The present invention relates to a target holder apparatus for firearms and more particularly to a target- holder apparatus which may be remotely operable by the shooter.

Introduction

The firing of firearms at firing ranges is a popular pastime. Most ranges provide targets attached to a holder which require manual changing once the target has been fired at and used. This involves cessation of firing by all the shooters at the range and walking the distance to the target to examine the firing accuracy and change the target for a new target. This is tiring and time consuming.

US 5,169,157 (Salmon et al) describes a portable automatic target holder. The holder is lightweight making it. unsuitable for use with heavy gauge firearms. A gear system is used to tension the paper, however the width of the paper decreases as the roll is used resulting in a variable target face for shooting.

US 6,543,778 (Baker J) describes a paper roll target apparatus used for testing a firearm. The device is lightweight and is not capable of sustaining shots from heavy gauge firearms.

Accordingly there is a-need for a target holder apparatus for use with both light and heavy gauge firearms wherein a target can be remotely changed from a distant shooting position by means of either a wired or wireless system.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a target holder apparatus for positioning a target at a location remote from a shooter comprising; a target support structure positioning the target in a substantially vertical planar firing position normal to a path of a projectile fired by a shooter;

a target firing window;

a carrier means supporting a roll of target-containing paper;

a target drive mechanism rotating the roll of target-containing paper;

tensioning means maintaining the tension on the roll of target-containing paper; and

sensor detection means.

In one embodiment of the invention the target support structure comprises a pair of uprights and two horizontal cross members. Preferably the target support structure is made of steel with a timber cladding.

In another embodiment of the invention the sensor detection means is located on the target support structure.

In one embodiment of the invention the target drive mechanism comprises a command switch, a motor, a relay switch and a contrast sensor.

The contrast sensor detects a colour signal on the roll of target-containing paper allowing the target drive mechanism to correctly position a target within the target firing window.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the target drive mechanism is remotely controlled. In another embodiment of the invention the carrier means supporting the roll of target-containing paper comprises a series of rollers. The carrier means preferably comprises a main feed/supply roller, guide rollers and a take-up roller,

In one aspect of the invention the tensioning means maintaining the tension on the roll of target-containing paper comprises a tensioning sleeve and a weight. Preferably the tensioning sleeve rests against the main feed/supply roller. Most preferably the tensioning sleeve is attached to the weight. Preferably the weight is in the shape of a cylinder.

In one embodiment of the invention the target containing paper is waterproof and of sufficient thickness to present a clean hole when impacted by a shot.

In a further embodiment of the invention the target holder apparatus has removable wheels for transportation.

Brief description of drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood froin the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying figures in which; -

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the target holder apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the target holder apparatus showing rollers supporting a roll of target-containing paper according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the main feed/supply roller, guide roller and weight means according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the main feed/supply roller showing the keyway and spindle according to the present invention; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a number of target holder apparatus's according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a target holder apparatus which may be remotely activated. The target holder apparatus is designed for use with all types of firearms in particular heavy gauge firearms. The target holder apparatus is sturdy, durable and capable of sustaining shots from both heavy and light gauge firearms.

The target holder apparatus of the invention may be for indoor or outdoor use. It is suitable for all-weather use. It may be permanently placed in position on a shooting range or mounted on wheels for easy movement and transportation.

Fig. 1 shows a target holder apparatus 1 of the invention. The target holder apparatus 1 comprises a target support structure comprising a pair of uprights 2 and two horizontal cross members 3, 4. Spaced between the uprights 2 and the horizontal cross members 3, 4 is the target firing window 9. Running the length of the target firing window 9 is a roll of target-containing paper 5 having targets 6 printed thereon.

The uprights 2 and horizontal cross members 3, 4 are preferably made of steel with a timber cladding. The steel is at least 6mm or 12mm steel plate and the timber cladding is at least 4 inches in thickness. In this way any stray bullets which hit the uprights 2 or horizontal cross members 3, 4 are absorbed by the timber cladding. The thickness of the steel forming the horizontal crossbars may be up to 100mm if required for use with heavy guage weapons. The two horizontal cross bars protect the inner mechanics of the target holder apparatus. The timber cladding is easily attached. After a number of firing sessions the integrity of the timber cladding should be examined and the timber replaced regularly depending oh _. ^" the use and the number of stray shots sustained by the timber. If the shot is forceful enough to penetrate through the timber cladding it hits the steel plate behind. The steel forming the uprights is preferably shaped or angled such that it presents a wedge or V shaped face to the front. In this way any bullets which penetrate through the timber cladding to the steel uprights are safely deflected rearwardly and at an angle of 60 degrees or less. The edges of the horizontal cross bars are preferably angled so that any stray bullets are deflected safely away from the inner workings of the target holder and do not ricochet.

The steel uprights 2 and cross members 3, 4 comprise a detection sensor for detecting when errant shots are fired. The sensor comprises a 12 volt vibration sensor attached to the steel structure. When an errant shot hits the steel uprights 2 and cross members 3, 4 the vibration sensor raises an alarm at the main command centre of the shooting range. In this way the people in charge of the shooting range are immediately alerted to a shooter whose gun needs to be zeroed in to the distance of the target. It also raises the alarm that a shooter is present whose shooting standard is too low for safety. Such a shooter presents a hazard both to himself and other shooters on the range and it is important to have such a safety feature present to alert the command centre. In addition to make the shooter aware that their shots are dangerously errant a hazard light or beacon may be positioned on top of the target holder apparatus such that when the vibration sensor is activated and the command centre alerted the hazard light on the target holder is also illuminated. The flashing hazard light could only be extinguished by the range officer at the shooting range.

At many firing ranges the target holder apparatus would be positioned in front of a clay bank known as a back stop to ensure that shots hitting the target-containing paper pass through and hit the back stop. The target holder apparatus 1 is removably mounted on detachable wheels 8 for easy movement of the target holder apparatus 1 around a target range for example. The wheels 8 may remain in place if it is necessary to move the target holder apparatus 1 regularly, for example- when firing, distances need to be adjusted. In this case the wheels 8 may be protected by a steel plate. Alternatively the wheels 8 may be easily detached and the target apparatus fixed in the ground, or in a concrete or steel base.

A number of the target holders of the invention may be used on a target range. As shown in Fig. 5, five, ten or more of the target holders of the invention may be lined up in a row at a target range. Each of the target holders may be electronically linked to each other and/or to a main command centre.

Fig. 2 shows the carrier means for supporting a roll of target-containing paper 5 contained within the target support structure. The carrier means comprises a series of rollers. The earner means comprises preferably four rollers however more rollers may be included to ensure the smooth unrolling of the target-containing paper.

A first guide roller 10 is located behind the horizontal cross member 3 of the support structure located above the target firing window 9. At either end of the guide roller 10 is a bar 40. The bar is rotatably supported and spring loaded at one end to the steel uprights 2. A hole 41 is drilled in the steel upright 2 to receive the spring loaded bar 40. A second guide roller 11 is located behind the horizontal cross member 4 of the support structure located below the target firing window 9, directly beneath the first guide roller 10 such that the roll of target-containing paper 5 is pulled downward in a vertical plane. At either end of the second guide roller 11 is a bar. The bar is rotatably supported and spring mounted at one end to the steel uprights 2. A hole 43 is drilled in the steel upright 2 to receive the spring loaded bar.

A third take-up roller ^' 12 is located to the rear of the second guide roller 11 such that the roll of target-containing paper 5 winds around the guide roller 11 and is directed onto the take-up roller 12. At either end of the take-up roller 12 is a bar which is rotatably supported by fasteners 44 attached to a steel cross bar 21.

Near the first guide roller 10 is the main feed/supply roller 13. At the end of the feed/supply roller 13 is a bar 42. The bar 42 is rotatably attached to brackets 45 which are attached to the horizontal cross-bar 3 to support the main feed/supply roller 13. A roll of target-containing paper 5 is inserted onto the main feed/supply roller 13 and the main feed/supply roller 13 is secured in position. As shown in Fig. 4 the main feed/supply roller 13 may comprise a keyway or slot 50 to receive a corresponding keyway in the insert of a new roll of target- containing paper. The supply roller 13 may also comprise a spindle 51 at the end adjacent to the keyway 50. In this way a roll of target-containing paper is locked in position on the main feed/supply roller 13 and any slack in the paper when mounting a new roll is eliminated by turning the spindle counter to the normal running direction of the target-containing paper in the target holder apparatus.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 a tensioning sleeve 14 is placed over substantially the whole length of the feed/supply roller 13. The tensioning sleeve 14 may be a sheet of PVC or similar material. A coating layer of rubber may be applied to the tensioning sleeve to increase the friction on the roll of target-containing paper. A weight means applies pressure to the tensioning sleeve 14 to ensure that the target- containing paper 5 leaving the main feed/supply roller 13 is sufficiently taut. In this way the target presented in the target firing window 9 is consistently taut and accurately positioned throughout a roll of 50 or 100 targets. The tensioning means also ensures that external conditions such as wind or rain do not affect the orientation or position of the targets.

The weight means comprises a weight 15, which is preferably the same length as the main feed/supply roller 13. Preferably the weight is cyclindrical in shape. The weight 15 is held in position by means of a hinged bar 16 which passes through the weight 15, rests on top of the tensioning sleeve 14 and the main feed/supply roller 13 and is hingedly attached to the horizontal cross member 3 using a hinge 18.

As shown in Fig. 3 thevhinged bar 16 attached to the weight 15 provides the required pressure on the main feed roller 13 to keep the roll of target containing-paper 5 correctly tensioned. At the rear of the hinged bar 16 rubber rollers 19 rest on the tensioning sleeve 14 to ensure an even feed of the target-containing paper 5. The weight is preferably at least 61b in weight. The weight 15 is secured to the hinged bar

16 by means of steel pins 7 inserted into pin holes 17 at the ends of the hinged bar 16. The tensioning sleeve is attached to the cylindrical weight using straps (not shown) of heavy duty material such as leather or rubber.

In use a roll of target-containing paper 5 is inserted onto the main feed/supply roller 13 and guided over the first guide roller 10 down the length of the target Firing window 9, around the second guide roller 11 and secured to the take up roller 12.

The target-containing paper 5 may be secured to the take up roller by any conventional means. Once secured in position all the shooter has to do is operate a command switch at a shooting bench remote from the target holder apparatus which allows the roll of target-containing paper 5 to be fed from the main feed/supply roller 13 along the guide rollers 10, 11 and onto the take up roller 12. A tracking device to maintain the roll of target-containing paper in the correct alignment may be attached to one of the rollers.

The roll of target-containing paper 5 automatically stops moving leaving a new target correctly positioned in the target firing window 9 by means of a contrast sensor 22. As shown in Fig. 2 the contrast sensor 22 is located beneath the roll of target-containing paper 5 between the second guide roller 11 and the take-up roller

12. The contrast sensor 22 detects a coloured mark on the roll of target-containing paper 5 and automatically stops the roll from moving when a new target is in the correct position in the target firing window 9, Other well known methods for stopping the roll of target containing paper at the required intervals may be used such as for example a micro current breaker which may be connected to the main feed/supply roller.

When all the targets on a roll of target-containing paper have been used a finish line appears in the target firing window notifying the shooter that the end of the roll has been reached. The paper is cut across the finish line and the roll of target-containing paper on the take-up roller 12 removed by loosening the fasteners 44, hingedly lifting the cross bar 21 and sliding out the take-up roller 12.

A motor 30 is attached to the end of the take-up roller 12. Any standard motor may be used to run the roller system of the target holder apparatus of the invention. The motor needs to be capable of rotating the four rollers on receiving a signal from the command switch at the shooters bench.

A relay switch 31 is used to operate the contrast sensor 22, command switch and motor 30. Any conventional means for connecting the system may be used. The relay switch may be located beside the motor. The relay switch prevents power surges and regulates the voltage.

The power supply to drive the motor is 12V or 24V. A voltage dropper is used to bring a mains power supply of 220V down to 12 or 24V. The system includes a conventional battery pack (not shown). The battery pack may be located near the motor in the base of the target holder apparatus. The 220V power supply to the battery pack maintains the battery charged for several hours, hi this way the target holder apparatus of the invention may be used in remote areas where there is no mains electricity or when a power cut occurs.

An isolation switch may also be located in the target holder apparatus to ensure the power is isolated when changing the roll of target-containing paper or carrying out any maintenance on the mechanism of the target holder apparatus. The isolation switch is simply turned on when required.

A lid 32 securely covpfs.the area where the take-up roller 12, guide roller 11, motor 30, relay switch 31, contrast sensor 22 and battery pack are located.

The roll of target-containing paper 5 is made from an elongated strip of paper having a series of targets 6 printed thereon. A roll of target-containing paper may contain any number of targets for example 10, 50, 100 or 1000 targets as required. The roll of target-containing paper is formed of a material of sufficient thickness that punctures very precisely and cleanly without fraying when impacted by a shot. At the same time the roll of target-containing paper should be flexible enough to be rolled. The target containing paper is preferably waterproof. Any suitable known target grade paper may be used. The paper should be of a standard suitable for competitions.

In use when a shooter has used up a target and wants to' have a new target in the target firing window the shooter presses a command switch at the shooting bench. This automatically moves the used target onto the next new target. The command switch activates the motor 30 attached to the take-up roller 12 and the roll of target- containing paper 5 is fed through the series of rollers until the contrast sensor 22 detects a coloured mark on thp roll of target-containing paper 5 and stops the roll progressing any further. In this way a new target is presented accurately in the correct position within the target firing window 9. The command switch may be in communication with the target holder apparatus using either a wired or wireless mechanism. Any conventional wired or wireless mechanism capable of remote activation would be suitable.

To control and monitor the use of the targets used on a firing range the command switch at the shooting bench may be activated using a token system. The command switch may be attached to a token receiving device so that on receipt of a pre-paid 010/000023

11

token from a shooter the command switch activates the motor 30 on the target holder apparatus and the next target on the roll of target-containing paper moves into view in the target firing window!

A shooter may want to have a record of the used target. A long range camera such as a CCTV recording device and printer may be located at the shooting bench and focused on the target firing window of the target holder apparatus. On completing a target the shooter simply prints out a photo of the used target.

The steel uprights 2 may be modified to provide steel legs 60 as shown in Fig. 5 which may be temporarily or permanently fixed in position. A concrete or steel base may be used to hold the target holders permanently fixed in position. Alternatively the steel legs may be fixed in firm ground.

In a further aspect of the invention the target holder apparatus of the invention may be used for target shooting for archery, hi this instance a cork board of sufficient thickness would be attached to the target support structure providing a surface behind the target firing window to receive arrows shot at the target firing window.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail. Although specific embodiments, including specific equipment, parameters, and materials have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention,