Abstract: A trap machine that launches clay targets, and the trap machine has a tensioning spring having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively connected to a motor assembly and the second end engaged to a first end of a threaded bolt the tensioning spring providing tension on a nut on the bolt against the rear of the housing; and a lever configured to releasably engage the threaded bolt and move the threaded bolt against the bias of the tensioning spring thereby releasing tension of the nut against the rear of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trap machine that launches clay targets, and more particularly, relates to a trap machine comprising a lever that provides for manipulation of tension in the main spring of the machine.

Abstract: A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.

Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.

Abstract: A computer controlled target shooting system having a plurality of clay bird throwers which can be positioned at substantial distances and angles of throw from one another, preferably to throw clay birds in a safe direction for shooter(s) to engage. The throwers include a device for mechanical activation (electrical, air, hydraulic, etc.) and allow for varying horizontal and vertical angle of clay bird projection (flight). The plurality of clay bird throwers are interfaced to a microprocessor. The shooter can specify levels of difficulty which will set levels of time delays and difficulty of randomness between clay birds thrown. These shooter specified levels include two clay birds thrown at the same time (doubles) and extended time delay to allow for reloading of double barrel shotgun (double barrel).

Abstract: A disk thrower is disclosed for simultaneously launching two clay targets. The thrower includes two target holders attached to an adjuster which is mounted to a handle for swinging the thrower. The target holders are adjustable along supports formed on the adjuster. A first one of the target holders is arcuately movable along an arc wherein the first target holder is movable relative to a second target holder while lying in a single pane. The second target holder is movable to different positions on the adjuster whereby the second target holder is adapted to lie in different predetermined planes relative to the adjuster and first target holder such that a target held by the second target holder will follow a predetermined convergent, divergent or parallel trajectory relative to a target held by the first target holder.

Abstract: A throwing arm for a target throwing device the arm including upper and lower plates which receive respective targets so that in operation two targets are thrown simultaneously. The arm is formed as an extrusion for strength lightness and ease of fabrication. A novel magazine is also disclosed which utilizes extruded elements which are shaped and disposed so as to hold targets in columns in the magazine.

Abstract: A multiple disc launcher arrangement includes a single handle and a plurality of spines directed longitudinally of said handle wherein a first spine is of a liner configuration, wherein a second spine is of an arcuate configuration, wherein each spine orthogonally mounts at forward terminal ends thereof respective "C" shaped heads. Each "C" shaped head defines a straight leg and an arcuate leg with a circular pocket defined therewithin. An elongate, continuous "U" shaped groove receives a disc therewithin. A modification of the instant invention includes a sleeve selectively joining a plurality of separate handles, wherein each separate handle is joined to a respective straight and arcuate spine. The sleeve includes a ribbed upper surface to enhance grasping thereof. A further modification includes a resilient leg sleeve selectively positionable about a forward terminal end of each arcuate leg of each head to alter resistance of the head to release a disc when hurled by an individual.

Abstract: A target trap for multiple disk targets having a base, an elevational arm, a lower target throwing arm rotatably mounted to a shaft on the elevational arm, and a power device to rotate the lower target throwing arm. An upper target throwing arm is hingedly mounted by its trailing edge to the trailing edge of the lower arm and a linkage device varies the separation between the leading edges of the upper and lower arms causing targets to be thrown at varying speeds and angles.

Abstract: A launcher for a target pigeon having a central coreless ring and a pair of propeller-type vanes projecting therefrom has a launch head whose tip can be rotated about a head axis for spinning a target pigeon held on the tip by a pair of retractable holding fingers. This head can be swiveled about a horizontal axis from an upwardly directed launch position into a downwardly directed load position in which it is aligned with a stack of such pigeons carried on a vertically displaceable platform, while in the launch position the entire head is also oscillated about a vertical axis. The launch tip has a radially displaceable beak which is urged centrifugally outwardly to deflect a target pigeon that is released from the launch tip by retraction of the holding fingers by a solenoid, and which also is urged radially inwardly by a spring so that when the tip is not rotating during loading the beak is out of the way.

Abstract: A target throwing apparatus in which a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets is independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A cocking mechanism stops the throwing arm just before reaching the over-center position whereupon initiating of the next cocking cycle throws the target. A power train consists of three equal-sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. The magazine includes a ramp and cam mechanism by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate. A scotch yoke assembly is utilized in translating rotary shaft motion to symmetrical reciprocating motion to oscillate the housing.

Abstract: A target positioner for an autoloading target throwing machine. The positioner can be adjustably mounted on the rotatable throwing arm and is used with a resilient target nest, whose function is to locate the target to be thrown in the proper position on a launch platform. Camming surfaces on the positioner act to force the target into proper position in the resilient target nest upon cocking of the throwing arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for throwing objects, and particularly "clay pigeons" for target shooting, wherein a spring driven throwing arm is locked in a position wherein the spring is in tension but the arm must be further mechanically driven against the spring tension to an equilibrium point where the throwing stroke will take place under the influence of the spring. The position of the throwing arm is controlled by an electric motor, a pair of parallel circuits for controlling the energization of the motor and a drive train between the motor and the shaft which supports the throwing arm; the drive train including a ratchet type arrangement which constrains the arm to movement in only one direction and "captures" the arm on "rebound" of the spring at the end of a throw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trap for clay pigeons, and in particular mechanism for releasing the lowermost clay pigeon of the stack contained in a magazine chamber while holding the rest of the stack in position. A pair of gripping tongs is provided for each magazine chamber, but only a single common actuating mechanism for the various tongs is used, and a single retaining device serves all of the magazine chambers in turn. The invention also provides a spring biased pivoted rod that assures correct positioning of the clay pigeons on the throwing arm.

Abstract: A target throwing apparatus in which a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets is independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A cocking mechanism stops the throwing arm just before reaching the over-center position whereupon initiating of the next cocking cycle throws the target. A power train consists of three equal-sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. The magazine includes a ramp and cam by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate. A scotch yoke assembly is utilized in translating rotary shaft motion to symmetrical reciprocating motion to oscillate the housing.