Sports target device featuring elastic return mechanism

Abstract

A target assembly that is configured to withstand high-velocity impact from a projectile. These configurations may comprise elastic members, or “bungee” cords, that generate elastic forces to return the target assembly to its orientation prior to impact. The bungee cords are less likely to undergo inelastic deformation; so these components afford the target assembly with longer life or longevity under heavy duty cycles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A target assembly, comprising:
 an impact body;   a tension unit that couples with the impact body to create a tension pre-load; and   a protective unit that increases tension in the tension unit in response to movement of the impact body.   
     
     
         2 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member,   wherein the impact body couples to the tubular member and can move independent of the tubular member.   
     
     
         3 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member,   wherein the impact body rotatably couples to the tubular member.   
     
     
         4 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member,   wherein the tension unit wraps around the tubular member.   
     
     
         5 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member; and   a hinge that connects the impact body to the tube.   
     
     
         6 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member; and   a hinge that connects the impact body to the tubular member,   wherein the protective unit is in position to prevent impact of a projectile on the hinge.   
     
     
         7 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member; and   a sensor for indicating movement of the impact body.   
     
     
         8 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular member; and   a sensor comprising a first part disposed on the tubular member and a second part disposed on the impact body,   wherein the first part and the second part indicate movement of the impact body.   
     
     
         9 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tension unit comprises material that deforms elastically. 
     
     
         10 . The target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tension unit comprises material that returns substantially to its original length following movement of the impact body. 
     
     
         11 . A target, comprising:
 a tube;   a flat panel rotatably coupled to the tube;   an elastic member attached to the flat panel and the tube to create a pre-load; and   a protective unit disposed to increase tension in the elastic member in response to movement of the flat panel relative to the tube.   
     
     
         12 . The target of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a hinge coupling the flat panel to the tube.   
     
     
         13 . The target of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a hinge coupling the flat panel to the tube,   wherein the protective unit is in position to prevent impact of a projectile on the hinge.   
     
     
         14 . The target of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a sensor indicating movement of the flat panel relative to the tube.   
     
     
         14 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic member comprises bungee cord. 
     
     
         15 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic member extends through the flat panel. 
     
     
         16 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic member wraps around the tube. 
     
     
         17 . The target of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic member returns the target to its initial position following impact from a projectile. 
     
     
         18 . A kit, comprising:
 a flat panel,   an elastic member; and   a protective unit,   wherein the flat panel is configured to rotatably attach to a tube, the elastic member is configured to wrap around the tube to create a pre-load, and the protective unit is configured to increase tension in the elastic member in response to movement of the flat panel relative to the tube.   
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 18 , wherein the protective unit comprises a rigid strip. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 18 , wherein the protective unit comprises a metal strip that attaches to the flat panel.