bar (19).
4. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 3 in which there are provided a
plurality of anchorage points on each support bar (19) for reception of a target.
5. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 inclusive in which
each support bar (19) is provided with means to prevent inadvertent movement of the
targets from a targeting position to a shot position.
6. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 5 in which the means to prevent
inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position further
comprises a magnetic catch (25) mounted on the support bar (19).
7. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 5 in which the means to prevent
inadvertent movement of the targets from a targeting position to a shot position further
comprises a counter weight mounted on the support bar (19).
8. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is
provided a catchment screen (9) mounted on the support frame (3) behind and spaced
apart from the targets (5(a)-5(e)) and a ricochet prevention screen (17) mounted intermediate
the catchment screen and the targets.
9. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 8 in which the ricochet prevention
screen (17) is mounted spaced apart from the catchment screen (9).
10. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which the ricochet prevention
screen (17) further comprises a sheet of flexible rubber material.
11. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10 inclusive in which
the catchment screen (9) is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the catchment
screen comprising a rear portion (11) bridged by a pair of side portions (13, 15),
the rear portion (11) being mounted across the rear of the support frame (3) and the
side portions (13, 15) extending forwardly from the rear portion along the sides of
the support frame.
12. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the means
responsive to the sensor to return the targets from a shot position to a targeting
position further comprises a power supply (35) and a ram (37), the ram (37) being
connected to a mechanical linkage (39), whereby operation of the ram causes the mechanical
linkage to abut against the one or more targets (5(a)-5(e)) and return the one or
more targets to a targeting position.
13. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 12 in which the mechanical linkage
(39) comprises an abutment bar (45) pivotally mounted on the support frame (3) and
extending substantially the width of the firearm targeting device.
14. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 12 or 13 in which the power supply
(35) further comprises a 12 V battery pack.
15. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 14 in which there is provided a
solar panel mounted on the rear of the firearm targeting device to provide a recharging
current to the 12V battery pack.
16. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15 in which the ram
(37) further comprises a pneumatic ram.
17. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in claim 16 in which the pneumatic ram is
a single acting ram and there is provided a spring acting on the single acting ram
to return the ram (37) to a contracted configuration once pressure to the ram has
been removed.
18. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sensor
(7) to detect when one or more of the targets (5(a)-5(e)) has been moved from a targeting
position to a shot position further comprises a trip switch.
19. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sensor
(7) to detect when one or more of the targets has been moved from a targeting position
to a shot position further comprises a plurality of sensors, each target (5(a)-5(e))
mounted on the support frame (3) having a sensor (7) associated therewith.
20. A firearm targeting device (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of
the plurality of targets (5(a)-5(e)) are of different size with respect to the other
targets.