Apparatus for Propelling One or Two Clay Targets

1. Field of the Invention

This invention most generally relates to clay target/pigeon throwing machines used is the activity of sport shooting or trap shooting. More particularly, the invention relates to a means or apparatus-trap machine for the automatic setting of one clay target or the automatic setting, if so chosen, of two clay targets and, in either the singles mode or the doubles mode of operation, on signal propelling, throwing or launching the one clay target or the two clay targets on a trajectory or trajectories into a target zone in either constant trajectories for each of the two targets or, if so selected by the user of the machine, in random first and second trajectories respectively for each of the first and second targets. The machines are sometimes referred to as trap machines. The clay targets being circular and somewhat disc shaped. Even more particularly, the clay target throwing machine is adapted to optionally and automatically throw, simultaneously, two targets. When the machine is operated in either the singles or the doubles mode, the machine is designed so that optionally, each successive target or double targets which are thrown are directed in a direction which is randomly generated so that the target direction is not predictable by the shooter as he/she is triggering the throw of the target by the machine. Additionally, a plurality of targets may be loaded into an indexing carousel which automatically indexes either one or two of the targets to the load position and stays in position while an "elevator" lowers the target or targets into the so-called launch, firing or throwing position. When in the dual throw mode, a device is provided which positions each of the clay targets one relative to the other to get consistent throws and to reduce breakage while the targets are being propelled by the throwing arm of the machine. The machine is operated by one bidirectional hydraulic motor which provides the indexing and the power to, in effect load the spring that provides the energy to the throwing arm to propel the target. A specially designed hydraulic piston assembly provides for the dampening of oscillations of the carousel when the carousel and the throwing assembly randomly position prior to the throwing of the target. The elevation angle of the target trajectory is adjustable with a cam and latching assembly.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Presently there is nothing available of which Applicant herein is aware, that is reasonable in cost and simple to use and, very importantly to "set" doubles, does not require a loader/human being to be in the trap house.

Some inventions related to the instant invention and disclosed in the following United States Patents have been studied. The following is a brief description and discussion of the most relevant of these related inventions.

Cote et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,641 teaches an automatic clay target feeder attachment that can be attached to a clay target trap shooting machine that will self-load without the need of manual assistance. It can be selectively set (by the flip of a switch which controls an adjustable time delay relay) to drop one or two targets onto the flinger arm. Note that both targets are apparently dropped from the same source position on the the flinger arm. There is also a means provided for properly positioning the two targets on the arm preparatory to the shooting of the two targets. Cote et al does not teach a lowering mechanism or elevator nor an indexing carousel nor the placing of two targets onto the flinger arm, or into a set position preparatory to launch, through different apertures nor does he teach the random direction feature of the instant invention. The Cote eta al device requires too much time between launching and reload and subsequent launch of targets. Further the device holds too few targets for use in competitive situations.

Alday et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,695 clearly teaches autoloading and autoangling and which automatically varies the direction a target is thrown. There is also a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A primary feature of this invention is the power train consisting of three equal sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. Here again the instant invention disclosed in the present application for patent does not include all of the elements of Alday et al and by not including those features and/or elements taught and claimed by Alday et al, and what Alday et al considers and teaches as necessary elements, and yet obtaining advantages over Alday et al, the instant invention is clearly an unobvious variation and advancement over Alday et al. What is more important is that the combined teaching of, Cote et al, and Alday et al would not lead one to design the instantly disclosed invention. In addition none of the prior art teaches the "elevator" principle taught and claimed herein.

Leichner, U.S. Pat. No. 3,244,132 again teaches a mechanism for throwing clay targets which is suitable for automatic operation. There is also taught an automatic operation by a fluid actuation system. The drawings show an indexing carousel. There is also a means for changing the angle of inclination of the gearing arrangement and thereby the angle of inclination of the throwing arm so that the trajectory of the target may be adjusted. The additional feature taught and claimed by Leichner is the hydraulic and/or pneumatic drive system.

The Patents all appear to be variations of means for throwing clay targets including the automatic loading thereof. Cote et al teaches the automatic loading and throwing of two targets or one target. Alday et al, teaches autoloading and autoangling and which automatically varies the direction a target is thrown. Leichner teaches a mechanism for throwing clay targets which is suitable for automatic operation. There is also taught an automatic operation by a fluid actuation system and an indexing carousel.

None of the prior art with which Applicant is familiar teaches what Applicant herein teaches and claims as his invention. The present trap machine is the only one which throws both singles and doubles properly and quickly enough for trap competition shooting. The two targets are lowered and set at the same time. The throw arm or fling-arm has substantially two functions--it repeatably, carefully and accurately sets or positions the targets into the proper launch position and it launches either one or both targets simultaneously. The fling-arm is reversed in direction after it has launched targets and then it is moved slowly forward positioning the two targets relative to each other and relative to and properly against and in front of the fling-arm; i.e., into the launch position and subsequent launching. Additionally, a means is provided for lowering, as by an elevator device for example, either the one target when the machine is throwing singles or both targets when throwing doubles into the setting position from which position the machine then sets the targets into the launch position. The present machine can be changed from throwing singles to throwing doubles by simply "flipping over" a doubles roller or what is called the lower roller in Installation Instructions for the PAT-TRAP.TM. brand of trap machine included herewith and made a part hereof. The energy stored in the fling-arm spring is increased when operating in the doubles throwing mode in the manner detailed in the installation instructions. Usually in the doubles mode the machine is set to throw the doubles in substantially the same first and second target trajectories. However; it is possible to operate the machine in the oscillation or random trajectory mode even when throwing doubles. In order to reduce vibrations in the oscillation mode, there is provided a hydraulic piston arrangement which is normally on (handle down for singles) and is normally off (handle up for doubles). The handle in the up position turns off or disables the means for providing oscillation and consequent random trajectories. Reference is again made to the Installation Instructions.

Applicant herein is not aware of any apparatus or system which has the features or the combination of features of the disclosed invention.

The present invention in it's most simple form or embodiment is directed to a means or apparatus-trap machine for the automatic setting of one clay target or the automatic setting, if so chosen, of two clay targets and, in either the singles mode or the doubles mode of operation, on signal propelling, throwing or launching the one clay target or the two clay targets on a trajectory or trajectories into a target zone in either constant trajectories for each of the two targets or if so selected by the user of the machine, in random first and second trajectories respectively for each of the first and second targets.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an improved clay target throwing machine having a means for holding and for delivering a first clay target to a position for subsequent setting, means for setting the first target into a position for launching, means for launching by a cocked fling-arm the first target into a target area, means for selecting constant and random first trajectories of the launched first target into the target area and means for switchably providing power, upon occurrence of a signal, to the means for holding and delivering of the first target and cocking the fling-arm. The improvement comprises; means for selectively delivering two targets simultaneously, a first target to a first target set position and a second target to a second target set position and means for setting and holding, prior to launching of both the targets when the two target delivery is selected, both the first and second targets in a first and second launch position. The both launch positions relate to each other so as to reduce target breakage and are in space relation to the fling-arm for proper launching of the first target into the first target trajectory and simultaneously launching the second target into a second target trajectory.

A further primary object of the invention is to provide the improved clay target throwing machine further comprising: means for measurably and repeatably adjusting an amount of energy in the cocked fling-arm thereby controlling a length measure of the first and second trajectories; and means for adjusting a second trajectory of the second launched target relative to the first trajectory of the first launched target.

A still further primary object of the invention is to provide the improved clay target throwing machine further comprising: means for causing slow acceleration and deceleration of the means for holding and delivering of the first target and of the targets when the two target delivery is selected.

A yet further primary object of the invention is to provide the improved clay target throwing machine further comprising: means for lowering of the first target, and of the two targets when the two target delivery is selected, from the position for subsequent setting to the launch positions. The means for holding and the means for selectively delivering may be a rotationally indexable turret assembly capable of holding and sequentially delivering at least four cases of the clay targets. Each case typically contains 135 targets. There may also be provided a means for rotationally indexing the turret assembly. The rotational indexing means causes the turret assembly to index the first target and the two targets simultaneously, when the two target delivery is selected, to the first and the second target launch positions. Additionally, there is provided a means for rotationally driving the means for rotationally indexing the turret assembly such that for each 180.degree. of rotation of the means for driving, the first target (in singles mode) or the two targets (in doubles mode) are simultaneously delivered.

These and further objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a study of the present disclosure of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial perspective illustration of the trap machine illustrating positioning of the machine within a trap house;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration of the machine in association with the pump which provides the hydraulic pressure for operation of the machine, control assembly illustrating how the operator controls the functions of machine and the hydraulic line assembly and connections;

FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D collectively provide a pictorial illustration of the trap machine illustrating several sections of the machine in an exploded view to better illustrate some of the features and adjustments associated with the machine;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration of the section of the machine which relates to the adjustment of the trajectories of the launched targets and the adjustment of the excursion of the side-to-side oscillation which causes randomness of direction of the trajectories of launched or thrown targets whether doubles or singles are being thrown;

FIG. 5 is a mechanical drawing of the base portion or assembly and the power system control assembly tiltably, rotationally and oscillatorially interconnected to the base assembly of the machine with all of the major components and subassemblies in exploded view; and

FIG. 6 is a mechanical drawing of the target positioning and launching assembly rigidly and functionally connected to the power system control assembly and the target holding and delivering assembly illustrating the functional interconnection between these two assemblies wherein the holding and delivering assembly is shown as an indexible turret which delivers targets for setting and which is tiltable, with all other basic assemblies except the base assembly with all of the major components and subassemblies in exploded view; and

FIG. 7 is a basic wiring diagram which shows the point-to-point wiring between the various switches some of which are located on the power control box some positionally mounted on the machine as limit switches or flags to signal an amount of oscillatory excursion or the position of the fling-arm and the elevator along with the wiring of the relays (found in the electrical system box) and electrically actuated hydraulic valves associated with the hydraulic motor direction and amount of rotation of the motor along with control of the elevator and side-to-side action produced by the piston which causes the motion.

The following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. In order to fully and completely disclose the features and the advantages of the invention, Applicant has included herewith and made a part hereof, the Installation Instructions for the preferred embodiment. Clearly, Applicant cannot disclose all of the many mechanical variations which may be used to perform each of the functions which are incorporated into the instant trap machine. Electrical energy using electric motors could well be used to provide the rotational energy and the energy for storage in the fling-arm spring. A gasoline engine could be used to provide the basic power and energy to the hydraulic pump which provides the means to power the machine of the preferred embodiment. There are certainly choices relative to the materials used in the construction of the machine as well as in the choice of the electrical components which are used to effect the actuation and the proper sequencing of the functions of the machine. Instead of mechanical contacting types of electrical switches magnetic proximity switches could easily be used. The turret or carousel which holds the clay targets and which is driven in an indexing fashion to deliver either a first target only when in the singles mode or two targets, a first and a second target simultaneously to a position where they are then lowered to a setting position, may be made of various metals, plastics and alloys. The material choice is obviously a function of, among other factors, appropriate strength, ease of working, availability and cost. Similar comments are true for the other remaining fundamental components or assemblies which, in combination, comprise the apparatus of the present invention i.e., the instant trap machine.

It is obvious to one of ordinary skill, that the dimensions which may be implied from the drawing figures may be varied to accommodate any number of applications. The clay targets have a diameter of 41/4 inches, total height of 1 1/16 inches and weigh 31/2 ounces. These are standard dimensions for clay targets and are common knowledge to all who are involved in the sport of or the business of trap shooting. It is obvious from the scaled and to scale drawings provided herewith, and given the known dimensions of the targets, what the dimensions are for the many various components and elements which make up the preferred embodiment of the trap machine. Thus dimensions for the various components are not provided. It is obvious that the machine could be scaled up or down in order to increase the number of targets which could be effectively handled and launched.

Reference is now made to the drawing figures included herewith and made a part hereof. The drawings are referred to as a collection of drawings all of which when taken as a collection fully disclose the preferred embodiment of the invention herein claimed.

The clay target throwing machine or trap machine of the present invention 10 is made up of essentially four basic assembly 20 which is substantial stationary relative the surface upon which the machine rests (usually on the floor of a so-called trap house); power system control assembly 40 tiltably, rotationally and oscillatorially interconnected to the base assembly 20; a target positioning and launching assembly 60 rigidly and functionally connected to the power system control assembly 40 and a target holding and transporting or delivering assembly 80 for holding a plurality of clay targets 2 and delivering either one, a first clay target 2A to a position 72 for subsequent setting to set position 72A, or two clay targets--a first target 2A and a second target 2B simultaneously into position 72 and 74 for simultaneously setting of both targets to set positions 72A and 74A. As fling-arm 66 is caused to rotate, targets 2A and 2B move into launch positions 72B and 74B on launch plate 61 of launching assembly 60. The holding and delivering assembly 80 is preferably made up of a turret or carousel 90 which rotational indexes relative to the target positioning and launching assembly 60, on signal, appropriately moving either one or two targets 2 into position 72 or 72 and 74 for subsequent setting and positioning for launch.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration of the machine 10 in association with the pump 5 which provides the hydraulic pressure for operation of the machine 10. The control assembly 8 illustrates how the operator controls the functions of machine 10. The hydraulic line assembly and connections are also pictorially illustrated in FIG. 2. A long control cord called a pull cord is connected at the connector 8A. Such a control permits the launching of targets by the shooter or by another both of whom are generally and usually outside of the trap house.

The operation of machine 10 when throwing singles i.e., when only one clay target is being launched may be described with reference to the Installation Instructions included herewith and made a part hereof. Additionally reference is made to the collections of drawing figures FIGS. 1-7 wherein like parts are identified with like numbers.

Having made all of the proper hydraulic connections and with power supplied to the machine 10 by appropriately connecting to a source of electrical energy, hydraulic pump 5 is turned on using motor control switch S17 located on control box 8B. Switch S16 on control box 8B is set to the on position after S17 is turned on. The RELEASE position of switch S16 when activated will cause the machine 10 to throw any target or targets that may be in the launch position and NOT reload the spring 67 which provides the energy to fling-arm 66. With some targets 2 placed into turret 90 and with angle control handle 14A in the down position (which position effectively allows flow of hydraulic fluid into oscillation cylinder 12) and with doubles roller 84A in singles orientation and in the singles setting of spring 67 (spring tension control crank 68 turned clockwise so that spring 67 is in the singles mode tension setting) the shooter provides a signal via actuation of a "PULL" button S1 on the pull cord connected to connector 8A. The fling-arm 66 is thereby caused to release from the position which was not quite at top dead center (this position is sensed by switch S2) and when the fling-arm 66 is advanced the top dead center position as a result of activation of S1 or by actuating S16 to the RELEASE position causing motor 34 to rotate fling-arm 66 past top dead center, spring 67 releases its stored energy into rotational energy to fling-arm 66. After release of arm 66 by use of S1, hydraulic motor 34 is caused to rotate in a direction so as to advance turret 90 one indexed position which advances or delivers one clay target 2A to position 72. First or singles target holding assembly 82 along with singles roller 82C holds the targets above the singles aperture i.e., the position 72 from which the lower most target 2, i.e., target 2A will be lowered by elevator 70 to set position 72A. Target holding assembly 82 along with singles roller 82C prevents more than one target from being lowered by the elevator 70. The elevator 70 rises to position 72 substantially concurrently with the indexing of turret 90 so that the elevator 70 will be in proper position to accept first target 2A for lowering to the singles mode or the first target set position 72A. Upon target 2A being placed in the set position 72A fling-arm 66 is being gradually and slowly rotated toward the fully cooked position and at the same time target 2A is moved by the fling-arm 66 into launch position 72B which position is determined by singles finger 62 and the leading edge 66B of fling-arm 66 where target 2A is held by brush 73 and leading edge 66B of arm 66. When the fire of pull signal is generated by S1 hydraulic motor 34 causes a further rotation of fling-arm 66 to the extent that spring 67 releases and causes arm 66 to rotate with rapid acceleration launching target 2A on trajectory determined by the position of oscillation piston 12 and the tilt adjustment assembly 51. With handle 14A in the down or open position cylinder 14 in combination with cylinder 12 causes a slower acceleration and deceleration of the horizontal or oscillation motion of the machine 10 above base assembly 20. The assembly of cylinders 14 and 12 also permit settable speeds of motion in each of the directions--right and left--further adding to the randomness and the lack of predictability of the direction at which the target or targets will emerge.

In the doubles mode of operation roller 84A is simply flipped over so that by its design, a second target 2B will deposit or be delivered to elevator 70 in position 74. As elevator 70 is lowered by cylinder 71 target 2B is set into set position 74A. As arm 66, moves forward with the leading edge 66B contacting both targets 2A and 2B, they are both caused to softly come together at the urging of arm 66, guidance of singles finger 62 and finally doubles finger 64 into or to the launch positions 72B and 74B. On signal, fling-arm 66 is released launching both targets 2A and 2B in trajectories which will be substantially the same relative to each other each time doubles are launched.

The singles holding spring 85 and spring 81 are of such a nature as to apply pressure on the edges of targets 2 which are in the turret 90 so that they do not jam or go out of position just after passing by position 72 and 74 respectively. Doubles spring 84B has a geometry which permits the sequential lowering of targets 2 which are stacked on turret 90 to be release one at a time as the turret 90 indexes or passes stacks of targets from position 74 toward position 72. The angle of the contacting edge, the edge which last contacts passing targets, is such that the bottom most target will release prior to passing too far toward position 72. If the bottom target, which will be set into position 72A, does not release timely it may tip into the aperture defined as position 72 and consequently break or jam the machine 10. Spring assemblies 84 are provided so that the pressure exerted by both the single roller 82C and the doubles roller 84A against the edge of the targets may be adjusted.

Turret 90 is indexed one position at a time with each 180.degree. of rotation indexing shaft 91 which in turn rotates indexing wheel 92. The followers 93A and 93B alternatively, with each 180.degree. of rotation, engage consecutive and adjacent follower bar pairs 94 causing the turret 90 to index to the next position while accelerating slowly at the start and the finish of the indexing action. Notches 95A and 95B engage the turret latch 96 and at the same time activate the turret stop switch S4.

The components which have not been identified in the description of the preferred embodiment are clearly obvious to those of ordinary skill as to the identity and the function of the component. The components which make up much of the support structure, the gears which function and types are clear chains, drive belts and the like used to transmit the rotational energy to the various assemblies of the invention have not been elaborated upon again because all of such detail is obvious to any ordinarily skilled person.

It is though that the apparatus and system of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages is understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.