"FIRING RANGE"

[0001] The present invention relates to a firing range, for example for target practice by a user, in particular the firing range of the present invention is eco-sustainable .

[0002] Firing ranges of the most varied types are known of; for example firing ranges suitable for practising Olympic disciplines such as "Double Trap", "Olympic Trap", and "Skeet" are known of; other types of firing range suitable for practising disciplines not recognised at an Olympic level, such as "Electrocibles" , "Universal Trench", "Hunting course", and "Fast Sports Shooting" are also known of; "classic" firing ranges are also known of where the shooter aims at a fixed or mobile target positioned substantially in front of him.

[0003] In all these cases, as in others not mentioned, firing ranges are structures which are generally located in open spaces inasmuch as involving a series of difficulties, related to pollution in particular.

[0004] First of all the problem of noise pollution is deeply felt in the area surrounding the firing range due, to the noise of the shots propagated in the firing range and from the firing range for a considerable radius.

[0005] Particularly, depending on the type of firearm, the fact that noise extends from the firing range over a wide radius and volume is extremely problematic.

[0006] Secondly, the recovery and cleaning of the firing area is decidedly complex, polluted by waste materials such as for example the shots fired from rifles or the clay pigeons to be hit by the shooters.

[0007] Moreover such structures have massive overheads.

[0008] Such problems, whether considered singly or combined with each other have encouraged the decision not to open firing ranges in certain areas as opposed to deciding to close existing firing ranges.

[0009] In the prior art such problems have not been resolved, and noise is propagated for several hundred metres from the firing range.

[0010] Current firing ranges are therefore situated as far away from residential urban areas as possible, where the aforementioned issues are not a problem; for example in quarries or the like.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to create an eco-sustainable firing range suitable for resolving all these problems. This way the firing range in question may be situated where desired, without restriction.

[0012] Further details of the characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more clearly comprehensible from the following description made by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings showing possible embodiments of the firing range according to the invention:

[0013] - figure 1 is a scheme of the firing range according to the invention;

[0014] - figure 2 is a block diagram of the dynamic sound suppression apparatus of the firing range according to the present invention;

[0015] - figure 3 is a further scheme of the firing range according to the invention, in one embodiment, wherein a solution of the dynamic sound suppression apparatus is represented.

[0016] According to the appended drawings reference numeral 1 globally denotes the firing range according to the invention .

[0017] The firing range 1 comprises a firing area 2, suitable for accommodating a user or users, generally, depending on the discipline practised, the firing area comprises special stands 25 which the user positions himself in for shooting.

[0018] The firing range 1, further comprises an embankment 3, suitable for providing a barrier to the exploded bullets so as to stop them thanks to its presence.

[0019] Said embankment 3 is distanced in relation to the firing area 2 in the direction in which the user aims. In other words, the embankment 3 is preferably positioned substantially in front of the firing area 2 in the firing direction of the user.

[0020] In addition the firing range 1 comprises an intermediate area 5, positioned between the firing area 2 and the embankment 3.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, targets, fixed rather than mobile, are positioned some distance away from the firing area 2, preferably near the embankment 3, at the end of the intermediate area 5, which the shooter fires at .

[0022] The embankment 3 acts as a barrier to the progress of the bullets missing the target in their course.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the shooter must fire at moving targets, such as clay pigeons.

[0024] The firing range 1 therefore comprises a launching area 6 suitable for housing the launching machines 60 specifically for launching clay pigeons.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the launching area 6 is positioned substantially in a position in front of the firing area 2.

[0026] In a further embodiment variation, the launching area 6 is positioned substantially in a position to the side of the firing area 2.

[0027] In some embodiment variations the launching area 6 is at the same or a greater height than the firing area 2, consequently the launching machines are external; in other embodiment variations the launching area 6 is at a lower level than the firing area 2, consequently the launching machines 60 are buried or entrenched.

[0028] When the shooter fires at a clay pigeon such as in clay pigeon shooting sports, he/she usually uses a rifle; in particular bullets are usually fired containing a quantity of shot which opens when shot to form a shot pattern..

[0029] Generally speaking, only a part of the shot composing the pattern strikes the clay pigeon. The shot which does not come into contact with the clay pigeons will therefore fall on the embankment 3.

[0030] The clays which are missed, as also the parts of the clay broken by impact with some of the shot and said shots hitting the target, will come to fall in the intermediate area 5.

[0031] The intermediate area 5 is therefore suitable to receive any residual materials produced during the firing activity.

[0032] Said residual materials comprise for example the bullets, shot, cartridges, clays and portion . of clays, etc .

[0033] The firing area 2 preferably comprises means of shelter to protect the shooters in the firing area 2, for example in the stands 25 from the sun and /or weather conditions.

[0034] The shelter means comprise, in a preferred embodiment, a roof 20; the roof 20 is positioned at a certain height so as to cover the shooters. The roof 20 is held in such position by a load-bearing structure

[0035] Preferably, said load-bearing structure comprises shafts or columns; or again the load-bearing structure comprises walls 22.

[0036] In one embodiment, on the side adjacent to the intermediate area 5, head an to the embankment 3, of the firing area 2 no wall is provided or holes or spaces are provided on the wall, if present, to permit firing at the target .

[0037] In one embodiment, the roof 21 and the walls 22 are covered in a material suitable for deadening, preferably limiting, the propagation of sound, such as sound absorbent panels 27.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the firing range 1 comprises a dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100, " suitable for minimising and annulling the noise caused by the shots outside the firing area 2; in other words, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100, is suitable for minimising if not annulling, the noise caused by the shots in the area occupied by the firing range 1 and in the surrounding area.

[0039] In particular the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100, comprises a detector device of the sound caused by the shots and a suppression sound player device, operatively connected to the detector device.

[0040] Specifically, the detector device of the sound of the shots is suitable for detecting the sound, caused by a shot; while the sound player device is suitable for reproducing . a sound substantially similar, but in push- pull, preferably changed by 180 degrees in phase, in relation to the noise of the explosion of the firearm.

[0041] In other words, ^' the sound player device is suitable for reproducing a sound having similar spectral characteristics and breadth of signal, but in push-pull, that is generated by an "anti-sound" preferably changed by 180 degrees in phase, in relation to the noise of the explosion of the firearm.

[0042] In particular the sound made by the sound player device is suitable to interfere at least partially in a destructive manner with the sound caused by the shots.

[0043] In other words, in the area of the firing range, preferably external to the firing area 2, and in the surrounding area, the sum of the sound waves is substantially null; consequently there is no substantial propagation of noise. [0044] That is to say that the sum of the waves generated by the shot and reproduced by the dynamic suppression system, is substantially null; there is therefore a considerable reduction of the sound emitted at the firing station.

[0045] In particular the sound detector device comprises at least one microphone 101 suitable for picking up or detecting a sound caused by a firearm.

[0046] In particular the sound player device comprises at least one megaphone, (membrane) loudspeaker, or at least one booster 102 suitable to play a suppression sound.

[0047] Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100, comprises analysis and processing means 103.

[0048] Preferably, said ^' analysis and processing means 103 are suitable for placing the sound detector device in communication with the sound player device.

[0049] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the analysis and processing means are suitable for placing the microphone 101 in operative communication with the megaphone or loudspeaker 102.

[0050] The analysis and processing means 103 are suitable for picking up the firing signal by means of the sound detector device and of generating a signal transmitted to the- suppression sound player device. [0051] The analysis and processing means 103 comprise a processing unit 105 suitable to analyse the signal picked up by the sound detector device and, depending on the characteristics of the sound caused by the shots, to select and/or calculate the appropriate suppression sound to generate, for example calculating the appropriate spectral and energetic characteristics of the suppression sound .

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the suppression sound emitted by the sound player device is the same sound emitted by the firearm but appropriately push-pulled, detected by the sound detector device.

[0053] The processing unit 105 preferably comprise a CPU.

[0054] The better the performance of the processing unit 105 the more the sound played is simultaneous to the sound of the shot fired; this way the sum of the two waves in push pull is substantially null, preferably in a point in space near the firearm and can therefore not be propagated in the surrounding space.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processing unit 105 is suitable for appropriately push-pulling the sound caused by the shots and ordering its playing, generation by the sound player device.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the analysis and processing means 103 also comprise memorisation means 106.

[0057] Said memorisation means 106 are suitable for storing data such as sounds, or audio tracks, or sound spectra.

[0058] Depending on their capacity, the memorisation means 106 are a data bank of sounds of firearms being fired, or of the sound imprints of the sound of a shot.

[0059] In one embodiment, the processing unit 105 analyses the sound caused by the firearm and- picked up by the detector device; preferably it analyses the sound spectra of the sound of the exploded bullet. Depending on the results of the analysis the · signal is sent to the suppression sound player device.

[0060] Such playing may take place in a number of ways.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, in the analysis of the sound caused by the firearm a suppression sound is played specular to the sound caused by the firearm.

[0062] In a further embodiment, in the analysis of the sound caused by the firearm a number of parameters are identified so as to compare the sound used by the firearm with the data stored in the memorisation means 106; once the sound player device finds the desired data in the memory 106, that is to say the most similar stored sound wave, that is suitable for attenuating that detected, it plays said found wave.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the "data bank" can be updated instantly; the first exploded shot is analysed by the processing unit 105 and stored in the memorisation means 106. This way at the moment of the shots subsequent to the first, the exact noise emitted by- the firearm suitably push-pulled, for example by 180°, is played as a suppression sound, by the player device.

[0064] Such expedient is very useful in that the sound recorded and played also takes into consideration the environmental conditions of the, firing session.

[0065] In a further embodiment, before starting to shoot the user chooses what type of firearm and what type of ammunition to use. This way, upon detecting the sound of the first shot or shots fired, the sound of the rifle already stored in the memory 106 is played; subsequently, as described above, the recorded sound is stored and played. Advantageously this way the memory unit 105 has more time to analyse, record and update if necessary the correct signal to play.

[0066] In one embodiment variation, the signal detector device comprises a certain number of microphones 101 positioned all along the firing range area in such a way as to pick up a certain number of sounds, sound spectra. Such signal will in turn be analysed by one or more analysis and processing means 103 so as to optimise the suppression sound algorithm.. [0067] In a further embodiment variation, the suppression sound player device comprises a certain number of megaphones, or loudspeakers or in general sound sources, 102 suitable to play various .sounds in such a way that these interfere with each other in a destructive manner in every part of the firing range and the surrounding area. The aim is to completely and as efficiently as possible cancel out the sounds of the shots covering the entire area of the firing range and the surrounding area with the various sounds in push-pull.

[0068] In other words, destructive interferences take place starting from the shooting position and conseguently the noise _^ is deadened throughout the surrounding area. The aim is to attenuate as much as possible in the most effective manner the noises of the shots to the benefit of the entire firing range and the surrounding area.

[0069] In one embodiment variation, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100 is mobile and is able to move with the shooter along, for example, a predefined path.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the microphone 101 suitable for recording the sound of the shot, near the firearm, is the microphone used by the shooter to give the signal to launch the clay pigeon, for example in clay pigeon shooting.

[0071] In other words, since the noise all over the area occupied by the firing range and, consequently the surrounding area, must be attenuated as far as possible, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100 comprises a multiplicity of signal detection devices, and similarly of sound player devices.

[0072] Specifically, in fact, around the firing area 2 the sound caused by the shots varies depending on the characteristics of sound directivity of the firearm. This means that the phase of the generated signal may also vary in space. Similarly, the suppression sound played in push-pull by the player device is variable in space.

[0073] It is therefore possible that in some areas the noise or sound is in any case propagated in. that the sound caused by the ^' shots and the suppression sound may not find themselves perfectly out of phase.

[0074] In _. a preferred embodiment, at the firing area 2 the dynamic sound . suppression apparatus 100 comprises a multiplicity of signal detection devices, and a multiplicity of player devices.

[0075] Preferably, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100, and specifically, the player devices are facing in such a way as to play the suppression sound in the direction in which the sound caused by the shots is propagated, preferably bearing in mind the directivity and orientation of the firearm. [0076] In particular said multiplicity of detection devices, and similarly of player devices, are positioned in such a way that they are appropriately positioned distanced from each other along the · preferential directions of sound propagation.

[0077] In other words, the sound caused by the shots, propagating itself, is detected by a first detector or measurement device near the firing area 2; a first player device emits a suppression sound at the detected sound. A second microphone detects the residual sound caused by the shots after the interference and deals with adapting the system response to improve the suppression of the noise. Preferably a second player device is therefore provided which emits a new suppression sound suitably out of phase with that detected to further reduce the sound emission. The sound of the shots is therefore dynamically suppressed over an extensive area and not in a limited space, in such a way that the sound of the shots does not cause acoustic pollution outside the firing range.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, analysis and processing means 103 are also envisaged, connected in series, such as those described above, each operatively connected to a relative detector device and to a suppression device; or, in one embodiment variation, the multiplicity of detection devices, and suppression devices, are controlled by the same analysis and processing means, operatively connected to all the devices.

[0079] In a further embodiment variation, the sound detection device is positioned on the firearm.

[0080] In a further embodiment variation, the sound player device is positioned on the firearm.

[0081] In yet a further embodiment variation, the analysis and processing means are positioned on the firearm.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, both the sound detection device and the player device of the suppression sound are positioned on the firearm. In particular they can be physically fitted to the same; thereby realising a portable dynamic sound suppression kit suitable for being fitted to any firearm.

[0083] The firing range 1 to which the present invention relates also comprises a recovery system of residual materials 500.

[0084] In particular residual materials are taken to mean both the clay pigeons, or parts of clay pigeons, and the shots/bullets which fall and remain on the ground, especially in the intermediate area 5, and which are extremely pollutant inasmuch as the former contain hydrocarbons and the latter lead.

[0085] Said system for recovering residual materials 9 is suitable for transporting to a recovery area 7, also included in the firing range 1, the aforesaid residual materials, in such a way that it is always kept clean thereby preventing problems due to environmental pollution.

[0086] In particular said system for recovering residual materials 500 comprises a main conveyor belt 501 suitable for performing the aforementioned task.

[0087] Specifically, the system for recovering residual materials 500 is designed so as to substantially cover the entire intermediate area 5. The movement of said main conveyor belt 501 means that all the waste consisting of shot, bullets, clay pigeons or the like, . is transported and accumulated in the recovery area 7, for example near the embankment 3.

[0088] Preferably, the system for recovering residual materials 500 comprises at least one secondary conveyor belt 502.

[0089] The secondary conveyor belt 502 is located substantially downstream of the embankment 3 and is substantially parallel to it.

[0090] Said secondary conveyor belt 502 moves the residues brought downstream of the embankment 3 by the main conveyor belt 501, to the side of the firing area 2, to the special recovery area7.

[0091] The secondary conveyor belt 502 is suitable for receiving and subsequently moving, for example laterally, the shot, bullets or more generally the residues coming to stop against the embankment 3 and which falling move downstream.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the installation of an energy recovery system is envisaged on the embankment 3.

[0093] In particular the energy recovery system comprises solar panels 301.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the energy recovery system 300 is connected and supplies electricity to the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100.

[0095] In a further preferred embodiment, the energy recovery system 300 is connected and supplies electricity to the recovery system of residual materials 500.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the energy recovery system 300 is connected and supplies electricity to both the dynamic sound suppression apparatus 100 and to the recovery system of residual materials 500.

[0097] Innovatively, the firing range which the present invention relates to overcomes the aforementioned problems of pollution typical of the firing ranges of the prior art.

[0098] In particular a dynamic sound suppression system has been innovatively introduced to overcome the problem of acoustic pollution; thanks to this system both the area of the firing range and the surrounding area are substantially decontaminated.

[0099] Advantageously the sound produced by the shots is suppressed with evident benefits both inside and outside the firing range. Preferably, advantageously it can be executed near the source of the shots. This way a comfortable environment is created inside the firing range both for those shooting and for those inside it, such as the public, but above all a certain degree of comfort is achieved outside the firing range in the vicinity.

[00100] Advantageously natural or artificial barriers to Overcome the problem of noise are not needed In other words, the firing range which the present invention relates to does not need or may not need other specific systems for soundproofing or noise abatement, the presence of the dynamic sound suppression apparatus being sufficient to achieve such purpose. Depending on the breadth of the firing range, for example of the number of stands present in the firing area, and depending on the type of practice or sports activities played, and therefore on the firearms used, the dynamic sound suppression apparatus comprises a multiplicity of detection devices and player devices opportunely located in the firing area and/or moving away from it. This way the sound caused by the shots is attenuated.

[00101] Advantageously the same noise of the shot fired is played in push-pull.

[00102] Advantageously in some embodiment variations the microphones used by the shooter to give the launching order of the clay pigeons are also used to detect the noise of the shot.

[00103] Advantageously the analysis and processing means comprise memorisation means suitable for containing the data of different noises caused by different firearms or different ammunition.

[00104] Advantageously the analysis and processing means envisage the live recording and use of noises; this way different environmental conditions are also advantageously considered.

[00105] Advantageously a kit version of the dynamic sound suppression apparatus is envisaged so that it can be fitted to any firearm.

[00106] Advantageously before the firing session the sound of the firearm used by the shooter may be selected so as to use, at least for the first shots, as similar a recording as possible to the noise effectively caused by the firearm.

[00107] Moreover, innovatively a recovery system of the residual material is envisaged to overcome the problem of pollution of the ground and water.

[00108] Advantageously this way the pollutant materials which could otherwise pollute the soil and later the water can be recovered at predefined and /or predefinable intervals by the user.

[00109] Advantageously the system makes it possible to easily recover the waste in such a way as to easily recover and /or recycle it, thereby entailing economic benefits .

[00110] Advantageously said recovery operation need not be performed by a specialised . operator but is completely automatic .

[00111] Advantageously the recovery system of the residual materials envisages the recovery of both the materials which have "fallen" into the intermediate area and those "falling" onto, the embankment.

[00112] Innovatively furthermore the installation of an energy recovery system is envisaged to make the entire invention self - sufficient, if not advantageous.

[00113] Advantageously an area is used, that is to say the surface of the embankment, which is perfectly illuminated in that for obvious reasons it faces the sun, given that the shooters must substantially have the sun behind them so as not to be blinded.

[00114] Advantageously electricity is thereby produced which may be stored or used subsequently by the other systems as above; or again may in turn be sold, entailing self-sufficiency and economic income.

[00115] A person skilled in the art may make variations to the embodiments of the aforementioned firing range, replacing elements with others functionally equivalent, so as to satisfy specific requirements.

[00116] In a further embodiment, in fact, the signal detection devices and similarly the sound player devices are movable around the area of the firing range following the shooter, this way the detection devices and/or player devices are movable in such a way as to position them where needed throughout the firing range, so as to create a uniformity of interference sound throughout said firing range, but also beyond it.

[00117] . In other words, the detection devices and/or player devices can be opportunely positioned on the area of the firing range in such a way as not to have areas where there is constructive interference between the sound caused by the shots and the suppression sound.

[00118] In a preferred embodiment, loudspeakers are envisaged with a maximum power of over 500 Watts for example.

[00119] In a preferred embodiment, loudspeakers are envisaged with a sensitivity of over 93 dB. [00120] Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the loudspeakers have a frequency response suitable for covering the entire sound emission spectrum of the firearm.

[00121] In a preferred embodiment, the recovery system of the residual materials comprises a separator device downstream of the conveyor belt, or belts suitable for dividing the residual materials collected. This way the pieces of clay pigeon are separated from the shot or from the bullets.

[00122] In a further preferred embodiment, the system for recovering residual materials comprises a robot suitable for gathering said materials. Preferably, said robot also divides the residual materials, or in one embodiment variation, empties the residual materials collected into the separator device as above.

[00123] Such variations also fall within the sphere of protection as defined by the following claims.

[00124] Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be realised independently of the other variations.