Method and apparatus for suspending a ballistic target

Abstract

A method and system for suspending a target above a surface that provides for supporting a support member above the surface. A hanger is used to suspend a target from the support member. When the target is hanging from the support member, it is induced into an angle so that its top portion is closer to a shooter. When the target is struck by an incoming projectile, it is allowed to pivot downward from its initial position and the target is also restrained from rotating about the axis of suspension.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for suspending a target comprising:
 maintain a horizontal support member above a surface;   supporting a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle where a top side of the target is closer to the source of an incoming projectile;   allowing the target to deflect from an initial position when struck by a projectile; and   substantially constraining the target from rotating about the axis of suspension.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein suspending a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle comprises:
 applying a torque component to at least one end of at least one hanger suspended from the horizontal support member. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein suspending a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle comprises:
 applying a torque component about pivot point of hanger suspended from the horizontal support member, said torque component is substantially derived from the weight of the target. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein suspending a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle comprises:
 attaching a target to a hanger suspended from the horizontal support member, said attachment disposed at a point on the target that is below the center-of-gravity of the target. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein suspending a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle comprises:
 attaching a target to a hanger suspended from the horizontal support member, said attachment being accomplished at a point substantially at the end of the hanger that is offset forward from the hanger's suspension point toward the direction of an incoming projectile. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein suspending a target from the horizontal support member at a declining angle comprises:
 attaching a target to a hanger suspended from the horizontal support member, said attachment disposed at a point on the target that is below the center-of-gravity of the target and offset forward a from the hanger's suspension point toward the direction of an incoming projectile. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein constraining the target from rotating about an axis of suspension comprises:
 rigidly attaching the target to a first hanger suspended from the horizontal support member at a first peripheral position on the target; and 
 rigidly attaching the target to a second hanger suspended from the horizontal support member at a second peripheral position on the target. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein constraining the target from rotating about an axis of suspension comprises:
 providing a front-facing attachment surface at a bottom end a first hanger suspended from the horizontal support member; 
 positioning the front-facing attachment surface against a rear surface of the target; 
 applying a force to a front surface of a target and a substantially opposite force to a rear surface of the front-facing attachment surface. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein constraining the target from rotating about an axis of suspension comprises:
 providing an orifice in the target, said orifice disposed below the center of gravity of said target; 
 applying a force to a front surface of a target and a substantially opposite force to a rear surface of the target, said forces applied proximate to the orifice; and 
 substantially restraining the forces from rotating about a substantially vertical axis. 
 
     
     
         10 . A system for suspending a ballistic target comprising:
 horizontal support member comprising:
 plurality of leg bracket receptacles; 
 horizontal bar for supporting a hanger; 
   plurality of leg brackets, each comprising:
 vertical tab structured to couple with the leg bracket receptacle included in the horizontal support member; and 
 two leg tabs disposed downward and set off at an angle to form an “A”; and 
   target hanger comprising:
 target attachment flange disposed at a bottom end of the hanger, said target attachment flange including a plane facing toward a shooter; 
 target attachment orifice disposed in the target attachment surface; and 
 top support orifice disposed at a top end of the hanger and structured to pivot toward and away from a shooter when installed over the horizontal bar included in the horizontal support member. 
   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the target attachment flange at the bottom of the hanger includes an offset member that offsets the attachment flange toward the direction of an incoming projectile. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8  further comprising a target, said target having attachment orifices that are situated below its center of gravity. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8  further comprising a target, said target being attached to the bottom of the hanger at a point that is below the center of gravity of the target. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the target attachment surface at the bottom end of the hanger is offset toward the direction of an incoming projectile.