Reactive Target for Firearms Training

Abstract

A reactive target for firearms training is provided. The reactive target comprises: a body; an impact sensor configured to detect an impact on a target region of the body; an electromagnetic coupling arranged to support the body of the reactive target; and a controller configured to deactivate the electromagnetic coupling in response to the impact sensor detecting the impact for releasing the body of the reactive target to fall.

1 . A reactive target for firearms training, the reactive target comprising:
 a body;   an impact sensor configured to detect an impact on a target region of the body; and   an electromagnetic coupling arranged to support the body of the reactive target; and   a controller configured to deactivate the electromagnetic coupling in response to the impact sensor detecting the impact for releasing the body of the reactive target to fall vertically under gravity.   
     
     
         2 . The reactive target of  claim 1  wherein the electromagnetic coupling is arranged to selectively attach the body to a support structure. 
     
     
         3 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic coupling is arranged to support the body of the reactive target as its sole support. 
     
     
         4 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the body of the reactive target is a mannequin comprising a torso. 
     
     
         5 . The reactive target of  claim 4 , wherein the target region is the torso of the mannequin. 
     
     
         6 . The reactive target of  claim 4 , wherein the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet and a magnetic section, the electromagnet attached to a head or the torso of the mannequin, or the magnetic section attached to the head or the torso of the mannequin. 
     
     
         7 . The reactive target of  claim 4 , wherein the mannequin further comprises one or more limbs flexibly attached to the torso. 
     
     
         8 . The reactive target of  claim 7 , wherein the impact sensor is for selectively detecting an impact on the one or more limbs in addition to the target region. 
     
     
         9 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the impact sensor is a vibration sensor or a tilt sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to reactivate the electromagnetic coupling. 
     
     
         11 . The reactive target of  claim 10 , wherein the controller is configured to reactivate the electromagnetic coupling after a predetermined delay period. 
     
     
         12 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to deactivate the electromagnetic coupling in response to an impact on a target region with an impact force greater than a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         13 . The reactive target of  claim 12 , wherein the predetermined threshold is adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The reactive target of  claim 12 , wherein the predetermined threshold is selected for a type of projectile or percussion device, preferably for simunition or live ammunition. 
     
     
         15 . The reactive target of  claim 12 , when dependent on  claim 5 or 6 , wherein the predetermined threshold is selected such that an impact on the one or more limbs can be greater than the predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         16 . The reactive target of  claim 1 , wherein the impact is an impact of a projectile or percussion device. 
     
     
         17 . A kit comprising the reactive target of  claim 1 , and a support structure, wherein:
 the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet and a magnetic section, and:
 the electromagnet is on the support structure and the magnetic section is on the reactive target; or 
 the magnetic section is on the support structure and the electromagnet is on the body of the reactive target. 
   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the support structure is a stand, frame or wall. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the electromagnetic coupling is a sole support attaching the body to the support structure. 
     
     
         20 . A method of firearms training, comprising:
 providing a reactive target according to  claim 1 ;   supporting the body of the reactive target using the electromagnetic coupling;   impacting the target region of the body of the reactive target and sensing the impact with the impact sensor; and   deactivating the electromagnetic coupling with the controller in response to the sensed impact to release the body of the reactive target to fall vertically under gravity.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein supporting the body comprises selectively attaching the body to a support structure. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the body of the reactive target is solely supported using the electromagnetic coupling. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 reactivating the electromagnetic coupling with the controller; and   re-supporting the body of the reactive target using the electromagnetic coupling.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the electromagnetic coupling is reactivated after a predetermined delay period. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the method comprises comparing with the controller an impact force of the impact and deactivating the electromagnetic coupling if the impact force is greater than a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising: selecting the predetermined threshold based on a type of projectile or percussion device used for the method of firearms training, preferably for simunition or live ammunition. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the body of the reactive target is a mannequin comprising a torso. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the target region of the body of the reactive target is impacted with a projectile or percussion device.