Collapsible Bag Target

Abstract

A bag target and a method of manufacturing the bag target configured to substantively decrease in size for storage, shipment and/or display. The bag target is further configured to absorb and dissipate essentially all of the kinetic energy of a high energy projectile such as an arrow or a crossbow bolt.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a bag target, the method comprising:
 providing a filler;   providing a filler bag;   filling the filler bag with the filler;   sealing the filler bag with the filler disposed therewithin;   providing an impermeable bag;   placing the sealed filler bag inside the impermeable bag;   evacuating at least some air from the filler, the filler bag, and the impermeable bag; and   hermetically sealing the impermeable bag with the filler bag disposed therewithin.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein evacuating at least some air comprises creating at least a partial vacuum within the impermeable bag. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein evacuating at least some air comprises compressing the filler, the filler bag, and the impermeable bag. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the step of compressing comprises pressing in a press. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the step of compressing comprises rolling. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein evacuating at least some air comprises:
 decreasing an amount of space occupied by the filler within the filler bag; and   decreasing an amount of space occupied by the filler bag within the impermeable bag.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , comprising:
 unsealing the impermeable bag;   permitting air to enter the filler bag and the filler therewithin; and   restoring the filler bag to approximately its original size.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising agitating the filler bag to increase a rate at which air returns to the filler. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein
 the filler bag is made of a breathable material; and   at least the outer layer of the filler bag is made of a compliant material.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein
 the bag target is defined at least in part by the sealed filler bag having the filler disposed therewithin; and   the filler and the filler bag dissipate essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the bag target.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filler comprises a material exhibiting a substantial reduction in volume when air is removed therefrom. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the filler is one or more of a compressible material, a high air content compressible material, a low density foam, and vinyl coated fiberglass strands. 
     
     
         13 . A method of manufacturing a bag target, the method comprising:
 providing a filler;   providing an impermeable bag;   filling the impermeable bag with the filler;   evacuating at least some air from the filler and from the impermeable bag; and   hermetically sealing the impermeable bag with the filler disposed therewithin.   
     
     
         14 . A bag target, comprising a sealed filler bag comprising a filler disposed therewithin, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the filler bag. 
     
     
         15 . The bag target of  claim 14 , wherein evacuating at least some air from the filler substantively decreases a space occupied by the filler. 
     
     
         16 . The bag target of  claim 15 , wherein the filler is one or more of a compressible material, a high air content compressible material, a low density foam, and vinyl coated fiberglass strands. 
     
     
         17 . The bag target of  claim 14 , wherein evacuating at least some air from the filler bag substantively decreases a space occupied by the bag target. 
     
     
         18 . The bag target of  claim 17 , wherein the bag target is restored to approximately its original size when air is permitted to enter the filler bag. 
     
     
         19 . The bag target of  claim 14 , comprising an impermeable bag, wherein the impermeable bag is hermetically sealed after substantively decreasing a space occupied by the filler bag. 
     
     
         20 . The bag target of  claim 14 , wherein
 the filler bag is made of a breathable material; and   at least the outer layer of the filler bag is made of a compliant material.   
     
     
         21 . A bag target, comprising a hermetically sealed impermeable bag comprising a filler disposed therewithin, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the hermetically sealed impermeable bag.