Electronic target system for sports

• US 7,661,679 B2
• Filed: 11/22/2006
• Issued: 02/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ernest Wing Mah, Richard Mah
• Original Assignee: Ernest Wing Mah, Richard Mah
• Inventors: Mah, Richard, Mah, Ernest Wing
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham; Mark S
• Application Number:
  US11/562,414
• Publication Number:
  US 20070184920A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,182 Days
• Field of Search: 273398-402, 273/371, 473/446
• US Class Current: 273/371
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0683 Input by handheld remote control
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0025 Football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0033 Handball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/004 Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0026 for ice-hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0053 Apparatus generating random stimulus signals for reaction-time training involving a substantial physical effort
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/0604 Type of ball game A63F7/0672 and A63F7/0684 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 5/02 Photo-electric hit-detector systems comprising a light-emitting device for simulating the firing of a gun F41G3/2622; detecting by optical means G01V8/10
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 5/08 Infrared hit-indicating systems

Abstract

Sports shooting target assembly that electronically detects successful shots through the aperture of the target frame. One or more target assemblies are attached to a goal post or crossbar in desired practice locations. The target assemblies are electronically controlled by a central unit to form a sports shooting practice system. In one embodiment, a microcontroller is programmed to control the target assemblies and provide a number of entertaining games. Other embodiments add lights to each target assembly and a siren to provide feedback on successful shots through the target assembly'"'"'s aperture.

Claims

1. A sports shooting target assembly comprising:

a) a target frame shaped to define an aperture

b) a means of electronically detecting a projectile passing through said aperture of said target frame

c) said means of electronic detection comprising of one or more infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the target frame to fill said aperture with infrared light and one or more infrared receiver modules to detect said infrared light reflected from said projectile as it passes through said aperture

d) a means of reducing the amount of said infrared light reflected from inner surface of said target frame

e) said means of reducing the amount of said infrared light reflected from said inner surface of said target frame comprises of an infrared absorbing material applied to said inner surface.

2. The sports shooting target assembly of claim 1 further including a means of attaching said target frame to a post or crossbar.

3. The target assembly of claim 2 wherein said means of attaching said target frame comprises a saddle shape extending outward from said target frame and a releasable strap or hook-and-loop fastener to attach said saddle shape to said post or said crossbar.

4. The target assembly of claim 2 further including a plurality of colored lights mounted on a front face of said target frame.

5. A sports shooting practice system, comprising:

a) a plurality of said target assemblies of claim 4

b) a goal having a cross bar and two vertical posts

c) said target assemblies attached to said cross bar or said vertical posts in desired practice locations

d) a means of monitoring and controlling a state of said plurality of said target assemblies.

6. The sports shooting practice system of claim 5 wherein the means of monitoring and controlling said target assemblies comprises of wires connecting each said target assembly with a microcontroller chip, said microcontroller chip containing memory (ROM) and a suitable embedded program (PROM).

7. The sports shooting practice system of claim 6 further including a display unit.

8. A method of practicing sports shooting utilizing said sports shooting practice system of claim 7 with said method comprising

a) said embedded program activating said target assemblies by lighting said colored lights

b) said embedded program monitoring said activated target assemblies through said means of electronically detecting said projectile passing through said aperture of said target frame

c) providing at least one said projectile

d) shooting said at least one projectile through said aperture of one said target assembly

e) said embedded program recording and displaying a score on said display unit

f) said embedded program deactivating said color lights of said target assembly that was scored on.