Method and apparatus for suspending a ballistic target

Abstract

A method and apparatus for presenting a target wherein a horizontal support member is supported above a surface and a target is supported from the horizontal member. From a starting position the target is allowed to deflect when struck by a projectile. By minimizing the forward looking profile of the horizontal support member, projectiles are less likely to strike it.

1 . A method for presenting a target comprising:
 maintain a horizontal support member above a surface;   supporting a target from the horizontal support member;   allowing the target to deflect from an initial position when struck by a projectile;   minimizing a profile presented toward a source of a projectile by the horizontal support member; and   constraining the target from rotating about an axis of support when struck by a projectile.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 substantially preserving the shape of the horizontal support member when struck by a projectile. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein supporting a target comprises:
 receiving a portion of target into a slot disposed in the horizontal support member; and 
 allowing the target to pop-out of the slot when struck by a projectile. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein supporting a target comprises:
 providing a first receiver in the horizontal support member; 
 providing a second receiver in the horizontal support member; 
 situating the second receiver at a distance relative to the first receiver in order to accommodate a target of a first size; 
 accepting a first hanger into the first receiver disposed in the horizontal support member; and 
 accepting a second hanger into the second receiver disposed in the horizontal support member. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein supporting a target comprises:
 providing a third receiver in the horizontal support member; 
 situating the third receiver at a distance relative to the first receiver in order to accommodate a target of a second size; 
 accepting a first hanger into the first receiver disposed in the horizontal support member; and 
 accepting a second hanger into the third receiver disposed in the horizontal support member. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein accepting a first hanger into the first receiver comprises:
 accepting a pivot-eye disposed at a first end of the hanger onto a tab protruding into the first receiver; and 
 substantially preventing the pivot-eye from disengaging from the tab when the hanger pivots about the tab. 
 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled)