Firearm targets with reinforcing features for enhanced durability and associated methods of use and manufacture

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to target assemblies and targets with reinforcing features for improved durability. One example of such a target can include a target portion that is configured to be struck by a projectile, and a connector portion configured to movably couple the target portion to a support structure. The target also includes a neck portion extending between the target portion and the connector portion, and a reinforcing portion proximate to the neck portion. The reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is at least partially deformed to reinforce or otherwise strengthen the neck portion.

1 . A target configured to move relative to a support structure when the target is struck by a projectile, the target comprising:
 a target portion configured to be struck by a projectile;   a connector portion configured to movably couple the target portion to a support structure;   a neck portion extending between the target portion and the connector portion; and   a reinforcing portion proximate to the neck portion, wherein the reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is at least partially deformed.   
     
     
         2 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the neck portion includes a front side opposite a back side, and wherein the reinforcing portion further comprises an integral extension of the connector portion that is at least partially deformed to be positioned proximate to the back side of the neck portion. 
     
     
         3 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the neck portion has a first thickness and wherein the neck portion and the reinforcing portion have a combined second thickness that is approximately double the first thickness. 
     
     
         4 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a first reinforcing portion extending laterally from the neck portion in a first direction and a second reinforcing portion extending laterally from the neck portion in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein each of the first and second reinforcing portions is deformed inwardly towards a central portion of the neck portion. 
     
     
         5 . The target of  claim 4  wherein the reinforcing portion further comprises a third reinforcing portion comprising an extension of the connector portion that is positioned proximate to the neck portion, and wherein the first and second reinforcing portions at least partially surround the third reinforcing portion. 
     
     
         6 . The target of  claim 5  wherein the neck portion has a first thickness and wherein the neck portion and the first, second, and third reinforcing portions have a combined second thickness that is approximately triple the first thickness. 
     
     
         7 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a protrusion extending away from the neck portion, wherein the protrusion is an at least partially deformed and integral portion of the neck portion. 
     
     
         8 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing portion is integral with the neck portion and includes a first reinforcing portion extending at an inclined angle away from a second reinforcing portion. 
     
     
         9 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the target portion extends at an inclined angle away from the neck portion. 
     
     
         10 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the target portion includes a first target region and a second target region, and wherein the first target region extends at an inclined angle away from the second target region. 
     
     
         11 . The target of  claim 1 , further comprising an energy absorbing portion positioned between the neck portion and the reinforcing portion, wherein the energy absorbing portion is made from an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         12 . The target of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing portion is a work hardened portion of the target that is configured to at least partially strengthen the neck portion of the target. 
     
     
         13 . A target configured to be coupled to a frame, the target comprising:
 a target portion;   a neck portion extending from the target portion;   a connecting portion extending from the neck portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to a frame; and   a reinforcing portion configured to strengthen the neck portion and at least partially resist deformation of the neck portion.   
     
     
         14 . The target of  claim 13  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is deformed and positioned adjacent to the neck portion. 
     
     
         15 . The target of  claim 13  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a deformed peripheral edge portion extending partially around at least one of the target portion and the neck portion. 
     
     
         16 . The target of  claim 13  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a welded bead extending along a section of the neck portion. 
     
     
         17 . The target of  claim 13  wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a rod separate from the neck portion and positioned adjacent to the neck portion. 
     
     
         18 . A target assembly comprising:
 a support structure; and   a target movably coupled to the support structure, the target comprising—   a target portion configured to be struck by a projectile;
 a neck portion extending from the target portion; 
 a connecting portion extending from the neck portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be movably coupled to the support structure; and 
 means for resisting deformation of the neck portion when the target is struck by the projectile. 
   
     
     
         19 . The target of  claim 18  wherein the means for resisting deformation comprises an integral extension of at least one of the connecting portion and the neck portion, and wherein the integral extension is positioned proximate to the neck portion. 
     
     
         20 . The target of  claim 18  wherein the means for resisting deformation comprises a deformed portion of the target that is positioned adjacent to the neck portion.