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  Firearm target assemblies, target systems, and methods for manufacturing firearm targetsUSPTO Application #: 20080061509Title: Firearm target assemblies, target systems, and methods for manufacturing firearm targets Abstract: Firearm target assemblies and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, target assemblies are configured for accurately predicting projectile impact points for determining shooting accuracy and consistency. In another embodiment, a target system includes a target assembly having a substrate and a print layer. The substrate may have a low shearing response such that a projectile having a first major cross-sectional dimension transverse to a projectile path forms a hole in the substrate at an impact point in the projectile path. The hole may have an aperture with a second major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path, wherein the second dimension is approximately the same as the first dimension. The print layer may be at a first side of the substrate and may at least partially define a target image. (end of abstract)
Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea - Seattle, WA, US Inventor: Russell A. Potterfield USPTO Applicaton #: 20080061509 - Class: 273403000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Aerial Projectile Game; Game Element (e.g., Target, Etc.) Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Target, Penetrable Target With Replaceable Element The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080061509. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/843,870, filed Sep. 11, 2006, which is entitled "TARGETS," and incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to firearm target assemblies, firearm target systems and methods for manufacturing firearm targets. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to target assemblies configured for accurately determining projectile points of impact. BACKGROUND [0003] Marksmen use firearms in a variety of professional (e.g., the military, law enforcement) and recreational pursuits (e.g., game hunting, sport shooting). Both professional and recreational shooters use firearm targets, for example at a firing range, to improve and practice their marksmanship skills as well as to assess firearm and ammunition accuracy at varying distances and under different environmental conditions. There is great variety in several aspects of ammunition (e.g., cartridge length, diameter, powder content, primer content, overall length, etc.). Each of these aspects can affect the accuracy and control the marksman has over his or her shot placement. Furthermore, desirable characteristics for a bullet flight path can differ depending on the firearm used, the number of rounds fired, the distance of the intended target, etc. [0004] In many instances, marksmen may hand-load their own ammunition, producing dozens of different cartridges, varying in a variety of aspects (e.g., bullet weight/shape/size, powder composition, primer composition, cartridge length, and/or overall length). Whether using pre-loaded ammunition or hand-loaded cartridges, marksmen may test the accuracy and/or other shooting characteristics of several different ammunition cartridges using targets. Marksman may want to track the differences between the cartridges and their firing accuracy during target shooting sessions. In determining shooting accuracy and shot placement reproducibility, a plurality of rounds will be fired at a single target and the resultant impact points (e.g., bullet holes) can be measured as a group, with a group measurement being the distance between the two furthest holes. Factors such as target distance, experience level of the marksman, weather conditions, and equipment accuracy. affect shot placement and group measurements. In favorable conditions, the differences between consecutive group sizes can be minute, while measurement accuracy may need to be precise. Accordingly, targets and firearm target systems are important elements in tracking, practicing, and recording equipment accuracy and other marksman-related skills. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. [0006] FIG. 1A is a front view illustration of a target assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0007] FIG. 1B is a front view illustration of the target assembly of FIG. 1A having a plurality of projectile holes in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustration of a target assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0009] FIGS. 3A-3C are cross-sectional views along line 3-3 in FIG. 1A of embodiments of the target assembly in accordance with the disclosure. [0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustration of a plurality of fabricated target assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view illustration of a firearm target system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0012] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a firearm target assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview [0013] The following disclosure describes several embodiments of firearm target assemblies and associated systems and methods. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to target assemblies configured for accurately predicting projectile impact points for determining shooting accuracy and consistency. [0014] In one embodiment, a target system includes a target assembly having a substrate and a print layer. The substrate may have a low shearing response such that a projectile having a first major cross-sectional dimension transverse to a projectile path forms a hole in the substrate at an impact point in the projectile path. The hole may have an aperture with a second major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path, wherein the second dimension is approximately the same as the first dimension. The print layer may be at a first side of the substrate and may at least partially define a target image. [0015] In another embodiment, a target system may include a plurality of firearm targets, wherein the individual firearm targets include a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The substrate may also include a synthetic polymer layer. The synthetic polymer layer may prevent enlargement of a through-substrate aperture formed by a projectile traveling along a projectile path. The individual firearm targets may further include a print layer positioned at least at the first side. The print layer may at least partially define a target image. [0016] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a firearm target assembly. The method may include forming a substrate having at least a synthetic polymer layer. The synthetic polymer layer may prevent enlargement of a through-substrate aperture formed by a projectile traveling along a projectile path. The substrate may also have a first color. The method may also include applying a print layer on the substrate to at least partially define a target image. The print layer may include a second color different from the first color. [0017] Specific details of several embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to firearm targets and target assemblies. Several details describing well-known structures or processes often associated with targets and manufacturing of targets are not set forth in the following description for purposes of brevity and clarity. Also, several other embodiments of the disclosure may have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described in this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the disclosure may include other embodiments with additional features and characteristics, or the disclosure may include other embodiments without several of the features and characteristics shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-6. [0018] Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from other items in reference to a list of at least two items, then the use of "or" in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and/or other types of features and components are not precluded. Continue reading... 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