Patent Grant
11885599
The present disclosure generally relates to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets, and more particularly to manually operated shooting target throwers.
Shooting target throwers throw shooting targets, often called clays or clay pigeons, into the air to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun.
In one aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A drive train is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The drive train includes a charge pedal configured to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position to the cocked position and a fire pedal configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate, under a force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A drive train is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The drive train includes a charge pedal configured to be operated by a foot of a user to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position to the cocked position and to charge the throwing spring.
In another aspect, a clay shooting target thrower for throwing a clay shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the clay shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal supported by the frame and configured to be operated by a foot of a user to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position toward the cocked position. A fire pedal is supported by the frame and is configured to be movable by the foot of the user to permit the throwing arm to rotate, under a force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A hopper is configured to be supported by the frame to store a plurality of shooting targets to be fed to the throwing arm. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets, one at a time, to the throwing arm.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction. The throwing arm includes an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction to throw the shooting target. A target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm. A throwing arm stop is arranged to engage the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface engages the side of the shooting target.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A charge pedal is movable through a charging cycle. The charge pedal is movable in a charging stroke of the charging cycle to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position. A fire mode selector is moveable between a fire position and a non-fire position to change between a fire mode in which the charge pedal is operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target and a non-fire mode in which the charge pedal is not operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A force imparted by the throwing spring to the throwing arm varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis. A ratchet is operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate in one direction about the throwing axis. The ratchet is configured to hold the throwing arm in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the shooting target. A force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the thrown position is greater than a lowest amount of force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position. The throwing arm includes an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target. A charge pedal is operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to rotate the throwing arm toward the cocked position when the charge pedal is manually actuated by a user. A hopper is configured to store the plurality of shooting targets. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time. The target feeder includes a first brush segment and a second brush segment. The first brush segment is arranged to bring the shooting target into engagement with the engagement surface of the throwing arm and the second brush segment is arranged to set a radial distance of the shooting target from the throwing axis.
In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets comprises a frame and a central shaft supported by the frame. The central shaft defines and is rotatable about a throwing axis. A throwing arm is supported by the central shaft and rotatable with the central shaft about the throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target. A hopper is configured to store the plurality of shooting targets. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time. The target feeder includes a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm and a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets. The feed foot is disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft is disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door.
Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.
Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
The present disclosure is directed to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets T (e.g., clay shooting targets), commonly referred to as clay pigeons, clay targets, or simply clays, into the air to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun. The shooting target throwers of the present disclosure are non-motorized and are configured to be operated entirely through manual input by an operator or user, such as by using foot pedals. It is understood and appreciated that aspects of the shooting target throwers of the present disclosure can be implemented in other types of target throwers (e.g., motorized target throwers, hand held target throwers, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to the figures, one embodiment of a shooting target thrower according to the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 10. As shown in
The head 14 includes a housing having a shroud or cover 20 covering and protecting internal components of the target thrower. The head 14 is mounted to the frame 12. Desirably, the head 14 is pivotably attached to the frame 12. This allows the angle (e.g., lunch angle) relative to the horizontal (e.g., a horizontal plane) the targets T are thrown by the throwing mechanism to be changed as desired by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 14 is pivotable about a head axis A1 (
The throwing mechanism includes a throwing arm 24 supported by the frame 12. Specifically, the throwing arm 24 is coupled to the head 14. The throwing arm 24 rotates 360 degrees through a range of motion or throwing cycle about a throwing or pivot axis A2. The throwing axis A2 is disposed in front of the hopper 18. The throwing mechanism also includes a throwing spring 26 operatively coupled to the throwing arm 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing spring 26 comprises a coiled tension spring, although other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Referring to
Generally, the throwing spring 26 is arranged to rotate the throwing arm 24 in the first direction D1 about the throwing axis A2 to throw the target T. In particular, the throwing spring 26 is arranged to rotate the throwing arm 24 from the cocked position toward (e.g., to) the thrown position to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower 10 includes a tensioner 28 to adjust the force or tension imparted by the throwing spring 26. The tensioner 28 is coupled to the frame 12 and includes a rotatable knob coupled to the threaded shaft. A first end of the throwing spring 26 is coupled to the shaft and an opposite second end is coupled to the throwing arm 26. The throwing arm 26 includes a spring pin 30 to which the end of the throwing spring 26 is coupled. Rotating the knob moves the shaft toward or away from the spring pin 30 to adjust the tension of the throwing spring 26. The spring pin 30 (specifically, the connection between the spring pin and the throwing spring 26) is offset or spaced apart from the throwing axis A2.
The force (e.g., spring force) imparted by the throwing spring 26 on the throwing arm 24 varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis A2 (e.g., during the throwing cycle). As the throwing arm 24 rotates through the throwing cycle, the throwing spring 26 expands and contracts as force applied to and released by the throwing spring. When the throwing arm 24 is in the cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring 26 is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum amount applied by the throwing spring 26 during the throwing cycle. In this position, a distance (e.g., a first distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 26 is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum distance between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 26 during the throwing cycle. When the throwing arm is in the non-cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring 26 is at the lowest amount applied by the throwing spring 26 during the throwing cycle. In this position, the distance (e.g., a second distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 26 is at the smallest distance during the throwing cycle. When the throwing arm 24 is in the thrown position, the force imparted by the throwing spring 26 is greater than the lowest amount applied by the throwing spring (and less than the maximum amount applied by the throwing spring). In this position, the distance (e.g., a third distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 26 is greater than the second distance (and less than the first distance). Thus, in the thrown position, the throwing arm 24 may be considered partially cocked because the throwing spring 26 is partially tensioned (relative to the non-cocked position). As a result of the throwing arm 24 coming to rest at the thrown position after throwing a target T, the target thrower 10 reduces the total amount of force required to be exerted by the operator to move the throwing arm to the cocked position to throw another target T. For instance, the operator would need to exert more force to move the throwing arm 24 from the non-cocked position to the cocked position than from the thrown position to the cocked position. By stopping the throwing arm 24 at the thrown position, the target thrower 10 is able to recapture some of the force released by the throwing spring 26 while rotating the throwing arm to throw a target T. Desirably, the thrown position of the throwing arm is at a location that is greater than 180 degrees or 3.14 radians about the throwing axis A2 from the cocked position. More desirably, the location of the thrown position is within the inclusive range of about 225 degrees to about 315 degrees (about 3.9 radians to about 5.5 radians) about the throwing axis A2 from the cocked position. In one embodiment, the location of the thrown position is about 270 degrees (about 4.7 radians) about the throwing axis A2 from the cocked position.
Referring to
The drive train 32 includes a throwing arm stop 42. The throwing arm 24 engages the throwing arm stop 42 when the throwing arm is in the cocked position. In this manner, the throwing arm stop 42 holds the throwing arm 24 in the cocked position. The throwing arm stop 42 includes a throwing arm engagement portion that engages the throwing arm 24. The throwing arm stop 42 is movable relative to the throwing arm 24 to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring 26, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the target T. The throwing arm stop 42 is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm stop 42 pivots about a stop axis A4. In a retained or holding position, the throwing arm stop 42 (e.g., throwing arm engagement portion) is arranged to engage the throwing arm 24. In other words, the throwing arm stop 42 is arranged to block the travel path of the throwing arm 24 from the cocked position to the thrown position. In a release position, the throwing arm stop 42 (e.g., throwing arm engagement portion) is arranged to be spaced from or disengage the throwing arm 24 to permit the throwing arm to rotate about the throwing arm axis A2 in the first direction under the force of the throwing arm spring 26 to throw the target T. The throwing arm stop 42 pivots between the holding position and the release position. A return spring 44 biases the throwing arm stop 42 toward the holding position.
Referring to
The fire pedal 36 is configured to permit or release the throwing arm 24 to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring 26, in the first direction from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the target T. The fire pedal 36 includes a foot pad 46 arranged to receive or be pressed by the foot of the operator. The fire pedal 36 pivots (e.g., rotates) about the fire pedal axis A5 when pressed by the operator. The operator moves the fire pedal 36 from an initial or at-rest position (shown in
Actuating the fire pedal 36 is one way for an operator to interact with the target thrower 10 to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower 10 provides a second way for the operator to interact with the target thrower 10 to throw the target T using the charge pedal 34. The target thrower 10 includes a fire mode selector 50. The fire mode selector 50 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a fire position (
When the fire mode selector 50 is in the fire position, the operator uses the charge pedal 34 to release the throwing arm 24 to throw the target T. As the charge pedal moves along its return stroke and returns to its initial position, the throwing arm 24 is released and the target T is thrown. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm 24 is released when the charge pedal nears its initial position, but in other embodiments the throwing arm can be released at generally any point along the return stroke of the charge pedal 34. Referring to
The target thrower 10 includes an engagement surface 54 operatively coupled to the fire mode selector 50. As such the engagement surface 54 moves with respect to the throwing arm stop 42 with the movement of the fire mode selector 50. When the fire mode selector 50 is in the fire position, the engagement surface 54 is arranged to engage and move the throwing arm stop 42 during the return stroke of the charge pedal 34 to disengage the throwing arm stop from the throwing arm 24 to release the throwing arm to rotate to throw the target T (e.g., move the throwing arm stop from the holding position to the release position). When the fire mode selector 50 is in the non-fire position, the engagement surface 54 is arranged to not engage and not move the throwing arm stop 42 during the return stroke of the charge pedal 34. Therefore, when the fire mode selector 50 is in the non-fire position, movement of the charge pedal 34 during the return stroke does not disengage the throwing arm stop 42 from the throwing arm 24 to release the throwing arm to rotate to throw the target T. Instead, the fire pedal 36 is used to throw the target T, as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface 54 is part of the fire mode selector 50. The fire mode selector 50 includes a cam 52. The cam 52 defines the engagement surface 54. Placing the fire mode selector 50 in the fire position arranges the cam 52 (e.g., the engagement surface 54 thereof) to engage the throwing arm stop 42 as the charge pedal 34 returns to its initial position. The cam 52 engages a second engagement surface (spaced from the first engagement surface) of the throwing arm stop 42 to pivot the throwing arm stop from the holding position to the release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement between the cam 52 and the throwing arm stop 42 occurs as the charge pedal 34 nears the end of the return stroke (e.g., nears the initial position). Placing the fire mode selector 50 in the non-fire position arranges the cam 52 (e.g., the engagements surface 54 thereof) such that the cam remains spaced apart and will not engage the throwing arm stop 42 at any point along the return stroke (broadly, the charging cycle).
It will be appreciated that the fire mode selector 50 can be referred to as a “flurry mode” selector in that it permits the user to (in the “fire position” of the selector) throw a flurry of targets from the thrower, one target after another, as the charging pedal is cycled downward and upward, as explained in further detail below.
Referring to
The throwing arm 24 includes a bumper 72. The bumper 72 is arranged to engage the throwing arm stop 42 when the throwing arm 24 is in the cocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bumper 72 is disposed adjacent the outer end of the throwing arm 24. The bumper 72 is mounted to the leading edge of the throwing arm 24. The bumper 72 is configured to cushion the impact between the throwing arm 24 and the throwing arm stop 42. This extends the life of the throwing arm 24 and the throwing arm stop 42 by preventing the throwing arm and/or throwing arm stop from deforming over time due to repeated forceful contact with the throwing arm stop. The bumper 72 includes a cover strip 74 and a resiliently deformable backing 76. The cover strip 74 covers the backing 76 to protect the backing. The cover strip 74 is arranged to engage the throwing arm stop 42 when the throwing arm 24 is in the cocked position, with the backing 76 arranged behind the cover strip to absorb the impact. In one embodiment, the cover strip 74 comprises a thin piece of metal and the backing 76 is made of rubber or any other suitable material.
The throwing mechanism includes a shaft 68 (e.g., a central shaft) that defines and is rotatable about the throwing axis A2. The throwing arm 24 is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 68. The shaft 68 and throwing arm 24 rotate together. Bearings 70 connect the shaft 68 to the housing of the head 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 68 includes a plurality of splines to facilitate the connection of components (e.g., the throwing arm 24) to the shaft 68 as well as ensuring such components rotate with the shaft.
Referring to
The puller 40 includes a cable 80 and a pulley 82. One end of the cable 80 is attached to the charge pedal 34 (specifically, the upper end of the charge bracket 78) and the opposite end is attached to the pulley 82. The end portion of the cable 80 attached to the pulley 82 curves around the pulley so that the pulley rotates when pulled by the cable. The pulley rotates about the throwing axis A2. The pulley 82 is rotatable about the shaft 68. One or more bearings 70 connect the pulley 82 to the shaft 68. Movement of the charge pedal 34 during its charging stroke rotates the pulley 82 in the first direction D1 about the throwing axis A2. The drive train 32 includes a return spring 84 that biases the pulley 82 in a second direction D2 about the throwing axis A2, that is opposite the first direction D1, toward an initial or at-rest position, as shown in
The pulley 82 (broadly, the puller 40) is operatively connected to the shaft 68 and thereby the throwing arm 24. The drive train 32 includes a ratchet 86. The ratchet 86 is operatively coupled to the shaft 68 and the throwing arm 24. The ratchet 86 permits the shaft 68 and throwing arm 24 to rotate in only the first direction D1 about the throwing axis A2. Thus, unless the ratchet 86 is disengaged (as described below), the ratchet prevents the throwing arm 24 from rotating in the second direction D2 about the throwing axis A2. The ratchet 86 enables (1) the pulley 82 to rotate the throwing arm 24 about the throwing axis A2 when the puller 40 is pulled, (2) the throwing arm to rotate relative to the pulley when the throwing arm is rotated by the throwing spring 26 to throw the target T, and (3) the pulley to rotate relative to the throwing arm to return to its initial position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet 86 includes a ratchet wheel 88, a first or charging pawl 90, and a second or holding pawl 92. The ratchet wheel 88 is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 68. In this manner, the ratchet wheel 88 is fixed to the throwing arm 24 (via the shaft 68) such that the ratchet wheel and throwing arm rotate together. Rotation of the ratchet wheel 88 drives rotation of the shaft 68, and therefore the throwing arm 24. The ratchet wheel 88 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The ratchet wheel 88 is splined in the center to mate with the splines of the shaft 68. The charging and holding pawls 90, 92 are engaged with the ratchet wheel (the ratchet teeth thereof). The charging pawl 90 is pivotable about a first pawl axis A6 and the holding pawl 92 is pivotable about a second pawl axis A7. The charging and holding pawls 90, 92 are each biased toward the ratchet wheel 88 by respective ratchet springs 94. The charging and holding pawls 90, 92 can operate independently of one another. For example, the charging and holding pawls 90, 92 can each rotate independently about their respective pawl axes A6, A7. The charging and holding pawls 90, 92 are arranged relative to the ratchet wheel 88 to permit the ratchet wheel to rotate in the first direction D1 and inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D2. In general, when the ratchet wheel 88 rotates in the first direction D1 relative to the charging and holding pawls 90, 92, the charging and holding pawls slide along and are deflected (e.g., pivoted) by the ratchet teeth, thereby permitting rotation of the ratchet wheel. If the ratchet wheel 88 attempts to rotate in the second direction D2 relative to the charging and holding pawls 90, 92, the charging and holding pawls lock with the ratchet teeth to inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating.
The charging and holding pawls 90, 92 work together during the operation of the target thrower 10. During the charging stroke of the charge pedal 34, the charging pawl 90 rotates the ratchet wheel 88 and thereby the shaft 68 and the throwing arm 24 in the first direction D1 about the throwing axis A2 to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position. The charging pawl 90 is supported by (specifically, mounted to) and rotatable about the throwing axis A2 with the pulley 82. In operation, when the pulley 82 is rotated by the cable 80 in the first direction D1, the charging pawl 90 rotates the ratchet wheel 88 in the first direction, thereby rotating the shaft 68 and the throwing arm toward the cocked position. The holding pawl 92 is arranged to inhibit the ratchet wheel 88 from rotating in the second direction D2 about the throwing axis A2. During the return stroke of the charge pedal 34, the holding pawl 92 holds the ratchet wheel 88, and thereby the shaft 68 and the throwing arm 24, in position by preventing the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D2. This allows the pulley 82 to return to its initial position after the charging stroke. The holding pawl 92 is supported by (specifically, mounted to) the housing of the head 14. Accordingly, the holding pawl 92 is generally stationary relative to the throwing axis A2 (e.g., the second pawl axis A7 is stationary relative to the throwing axis). The holding pawl 92 allows the charging pawl 90 to be unloaded so that the pulley 82 (broadly, the puller 40) can be returned to its initial position (reset for further pulling) without having the throwing arm 24 rotate. In operation, the holding pawl 92 prevents the ratchet wheel 88 from rotating in the second direction D2 as the pulley 82 rotates in the second direction to return to its initial position during the return stroke of the charge pedal 34. As the pulley 82 returns to its initial position after rotating the throwing arm 24 to the cocked position, the holding pawl 92 prevents the ratchet wheel 88 (and thereby the throwing arm) from rotating with the pulley in the second direction. As the pulley 82 returns to its initial position, the charging pawl 90 rides along the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel 88. The movement of the pulley 82 and ratchet 86 during the charging cycle is shown in
The ratchet 86 is also arranged to hold the throwing arm 24 in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the target T. When the throwing arm 24 is in the thrown position, both the charging and holding pawls 90, 92 lock with the ratchet wheel 88 to prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D2 under the force of the throwing spring 26.
Referring to
The ratchet actuator 96 is operatively coupled to the charging and holding pawls 90, 92 to move these pawls between the ratchet wheel engaged and disengaged positions. The ratchet actuator 96 is movable (e.g., rotatable) between a ratchet engaged position (
In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet actuator 96 comprises a knob 98 and a stop 100 connected to the knob. The stop 100 comprises a shaft. Rotation of the knob 98 about an actuator axis A8 rotates the stop 100 about the actuator axis. In the illustrated embodiment the actuator axis A8 is coextensive with the second pawl axis A7, although in other embodiments these two axes can be spaced part. In one embodiment, the knob 98 is biased downward by a spring (not shown). In this embodiment, the knob 98 can be pulled upward to move the ratchet actuator 98 from a locked position, where the ratchet actuator is inhibited from rotating between the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions, to an unlocked position, where the ratchet actuator 98 is free to rotate between the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions. The knob 98 and head 14 (e.g., shroud 20) may include corresponding indicia, such as arrows, lines, words (e.g., “engaged” and “disengaged”), etc., to visually indicate when the ratchet actuator 96 is in the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions. The stop 100 includes a stop surface 102 and a recess 106. The recess 106 is generally opposite the stop surface 102.
During normal operation, where the target thrower 10 is used to throw the target T, the ratchet actuator 96 is in the ratchet engaged position. In this position, the stop surface 102 is arranged relative to the pulley 82 such that the pulley engages the first stop surface when the pulley is in its initial position. In other words, the pulley 82 contacts the stop 100 and is held in its initial position by the stop 100. The stop 100 prevents further rotation of the pulley 82 in the second direction D2 when the pulley is returning toward its initial position during the return stroke of the charge pedal 34. The pulley 82 includes (broadly, supports) a holding pawl mover or flange 108. For reasons that will become apparent, the stop 100 prevents the holding pawl mover 108 from engaging the holding pawl 92 when the ratchet actuator 96 is in the ratchet engaged position.
To disengage the ratchet, the ratchet actuator 96 is placed in the ratchet disengaged position. In this position, the stop 100 is arranged relative to the pulley 82 such that the recess 106 receives the pulley. This allows the pulley 82 to rotate a few extra degrees in the second direction D2 past the initial position into the recess 106. The holding pawl mover 108 is arranged to engage and rotate the holding pawl 92 when the pulley 82 moves the few extra degrees past the initial position. As shown in
Referring to
The feed cam 114 is operatively connected to the feed door 112 such that the feed door moves in response to movement of the feed cam. The feed cam 114 is rotatable responsive to rotation of the shaft 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed cam 114 is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 68 such that the feed cam rotates about the throwing axis A2. Thus, the feed cam 114 rotates with the throwing arm 24. The feed door 112 includes a bearing 126 that is engaged with and follows the feed cam 114. Accordingly, the feed door 112 follows or is moved by the feed cam. The bearing 126 (broadly, the feed door 112) is biased toward the feed cam 114 (broadly, toward the feed door release position) with one or more feed door springs 128. The feed door springs 128 ensures the feed door 112 remains engaged with the feed cam 114 as the feed cam rotates. Rotation of the feed cam 114 moves the feed door 112 between the feed door retaining and release positions. The feed door 112 moves toward the shaft 68 or throwing axis A2 as the feed door moves from the feed door retaining position toward the feed door release position. Likewise, the feed door 112 moves away from the shaft 68 or throwing axis A2 as the feed door moves from the feed door release position toward the feed door retaining position.
The target feeder 110 includes a feed foot 130 (broadly, a second target retainer). The feed foot 130 is configured to retain the targets T in the hopper 18. The feed foot 130 and the feed door 112 work together to dispense the targets T one at a time from the hopper 18 to the throwing arm 24. The feed foot 130 includes a target engagement surface 132 facing the targets T in the hopper 18 (e.g., facing the interior 19 of the hopper). The target engagement surface 132 selectively engages the targets T in the hopper 18 to retain the targets. The feed foot 130 is movably coupled to the housing of the head 14. The feed foot 130 is movable between the first or feed foot retaining position (
The feed foot 130 is operatively connected to the feed door 112 such that the feed foot moves in response to movement of the feed door. Thus, the feed foot 130 is operatively connected to the feed cam 114 such that rotation of the feed cam causes the feed foot to move. The feed foot 130 includes a pin 136 disposed in (e.g., extends through) a feed foot slot 138 in the feed door 112. This ties the feed foot 130 to the feed door 112 so that the feed foot will move with the feed door at certain times when the pin 136 is engaged by a portion of the feed door defining an end of the feed foot slot 138. Accordingly, the feed foot 130 follows or is moved by the feed door 112. The feed foot 130 is biased toward the targets 19 (e.g., the interior 19 of the hopper 18) with a feed foot spring 140. In other words, the feed foot spring 140 biases the feed foot 130 toward the feed foot retaining position. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot spring 140 biases the feed foot 130 radially inward such that the pin 136 will generally be disposed at the radial inward end of the slot 138. Movement of the feed door 112 moves the feed foot 130 between the feed foot retaining and release positions. The feed foot 130 moves toward the shaft 68 or throwing axis A2 as the feed foot moves from the feed foot release position toward the feed foot retaining position. Likewise, the feed foot 130 moves away from the shaft 68 or throwing axis A2 as the feed foot moves from the feed foot retaining position toward the feed foot release position.
The feed foot 130 and the feed door 112 work together to dispense the targets T one at a time from the hopper 18 to the throwing arm 24. During the throwing cycle, at certain times the feed door 112 and the feed foot 130 move together and at other times the feed door moves independently of the feed foot. Generally, the feed foot 130 is disposed in the feed foot retaining position when the feed door 112 is disposed in the feed door release position. Similarly, generally the feed foot 130 is disposed in the feed foot release position when the feed door 112 is disposed in the feed door retaining position.
The target thrower 10 includes one or more brushes or brush segments (broadly, target guides or pushers) for controlling the positioning of the target T on the throwing arm 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the target feeder 110 includes a first brush segment 142 and a second brush segment 144. The first and second brush segments 142, 144 may be part of the same brush or may be separate brushes, as illustrated. The first and second brush segments 142, 144 retain the target T in the correct position relative to the throwing arm 24 and help guide the target into place on the throwing arm. The first brush segment 142 is arranged to bring the target T into engagement with the engagement surface 60 of the throwing arm 24. The second brush segment 144 is arranged to set a radial distance of the target T from the throwing axis A2. Desirably, the first and second brush segments 142, 144 are movable with respect to one another. This allows the first and second brush segments 142, 144 to better control the target's T movement and positioning on the throwing arm 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the first brush segment 142 is mounted (broadly, coupled) to the feed door 112. Accordingly, the first brush segment 142 moves with the feed door 112. The first brush segment 142 is disposed on the leading side (relative to the first direction D1) of the feed door opening 122. The second brush segment 144 is mounted (broadly, coupled) to the feed foot 130. Accordingly, the second brush segment 144 moves with the feed foot 130. When the throwing arm 24 rotates to throw the target T, the throwing arm generally pushes past and moves the first and second brush segments 142, 144 out of the way.
The target feeder 110 operates responsive to rotation of the shaft 68. The operation of the target feeder 110 is coordinated with respect to the cocking of the throwing arm 24. Accordingly, moving the charge pedal 34 during the charging stroke not only moves the throwing arm 24 to the cocked position but also dispenses or feeds a target T from the hopper 18 to the throwing arm. Thus, the throwing arm 24 has a target T thereon when in the cocked position. Referring to
To throw another target T, the operator presses the charge pedal 34 (e.g. initiates the charging stroke) to rotate the throwing arm 24 toward the cocked position. As the throwing arm 24 rotates, the feed cam 114 also rotates about the throwing axis A2, which permits the feed door 112 to move (under the influence of the feed door springs 128) toward the feed door release position. This movement of the feed door 112 also permits the feed foot 130 to move (under the influence of the feed foot spring 140) toward the feed foot retaining position (if not there already). The feed foot 130 reaches the feed foot retaining position before the feed door 112 reaches the feed door release position. The target engagement surface 132 of the feed foot 130 contacts the second-to-bottom target T in the stack and retains it—thus holding the other targets above in the stack. It is understood the target engagement surface 132 may contact the second-to-bottom target T before the charge pedal 34 is actuated due to the ending position of the throwing arm 24 after the clay is thrown. After the feed foot 130 reaches the feed foot retaining position (
Completely stopping the rotation of the throwing arm 24 with the throwing arm stop 42 before the engagement surface 60 engages the side of the target T dispensed by the target feeder 110 reduces the likelihood of the throwing arm breaking the target T. On certain conventional throwers, such as electric throwers, the target T is fed to the throwing arm before a throwing spring goes over center to allow a brush to push the target against a side of the throwing arm as the throwing spring goes over center. Such an operational sequence is not desirable for the present target thrower 10 because the rotational speed of the throwing arm 24 may be high enough to break the target T as the throwing spring 26 goes over-center. Because the rotational speed of the throwing arm 24 is a direct result of the speed the operator pushes the charge pedal 34 in the charge stroke, the speed the throwing arm 24 rotates toward the cocked position can vary greatly and can occasionally be fast enough to break the target T. Stopping the throwing arm 24 with the throwing arm stop 42 after the throwing arm rotates to a position where the throwing spring 26 is over-center but before the engagement surface 60 engages the side of the target T ensures the speed the throwing arm rotates toward the cocked position has no bearing on whether the target T will break.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the target thrower 10 is collapsible for easy transport and storage. For example, in one embodiment of a collapsed configuration, the front two legs 16 are pivoted rearward to the underside of the rear leg and the head 14 is pivoted rearward (about the head axis A1) to overlie or rest on the charge pedal 34. The strap 17 can be used to secure the legs 16 and head 14 in this position, such as by wrapping around the target support or having one end secured to a leg and the other end secured to the head. For example, one end of the strap 17 can be looped around one leg 16 and the other end of the strap can have one or more openings to selectively receive a hook on the head 14. In the collapsed configuration, the hopper 18 is removed or disconnected from the head 14 before the head is pivoted rearward. In one embodiment, the space (e.g., length, width, height) taken up by the target thrower 10 in the collapsed configuration is about the same space as a box of 135 targets T. This allows the target thrower 10 to be stored in most retail stores in the same area as the targets and enables the target thrower to fit easily in a seat or trunk of a vehicle.
Referring to
It is appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine the scope of terms of degree such as, but not limited to, “about,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For example, when a term of degree is used in relation to a numeric value, the person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the term of degree covers an inclusive range of plus or minus 10% of the numeric value, unless clearly indicated or stated otherwise.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, it will be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Other Statements of Invention
The following are statements or features of invention described in the present disclosure. Some or all of the following statements may not be currently presented as claims. Nevertheless, the statements are believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associated methods corresponding to the statements or apparatuses or systems below are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. It is understood that the following statements may refer to and be supported by one, more than one, or all the embodiments described above.
A1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction, the throwing arm including an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction to throw the shooting target; a target feeder configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm; and a throwing arm stop arranged to engage the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface engages the side of the shooting target.
A2. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is arranged to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction after the target feeder feeds the shooting target to the throwing arm to be thrown by the throwing arm.
A3. The shooting target thrower of statement A2, wherein the target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm while the throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis toward the throwing arm stop.
A4. The shooting target thrower of statement A3, wherein the target feeder includes a feed opening sized and shaped to permit the shooting target to move therethrough, the target feeder configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm as the throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface becomes aligned with the feed opening.
A5. The shooting target thrower of statement A3, wherein the throwing arm includes a main bed and an extended bed projecting from the main bed, the extended bed being arranged to receive at least a portion of the shooting target when the shooting target is fed by the target feeder.
A6. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is movable relative to the throwing arm to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, in the first direction to throw the shooting target.
A7. The shooting target thrower of statement A6, wherein the engagement surface is arranged to engage the side of the shooting target after the throwing arm is released by the throwing arm stop.
A8. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm includes a throwing strip comprising resiliently deformable material, the throwing strip defining the engagement surface.
A9. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm includes a bumper arranged to engage the throwing arm stop, the bumper configured to cushion an impact between the throwing arm and the throwing arm stop.
A10. The shooting target thrower of statement A9, wherein the bumper comprises a resiliently deformable material.
A11. The shooting target thrower of statement A10, wherein the bumper includes a resiliently deformable backing and a cover strip covering the backing, the cover strip being arranged to engage the throwing arm stop.
A12. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing spring is configured to move over center to bias the throwing arm in the first direction before the throwing arm stop engages the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction.
A13. The shooting target thrower of statement A12, wherein the target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm before the throwing spring moves over center to bias the throwing arm in the first direction.
A14. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is configured to be in a travel path of the throwing arm to be impacted by the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm in the first direction.
B1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal movable through a charging cycle, the charge pedal movable in a charging stroke of the charging cycle to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position; a fire mode selector moveable between a fire position and a non-fire position to change between a fire mode in which the charge pedal is operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target and a non-fire mode in which the charge pedal is not operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target.
B2. The shooting target thrower of statement B1, further comprising a fire pedal configured to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target.
B3. The shooting target thrower of statement B2, wherein the fire pedal is configured to release the throwing arm regardless of whether the fire mode selector is in the fire position or the non-fire position.
B4. The shooting target thrower of statement B3, wherein the fire mode selector is operatively coupled to the charge pedal.
B5. The shooting target thrower of statement B4, wherein the fire mode selector is supported by the charge pedal.
B6. The shooting target thrower of statement B5, wherein the fire mode selector is carried by the charge pedal.
B7. The shooting target thrower of statement of B1, wherein the fire mode selector is pivotable between the fire and non-fire positions.
B8. The shooting target thrower of statement B1, further comprising a throwing arm stop arranged to engage the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the cocked position to hold the throwing arm in the cocked position, the throwing arm stop being movable relative to the throwing arm to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target.
B9. The shooting target thrower of statement B8, further comprising an engagement surface operatively coupled to the fire mode selector, wherein the engagement surface is arranged to move the throwing arm stop relative to the throwing arm during the return stroke of the charge pedal to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate when the fire mode selector is in the fire position, and wherein the engagement surface is arranged to not move the throwing arm stop relative to the throwing arm during the return stoke of the charge pedal to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate when the fire mode selector is in the non-fire position.
B10. The shooting target thrower of statement B9, wherein the fire mode selector defines the engagement surface.
C1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target, wherein a force imparted by the throwing spring to the throwing arm varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis; and a ratchet operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate in one direction about the throwing axis, the ratchet configured to hold the throwing arm in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the shooting target, wherein a force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the thrown position is greater than a lowest amount of force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm.
C2. The shooting target thrower of statement C1, wherein the throwing spring comprises a tension spring with opposite first and second ends, the first and second ends being separated by a first distance when the throwing spring imparts the lowest amount of force, the first and second ends being separated by a second distance greater than the first distance when the throwing arm is in the thrown position.
C3. The shooting target thrower of statement C1, wherein, in the thrown position, the throwing arm is more than 3.14 radians about the throwing axis from the cocked position.
C4. The shooting target thrower of statement C3, wherein, in the thrown position, the throwing arm is within an inclusive range of about 3.9 radians to about 5.5 radians about the throwing axis from the cocked position.
C5. The shooting target thrower of statement C1, wherein the ratchet includes a ratchet wheel rotatable with the throwing arm, and the ratchet includes a first pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel and a second pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel.
C6. The shooting target thrower of statement C5, wherein the first pawl, the ratchet wheel, and the throwing arm are arranged to rotate in the one direction about the throwing axis to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position.
C7. The shooting target thrower of statement C6, wherein the second pawl operates independently of the first pawl to limit rotation of the ratchet wheel and is configured to inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating in a direction about the throwing axis opposite said one direction.
C8. The shooting target thrower of statement C7, further comprising a pulley rotatable about the throwing axis, the first pawl being supported by the pulley and rotatable about the throwing axis with the pulley, and wherein the first pawl is movable with respect to the second pawl to change a distance between the first pawl and the second pawl when the first pawl is rotated about the throwing axis with the pulley.
C9. The shooting target thrower of statement C7, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl are each movable from a respective ratchet wheel engaged position to a respective ratchet wheel disengaged position to permit the throwing arm to rotate about the throwing axis without obstruction by the first pawl or the second pawl.
C10. The shooting target thrower of statement C2, wherein the ratchet comprises a ratchet actuator movable between a ratchet engaged position and a ratchet disengaged position to change the first and second holding pawls from the ratchet wheel engaged position to the ratchet wheel disengaged position.
D1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position, the throwing arm including an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to rotate the throwing arm toward the cocked position when the charge pedal is manually actuated by a user; a hopper configured to store the plurality of shooting targets; and a target feeder configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time, the target feeder including a first brush segment and a second brush segment, the first brush segment arranged to bring the shooting target into engagement with the engagement surface of the throwing arm and the second brush segment arranged to set a radial distance of the shooting target from the throwing axis.
D2. The shooting target thrower of statement D1, wherein the first and second brush segments are movable with respect to one another.
D3. The shooting target thrower of statement D2, wherein the target feeder includes a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm, the first brush segment coupled to and movable with the feed door.
D4. The shooting target thrower of statement D3, wherein the target feeder includes a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets, the second brush segment coupled to and movable with the feed foot.
D5. The shooting target thrower of statement D4, further comprising a central shaft defining and rotatable about the throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable with the central shaft, the feed foot disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door.
D6. The shooting target thrower of statement D5, wherein the target feeder includes a rotatable feed cam that rotates responsive to rotation of the central shaft, the feed cam operatively connected to the feed door such that rotation of the feed cam moves the feed door between a first retaining position and a first release position, wherein the feed door is arranged to retain the shooting target in the first retaining position, and wherein the feed door is arranged to release the shooting target in the first release position.
D7. The shooting target thrower of statement D6, wherein the feed foot is operatively coupled to the feed door such that the feed foot moves between a second retaining position and a second release position responsive to movement of the feed door, wherein the feed foot is arranged to retain the plurality of shooting targets in the second retaining position, and wherein the feed foot is arranged to release the plurality of shooting targets in the second release position.
D8. The shooting target thrower of statement D7, wherein the feed foot is operatively coupled to the feed door such that the feed foot is disposed in the second retaining position when the feed door is disposed in the first release position and such that the feed foot is disposed in the second release position when the feed door is disposed in the first retaining position.
D9. The shooting target thrower of statement D8, wherein the feed door is arranged to move toward the central shaft as the feed door moves from the first retaining position toward the first release position.
D10. The shooting target thrower of statement D9, wherein the target feeder includes a first spring biasing the feed door toward the first release position and a second spring biasing the feed foot toward the second retaining position.
E1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a central shaft supported by the frame, the central shaft defining and rotatable about a throwing axis; a throwing arm supported by the central shaft and rotatable with the central shaft about the throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target; a hopper configured to store the plurality of shooting targets; and a target feeder configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time, the target feeder including a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm and a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets, the feed foot disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63,267,396, filed Feb. 1, 2022, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/266,653, filed Jan. 11, 2022, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Promatic, ISSF, Operating Instructions Wobble Units—Merlin & Hobby, Version 1.3, Dec. 2022, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, Promatic International Ltd., www.promatic.co.uk, 20 pages. |
| Promatic, ISSF, Operating Instructions Wobble Units—Super Hawk, Version 1.6, Mar. 2019, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, Promatic International Ltd., www.promatic.co.uk, 20 pages. |
| Rogers Sporting Goods, Workin' Man Trap Thrower, Catalog Description, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, https://rogerssportinggoods.com/rogers-workin-man-trap-thrower, 4 pages. |
| SureThrow, Clay Target Throwers for Skeet Shotgun Shooting, Not Dated, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, https://surethrow.com, 5 pages. |
| Trap Thrower, Vintage Western Hand Trap/Clay Pigeon Thrower, Item Specifications, Ebay, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, https://www.ebay.com/itm/165762092251?hash=item269830ccdb:g:BcUAAOSwkcFbl9zp, 4 pages. |
| Trius Traps Instruction Manual, #10571, Rev. 0209, www.triustraps.com, Not Dated, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, https://www.manuals/trius/trap-master/manual, 12 pages. |
| Vintage Remington Automatic Hand Trap Clay Pigeon Launcher c. 1950s-1960s, Item Specifications, Ebay, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, https//www.ebay.com/itm/323762278328?_ul=IL, 3 pages. |
| Western Retro, Trouble Shooting, Target Flight Adjustment, and Maintenance Manual, Western Self Loading Skeet Trap, Model V1574A, Not Dated, downloaded Apr. 17, 2023, http://westernretro.net, 28 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230141304 A1 | May 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63267396 | Feb 2022 | US | |
| 63266653 | Jan 2022 | US |
