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[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of sport-shooting targets. In particular, the present invention is concerned with a frangible, biodegradable and non-toxic shooting target having a body and an internal cavity containing a flowable colorant that expands and spreads upon breakage of the body by a projectile.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventional target practice with firearms involves the use of stationary paper targets or skeet, also known as clay pigeons. Because paper targets are generally uninteresting, many sport-shooters substitute other objects such as beverage cans, bottles or other breakable targets. The destruction of these objects when used for target practice is not only dangerous to the shooter because of the risk of flying debris, but the debris is also detrimental to the environment as well as the wildlife that inhabits the particular area.
[0005] Skeet is typically mechanically thrown into the air to allow shooters to aim at the skeet and to provide a more realistic practice environment for hunting birds and the like. Once hit, the skeet will shatter and the remains will scatter throughout the surrounding environment. Skeet is typically formed of asphalt pitch which is a toxic and non-biodegradable material and therefore harmful to the environment. Accordingly, a biodegradable stationary or skeet-like target that will not harm the environment and is relatively easy to manufacture is needed.
[0006] There is also a need in the sport of skeet-shooting for a target that provides visual confirmation when hit during both shooting practice and competition and is particularly beneficial to home viewers during televised competitions.
[0007] The present invention solves the prior art problems discussed above and provides a distinct advance in the state of the art. In particular, the advanced target system hereof provides a frangible, biodegradable and non-toxic target that is easily manufactured and provides visual confirmation when hit by a projectile.
[0008] A first preferred embodiment of the biodegradable target of the present invention includes a body (typically spherical) defining an internal cavity and containing a quantity of a spreadable display material that expands when the body of the target breaks upon impact with a projectile such as a bullet. The preferred target also includes a mounting portion configured to receive a support member, such as a rod or hanger, for stationary positioning of the target. More particularly, the preferred target body is composed of respective quantities of sugar, water and corn syrup.
[0009] A second preferred embodiment of the biodegradable target of the present invention includes a generally disc-shaped target body including a sidewall and a bottom wall. The sidewall and bottom wall cooperatively define an internal cavity containing a quantity of display material that expands upon breakage of the target by a projectile. The preferred target is made from a sugar composition. A method of making the target of the present invention is also provided.
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016] Referring to
[0017] Target
[0018] The preferred target
[0019] In use, a shooter inserts support member
[0020] Referring now to
[0021] Skeet
[0022] In use, skeet
[0023] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention described herein. For instance, many different target shapes may be used. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific and preferred embodiments illustrated and described herein. Rather, it is intended that the scope of the invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.