Target, system and method for marksmanship training

Abstract

A target and system for marksmanship training includes a frame and a plurality of plates suspendable from the frame. Each plate is structured to correspond to a respective part of a body or to an accessory. Attachments are used to mount the plates to the frame at a predetermined forward tilting position to form the target, wherein a projectile strike on a selected plate is detectable through visual and auditory feedback comprising one or more of displacement of the plate from the forward tilting position to a rearward reactive position, removal of coating on the plate from a point of impact, and emission of audible feedback. A method for aiding in marksmanship training uses the target.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A target for marksmanship training comprises a frame, a plurality of plates suspendable from the frame, each plate being structured to correspond to a respective part of a body or to an accessory, and attachment means for mounting the plates to the frame at a predetermined forward tilting position to form the target, wherein a projectile strike on a selected plate is detectable through visual and auditory feedback comprising one or more of displacement of the plate from the forward tilting position to a rearward reactive position, removal of coating on the plate from a point of impact, and emission of audible feedback. 
     
     
         2 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a base portion and an upwardly standing portion, the base portion supporting the upwardly standing portion, and the upwardly standing portion being configured to receive and accommodate the attachment means for mounting the plates to the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The target of  claim 2 , wherein the attachment means comprises a hook and loop system, the system comprising a hook member engageable within a pivoting loop positioned on a back surface of the plate, and insertable into one or more of an arm, a connector, or a tubing attached to the plate. 
     
     
         4 . The target of  claim 3 , wherein the hook member comprises a stem and a crook, the stem being configured to telescope into the arm, connector, or tubing with the crook facing upwardly. 
     
     
         5 . The target of  claim 4 , wherein the loop is inclined upwardly at an angle less than about 90 degrees relative to the plate. 
     
     
         6 . The target of  claim 3 , wherein the plates are mounted at a forward tilt angle relative to a vertical plane at an angle ranging from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The target of  claim 6 , wherein the plates are mounted at a forward tilt angle relative to a vertical plane at an angle of about 15 degrees. 
     
     
         8 . The target of  claim 6 , wherein the upwardly standing portion is angled relative to the base portion at an angle ranging from about 70 degrees to about 85 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The target of  claim 8 , wherein the base portion comprises a pair of outwardly extending legs. 
     
     
         10 . The target of  claim 9 , wherein the upwardly standing portion comprises a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being substantially rectangular-shaped and comprising an upwardly projecting neck, a top portion, parallel opposed elongate side portions, a bottom portion, and one or more arms, and the second frame member comprising an elongate member, one or more arms, and a cross-bar member. 
     
     
         11 . The target of  claim 10 , wherein the body comprises one or more of a head plate, a torso plate, a left arm plate, a right arm plate, a left upper leg plate, a left lower leg plate, a right upper leg plate, and a right lower leg plate. 
     
     
         12 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the torso plate defines a window through which the attachment means extends to position an accessory plate in front of the torso plate. 
     
     
         13 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the torso plate comprises a pair of brackets on a back surface for receiving each of the left and right arm plates. 
     
     
         14 . The target of  claim 10 , wherein the cross-bar member includes a side arm positioned and projecting upwardly at an angle relative to the elongate member, wherein a rod and an arm are attached within the side arm to extend upwardly for mounting an accessory plate. 
     
     
         15 . The target of  claim 9 , wherein the upwardly standing portion comprises a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member comprising an elongate side portion, a bottom portion, and one or more arms, and the second frame member comprising an elongate member and one or more arms. 
     
     
         16 . The target of  claim 15 , wherein the body comprises one or more of a side head plate, a side torso plate, a side right arm plate, a side right upper leg plate, a side right lower leg plate, a side left upper leg plate, and a side left lower leg plate. 
     
     
         17 . The target of  claim 16 , wherein the side torso plate defines a notch which allows the attachment means to pass therethrough so as to mount the side right arm plate in front of the side torso plate. 
     
     
         18 . The target of  claim 9 , wherein the upwardly standing portion comprises an elongate member and an arm. 
     
     
         19 . The target of  claim 18 , wherein the body comprises a plate configured in the form of an animal. 
     
     
         20 . The target of  claim 19 , wherein the plate defines at least one opening and has at least one shooting plate overlying the opening, the shooting plate being moveable from a closed position overlying the opening to an open position uncovering the opening when struck by a projectile. 
     
     
         21 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is formed of tube steel. 
     
     
         22 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory plate comprises a plate configured in the form of a weapon, a human head, or an arm and hand holding a weapon. 
     
     
         23 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the plates are formed of abrasion resistant steel. 
     
     
         24 . The target of  claim 23 , wherein the plates are provided with a coating, the coating being removable in response to a projectile strike. 
     
     
         25 . A system for marksmanship training using the target of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         26 . A method for marksmanship training using the target of the present invention comprising the steps of:
 a) assembling a pre-fabricated frame for suspending a plurality of pre-fabricated plates, each of the plates being structured to correspond to a respective part of a body or to an accessory;   b) mounting the plates to the frame at a predetermined forward tilting position;   c) firing at a selected plate; and   d) detecting a projectile strike on the selected plate through visual and auditory feedback comprising one or more of displacement of the plate from the forward tilting position to a rearward reactive position, removal of coating on the plate from a point of impact, and emission of audible feedback.