Title: Portable dueling tree
Abstract: A modular target system includes a plurality of targets mounted on a center support so that the targets rotate between opposing sides of the center support. Preferably, the targets rotate about an axis which is between about 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical, and have faces which are disposed at an angle between about 5 and 30 degrees less than vertical.
Patent Number: 6,994,349 Issued on 02/07/2006 to Lambert, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Lambert; Spencer (Provo, UT);
Marshall; Thomas (Lake Shore, UT);
Burdette; Kyle (Eagle Mountain, UT)
|
| Assignee:
|
Action Target, Inc. (Provo, UT)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
872958 |
| Filed:
|
June 21, 2004 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
273/406; 273/392 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
F41J 7/00 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
273/390-392,406,407,386-389,368
84/486
40/475,500,533
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 1207456 | Dec., 1916 | Whelan.
| |
| 1348283 | Aug., 1920 | Koehl.
| |
| 2008359 | Jul., 1935 | Lamb.
| |
| 2179471 | Nov., 1939 | Lee.
| |
| 2372111 | Mar., 1945 | Norberg.
| |
| 2905469 | Sep., 1959 | Taylor.
| |
| 4691925 | Sep., 1987 | Scholem.
| |
| 4739996 | Apr., 1988 | Vedder.
| |
| 5263721 | Nov., 1993 | Lowrance.
| |
| 5352170 | Oct., 1994 | Condo et al.
| |
| 5765832 | Jun., 1998 | Huff.
| |
| 6398215 | Jun., 2002 | Carroll.
| |
| 6478301 | Nov., 2002 | Witmeyer.
| |
| 6502820 | Jan., 2003 | Slifko.
| |
| 6776418 | Aug., 2004 | Sovine et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Graham; Mark S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bateman IP Law Group
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 10/383,218, filed Mar. 6, 2003 which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/362,744, filed Mar. 8, 2002.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular bullet target system comprising:
a center support configured for extending generally vertically;
a plurality of bullet resistant targets configured for pivotal attachment to
the center support in a vertical array so as to enable the targets to pivot between
opposing sides of the center support, the targets being mounted to the center support
so as to form a hinge which has an axis which is disposed at an angle less than vertical.
2. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a base which is configured
for attachment to the center support.
3. The target system of claim 2, wherein the base comprises three feet.
4. The target system of claim 2, wherein the base is formed from plate steel.
5. The target system of claim 1, wherein each of the targets further comprises
at least one protrusion configured for pivotal attachment to the center support.
6. The target system of claim 1, wherein the targets are formed from a single
piece of flat plate steel.
7. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounting brackets
configured for attachment to the center support, and wherein the targets are configured
for pivotal attachment to the mounting brackets.
8. The target system of claim 7, wherein each of the targets further comprises
at least one protrusion and wherein the mounting brackets further comprise holes
for receiving the protrusions thereby forming a hinge.
9. The target system of claim 1, wherein each of the targets further comprises
at least one protrusion configured to limit the pivotal movement of the target.
10. A modular bullet target system comprising:
a plurality of bullet targets configured for removable pivotal attachment to
a center support and each target configured to pivot between a first position wherein
the targets are disposed on a first side of the center support, through a middle
position wherein the targets are disposed generally behind the center support,
and to a second position wherein the targets are disposed on a second side of the
center support when struck by a bullet, and wherein the target pivots about an
axis which is disposed at an angle of at least 10 degrees less than vertical relative
to a shooter such that the targets are biased towards the first and second positions
and away from the middle position; and
further comprising a plurality of mounting brackets configured for removable
attachment to the center support wherein the targets are configured for pivotal
attachment to the mounting brackets, and wherein the each of the targets further
comprises at least one protrusion and wherein the mounting brackets further comprise
holes for receiving the protrusions thereby forming a hinge.
11. The target system of claim 10, further comprising a center support.
12. The target system of claim 11, wherein the center support is configured for
removable attachment to a base.
13. The target system of claim 12, further comprising a base wherein the base
comprises at least one foot formed from flat plate steel.
14. The target system of claim 10, wherein each of the targets further comprises
at least one protrusion configured to limit the pivotal movement of the target.
15. The target system of claim 10, wherein the targets are formed from a flat
piece of plate steel.
16. The target system of claim 10, wherein the targets are biased into either
the first position or the second position by gravity.
17. The target system of claim 10, wherein the targets are slanted forwardly.
18. A modular bullet target system comprising:
a center support configured for removable attachment to a base in a generally
vertical position;
a plurality of mounting brackets configured for removable attachment to the center
support; and
a plurality of targets configured for pivotal attachment to the plurality of
mounting brackets wherein the targets are pivotal between first and second positions
on first and second sides of the center support by moving through an area behind
the center support, and wherein the plurality of targets are disposed on a pivotal
axis which is less than vertical and less vertical than the generally vertical
position such that the targets are biased away from the area behind the center
support and towards the first and second positions; and
wherein each of the targets further comprises at least one protrusion, and wherein
the mounting brackets further comprise holes for receiving the protrusions, thereby
forming a hinge.
19. The target system of claim 18, further comprising a base, and wherein the
base comprises at least one foot which is formed from plate steel.
20. The target system of claim 19, wherein the targets are formed from a flat
piece of plate steel.
21. The target system of claim 18, wherein each of the targets further comprises
at least one protrusion configured for limiting the pivotal movement of the target.
22. The target system of claim 21, wherein each of the mounting brackets further
comprises at least one surface configured for contacting the protrusions and thereby
limiting the pivotal movement of the targets.
23. The target system of claim 18, wherein the pivotal axis of the targets is
disposed at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees less than vertical.
24. A method of forming a modular bullet target system, the method comprising:
selecting a base;
selecting a center support;
selecting at least one target;
removably attaching the at least one target to the center support such that the
at least one target is free to pivot from a first side of the center support, behind
the center support, and to a second side of the center support;
removably attaching the center support to the base such that the pivotal axis
of the at least one target is disposed at an angle which is less than vertical; and
wherein the method further comprises selecting at least one mounting bracket,
mounting the at least one mounting bracket to the center support, and mounting
the at least one target to the at least one mounting bracket, and selecting at
least one target wherein each of the at least one target has at least one protrusion
and selecting at least one mounting bracket wherein the mounting bracket has a
hole for receiving the protrusion and thereby forming a hinge.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the method further comprises selecting
at least one target wherein each of the at least one target has at least one protrusion
configured for forming a pivotal hinge.
26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the method further comprises selecting
at least one target wherein each of the at least one target has at least one protrusion
configured for limiting the pivotal rotation of the at least one target.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a target used in shooting sports. In particular,
the present invention relates to a portable target system, commonly referred to
as a dueling tree, in which a plurality of targets are available to a pair of shooters
wherein the targets move when they are hit by the shooters.
2. State of the Art
The use of targets to enhance one's shooting ability is extremely common place.
For hundreds of years, soldiers, police officers, and the like have used targets
to improve their ability to shoot accurately in war time and other high pressure
situations. A variety of different mechanisms have been used to simulate these
situations in which the shooter's blood pressure will rise and affect his or her
shooting ability.
One common method for generating adrenaline and blood pressure increases in a
shooter is to have a competition. The competition may be as simple as shooting
at a plurality of clay pigeons or other targets. While isolated shooting at targets
in competition situations provides a moderate increase in adrenaline flow, a much
more significant increase is caused by head-to-head competition wherein both shooters
are shooting a target at the same time. This is even more so if the competition
is structured such that both shooters know how well the other shooter is doing.
One system for significantly increasing pressure on the shooter during the competition
is the use of a system called a dueling tree. Typically, a dueling tree includes
a plurality of targets which are mounted on a central support. The targets are
mounted such that if a target is hit by one shooter, the target moves into the
firing line of the other shooter. Thus, a shooter attempts to strike the targets
and move them into his competitors line of fire as quickly as possible. The first
person to have all the targets disposed in their line of fire loses the competition.
While a shooter may concentrate on hitting a particular target to move into
his opponents line of fire, that concentration is readily broken when a target
from the opponent moves over to his or her line of fire. This scenario quickly
develops adrenaline and blood pressure increases and causes the shooter to react
similarly to a real live situation in which the shooter's life may be in danger.
One problem with some dueling trees is that a target may not completely move
to the other side if hit. Other dueling trees are constructed so that even a grazing
of the target will cause it to move. While attempts have been made to correct these
problems, considerable improvements could be made.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the dueling tree includes
a plurality of targets which are pivotably mounted to the center support so that
when they are struck by a bullet, the target rotates 180 degrees and is disposed
on the opposite side of the center support. The dueling tree is configured so that
the target will generally not get stuck between either side.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the center support
is disposed at an angle. This angle, preferably between 5 and 30 degrees short
of vertical, and most preferably about 15 degrees, promotes the target to move
forward towards the shooter and prevents the target from rotating to the other
side of the central support unless it is solidly hit with a round.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the targets are also
disposed at an angle short of vertical. The forward angle causes the target to
channel bullets downwardly when impacted, thereby minimizing the risk of back splatter.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the center
support has a splatter guard attached thereto. The splatter guard limits the movement
of bullet fragments traveling toward the center support so as to avoid the fragments
from ricocheting and hitting shooters or other individuals in the area.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the target is configured
so that the target has a pin integrally formed therein which forms part of a hinge
which enables the target to move between a first position and a second position.
Because the pin is formed integrally with the target, it is less susceptible to
breaking due to the vibrations of the target caused by the target being hit by
bullets. This is in contrast to conventional structures wherein the hinge is welded
or otherwise attached to the target. Such configurations often break under the
repeated fatigue of the target being hit by a bullet. Furthermore, forming the
pin and target from a single piece of material decreases expense, as less handling
of the target is required.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the target is configured to move
between
a first position and a second position in such a manner than the target is biased
into the first position or the second position, and away from a position therebetween,
by gravity. Preferably, this is accomplished by the movement having a vertical
component. Thus, the target must move upwardly and then back down as it moves from
the first position to the second position and vice versa. This inhibits the target
from stopping between the first position and the second position, and thereby encourages
the target to be disposed in the line of fire of one of the shooters.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the dueling tree
may
be constructed in a modular form. The dueling tree may be designed with support
feet and shooting target mounting brackets such that the feet and brackets bolt
onto a central stand with conventional nuts and bolt. Carriage bolts may be used
advantageously in that the rounded head of the carriage bolt may be placed on the
outside of the stand where the bolt head may be possibly exposed to stray bullets,
such configuration placing the nut on the inside of the stand where it is protected
from stray bullets. This is advantageous in that the rounded head of the carriage
is less susceptible to damage than an angular nut or bolt head, and it is not required
to place a tool on the head of a carriage bolt for disassembly.
A modular dueling tree is advantageous because a person may easily transport
the
dueling tree to a shooting range or other desired shooting location. A conventional
dueling tree which is not modular is typically welded. The dueling tree is thus
a large and heavy object which would be difficult to transport. It is also difficult
to sell a non-modular dueling tree in a sporting goods store or other conventional
sales outlet because the dueling tree must be pre-assembled and thus will be too
large and heavy for many stores to accommodate and for many customers to transport.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a modular dueling tree to facilitate use by sportsmen
and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description presented in
connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a dueling tree formed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a side view of a dueling tree formed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a dueling tree formed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of a dueling tree formed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a top view of the shooting plate assembly of a modular dueling
tree in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows a side view of the shooting plate assembly of FIG. 5 with the support omitted;
FIG. 7 shows a side view of a modular dueling tree in accordance with the principles
of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 shows a disassembled view of the individual pieces of a modular dueling
tree in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements
of the present invention will be given numeral designations and in which the invention
will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention.
It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the
principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the
pending claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that all embodiments of the
invention may not achieve all of aspects of the invention and the claims should
not be limited by the preferred embodiments.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of a dueling tree,
generally indicated at
6, formed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. The dueling tree
6 includes a center support
10,
and a plurality of targets
14, which are pivotably mounted to the center
support. Each of the targets
14 is mounted such that when the target is
hit solidly with a round, the target will rotate approximately 180 degrees and
be disposed on the opposing side of the center support
10. As will be explained
in additional detail, this can be accomplished by providing a target which has
an arm
18 with a portion of the arm forming a pin (not shown). The pin nests
in the center support
10 so as to enable the target to rotate about the pin.
During a shooting competition, a plurality of targets
14 are disposed
on each side of the center support
10. For example, in FIG. 1, three plates
are disposed on each side of the center support. When a shooter's bullet forcefully
impacts a target
14, the target rotates to the opposing side of the center
support
10. The first person to have all of the targets
14 disposed
on their side of the center support
10, loses the competition.
Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the dueling tree
6.
The plurality of targets
14 are disposed along the center support
10
so that they are visible only along their ends.
While the center support
10 can be made in variety of configurations,
in a preferred embodiment, the center support
10 has a splatter guard
22,
which is attached to a deflector plate
26 of the central support
10.
The splatter guard
22 receives bullets that splatter laterally toward the
center support
10 when impacting the targets
14. Thus, the splatter
guard
22 limits the ability of bullet fragments to cross over the central
support and injure shooters and by-standers alike. In a preferred embodiment, the
splatter guard
22 is formed by a generally V-shaped rail plate
30
which is spaced apart from the deflector plate
26 between 1 to 3 inches.
A mid-center rail
34 attaches the plate
30 to the deflector plate
26.
Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the dueling tree
6. A plurality of rings
40 are attached to the deflector plate
26.
The rings are configured to receive a pin
44 formed by a portion of the
arm
18 of the target
14. (As shown in FIG. 3, the "pin" need not
be cylindrical, and is typically flat. Rather, "pin" is used because the target
rotates about an axis
3A—
3A extending through the structure).
As a target
14 is struck by a bullet, the target rotates about the pin
44 in rings
40 to the opposing side of the central support
10.
It is preferred that the target and the rings
40 are formed from steel to
increase longevity of the dueling tree.
As shown in the above-referenced drawings, the dueling tree is preferably disposed
in an orientation other than vertical. While the base
52 is disposed horizontally,
the longitudinal axis
3B—
3B of the central support
10
is disposed at an angle. The angle should be between about 10 and 30 degrees and
preferably approximately 15 degrees from vertical (75 degrees from horizontal).
This angle provides several advantages. First, the angle encourages the targets
14 to fall into forwardly into a position in which they extend outwardly
from the central portion generally perpendicular to the line of fire. If the dueling
tree
6 is disposed vertically, the targets have a tendency to bounce backward
away from the line of fire and to be disposed where they are not fully presented
to the shooter. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, however, the targets
14
travel along a path in which they move vertically upward as they move horizontally
between the first position and a second position disposed on an opposite side of
the center support. Thus, the targets are drawn by gravity into either the first
position or the second position and away from the area in-between.
Providing the face
14a of the target
14 at the same
angle, also helps to channel bullet fragments downwardly once they impact the target.
This minimizes lateral scattering of the bullet fragments and decreases the risk
that a ricochet may injure a shooter or by-stander.
Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the invention.
Rather than having the longitudinal axis of the central support
10a at
an angle, the central support extends substantially vertically. The rings
54
which hold the targets
14, however, are not disposed perpendicular to the
central support
10a as in the previous embodiment. Rather, the rings
54 are positioned to extend about between about 10 and 30 degrees above
horizontal, or 60 to 80 degrees less than vertical. Preferably, the rings
45
are positioned at about 15 degrees above horizontal. This causes the pins of the
targets to rotate about an axis
4A—
4A which is 15 degrees less
than of vertical (i.e. 75 degrees above horizontal). As with the prior embodiment,
the angle tends to cause the targets to rotate forwardly into a position perpendicular
to the line of fire. This also results in the face of the targets
14 being
angled downwardly about 15 degrees, thereby deflecting bullets downwardly.
Turning now to FIGS. 5-8, a modular dueling tree is shown. The modular dueling
tree shown is constructed of flat plate steel, and is designed such that no welding
is required in construction of the modular dueling tree. In addition, minimal bending
is required to form the pieces of the modular dueling tree. This is advantageous
in that the modular dueling tree is significantly easier and less costly to construct.
Complex bending or shaping and welding adds significantly to the time and expense
of producing a dueling tree.
The design of the modular dueling tree shown in FIGS. 5-8 is also advantageous
in that a target design that utilizes minimal welding or bending will be stronger
than an equivalent design which does use welds and bends. Bending and welding metal
can weaken the metal and provide a location where stress accumulates and where
premature failure is more likely. Because the modular dueling tree shown is constructed
without welds and with minimal bends, it is more durable and will last longer as
compared to a design with more welds and bends.
The modular dueling tree is also easier for an individual to transport to a shooting
field or other shooting location. A dueling tree which is welded together or otherwise
constructed in a non-modular form can not be disassembled for transport and will
typically be quite large. In contrast, the modular dueling tree shown may be quickly
disassembled for transportation to and from a shooting location. Additionally,
the modular dueling tree may be sold disassembled and the purchaser may assemble
the modular dueling tree as desired. Assembly is a simple and quick process as
there are a minimal pieces to assemble, and the pieces are assembled with nut and bolts.
Turning now to FIG. 5, a top view of the shooting plate assembly, indicated
generally at
50, of a modular dueling tree made in accordance with the present
invention is shown. Visible are the top bracket
52, the shooting plate
54,
the support
56, and a bolt
58. The top bracket
52 and a bottom
bracket (not shown) are nested together and attached to the support
56 with
the bolt
58. Advantageously, the bolt
58 may be selected to be a
carriage bolt, which has a rounded head instead of the common hex shaped bolt head.
The bolt
58 may then be mounted such that the rounded head portion of the
bolt
58 faces the front of the target. This is advantageous is that the
rounded head portion of a carriage bolt does not accept a tool for attaching or
removing the bolt, and as the bolt may be struck with stray bullets, the bolt may
still be easily removed for disassembly or replacement because the nut (not shown),
which accepts a tool for assembly and disassembly, is protected from bullets by
the support
56. The top bracket
52 has a hole
60 formed therein
for receiving a protrusion or pin
72 formed on the shooting plate
54.
The hole
60 and pin
72, together with a corresponding hole and protrusion
in connection with the bottom bracket form a hinge which allows the shooting plate
54 to pivot.
The top bracket
52 also has a pair of stops
62 against which a
stop protrusion
74 on the shooting plate
54 contacts to prevent further
rotation of the shooting plate
54. The shooting plate
54 is thus
free to rotate approximately 180 degrees between the two stops
62. In operation,
the shooting plate
54 is biased by gravity to pivot towards one of the two
stops
62 and not remain in a middle position, and will rest against the
stop
62 until struck by a bullet. Striking the shooting plate
54
with a bullet will cause the shooting plate to rotate around and come to rest against
the other stop
62.
The top bracket
52 also has a rounded front portion
64 which is
formed so as to not interfere with the rotation of the shooting plate
54.
The front side edges
66 of the shooting plate
52 are typically formed
at an angle so as to deflect bullets which may strike the edges
66 away
from the shooter. The top bracket
52 is formed with a mounting portion
68
through which the bolt
58 passes to connect the top bracket
52, the
bottom bracket, and the support
56 together. Although not shown in FIG.
5, the bottom bracket has a hole, angular front edges, stops, and a rounded front
portion similar to that shown on the top bracket
52.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a side view of the shooting plate assembly
50
is shown. The side shows the shooting plate
54, which typically has a target
area
76, which may be of any desired shape, an attachment area
78,
and a neck area
80 which connects the target area
76 to the attachment
area
78. Also shown are the pair of pivot protrusions or pins
72,
and the pair of stop protrusions
74. The view shows the top bracket
52
and the bottom bracket
82 in relation to each other. As seen, the mounting
portion
68 of the top bracket
52 overlaps with the mounting area
84 of the bottom bracket
82. The bolt
58 passes through the
mounting areas
68 and
84 and the support (not shown). A nut
86
is used in connection with the bolt
58 to firmly attach the top bracket
52 and bottom bracket
84 to the support. A notch
88 can be
formed between the protrusions or pins
72 to facilitate access to the nut
86 with a socket, wrench, or other tool.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a side view of a modular dueling tree in accordance
with the present invention is shown. The modular dueling tree has a number of shooting
plate assemblies
50 attached to the support
56. Multiple holes
90
are formed in the support
56 to allow placement of multiple shooting plate
assemblies
50 in different locations as desired. The support
56 is
attached to a plurality of feet
92 and
94. Typically, a single front
foot
92 may be used. The front foot
92 extends directly forwards
from the support
56. Two rear feet
94 are typically used, attaching
together near the support
56 and extending rearwardly and to the two sides.
The rear feet
94 may typically be placed at about a 135 degree angle from
the front foot
92, as seen from the top, such that the rear feet will have
approximately a 90 degree angle between each other as viewed from the top.
The support
56 attaches to the feet
92 and
94 at an attachment
point
96 in the rear feet
94. Typically, the joint
96 may
be constructed such that the support
56 locks into a hole in the feet
92
and
94, is bolted to the feet
92 and
94, or both.
It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the support
56 is mounted at a slight
angle
forwards of vertical. The support
56 is designed to lean slightly forwards
in order to bias the shooting plates
54 forwards and to either side of the
support
56. This is because the shooting plate
54 rises as it rotates
backwards and falls slightly as it rotates forwards. It will be appreciated that
although the shooting plates
54 are shown extending directly backwards of
the support
56 in FIG. 7, gravity would tend to cause the shooting plates
54 to rotate towards either side of the support
56. Thus, in operation,
the shooting plates
54 would be extending sideways from the support
56
until struck by a bullet, which would cause the shooting plates
54 to rotate
backwards and continue rotation to the other side of the support
56.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a disassembled view of the pieces required to construct
the modular dueling tree of FIGS. 5-7 is shown. The front foot
92 is shown
with two mounting holes
100. The front foot
92 is cut from flat plate
steel. The mounting holes
100 allow the front foot
92 to be connected
to the rear feet
94a and
94b via mounting holes
102
and
104. The rear feet
94a and
94b have a mounting
portion
106 and
108 which is bent sideways such that when the rear
feet
94a and
94b are attached together with the front
foot
92, the rear feet
94a and
94b extend somewhat
sideways and not directly backwards from the front foot
92. The rear feet
94a and
94b also are typically formed with support
attachment portions
110 and
112. The support attachment portions
110 and
112 may include holes
114 and
116 for attachment
to the support
56.
The shooting plate
54 is shown. The shooting plate
54 is formed
from a piece of plate steel, and is optimally formed without bends or welds so
as to maximize the strength of the shooting plate
54. Of particular interest
are the hinge protrusions
72 and the stop protrusions
74. Also shown
is a notch
88 formed between the protrusions or pins
72 which allows
for easier mounting and removal of the shooting plate assembly. The hinge protrusions
72 extend into the hole
60 of top bracket
52 and hole
118
of bottom bracket
82 and form a hinge which allows the shooting plate
54
to pivot. The stop protrusions
74 contact the stops
62 of the top
bracket
53 and stops
120 of the bottom bracket
82. The top
bracket
52 and bottom bracket
82 are formed with mounting holes
122
and
124 formed on a mounting portion
68 and
84, through which
a bolt passes to attach the top bracket
52 and bottom bracket
82
to the support
56. The top mounting bracket
52 and bottom mounting
bracket
82 are formed from plate steel which is bent into an L shape.
The support
56 is also formed from plate steel, which is bent into an
angular channel, as seen from end view
56a of the support
56.
The support
56 has a number of holes
90 formed therein for attaching
individual shooting plate assemblies
50. Although
6 holes
90
are shown, any number of holes
90 may be formed so that a desired number
of shooting plate assemblies
50 may be attached to the support
56.
The support
56 also has a hole or notch
126 formed in both sides
of the channel at one end of the support. The holes or notches
126 formed
in the bottom end of the support
56 allow for attachment of the feet
92,
94a, and
94b. Typically, corresponding holes or notches
114 and
116 are formed in one or more of the feet
92,
94a,
and
94b. Preferably, the two rear feet
94a and
94b have the holes or notches
114 and
116 formed therein.
As shown in FIGS. 5-8, a modular dueling tree may be formed completely from plate
steel with no welding and minimal bending. Such construction is advantageous in
that weak spots cause by welds and bends are minimized and the strength of the
dueling tree is improved. Additionally, the modular dueling tree may be sold unassembled
at any number of retail locations and assembled by the user at the desired location,
and easily disassembled for transportation. The modular dueling tree may be quickly
and inexpensively produced from a plate steel, and a harder plate may by used as
compared to a design requiring more complicated forming processes.
Thus there is disclosed an improved dueling tree and modular dueling tree. While
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 are currently preferred embodiments,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications can still
be made within the principles of the present invention. The appended claims are
intended to cover such modifications.
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