Target stand

Abstract

A target stand includes a first base member, a second base member spaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together. The first base member, the second base member, and the brace member are physically discrete and easily separable components. The target stand is lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble and transport.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A target stand comprising:
 a first base member;   a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and   a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;   wherein each one of the first base member, the second base member, and the brace member is a physically discrete and easily separable component; and   wherein the first base member and the second base member are identical or substantially identical and capable of being nested together when separated from the brace member.   
     
     
         2 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, and wherein the vertical surface and the horizontal surface from the first base member overlap the vertical surface and the horizontal surface from the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together. 
     
     
         3 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein a first side of the first base member corresponds in shape and fits closely together with a second side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together. 
     
     
         4 . The target stand of  claim 3  wherein the first base member includes a second side and the second base member includes a first side, and wherein the first side of the first base member is identical or substantially identical to the first side of the second base member and the second side of the first base member is identical or substantially identical to the second side of the second base member. 
     
     
         5 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member includes a first side and a second side and the second base member includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side of the first base member faces the first side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are coupled together with the brace member and the first side of the first base member faces the second side of the second base member when the first base member and the second base member are nested together. 
     
     
         6 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member and the second base member have the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends. 
     
     
         7 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a lower flat horizontal section, a flat vertical section that extends upward from the lower flat horizontal section, and an upper flat horizontal section that extends outward from the top of the flat vertical section. 
     
     
         8 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire, wherein the leading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick. 
     
     
         9 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the brace member includes tabs that extend through corresponding holes in the first base member and the second base member. 
     
     
         10 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first base member and the second base member are made of aluminum. 
     
     
         11 . The target stand of  claim 1  comprising at least two vertically spaced apart and vertically aligned openings configured to receive and support a target support post. 
     
     
         12 . The target stand of  claim 1  wherein the first brace member and the second brace member each include an upper opening configured to receive a target support post, and wherein the brace member forms at least part of a lower opening that is vertically aligned with each upper opening so that each set of upper and lower openings is configured to receive and support a target support post. 
     
     
         13 . A target stand comprising:
 a first base member;   a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and   a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;   wherein the first base member has the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends.   
     
     
         14 . The target stand of  claim 13  wherein the second base member has the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends. 
     
     
         15 . The target stand of  claim 13  wherein the first base member and the second base member are capable of being nested together when separated from the brace member. 
     
     
         16 . The target stand of  claim 13  wherein the first base member includes a flat vertical section and two flat horizontal sections. 
     
     
         17 . The target stand of  claim 13  wherein the first base member and the second base member each include a lower flat horizontal section, a flat vertical section that extends upward from the lower flat horizontal section, and an upper flat horizontal section that extends outward from the top of the flat vertical section. 
     
     
         18 . A target stand comprising:
 a first base member including a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire;   a second base member spaced apart from the first base member; and   a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together;   wherein the leading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick.   
     
     
         19 . The target stand of  claim 18  wherein the second base member includes a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire and is no more than 0.5 inches thick. 
     
     
         20 . The target stand of  claim 18  comprising a target supported in an upright position by the target stand, the target including a face, wherein the leading edge faces the same direction as the face of the target.