US20190212105A1

US20190212105A1 - Weapons target

Info

Publication number: US20190212105A1
Application number: US16/300,562
Authority: US
Inventors: Ian ARDIS; Steven Lord
Original assignee: Range Store Ltd
Current assignee: Range Store Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-11
Filing date: 2017-05-11
Publication date: 2019-07-11
Also published as: GB2550164A; GB201819811D0; GB201608215D0; GB2565503A; WO2017194907A1

Abstract

A target practice arrangement includes a separable body with first and second body members and an inflatable bladder. The first body member defines an inside cavity having a volume and an axis with a wall defining the cavity about the axis, and the second body member has an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is placed within the cavity of the first member, generally parallel with the axis. The bladder, when operably inflated within the cavity, grippingly acts against the inside wall and against the elongate member to prevent relative movement of the first and second body members. The target is operable to separate upon deflation of the inflatable member.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weapons target for firearms, airguns, archery and the like. More particularly, the present invention seeks to provide a three dimensional target for firearm practice, to provide an intelligent target for use in competitive sports shooting and also for training of firearms personnel, such as military and law enforcement personnel. The present invention also seeks to provide a three dimensional mannequin target.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Target practice is important for training individuals with firearms. Paper targets are often used, but when multiple impacts are made the location of new impacts is difficult to determine. Paper targets also do not provide a three dimensional image that allow a person to shoot off-axis from the target. Notwithstanding this, paper target are easy to set-up and replace and are inexpensive. The use of a three dimensional mannequin provides a near real-world target for a person to practice. One major problem with three dimensional targets is that while the target can absorb multiple impacts from projectiles the impact location is difficult to determine, especially when the target has been previously stuck many times. Most three dimensional the targets tend to be fairly heavy because they are typically made from a solid material. Targets are also made to provide an image to aim at rather than allowing a person to improve their marksmanship or accuracy for hitting particular locations of the target that provide either a higher probability of killing or incapacitating the target without causing potential death.
Targets for use in competitive shooting sports and in training law enforcement and military personnel are generally static devices consisting of paper, cardboard or steel. Although these targets may have a generally human form, no feedback is provided to the trainee or competitor in terms of whether the projectile “strike” on the target is more or less valuable for the purposes of disabling or immobilizing the target.
One known target system utilizes a target image in front of a shooter and is stationary and visible at all times. In use, a shooter simply draws their weapon as quickly as possible and shoots the target image as accurately as possible. A variation of this is a rotating body, but this suffers from the disadvantage that the shooter knows before the target is rotates that when presented it will be a threat target. Generally, no real-time, dynamic indication is given to the shooter regarding their accuracy of shot placement other than by examining the target after a series of shots have been fired.
One alternative target system suspends a target image, being a simple shape such as a square or a circle, a bird, a vehicle, a human etc., on a motor driven cable. This system positions the target image at various distances toward and away from the shooter, which allows the system to decrease or increase the difficulty in hitting the target image by altering the relative size of the target. This system, therefore, suffers of the problem of the variants discussed above.
A further prior art target system physically moves the target into and out of the shooter's field of view. As an example, a pneumatic system with rubber targets can be brought into view by rapidly filling them with air. This system has a disadvantage because it is limited to making stationary targets appear and disappear from view at the same location, providing the target with the same disadvantages as the systems already described.
An example of a more elaborate target system operates such that a target image is rotated left and right around a centreline parallel with the ground (like a pendulum). The target rotates around a centre point with the target at the top and a fixed counter weight at the bottom. In this system, the target is attached to a counterweight having the same weight as the target (the target is above the axle and the counterweight is below the axle). An operator pulls the rope and the target rotates back and forth in the vertical plane always in view of the shooter and moving like the pendulum of a clock. In view of the target moving in an arc, a greater challenge is posed to the shooter. However, these targets are operated manually in groups, meaning that as a result of several targets being connected in tandem, the amplitude and duration of movement of the individual target movements will mimic each other and be rhythmic, much like pendulums on several clocks or musical metronomes swinging in unison.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,130,558 (J. Murray) discloses a Figure Toy Game Apparatus. This patent covers a toy for a person to throw baseballs at and when a baseball makes contact with the figure the figures is disturbed and flexes. While this patent provides a target, the figure would be destroyed by impacts of bullet projectiles and does not record where the impact occurred. US2008150235 (J Bliehall) provides a target moving configuration includes a weighted base, a shooter's target, a target-moving assembly rotationally connected to the base and a hinge pivotally connecting the target thereto. A target-fall control device operatively connects the hinge to selectively pivot the target when activated.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,796 (T Hinton) discloses a 3-D Portable Impulse Target for Archery. Because an archery arrow typically leaves an arrow protruding from a target a user can determine the location of impact on an archery target by viewing and removing an arrow from the target. While this patent provides a three dimensional target, if a user uses a projectile that can imbed below the outer surface of the target, determining the location of the impact is difficult, especially after multiple impacts have taken place. U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,385 (J McGovern et al.) discloses an archery target with a three dimensional target area. This target is essentially a cube shape with surface indicia of small targets or an image of animal parts or internal organs. Because this target is used with archery the location of an arrow is determined by removal of the arrow from the target. While this patent discloses a three dimensional target, locating the place of impact with an arrow is determined by visual inspection of an arrow that protrudes from the target.
Many targets for use in competitive shooting sports and in training law enforcement and military personnel are of a general human-like form, either by way of a cut out or a mannequin. This is of particular importance in the training of military and law enforcement personnel, since such personnel are generally trained to aim for the “Centre Of Mass” (COM), referring to the largest target area (the upper chest and torso area of the human body). However shots to the head are more likely to disable or immobilize an armed adversary. For this reason, static targets do not reflect the situations encountered in real life fire-fights. In these situations the value of a strike to the adversary's head is more likely to disable or immobilize the target than two or more shots that impact the COM. Present targets do not distinguish between a hit to the head or to the COM and do not offer immediate “real-time” performance feedback. Certain target systems will comprise outline human forms, represented by COM targets. For example, there will be a body having a COM target of about fifteen centimetres (six inches) in diameter and a head target represented by a COM target of eight centimetre by five centimetre (three inch by two inch) rectangle and a hit to each area is weighted the same for scoring.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,816,579 and 5,971,398 (D. Broussart et al.) both disclose a Three Dimensional Mannequin for Weapons or Self-Defence Training. The mannequin approximates the size shape and weight of a person. These patents allow a person to make physical impact with the mannequin to more closely represent striking a person with a hand, foot or weapon. While the mannequin simulates the size and shape of a person the mannequin does not have the ability to provide feedback on where a projectile makes contact with the mannequin except by visual inspection. US2013147117 provides a target in both “manual” and “automatic” embodiments, the target body is suspended on a target support frame by a release mechanism, which may be a latch mechanism, a peg mechanism, an elastic mechanism, a winch-type mechanism, that may include a manual winch, or an equivalent driving device or a combination thereof. The target body includes electronic sensors in one or more regions such as the head, the spine, and other regions simulating vital target areas that send a signal to one or more control systems when the respective areas of the target are struck by a projectile or other energy discharged from a firearm, rifle, or other such device. The control system counts the number of projectile or energy strikes on the vital target areas, accords differential weight to each of the sites of the impact and generates a random “hit” number that must be exceeded in order to release the target from its upright supported position and allow it to fall, simulating the disablement of an adversary.
US2016010958 (M Lessnick) teaches of a hollow and lightweight three dimensional target training mannequin wherein an internal cavity of the mannequin enables placement of sensors and/or communication equipment. The mannequin has an outer paintable and repaintable surface of to allow projectiles to penetrate with minimal expansion and show the impact location. The sensors can detect a location where the target was struck and can then transmit such data to a display or computer whereby scores can be determined, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,741 (Mark Redl Inc.) provides a tactical target system comprising a target mannequin supported in a suspended manner from a support or supported from a stand. When suspended, the mannequin is held in position by a rope with an inflated bladder within the skull area of the mannequin, which prevents the rope passing through an aperture; upon bursting the bladder, the body falls. In the alternative, when supported by a post, an inflated bladder spaces an upper inside surface of the skull from a post upon which the mannequin rests, via the bladder; upon bursting the bladder, the body falls by approximately 15 cm.
Therefore, it is apparent that a need exists for a new and improved weaponry target mechanism that provides an indication of a hit and that such a target can be adapted to provide a simulated appearance of a person and that falls upon being hit in a critical zone, such as the head or any arbitrary (for the purposes of competition, for example). There is also a need for a target that provides feedback to the trainee or competitor with respect to the number of hits to the target and the value (in terms of disabling or immobilizing the target) of each hit.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a weapons target for firearms life-like firearms target mannequin which can be manufactured at low cost and can readily and easily be constructed from a flat-pack as is the case of a container within which it can be placed. The present invention seeks to address a perceived need for a weaponry target mechanism that falls upon being hit in a critical zone, such as the head or any arbitrary body part (for the purposes of competition, for example). The present invention also seeks to provide a target that can furnish feedback to the trainee or competitor.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In accordance with a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a target practice arrangement comprising a separable body comprising first and second body members and an inflatable bladder, wherein the first body member defines an inside cavity having a volume and an axis with a wall defining the cavity about the axis and the second body member comprises an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is placed within the cavity of the first member, generally parallel with the axis, wherein, when operably inflated, the bladder, within the cavity, grippingly acts against the inside wall and against the elongate member whereby to prevent relative movement of the first and second body members, the target being operable to separate upon deflation of the inflatable member. Accordingly, when the target has been hit with a projectile, such as an arrow, bolt, pellet, bullet etc., such that the balloon has been destroyed, then the body members, are not grippingly engaged as one and through the action of gravity or spring biasing means (for example) the body parts, become separated, indicative of a hit or a kill as the case may be. Importantly, a significant benefit is that the target can be reset very quickly: the two component parts are brought together, a balloon placed within the cavity and the balloon is inflated—while this can be performed using the time-honoured fashion of placing the balloon mouth piece to the mouth, it is better to use a pressurized gas supply to enable known gas pressures to be employed, to enable uniformity of results in practice, although simple well-known balloon pumps could also be employed. The target may have a typical ten- or five-zone score printed thereon or comprise a printed sheet of paper (or other material if it is to be used outside)—since the target can be arranged to have a recti-planar face. It will be appreciated that the number of images is unlimited, not being limited to the traditional zoned circular target. Equally, the target could be painted, covered with clothes etc.
The elongate member of the second member may be inserted against a resilient element such as a spring biasing means or the interface between the first and second body part may be so equipped, whereby, once the gripping retention between the two body parts ceases, the two parts separates. In one alternative, the body part free to drop, the gravity will cause a lowermost member to drop.
The inflatable bladder may comprise a number of separate bladders. The gripping force of each bladder may be less than a force of separation and, say for a three-bladder system, the gripping force provided by each bladder may be less than a minimum force to enable the two body parts to remain—i.e. the force of the resilient force of separation or of gravity is greater than that of the gripping engagement force to prevent lateral movement therebetween. This feature could be used to determine an award of points in a competition. Equally the gripping force exerted between different bladders or balloons (determined, for example, with reference to a set of pre-determined pressures) could be arranged with respect to a mannequin such that a hit to a COM part of the target mannequin would result in a drop of the body, whereas it would require at least two hits in two other bladders in non-COM or less critical body areas before a drop of the body.
Simplistically, the target, mannequin or body part thereof can fall upon being hit and can provide an extremely simple indication of accuracy or otherwise of a shooter. By the use of different shaped and or multiple bladders an accuracy or score of a shooter can be determined, which can be used to benefit in a shooting competition, for example. It will be noted that the target or mannequin can be clothed, to provide, for example, civilian (i.e. points-deducted in competition) versus military non-targets (i.e. points-awarded in competition)
The concept of a fall-when-hit feature of a target system can be developed not only in respect of targets and mannequin targets as such but also to parts of mannequin targets. For example, the lower arm may be attached with respect to an upper arm, or a leg may be attached to a body of an upstanding mannequin in the same sense that a mannequin is attached to a support stick or similar.
As is known a target or mannequin can be constructed from plastics foam such as expanded polystyrene foam plastic or similar materials. The external characteristics of a human being—or animal can easily be replicated. A target that can simply fall when hit using inexpensive balloons as a consumable provides many advantages. By using appropriate clothing, a training device can be simply provided which is quite effective in training various individuals such as law enforcement officers, military personnel and the like in using various weapons to develop and enhance their shooting skills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:—

FIG. 1 illustrates a basic target system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1a is a cross-section of B-B as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1b shows components of the basic system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1c shows an alternative basic target system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1d illustrates a target system per FIG. 1 in the form of a mannequin;

FIG. 1e illustrates a target system per FIG. 1 in the form of a mannequin;

FIG. 2 illustrates a basic embodiment of the invention in the form of a head-body mannequin;

FIG. 2a is a cross-section through C-C′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2b shows basic embodiment in a fallen state;

FIGS. 3 and 3 a detail a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3b and 3c shows further embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 4 b show still further embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 5-5 j relate to one preferred design and derivatives in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 6a & 6 b relate to another preferred design for a planar target in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 7-7 f relate to a further preferred design and derivatives in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a still further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.
FIG. 1 shows a simple target system in accordance with the invention and comprises a support pole 17 and a substantially circular tube 12 which conveniently defines an axis A, in general correspondence with an axis of the support member. The support pole 17 comprises, in this simple embodiment, a pole having a first end shaped as a spike for engaging within suitable soft soil, whereby to enable the pole to be generally upstanding in suitable terrain; other support poles can have a weighted base having an area of a suitable size to enable the target to remain upright when erected when placed upon a horizontal surface. Towards the second end of the pole—uppermost in use—a circumferential wall of the pole, is used to engage with an inside wall 22 of the tube 12 to provide a target, when operatively arranged. The inside wall of the tube 12 defines an interior volume 21 into which an inflatable bladder, conveniently a rubber balloon, can be placed. There is no special requirement for the interior wall to be cylindrical and the width can vary along that axis, but it must be of a sufficient size to enable the support 17 to be placed therethrough. Equally the cylinder may be of any shape—it must be of a size that enables a balloon 23—or other form of inflatable bladder to be inserted in the head region (or other vertical position along the length of the support member).
The balloon is placed generally in the middle of the tube 12 and is inflated—as can be best seen with reference to FIG. 1a , being a cross-section through B-B′ of FIG. 1—so as to grippingly engage, by forces indicated by arrows 24 against an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the shot passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the mannequin drops, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target, when the body 12 will fall to the ground. It will be appreciated that the target can be quite easily resurrected—requiring a replacement bladder, conveniently a balloon. Such a change can be made in a matter of seconds. Separate bodies may be pre-prepared to enable, in the course of a competition, lesson etc. of the replacement of a body only of a target, which can same a considerable amount of time in deployment.
Turning now to FIG. 1b , the three main components of the invention are shown separately; the support member 17 could conveniently be made from PVC tubing, wood, fibreglass, steel, aluminium alloys etc. The body 12 tube can be made from a single sheet of non-rigid material such as polypropylene, and can easily be obtained in range of thicknesses although 2-10 mm sheets have proven suitable in tests. Tabs 12′ can be inserted into slits 12″ so that the sheet can easily be transformed into cylindrical body 12, enabling simple transportation of sheets, which take up considerably less space than assembled cylindrical bodies. An aperture is shown whereby an inflatable bladder such as a balloon can be inserted, prior to inflation. Whilst the tube is shown as being circularly cylindrical, the cylinder may provide a flat face whereby images or targets may be easily affixed thereto. It will be appreciated that the size of the target is not limited in general terms and it is quite possible to have the target of an A2 poster size or larger, although in outdoor situations, windage issues may arise. All manner of images may be painted upon the target or attached to the target, using paper or waterproof sheet, attached using glue, adhesive tape, reusable putty-like pressure-sensitive adhesives etc. for example. The target may have a typical ten- or five-zone score printed thereon or comprise a printed sheet of paper (or other material if it is to be used outside)—since the target can be arranged to have a recti-planar face. It will be appreciated that the number of images is unlimited, not being limited to the traditional zoned circular target. Equally the target could be painted, covered with clothes etc.
A second system is shown with reference to FIG. 1c , where there are two bodies 12, 12′, wherein 12 is a cylindrical body having a cavity 21 into which an elongate member 41 depending from body 12′ is inserted; as the two parts are brought together the elongate member urges against a resilient element 12″; upon placement and subsequent inflation of an inflatable bladder, such as a balloon 23, so as to grippingly engage, by forces—in a similar fashion as those indicated by arrows 24 in FIG. 1a —against an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the arrow, shot or projectile passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the two bodies 12, 12′ separate by virtue of the resilience arising from resilient element 12″, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target.
FIG. 1d shows a first example of a mannequin target 10 in accordance with the invention, having a head 11, body 12, leg members, 13 a, b & 14 a, b and arm members 15 a, b & 16 a, b. The mannequin is supported upon a generally upright support member 17 which is associated with a ground penetrating foot 18 or weighted base, sufficient to enable the mannequin to remain substantially upright despite being placed on grassed areas, gorse lands, tarmac, etc. The support member 17 passes through a central cavity associated with head 11 and body 12.
Turning to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a head 11 and upper torso 12 of the mannequin 10 defines an interior volume 21, surrounded by a generally cylindrical interior wall 23, which conveniently defines an axis A, in general correspondence with an axis of the support member. There is no special requirement for the interior wall to be cylindrical and the width can vary along that axis, but it must be of a sufficient size to enable the support 17 to be placed therethrough. Equally the cylinder may be of any shape—it must be of a size that enables a balloon 23—or other form of inflatable bladder to be inserted in the head region (or other vertical position along the length of the support member). The balloon is placed generally in the middle of the head and is inflated—as can be best seen with reference to FIG. 2a , being a cross-section through C-C′ of FIG. 2—so as to grippingly engage, by forces indicated by arrows 24 against an inside face of the wall 22 and with respect the support member, whereby to prevent relative movement therebetween along the axis A. However, when a shot is fired, from a bow, gun etc., and the shot passes through the balloon, then the balloon deflates and the mannequin drops, thereby giving an instantaneous visual indication that a shot has accurately passed through a critical part of the target, as seen in FIG. 2b , where the body 12 rests upon the ground 19.
FIG. 3 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the invention, wherein, and as best explained with reference to FIG. 3a , there is shown a mannequin with an elongate inflatable bladder or balloon. Thus this embodiment enables the drop-when-hit action to take place over much of the head and body, which should enable a greater chance of success when being targeted. In a still further embodiment, the balloon or inflatable bladder could be more sinuous and be arranged to be situated in the head, throat and in the region of where a heart would be—for a human mannequin, as shown in FIG. 3b , noting that this would require a less uniform (cylindrical) cavity within the body and head, since it would ideally enable a balloon 23′ to lie in a preferred position, if the inside dimensions were so shaped to correspond with such positions of vital organs 24. In a further alternative, a number of balloons or inflatable bladders 23 a-23 d may be employed such that at least two of, say four such balloons or bladders are required to support the weight of the target or mannequin. This is believed to provide a more “realistic hit” or “realistic fatality”, but the support of the balloons would need to be carefully monitored, say be limiting the pressure of the fill gas, whereby a known weight of mannequin could be supported by three of such balloons out of four, requiring each mannequin to be hit by two balloon destroying arrows, bullets or other form of munitions before falling. Equally, it would be possible to have weighted possibility as provided by different sizes of balloons with respect to the particular body parts and perceived—importance vis-à-vis any competitive scoring schemes that may be applied.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 4, a bladder 23 c can be arranged to act upon an inside wall 22 of one body part 40 and upon an elongate member 41 of another body part 42 into which the first body part 40 the elongate member 41 depends, the torso 12 comprising body parts 40 and 42. Upon installation, the balloon or bladder 23 c enables the parts 40, 42 to remain axially fixed. Upon the balloon being destroyed, the body unit could separate one with respect to another and the lower body part will fall to the ground under gravitational pull i.e. the torso 12 thereby disintegrates. If the balloon associated with the lower portion is hit and deflates, and Whilst this may not be considered as being realistic this technique could be used in a scoring scheme in competition and could also be employed in shot analysis, for example when a shooter tends to shoot too low, for example by poor judgement or by way of an incorrectly set rifle telescope.
As can be imagined, the systems relating to the torso comprising first and second 40, 42, body parts can be extended to limbs, as exemplified with a right leg, per FIG. 5, upper leg or thigh element is optionally pivoted (but not detailed) about a hip section and extends via a hinge 44 to provide an elongate element 41 which extends into an interior passageway with an axis defined by an inside wall 22′ within thigh member 13 b. A balloon or inflatable bladder 23 e is positioned within the passageway. Again, it will be appreciated that the lower limb or shin member 23 b is prevented from falling to the ground under the force of gravity by inflating the balloon to a suitable pressure; upon the balloon being struck by a projectile, then the lower limb 13 b will fall.
In the event that the invention embodies a mannequin, the mannequin can be conveniently constructed of foam plastic or similar material and which can be provided with various articles of clothing and otherwise constructed to closely simulate a human being to provide a target which is quite effective in training various individuals such as law enforcement officers, military personnel and the like in using various weapons to develop and enhance their shooting skills. Furthermore, whilst a mannequin (also called a dummy or dress form) is normally referred to as a doll used by artists, tailors, dressmakers etc. and is often articulated, the term is not to be so narrowly construed and a broader interpretation, extending to cavalry horses and other animals is anticipated in accordance with the present invention, in the event that such mannequins can comprise legitimate targets.
Referring now to some preferred embodiments of a target support systems, reference shall now be made to FIG. 5a -FIG. 8, wherein FIG. 5a shows a basic assembly in accordance, with a support pole 17 a, 17 b, in a state of separation, with the lower member 17 a engaged within a base 18 comprising, with reference to FIG. 5b , comprising a sheet of material—for example, plywood or plastics such as acrylic sheet of, say 20 mm thickness, to which a peg 51 extends upwardly, whereby to engage with a hollow inside engagement portion of the support member 17 a, noting that, with reference to FIGS. 5a & 5 d, the upper end of the lower support member 17 a has an insert member 17 c operable to fit within—and secure with—a corresponding hollow inside engagement portion of the support member 17 a; the support members can be provided by pvc tubing, per FIG. 5e , and are readily available in a number of sizes such as 22 mm, 28 mm, 37 mm & 50 mm diameter, being commonly used in plumbing applications etc. FIG. 5c shows a base 18 having two pegs 51 extending upwardly. The tube 12 per FIG. 5a is made from polypropylene sheet and is provided with apertures 12 a, which have been found to assist in assembly and placement of parts, as well as making the system lightweight. FIG. 5f shows a cylindrical tube 12 with apertures assembled form flat sheet material to form a cylinder; a plastics pipe 17 b is visible inside; by using two sections of support member, 17 a, 17 b, it will be appreciated that transport of the target, when packed, is of a minimal dimension, suitable for transport.
FIGS. 5g and 5h are end views, from above of the cylinder (body) 12 when assembled, respectively, with and without the support member 17 b. FIG. 5i shows the same view with a balloon inserted and inflated in place to secure the cylinder to the support. FIGS. 5i and 5j show the same system with two and three balloons inflated and in position. FIGS. 6a and 6b show an application of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5a and following, wherein a target board 60, showing the back image 61 and front (target) image 62, is supported by the body 12, with inflatable bladders 23 a-23 c, the target boards being fastened to the support body 12 by means of a fastener such as a screw-threaded fastener 63.
Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a rectangular, three dimensional target 70 in a state of assembly, with the body 70 being raised with respect to the body 12 and to attachment thereto. With reference to FIG. 7a , it can be seen that the top section 71 of the rectangular target is attached to the body 12 by means of fastener 63, such as a plastics screw-fastener, detailed in FIG. 7b . Upper body portion 71 being attached to body 72, which overlies body base 73. FIG. 7c shows the embodiment prior to strike by bullet etc.; FIG. 7d shows the same after target strike to the bladders 23 whereby the target falls, providing a ready visual indication that the target has been hit in the appropriate areas. It should be noted that an additional benefit of body base is that the body 72 falls vertically, preventing any non-vertical tendencies as may occur when the target is placed outside and which might be subject to windage. FIGS. 7e and 7f show an alternative target where the body part 72 has a window whereby one can see body 12 with the inflatable member 23.
FIG. 8 shows a highly simplified embodiment of the invention wherein the body 23 has sufficient room for a single inflatable bladder 23, whereby the body 23 may be retained vertically with respect to a base 19.

Claims

1. A target practice arrangement comprising a separable body comprising first and second body members and an inflatable bladder, wherein the first body member defines an inside cavity having a volume and an axis with a wall defining the cavity about the axis and the second body member comprises an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is placed within the cavity of the first member, generally parallel with the axis, wherein, the bladder when operably inflated within the cavity, grippingly acts against the inside wall and against the elongate member whereby to prevent relative movement of the first and second body members, the target being operable to separate upon deflation of the inflatable member.

2. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate, by reason of an external force such as gravity.

3. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member of the second member is inserted against a resilient element such as a spring biasing means, whereby, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate.

4. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second member resiliently abuts the first member, whereby, upon cessation of gripping retention between the two body parts, the two parts separate.

5. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises a number of separate bladders.

6. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the gripping force of each bladder is less than a force of separation.

7. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the gripping force of at least one bladder significantly differs with respect to the other bladders.

8. A target practice arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bladders are of different shapes and an accuracy or score of a shooter can be determined.

9. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises an elongate member which has a varying cross-section along its length, in correspondence with a level of difficulty whereby to enable a determination of an award of points in a competition reduced size number of separate bladders.

10. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprising a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end comprises a projection whereby the lower end can be inserted into soil to in order to enable the elongate member to be operably arranged in a generally vertical orientation.

11. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is operably associated with a base element, having an area, whereby the mannequin can be paced upon a substantially level surface, in order to enable the elongate member to be operably arranged in a generally vertical orientation.

12. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder system of connection is incorporated in a mannequin, whereby the mannequin can be separated from a support element.

13. A target practice arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder system of connection is incorporated in a mannequin, whereby one or more body parts of the mannequin can be separated.

14. A target practice arrangement substantially as described herein with reference to any one of more of the figures of the drawing sheets.

15. A target practice mannequin substantially as described herein with reference to any one of more of the figures of the drawing sheets.