The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 12, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 15, 1994
John Pontus, Rock Hill, SC (US);
Stephen H Young, Huntsville, AL (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
A backstop of the 'venetian blind' type and contains a set of angled louvers to deflect projectiles safely. The present invention provides a system of modules whereby a backstop may be constructed across a wall of any width. The backstop modules themselves are made in a number of standardized widths, most preferably about 36 inches (0.91 m), 48 inches (1.22 m), and 60 inches (1.52 m) wide. Using various sets of these modules, any width can be filled in to the nearest foot, i.e., a maximum gap of about six inches remains between the end modules and an adjacent wall surface. These remaining gaps are preferably filled in using a sliding, angled wall plate that accommodates gaps between about zero and six inches. The visible flat edges of plates that form the sides of adjacent modules and the plate against the floor are ricochet hazards, and thus are also preferably provided with angled deflectors. The present invention also discloses an improved angle clip that has a slot that is closed at both ends, an improvement over the open slot clip used in the prior art. Methods of erecting backstops are also provided.