Turn-swing target adapter

Abstract

A turn-swing target adapter allows increased flexibility in moving and controlling a target for use in shooting ranges and ballistic training areas. In particular, the adapter allows an operator to rotate the target, swing the target forwards and backwards, or any combination thereof. The adapter allows for convenient mounting to a separate base or to an existing target mounting system.

1 . A target adapter configured for attachment to a target stand and a bullet target, the adapter comprising: 
 a base configured for attachment to a target stand;    a target mount configured for attachment to a shooting target, wherein the target mount may be independently pivoted about a vertical axis and swung about a horizontal axis relative to the base responsive to inputs from a user.    
     
     
         2 . The target adapter of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of levers for pivoting the target mount relative to the base.  
     
     
         3 . The target adapter of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one spring to bias the target mount in a fixed position relative to the base.  
     
     
         4 . The target adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the target mount is pivotal between a first position and a second position and wherein the target mount may be swung between a first position and a second position.  
     
     
         5 . The target adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the adapter further comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into the first pivotal position.  
     
     
         6 . The target adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the adapter further comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into the first swing position.  
     
     
         7 . The target adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the adapter further comprises at least one stop for limiting the motion of the target mount relative to the base.  
     
     
         8 . The target adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the target adapter further comprises a spring for biasing the target mount into a swinging position between the first and second swing positions.  
     
     
         9 . The target adapter of  claim 7 , wherein the stop is adjustable.  
     
     
         10 . The target adapter of  claim 1  further comprising a bullet deflection plate.  
     
     
         11 . The target adapter of  claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of cables attached to the plurality of levers and configured such that pulling on the plurality of cables moves the target mount, and wherein the plurality of levers are configured such that the plurality of cables extend from the plurality of levers in a common direction.  
     
     
         12 . The target adapter of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of cables extend generally horizontally from the target adapter.  
     
     
         13 . A method of forming an actuatable target comprising: 
 selecting a target stand;    selecting a target;    selecting a target adapter, the target adapter configured for attachment to the target stand and configured for attachment to the target, and further configured to allow pivoting of the target about a vertical axis and rotation of the target about a horizontal axis;    attaching the target adapter to the target stand; and    attaching the target to the target adapter.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the target adapter further comprises a first lever configured for pivoting the target about the vertical axis and a first cable attached to the first lever, and a second lever for rotating the target about a horizontal axis and a second cable attached to the second lever, and wherein the first and second cables are substantially parallel to the ground adjacent the first and second levers.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the target stand comprises an existing shooting range target mount.  
     
     
         16 . A method of adapting a target comprising: 
 selecting a bullet target;    selecting a target stand configured for receiving a bullet target;    selecting an adapter, the adapter having a stand mount configured for attachment to the target stand and a target mount configured for attachment to the bullet target, and the adapter having a first lever configured for rotation of the target mount about a horizontal axis and a second lever configured for pivoting of the target mount about a vertical axis;    attaching the stand mount to the stand; and    attaching the target mount to the bullet target.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the method further comprises moving the first lever to thereby rotate the bullet target about a horizontal axis relative to the stand and moving the second lever to thereby pivot the bullet target about a vertical axis relative to the stand.  
     
     
         18 . A bullet target system comprising: 
 a bullet target;    a target adapter, the adapter having a first mount configured for attachment to a target stand and having a second mount configured for attachment to a bullet target, the adapter being further configured for pivoting the second mount relative to the first mount and about a vertical axis and for rotating the second mount relative to the first mount and about a horizontal axis;    a target stand, the stand having a third mount being configured for attachment to either the bullet target or the first mount of the target adapter.    
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the first mount is connected to the third mount.