Combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy

Details Combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy Combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy

2001-04-10

2003-04-22

Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)

Amusement devices: games

Aerial projectile game; game element or accessory therefor...

Target

C043S002000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06550773

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to archery targets and animal decoys and, more particularly, to a combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy, which can be used either as an archery target or as an animal decoy.
The general concept of a three-dimensional archery target having the shape of various animals for use in archery target practice is generally well known. Shooting arrows at life-sized three-dimensional animal shaped targets is a method commonly used by bow hunters to simulate actual hunting situations. Three-dimensional archery targets approximate the size and physical shape of a corresponding live animal, thereby simulating shooting at a live animal.
It is also well known to have a multi-section three-dimensional archery target in the lifelike shape of various animals having a replaceable target section. U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,082 discloses such a multi-section three-dimensional archery target and is hereby incorporated by reference. The replaceable target section generally approximates the location where a surface arrow puncture is likely to puncture the heart or lungs of the animal. The replaceable target section comprises the primary aiming point for a target archer and may be destroyed relatively quickly due to the concentration of arrow puncture and withdraw cycles in this area coupled with the aggressive arrow heads frequently used for animal hunting target practice. In contrast, non-target sections of the multi-dimensional archery target are damaged less frequently because the target shooter is generally aiming at and generally strikes the replaceable target section. Various methods and materials are used to manufacture the replaceable target section of a multi-section three-dimensional archery target while the non-target sections are generally manufactured by molding various foam materials.
If the three-dimensional archery target were constructed as a unitary assembly the entire target would have to be replaced when any section became excessively damaged to a condition where it was unusable. Typically, the target section comprising an area on the surface of the three-dimensional target where an arrow puncture will likely puncture the heart and lungs of the animal will become excessively damaged to a condition where it is unusable in such a unitary assembly. Replacement of an entire target would require an unnecessary expense to the target shooter. Using a replaceable target section with the three-dimensional archery target generally eliminates the need to replace an entire three-dimensional archery target when the target section becomes excessively damaged. An excessively damaged replaceable target section can be removed and replaced with a new replaceable target section while preserving the sections of the three-dimensional archery target which are not part of the replaceable target section and are typically not excessively damaged. Considerable expense to the target shooter is often avoided by replacing the target section of the three-dimensional archery target instead of replacing the unitarily assembled three-dimensional archery target.
In addition, animal decoys comprising various animal shapes are generally well known. Three-dimensional animal decoys generally simulate the size and shape of the animal having approximately anatomically accurate surface features. It is the goal of a three-dimensional animal decoy to attract animals. Animals are attracted to an animal decoy through natural curiosity, hunting instincts, a general social disposition and species-specific mating patterns. Specifically, deer may be attracted to a three-dimensional deer decoy due to seasonal rut patterns. The three-dimensional animal decoy is generally transported to an area where animals are likely found and is set up in that area to attract animals.
For several reasons, prior art three-dimensional archery targets are not appropriate for use as three-dimensional animal decoys. First, a three-dimensional archery target is generally constructed of a material that is heavier than the material typically used for construction of a three-dimensional animal decoy. It is preferred that the target section of a three-dimensional archery target be highly durable and, therefore, generally heavier than a comparable decoy material to enable it to withstand numerous puncture and withdraw cycles from arrows during target practice. The increased weight of the target section makes transportation of the three-dimensional archery target more difficult than transportation of a typically lighter three-dimensional animal decoy. Second, use of the three-dimensional archery target generally creates puncture marks and blemishes in the surface of the three-dimensional archery target from arrow puncture and withdraws. The presence of puncture and blemish marks on the surface of a three-dimensional archery target diminishes the lifelike appearance of the three-dimensional archery target which is desirable in a three-dimensional animal decoy. Third, it is desirable to limit the use of the target section of a three-dimensional archery target to use as an archery target. The target section of a three-dimensional archery target is generally more expensive than its decoy counterpart. Therefore, use of the target section as part of a three-dimensional animal decoy increases the opportunity for damage to occur to the relatively expensive target section during transport to or set-up in a decoy environment. Finally, three-dimensional archery targets are generally not designed to retain their ornamental surface appearance when subjected to a typical animal decoy environment. The three-dimensional animal archery target may become worn when subjected to typical decoy conditions such as direct sunlight, wind and rain.
In addition, a three-dimensional animal decoy is not appropriate for use as a three-dimensional animal archery target for several reasons. First, a three-dimensional animal decoy is not constructed of a material that is typically resilient enough to withstand numerous arrow puncture and withdraw cycles. A three-dimensional decoy is generally constructed of a material that is lightweight and easily portable by a user. The typical lightweight materials used in the construction of a three-dimensional animal decoy are quickly destroyed when struck by numerous arrows. Additionally, typical three-dimensional animal decoys are not secured to the ground such that they are able to withstand the force of an arrow striking or being withdrawn from the three-dimensional animal decoy without falling over. That is, a three-dimensional animal decoy will likely fall over when struck by the impact of a target arrow or will overturn when a target arrow is removed from its surface.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a combination three-dimensional archery target and animal decoy. The combination includes a first body segment having a shape which simulates a front portion of an animal and a second body segment having a shape which simulates a rear portion of an animal. A replaceable target middle body section is matingly and detachably connected between the first and second body segments when the combination archery target and animal decoy is to be used as an archery target. The target middle body section has a shape which simulates a physiological target area of the animal and is constructed of a material that is self-healing and sufficiently resilient to enable the target portion to withstand the impact of numerous arrow puncture and withdraw cycles. A replaceable ornamental middle body section is matingly and detachably connected between the first and second body segments when the combination archery target and animal decoy is to be used as an animal decoy. The ornamental middle body section has a shape which simulates the physiological target area of the animal and is constructed of a life-like material that when attached to the first and second body segments, the combination archery target and animal decoy can be used as a decoy. The

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