THERMAL TARGET APPARATUS

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally to target practice systems, and more particularly to a thermal target apparatus configured for being visible to thermal optics.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

By way of background, many individuals use projectile weapons to engage in shooting sports or carry such weapons in an official capacity (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.). Many of those individuals often wish to improve their accuracy in training scenarios that are similar to real life scenarios. Some real life scenarios may require the use of thermal optics in order to locate an object of interest (such as a person or animal, for example) using that object's persistent heat signature, such that a target configured for replicating such scenarios can be beneficial. One known prior art solution to this problem entails a target which incorporates rubber for retaining frictional heat from projectile impacts, with that heat being temporarily visible to thermal optics. However, such targets are only visible to thermal optics after being hit by at least one projectile - and even then, thermal visibility is limited to the specific locations of the target that have been hit by the at least one projectile (rather than the entire target), with that thermal visibility disappearing as the frictional heat dissipates. In other words, such known prior art targets fail to accurately mimic the thermal properties of a typical object of interest. Furthermore, such known prior art targets might not be durable enough to withstand large quantities of sustained impacts from multiple projectiles. Other known prior art solutions to this problem entail a target which utilize thermal-based chemical reactions or other materials that reflect heat or absorb light. However, such known prior art targets may also be susceptible to large quantities of sustained impacts from multiple projectiles, in addition to potentially requiring appropriate external and/or environmental conditions such as an external heat source or light source.

Thus, there remains a need for a thermal target capable of consistently mimicking an object's persistent heat signature while also being sufficiently durable for withstanding large quantities of sustained impacts from multiple projectiles. Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

It should be noted that the above background description includes information that may be useful in understanding aspects of the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a thermal target apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive material, and at least one heating element positioned in contact with the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction. At least one controller is in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element. At least one power source is in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto. During use, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary thermal target apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of an exemplary target portion of the apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a thermal target apparatus 20. At the outset, it should be noted that while certain embodiments of the apparatus 20 are shown and described for illustrative purposes, in further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured as any other type of type of target for use in any type of target system, now known or later developed. Thus, in further embodiments, the apparatus 20 (along with each of the components described herein) may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities and/or configurations now known or later developed—dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used—so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one target body 22. In at least one embodiment, the at least one target body 22 is constructed out of one or more materials that are both thermally conductive and durable enough to sustain repeated impacts from firearm projectiles with little to no deformation of the target body 22. In at least one embodiment, the at least one target body 22 is constructed out of AR500 steel or higher. In further embodiments, the at least one target body 22 may be constructed out of any other material (or combination of materials), now known or later developed, that is both thermally conductive and sufficiently durable for allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the at least one target body 22 is shaped and configured as a two-dimensional (i.e., substantially planar) target. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one target body 22 is shaped and configured as a three-dimensional target. In still further embodiments, the at least one target body 22 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities and/or configurations now known or later developed—dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used—so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. For example, in at least one embodiment, the at least one target body 22 may be shaped so as to resemble an object of interest (e.g., human, animal, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus 20 further provides an at least one heating element 24 positioned in contact with the at least one target body 22 for selectively heating the at least one target body 22 so as to reach a temperature that is visible to thermal optics. In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 comprises a silicone heating pad 26 having an aluminum perimeter frame 28 and a heating coil 30—such as a copper coil, for example—embedded within the heating pad 26. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 requires about 200 Watts, which allows the at least one heating element 24 to reach temperatures of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, given the thermally conductive nature of the at least one target body 22 with which the at least one heating element 24 is in contact, the target body 22, in turn, is capable of reaching temperatures of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit as well. However, in further embodiments, the at least one heating element 24 may be configured for reaching temperatures that are less than or greater than 200 degrees Fahrenheit—dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 is positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface 32 of the at least one target body 22 (i.e., a surface of the target body 22 opposite from the surface that is to be impacted by firearm projectiles). In at least one such embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 is secured to the rear surface 32 of the at least one target body 22 using an adhesive. However, in at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 may be secured to the rear surface 32 of the at least one target body 22 using any other materials, mechanisms or techniques, now known or later developed, capable of creating a removable or permanent engagement between the at least one heating element 24 and the at least one target body 22. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the at least one heating element 24 is positioned substantially at a center of mass of the at least one target body 22, thereby allowing the thermal energy from the at least one heating element 24 to distribute across the at least one target body 22 more evenly and uniformly. In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 is sized so as to have an area that is approximately fifty percent (50%) smaller than an area of the at least one target body 22. In at least one alternate embodiment, the area of the at least one heating element 24 may be greater than or less than fifty percent (50%) relative to the area of the at least one target body 22. In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the at least one target body 22. In at least one alternate embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the at least one heating element 24 has a shape that is different than the shape of the at least one target body 22.

In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 is positioned in contact with a perimeter edge 34 of the at least one target body 22. In at least one further alternate embodiment, the at least one heating element 24 is embedded within the at least one target body 22. In still further alternate embodiments, the at least one heating element 24 may be any other mechanism, now known or later developed, capable of sufficiently heating the at least one target body 22 for allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. In that regard, in further embodiments, the at least one heating element 24 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities, configurations and/or relative positions on the at least one target body 22, now known or later developed, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides an at least one controller 36 in electrical communication with the at least one heating element 24 for enabling selective adjustment of the temperature produced by the at least one heating element 24. Accordingly, in at least one such embodiment, the temperature of the at least one heating element 24 (and, in turn, the corresponding at least one target body 22) may be selectively adjusted in order to mimic the persistent heat signatures of different objects.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides an at least one power source 38 in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller 36 and heating element 24 for selectively providing power thereto. In at least one embodiment, the at least one power source 38 is an at least one battery (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable). In at least one such embodiment, the at least one battery provides 40 volts and at least 6 milliamps in total. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one power source 38 is an AC power supply or a DC power supply. In further alternate embodiments, the at least one power source 38 may be any other type of power source, now known or later developed, capable of providing the requisite power to each of the at least one controller 36 and heating element 24, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the at least one power source 38 is positioned onboard the apparatus 20. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one power source 38 is located external to the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the at least one power source 38 is in electrical communication with an at least one voltage/current regulator. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the at least one controller 36, power source 38 and voltage/current regulator is positioned within an electronics enclosure 40.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a support assembly 42 on which one or more of the at least one target body 22, controller 36 and power source 38 are supported. In at least one embodiment, the at least one controller 36 and power source 38 are engaged with the support assembly 42 in a position substantially behind the at least one target body 22, such that the at least one target body 22 assists in shielding and protecting the at least one controller 36 and power source 38 from any incoming firearm projectiles during use of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the support assembly 42 provides an at least one mounting post 44 on which the at least one target body 22 is removably engaged. In at least one such embodiment, the mounting post 44 provides an at least one mounting hook 46 configured for being removably engaged with an at least one corresponding target aperture 48 provided by the at least one target body 22. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one target body 22 may be engageable (permanently or removably) with the mounting post 44 using any other mechanism, structure or technique, now known or later developed, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the support assembly 42 further provides a support mount 50 positioned and configured for allowing the support assembly 42 to be engaged (permanently or removably) with a structure, such as a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, or a targeting system, for example. In further embodiments, the support assembly 42 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions and/or configurations now known or later developed—dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used—so long as the support assembly 42 is capable of supporting each of the at least one target body 22, controller 36 and power source 38 (where the at least one power source 38 is onboard the apparatus 20).

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as the following embodiments:

• • 1. A thermal target apparatus comprising: an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive material; an at least one heating element positioned in contact with the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction; an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto; whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.
  • 2. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one target body is constructed out of AR500 steel or higher.
  • 3. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the at least one target body is shaped and configured as a two-dimensional target.
  • 4. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the at least one target body is shaped and configured as a three-dimensional target.
  • 5. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the at least one heating element comprises: a silicone heating pad; an aluminum perimeter frame extending about a perimeter of the heating pad; and a heating coil embedded within the heating pad.
  • 6. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the at least one heating element is capable of reaching a temperature of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • 7. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the at least one heating element is capable of reaching a temperature of less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • 8. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-7, wherein the at least one heating element is capable of reaching a temperature of greater than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • 9. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-8, wherein the at least one heating element is positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body.
  • 10. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the at least one heating element is secured to the rear surface of the at least one target body using an adhesive.
  • 11. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the at least one heating element is positioned substantially at a center of mass of the at least one target body.
  • 12. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-11, wherein the at least one heating element is sized so as to have an area that is approximately fifty percent (50%) of an area of the at least one target body.
  • 13. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-12, wherein the at least one heating element is sized so as to have an area that is less than fifty percent (50%) of an area of the at least one target body.
  • 14. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-13, wherein the at least one heating element is sized so as to have an area that is greater than fifty percent (50%) of an area of the at least one target body.
  • 15. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-14, wherein the at least one heating element has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the at least one target body.
  • 16. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-15, wherein the at least one heating element has a shape that is different than the shape of the at least one target body.
  • 17. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-16, wherein the at least one heating element is positioned in contact with a perimeter edge of the at least one target body.
  • 18. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-17, wherein the at least one heating element is embedded within the at least one target body.
  • 19. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-18, wherein the at least one power source is an at least one battery.
  • 20. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-19, wherein the at least one power source is an AC power supply or a DC power supply.
  • 21. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-20, wherein the at least one power source is in electrical communication with an at least one voltage/current regulator.
  • 22. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-21, wherein one or more of the at least one controller, power source and voltage/current regulator is positioned within an electronics enclosure.
  • 23. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-22, further comprising a support assembly on which one or more of the at least one target body, controller and power source are supported.
  • 24. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-23, wherein the at least one controller and power source are engaged with the support assembly in a position substantially behind the at least one target body.
  • 25. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-24, wherein the support assembly provides an at least one mounting post on which the at least one target body is engaged.
  • 26. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-25, wherein the mounting post provides an at least one mounting hook configured for being removably engaged with an at least one corresponding target aperture provided by the at least one target body.
  • 27. The thermal target apparatus according to embodiments 1-26, wherein the support assembly provides a support mount positioned and configured for allowing the support assembly to be engaged with a structure.
  • 28. A thermal target apparatus comprising: an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive AR500 steel or higher; an at least one heating element positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction; an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto; whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.
  • 29. A thermal target apparatus comprising: an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive AR500 steel or higher; an at least one heating element positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction, the at least one heating element comprising: a silicone heating pad; an aluminum perimeter frame extending about a perimeter of the heating pad; and a heating coil embedded within the heating pad; an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto; whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a thermal target apparatus is disclosed and configured for being visible to thermal optics. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a thermal target apparatus and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the terms “about” and “approximately.” As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” mean that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein. Similarly, as used herein, unless indicated to the contrary, the term “substantially” is a term of degree intended to indicate an approximation of the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified, encompassing a range that can be understood and construed by those of ordinary skill in the art, or at least encompassing a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term.

Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “may not” or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot be included as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner, use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited in the claimed subject matter.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, ordinal indicators—such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof such as “including,” “containing” and “having”) encompasses all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combination with un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” in lieu of or as an amendment for “comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” As such, embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguously described, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for,” but use of the term “for” in any other context is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application, in either this application or in a continuing application.

It should be understood that any methods disclosed herein, along with the order in which the respective elements of any such method are performed, are purely exemplary. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents are based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.