TARGET ASSEMBLIES

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/377,628, filed Sep. 29, 2022, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to targets and more particularly to targets for use in practice in games involving a puck, a ball, or other projectiles (e.g., ice hockey or street hockey). For example, the game of hockey, may be played on ice surfaces with a puck or on a hard road surface with a ball, and involves shooting of the puck or ball at the goal. Aiming of a projectile at an intended location is a desirable skill, but one which is not easy to practice.

There have been various targets disclosed which may be positioned at various positions and at which a participant aims. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,823 and 6,926,624 disclose targets and target systems. Despite the availability of a number of different targets, manufacturers and users of targets continue to seek improved target assemblies.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a target arrangement which can be used in sport and games practice and training sessions. Such a target arrangement may be relatively inexpensive and can be used and reused.

The present invention provides a target assembly which comprises a frame assembly or frame body for a plurality of target elements, each of which fits releasably (and may be replaceable) in the frame assembly or frame body. The target assembly can be releasably secured to a selected location (e.g., the goalposts or crossbar of a hockey goal or to a base) at substantially any preselected position, to provide a target assembly. The target elements may be retained in the frame assembly or body until it is struck by the aimed puck, ball, or other projectile, but as a result of such impact it may be knocked out of the frame assembly or body. In one embodiment, each target element may comprise an impact resistant, yet compressible material, so that it may withstand many such impacts and can be replaced in the target assembly simply and easily.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary frame element according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the exemplary frame element shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary target assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary target element according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary target assembly shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary frame assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the exemplary frame assembly shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary target assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a target system to which the exemplary target assembly shown in FIG. 3 is attached.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a frame body according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an opening defined by a frame body.

FIG. 5C is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an opening defined by a frame body.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base to which an exemplary frame body may be attached.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base including support elements to which an exemplary frame body may be attached.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a target system to which an exemplary target assembly including a frame body and a plurality of target elements is attached.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base including support elements to which an exemplary frame body may be attached.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a target system to which an exemplary target assembly including a frame body and a plurality of target elements is attached.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a target assembly including a frame element and a removable target element. As shown in FIG. 1A, frame element 12 may define an opening 13. When viewed in a front view, as shown in FIG. 1B, inner side wall 15 may define an opening 13 with a geometry that forms a closed geometric shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, frame element 12 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may define a substantially circular opening 13, when viewed in a front view. Frame elements 12 may comprise a metal, a metal alloy, polymer, wood, plastic, rubber, a combination of the foregoing materials, or any other suitable material or material combination, without limitation. In addition, frame element (and its associated target element) may form any geometric shape (when viewed in a front view), without limitation. For example, a frame element (and its associated target element) may form or define (e.g., generally or substantially form or define) a circle, square, triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, polygon, or any other desired shape (when viewed in a front view).

FIG. 1C shows one embodiment of a target assembly 26 including a frame element 12 and a target element 14 positioned at least partially within opening 13 of the frame element 12. In use, a projectile may be aimed at the target assembly 26 and, if the projectile hits the target element 14 with sufficient force, the target element 14 may be dislodged from the frame element 12. A dislodged target element 14 may be repositioned at least partially within opening 13 of the frame element 12 for continued use and/or reuse. In one example, when the target assembly 26 is used for a hockey puck target, the circular opening 13 may be about 6 inches in diameter. In such embodiment or any embodiment described herein, frame elements 12 may be formed by cutting a pipe or extruded metal shape, such as a metal pipe (e.g., steel or aluminum pipe) or another generally cylindrical structure.

FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a target element 14 and FIG. 1E shows a cross-sectional view of the target assembly 26 shown in FIG. 1C. Optionally, one or both of the frame element 12 and/or the target element 14 may change dimension in a thickness direction (labeled “T” in FIG. 1D). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, a surface area of back target surface 20 may be larger than a surface area of front target surface 18. In one embodiment, target element 14 may be tapered such that an outer side wall 7 of target element 14 is angled (when viewed in a cross-sectional view). In other embodiments, an inner side wall 15 of frame element 12 may be tapered, if desired. Generally, at least one of the inner side wall of a frame element, outer side wall of a target element, neither, or both may be tapered to achieve a desired fit between the opening and the target element.

As shown in FIG. 1D, outer side wall 7 extends between front target surface 18 and back target surface 20, wherein an area of back target surface 20 is greater than an area of front target surface 18. In addition, optionally, the shape of front target surface 18 and the shape of back target surface 20 may be congruent. In one embodiment, one or more of target elements 14 may comprise rubber, foam, polyurethane foam, open cell foam, closed cell foam, combinations of the foregoing materials, or other suitable materials or material combinations. For example, a target element 14 may comprise a closed cell foam, such as polyethylene foam, EVA foam, Volara® foam, FloTex® foam, or neoprene foam.

Further, such a configuration may allow target element 14 to be at least partially compressed when positioned within frame element 12. More specifically, along at least a portion of the inner surface 15 of frame element 12, target element 14 may be compressed (i.e., outer side wall 7 contacts and/or is pressed against inner side wall 15), as denoted by compressed region 19. In other embodiments, the compressed region 19 thickness be larger or smaller, and may encompass the entire inner side surface 19 in one or more embodiments. Thus, target element 14 may be retained within frame element 12 until it is struck with a ball, puck, or other projectile with sufficient force to dislodge the target element 14 from the frame element 12. In other embodiments, the target element 14 may be removably held within the frame element by one or more magnets, Velcro, or by any other suitable mechanisms.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of frame elements may be secured to one another to form a frame assembly. Optionally, each of the frame elements may be substantially identical. Thus, in one embodiment, frame elements 12 may be substantially the same shape. Further, target elements 14 may be sized to correspond with the opening or be slightly oversized, as discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, target elements 14 may be substantially the same shape. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame assembly 11. As shown in FIG. 2A, frame elements 12 may be secured to one another to form frame assembly 11. Generally, each of the plurality of frame elements 12 may be joined or secured to at least one other, adjacent frame element 12. In further detail, in some embodiments, frame elements 12 may be secured to one another by welding, soldering, gluing, rivets, interlocking features (e.g., dove tails or slots/tabs), mechanical attachment (e.g., one or more bolts, screws, clamps, Velcro, or other suitable mechanical elements), or via any other suitable mechanism or method. As shown in FIG. 2B, each of the plurality of frame elements 12 is joined to at least one other frame elements 12 of the plurality of frame elements 12 by joining structure 55. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of frame elements 12 is joined to at least one other frame elements 12 of the plurality of frame elements 12, where joining structures 55 comprise welds. In other embodiments, joining structures 55 may comprise fasteners, clamps, clips, rivets, screws, or any other suitable joining structure, without limitation.

As discussed above, each opening 13 of each frame element 12 may be circular, as viewed from a front view, and each frame element 12 may have a generally cylindrical side wall 15. Optionally, the side wall 15 may be substantially the same axial length as the thickness of the target element 14. For example, the axial thickness of the side wall and target element may be between about ¼ inches to about 2 inches (e.g., about ½ inches). Optionally, the frame elements 12 may be provided with an inwardly (e.g., radially with respect to the center of a circular opening) extending lip (not shown), which may be positioned adjacent the front target surface and/or the back target surface, which may act as a retaining lip and restraint against removal of the target element 14 from the frame assembly 11. A lip may define an internal right angle with respect to sidewall 15 defining the opening 13 into which the target element 14 fits, which may provide a suitable retaining configuration and which may limit accidental removal of the target element 14 therefrom (e.g., by wind or vibration).

In a further aspect of the present invention, a frame assembly may include an arrangement of openings defined thereby, wherein the number of openings per row increases according to an arithmetic progression. Put another way, in one embodiment, a frame assembly may include an arrangement of frame elements, wherein the number of frame elements per row increases according to an arithmetic progression. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, frame assembly 11 includes row 1 with one opening (and one frame element 12), row 2 with two openings (and two frame elements 12), and row 3 has three openings (and 3 frame elements 12). As shown in FIG. 2B, rows 1-3 are separated by reference lines 33 and 35. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a frame assembly may include a plurality of openings wherein the number of openings per row increases in an arithmetic progression, and wherein the arithmetic progression begins with 1 and increases by 1 (for each row). Further, in one embodiment, a frame assembly may include a plurality of frame elements wherein the number of frame elements per row increases in an arithmetic progression, and wherein the arithmetic progression begins with 1 and increases by 1 (for each row). The present invention also contemplates that a frame assembly may have a plurality of rows, such as 3 rows or more than 3 rows. Further, a frame assembly may define openings with any geometric shape (when viewed in a front view), without limitation. For example, each opening (and its associated target element) in a frame assembly may form a circle, square, triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, polygon, or any other desired shape (when viewed in a front view). In addition, a frame assembly may include a combination of any of the foregoing shapes (when viewed in a front view), without limitation.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2B (from a top view), frame assembly 11 may be bounded within a closed geometry 25, which is defined by reference lines 21, 23, and 25. In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2B, the periphery of the frame assembly 11 may generally follow or generally define a triangular shape. In one embodiment, closed geometry 25 may be determined by drawing straight reference lines 21, 23, 25 along the periphery of the frame assembly 11 in such a configuration that the number of straight reference lines is minimized, but also that such straight reference lines fit closely to the outer periphery of the frame assembly 11. Depending on the arrangement, shape, and size of any given frame assembly and openings defined by such frame assembly, a closed geometry for such frame assembly periphery may form a square, triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, polygon, or any other desired shape (when viewed in a front view).

Generally, as discussed further below, a target element may be positioned or releasably fitted (e.g., as an interference fit) within one or more of openings 13. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the target assembly 36 comprises frame assembly 11 (i.e., the plurality of frame elements 12) and a plurality of target elements 14 (e.g., in the shape of a disc). The target element 16 has a front target surface 18 and a back target surface 20. One or both of the front target surface 18 and the back target surface 20 may optionally be provided with a selected marking, indicia, and/or design (e.g., printed thereon or formed therein).

In another aspect of the present invention, a frame body may comprise a unitary structure (i.e., one piece) and may comprise any of the materials disclosed herein with respect to a frame element 12. In such an embodiment, the unitary frame body may define a plurality of openings into which target elements 14 may be positioned, respectively. In one embodiment, a frame body may comprise a polymer, a metal, wood, a metal alloy, or any suitable material. For example, any frame body or frame element contemplated herein may comprise polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, a plastic, rubber, brass, steel (e.g., stainless steel), aluminum, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame assembly 111. As shown in FIG. 5A, frame body 112 may define a plurality of openings 113. Further, FIG. 5B shows a partial cross-sectional view of an opening 113, as defined by frame body 112. Each of openings 113 may be identical or similar to one or more features of openings 13, as described above. Thus, in one embodiment, openings 113 may be substantially the same shape. Further, target elements 14 for such openings 113 may be sized to correspond with the opening or be slightly oversized, as discussed above. In one embodiment, target elements 14 for openings 113 may be substantially the same shape.

For example, as discussed above in relation to openings 13, each opening 113 of frame body 112 may be circular, as viewed from a front view, and each opening 113 may have a generally cylindrical side wall 115. Optionally, the side wall 115 may be substantially the same axial length as a thickness of a target element 14. For example, the axial thickness of the side wall 115 and target element 14 may be between about ¼ inches to about 2 inches (e.g., about ½ inches). In one embodiment, frame body 112 may be machined from a nominal or substantially 0.5-inch-thick sheet of HDPE. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5C, frame body 112 may define an inwardly (e.g., radially with respect to the center of a circular opening 113) extending lip 117, which may be positioned anywhere along or adjacent to side wall 115 (e.g., adjacent the front target surface and/or the back target surface, which may act as a retaining lip and may restrain against removal of the target element 14 from the frame body 112). Extending lip 117 may define an internal right angle with respect to the sidewall 115 defining the opening 113 into which the target element 14 fits, which may provide a suitable retaining configuration and which may limit accidental removal of the target element 14 therefrom (e.g., by wind or vibration).

As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2B, a frame body 112 may include an arrangement of openings 113 defined thereby, wherein the number of openings 113 per row increases according to an arithmetic progression. Such holes may be formed by a machining process (e.g., such as milling, drilling or cutting). In one embodiment, openings 113 may be formed by water jet cutting.

The frame body 112 may also be provided with one or more mechanism or fastening element for attaching the frame body 112 to a structure (e.g., a goal post). For example, the frame body 112 may be attached to a structure by Velcro, mechanical fastening elements (e.g., screws, clamps, bolts, etc.), magnets, or any other suitable mechanism or fastening elements. In one embodiment, attachment features 116 may be positioned upon and/or along a top surface of frame body 112, as shown in FIG. 5A. Such attachment features 116 may be used to attach the frame body 112 to a structure, as discussed in further detail below. In one example, attachment features 116 may comprise Velcro, adhesives, magnets, or any other suitable mechanism or fastening elements.

In another embodiment, mounting holes 114 may be used to secure the frame body 112 to a structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of opposed upright goalposts 41, 42, a crossbar 43 may define a goal opening, and a net 45. Frame body 112 (i.e., instead of target assembly 36) may be attached to crossbar 43 by two fastening elements 44, each positioned through an associated mounting hole 114. In one embodiment, fastening elements 44 may comprise strips of Velcro, which may be wrapped around (e.g., in such a way that it sticks to itself) crossbar and through one or more of mounting holes 114, respectively. It will be appreciated that fastening elements 44 may be metal cables, zip ties or any other element that maybe used to secure the frame body 112 to the crossbar.

For example, the frame body 112 can be readily secured to any selected position of crossbar 32. Target elements 14 may be positioned withing the openings 113 defined by the frame body 112 and may be arranged so that the front target surfaces 18 of the target elements 14 are presented forwardly (outwardly in relation to the net 45), or vice versa. When struck by a well-aimed puck, a target element 14 may be knocked out or may be otherwise dislodged from the frame body 112. In one embodiment, each target element 14 may be resilient and flexible enough easily to pass through opening 113 (not labeled) rearwardly, even if originally mounted therein in a resiliently compressed state. Further, when correctly struck, the target element 14 may be caught in the hockey net 45. The target element 14 may be durable enough to withstand repeated impacts. In one embodiment, positioning a compressible target element 14 in the frame body 112 may be simple. For example, pushing a target element 14 into a frame body 112 with one's hands may effectively position the target element 14 for use.

In a further aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, base 200 may comprise three sides 220, divider elements 222, 224, 226, floor member 230, and handle 202. As shown in FIG. 6, base 200 may form a generally equilateral triangle shape. In some embodiments, a base may form a polygon (e.g., a regular polygon or irregular polygon, without limitation). In one embodiment, sides 220 may comprise wood (e.g., generally equal length two by fours). In one embodiment, floor member 230 may comprise wood (e.g., about 0.125-inch-thick to about 0.75 inch-thick plywood or hardwood, such as about 0.5 inch-thick plywood or hardwood, without limitation). Divider elements 222, 224, 226 may function to create or define compartments 240, 242, 244, 246. Divider elements 222, 224, 226 may comprise wood (e.g., two by fours). Any number of divider elements may be selected to define a plurality of compartments having a desired size and/or shape. Generally, in one embodiment, any portion of base 200 (sides 200, floor member 230, and/or divider elements 222, 224, 226) may comprise a polymer, a metal, wood, a metal alloy, or any suitable material. For example, any portion of base 200 contemplated herein may comprise polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, a plastic, rubber, brass, steel (e.g., stainless steel), aluminum, or any other suitable material. In one example, optionally, base 200 may include attachment features 216. Such attachment features 216 may comprise Velcro, adhesives, magnets, or any other suitable mechanism or fastening elements. Optionally, attachment elements 216 may be sized, configured, and arranged to releasably couple to attachment elements 116 of frame body 111. Accordingly, frame body 111 may be releasably attached to base 200 (with target elements 14 positioned within each of openings 113) to close compartments 240, 242, 244, 246. When frame body 111 is attached to base 200, the entire assembly may be carried by handle 252. Of course, frame body 111 may be detached from base 200 (and/or target elements 14 may be removed from one or more of openings 113) to open or access compartments 240, 242, 244, 246. It will be appreciated that the handle 202 may be disposed at other positions on the base 200.

In a further aspect of the present invention, base 200 may further comprise one or more mounting holes configured to accommodate support elements to support frame body 111 during game play. As shown in FIG. 6, base 200 may comprise a plurality mounting holes 250. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, support elements 260 and 270 may be positioned within mounting holes 250, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, support elements 270 may be shorter than support elements 260. Such a configuration may allow for frame body 111 to be positioned upon or by support element 260 and 270 in a desired orientation. In one embodiment, support elements 260 and 270 may comprise threaded rod, such as threaded rod (e.g., ¼-20 UNC threaded rod, 5/16-18 UNC threaded rod, ⅜-16 UNC threaded rod, 7/16-14 threaded rod, ½-13 UNC threaded rod, or any suitable UNC or UNF threaded rod, without limitation) of a selected length, respectively. In one embodiment, support elements 260 may be of substantially equal length and support elements 270 may be of substantially equal length. Optionally, positioning elements 271 may be adjustably positioned upon support elements 260 and 270. Such positioning elements 271 may be sized and configured to support frame body 111 in a desired orientation and/or position. In one embodiment, positioning elements 271 may comprise threaded nuts, threaded articles, or any suitable and adjustable element configured to support frame body 111 in a desired orientation and/or position.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of target system 300 comprising target assembly 299. Target assembly 299 includes frame body 111 and a plurality of target elements 14 positioned within the openings defined by frame body 111. As shown in FIG. 8, frame body 111 may be positioned upon support elements 260 and support elements 270. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, base 200 may secure support elements 260 and 270 such that frame body 111 is positioned at an angle with respect to the surface upon which base 200 is positioned. Such a configuration may provide an engaging target game. Of course, two target systems 300 may be utilized to provide an engaging target game wherein a first player or team throws projectiles at one target system 300 and a second player or team throws projectiles at another target system 300. More generally, a target game may include one or more target assembly as contemplated herein.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, support elements 261 may be positioned within mounting holes 250, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9, support elements 261 may be configured with a bend such that the ends of support elements 261 extends in a direction outward from one of sides 220. Such a configuration may allow for frame body 111 to be positioned upon or by support elements 261 in a desired orientation. In one embodiment, support elements 261 may comprise threaded rod, such as threaded rod (e.g., ¼-20 UNC threaded rod, 5/16-18 UNC threaded rod, ⅜-16 UNC threaded rod, 7/16-14 threaded rod, ½-13 UNC threaded rod, or any suitable UNC or UNF threaded rod, without limitation) of a selected length, respectively. In one embodiment, support elements 261 may be of substantially equal length and shape. Optionally, positioning elements (not shown) may be adjustably positioned upon support elements 261. Such positioning elements (e.g., nuts, washers, combinations thereof, or any other suitable mechanical element(s)) may be sized and configured to support frame body 111 (e.g., by positioning at least a portion of support elements 261 within mounting holes 114, respectively) in a desired orientation and/or position. In one embodiment, positioning elements may comprise threaded nuts, threaded articles, or any suitable and adjustable element configured to support frame body 111 in a desired orientation and/or position.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of target system 303 comprising target assembly 299. Target assembly 299 includes frame body 111 and a plurality of target elements 14 positioned within the openings defined by frame body 111. As shown in FIG. 10, frame body 111 may be positioned upon support elements 261 (e.g., at least a portion of support elements 261 may be positioned withing mounting holes 114, respectively). Further, base 200 may secure support elements 261 a such that frame body 111 is positioned at about a desired angle (e.g., about 90 degrees or substantially vertical) with respect to the surface upon which base 200 is positioned. Such a configuration may provide an engaging target game. Of course, two target systems 303 may be utilized to provide an engaging target game wherein a first player or team throws projectiles at one target system 303 and a second player or team throws projectiles at another target system 303. More generally, a target game may include one or more target assembly as contemplated herein.

It should be appreciated that the size and configuration of any embodiment of a frame assembly and/or frame body disclosed herein may be selected depending on the type of projectile that may be used to dislodge the target elements. For example, a target assembly (e.g., including a frame element or frame body) according to the present invention may be sized and configured such that a soccer ball will pass through an opening defined by the frame assembly. In another embodiment, a target assembly according to the present invention may be sized and configured such that a ball, baseball, golf ball, bean bag, hockey puck, frisbee, lacrosse ball, football, basketball, or other projectile will pass through an opening defined by the frame assembly and dislodge a target element. Further, in any of the applications disclosed herein, a frame assembly and/or frame body may be attached (e.g., removably or permanently) to a structure (e.g., a goal, goal post, base etc.) to hold such frame assembly and/or frame body. As such, a target system may include any of the target assemblies, frame elements, frame bodies, or target bodies disclosed herein, wherein such target assembly is attached to a structure.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”).