Moving target system

Abstract

A novel, moving target system for the improved practice of hunting and improved shooting skills. The target may be comprised of one or more knockdown target sections moving along a track assembly on a carriage and may be preprogrammed to simulate random, realistic behaviors including running, walking, or grazing to simulate hunting game. The target may be programmed to adjust its speed randomly or in reaction to a gunshot or strike on the target or may be programmed to pause or randomly reverse direction, approximating the random behavior observed in hunting targets. The knockdown sections will react to a strike with preprogrammed behavior as described above, giving immediate feedback to the shooter.

1 . A moving target system comprising: 
 A track assembly, said track assembly including at least two track segments, at least one joint connector, two end caps, and at least one reset bar;    A target, said target including at least two sections capable of being knocked down independent of each other or together;    A carriage secured to said target in an upright position, said carriage always remaining in an upright position and secured to said target even when said target is in the knock down position;    
   
   
       2 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1  and further comprising a means to program said target with various behavioral responses.  
   
   
       3 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1  and further comprising a means to program said target with random activity profiles.  
   
   
       4 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1  and further comprising optional landscape terrain.  
   
   
       5 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said track segments include a front wall that extends out and is angled forward at a 35-degree to 70-degree angle with the ground to create a protective shield.  
   
   
       6 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said track comprises an ammunition catch.  
   
   
       5 . A moving target-system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said carriage has a broom, brush, or equivalent device on one or both ends of said carriage.  
   
   
       7 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is made of steel.  
   
   
       8 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is made of plastic.  
   
   
       9 . A moving target system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target further comprises a switch to reset said target from a knockdown position.  
   
   
       10 . A moving target as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is in the shape of various animals.  
   
   
       11 . A moving target as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is in the shape of a human figure.  
   
   
       12 . A moving target as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is in the shape of a building or other structure.  
   
   
       13 . A moving target as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target is in the shape of a vehicle.  
   
   
       14 . A moving target as described in  claim 1 , wherein said target has a first head section situated at one end of the target and a second head section situated at a distal end of said target, said first head section deploying to a visible state so as to visually reflect an animal target moving in a forward direction and said first head section thereafter retracting so as to be rendered substantially non-visible contemporaneously with said second head section deploying to a visible state when the target moves in an opposite direction.  
   
   
       15 . A target comprising; 
 At least two sections capable of being knocked down independent of each other or together;    A carriage secured to said target, said carriage always remaining in an upright position and connected to said target even when said target is in the knock down position;    
   
   
       16 . A target as described in  claim 15  and further comprising a means to program said target with various behavioral responses.  
   
   
       17 . A target as described in  claim 15  and further comprising a means to program said target with random activity profiles.  
   
   
       18 . A moving target system as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is made of steel.  
   
   
       19 . A moving target system as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is made of plastic.  
   
   
       20 . A moving target system as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target further comprises a switch to reset target from a knockdown position.  
   
   
       21 . A moving target as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is in the shape of various animals.  
   
   
       22 . A moving target as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is in the shape of a human figure.  
   
   
       23 . A moving target as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is in the shape of a building or other structure.  
   
   
       24 . A moving target as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target is in the shape of a vehicle.  
   
   
       25 . A moving target as described in  claim 15 , wherein said target has a first head section situated at one end of the target and a second head section situated at a distal end of said target, said first head section deploying to a visible state while said second head section is rendered substantially non-visible so as to visually reflect an animal target moving in a forward direction and said first head section thereafter retracting so as to be rendered substantially non-visible contemporaneously with said second head section deploying to a visible state when the target moves in an opposite direction.  
   
   
       26 . A joint assembly comprising: 
 A joint connector, said joint connector having at least one raised tab extending the width of the joint connector for securing a first track segment between the bottom of the tab and the base of the joint connector and for securing a second track segment adjacent to said first track segment between the bottom of the tab and the base of the joint connector;    An arm with a slot on each side for securing the first track segment and second track segment.