GB2571822A - Gravity-loaded target launching machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine for launching discoidal targets, such as archery targets 2a, 2b, 2c, comprises a launching arm 3 rotationally movable in a cycle from and to an armed position starting from which the launching arm is configured to throw a target 2a from a launching area. A magazine 6 is configured to store targets. There is a transfer portion 7 between the magazine 6 and launching area configured to move targets 2a, 2b, 2c from the magazine 6 to the launching area. The magazine 6 has a first row 61 capable of receiving targets 2a, 2b, 2c and a second row 62 capable of receiving targets which is above the first row 61. The first and second rows 61, 62 lead to a target lowering column extending to the transfer portion 7.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of the invention is that of target launching machines for target practice, preferably for archery.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Archery traditionally offers archers the opportunity of shooting at fixed targets. A target launching machine makes it possible to vary the training conditions, by launching the targets so as to offer shooting at moving targets. This is what the applicant recently proposed with the machine disclosed in patent publication WO-A1-2013023960.

A launching machine typically comprises a launching recess capable of accommodating a discoidal target. A launching device is capable of launching a target from the launching recess. During launching, the side edge of the target rests on the launching device.

In order to be able to launch several targets in succession without action by an operator, a machine of this kind advantageously comprises a supply magazine capable of storing several targets. Said supply magazine is typically capable of delivering one target at a time.

In the case of the machine presented in patent publication WO-A1-2013023960, the magazine is an inclined ramp defining a stack of targets. This principle offers the advantage of structural simplicity. The height of the magazine however soon becomes an impediment to storing a larger number of targets. Conversely, machines from the Ball-Trap field often have a barrel-shaped magazine with a plurality of columns, each vertically storing a stack of targets. This method of storing targets significantly increases the capacity of the magazine, but at the expense of markedly greater complexity.

Consequently, there is a need to improve target storage, particularly for archery for which machines should preferably remain simple while offering significant capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a machine for launching discoidal targets, comprising:

- a launching device comprising a launching arm rotationally movable in a cycle from and to an armed position starting from which the launching arm is configured to throw a target present in the launching area,

- a magazine, configured to store targets pending launching, above the launching area,

- a transfer portion between the magazine and the launching area, configured to move the targets from the magazine to the launching area.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the magazine comprises a first row capable of receiving targets side by side and a second row capable of receiving targets side by side, with the second row being located above the first row and the first row and second row leading into a target lowering column extending to the transfer portion.

This therefore provides a plurality of rows of targets (at least two, but potentially many more) without creating a too detrimental magazine height; the proposed storage is both in height and in width. Furthermore, the rows are all oriented towards a common lowering column to the transfer portion, so that they share a common exit, which simplifies the management of their movements.

Another aim of the invention is a method for dispensing targets from a storage magazine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below for information in connection with the drawings in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a machine according to the invention, with the arm in the armed position;

- figure 2 illustrates the machine in figure 1 during a target launching phase;

- figure 3 shows more specifically the fairing of the machine;

- figure 4 is a stripped-down view illustrating transfer of the targets;

- figure 5 and figure 6 show the transfer portion in further detail;

- figures 7 to 22 show successive phases of operation of the machine, from an arrangement in which a maximum number of targets are present in the machine to an arrangement of throwing the last target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before making a detailed review of the embodiments of the invention, optional characteristics that may be used in any combination or as alternative solutions are listed hereafter:

- Advantageously, the first row 61 and the second row 62 respectively feature a first ramp 63 and a second ramp 64, each inclined downwards in the direction of the lowering column 67.

- Preferentially, a device for retaining targets received in the first row 61 is active at least when the launching arm 3 is in the armed position.

- According to a non-restrictive embodiment, the retaining device is active on an angular sector of the rotational travel of the launching arm 3 of at least 30°, preferably 40°, upstream from the armed position according to the direction of rotation of the launching arm 3.

- Advantageously, the retaining device comprises a stop, movable between a position in which the stop is configured to halt the targets present in the first row 61 and a position in which the stop is configured not to halt targets present in the first row 61.

- The retaining device comprises a kinematic coupling member configured so that the stop is rotated by the launching arm.

- According to a preferred embodiment, the stop is a lever 5 that is movable in rotation.

- Preferentially, the kinematic coupling member comprises a cam 4, rotationally integral with the launching arm 3 and pushing on the lever 5.

- The launching device comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls 13, 14 parallel to each other and to a plane of rotational travel of the launching arm 3, and the magazine 6 comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls 66, 68 parallel to each other.

- The fairing of the launching device and the fairing of the magazine 6 are parallel and offset in the direction of the axis of rotation of the launching arm 3.

- In a preferred embodiment, the magazine 6 is foldable towards the launching device or is movable, by retraction for example.

A target 2a, b, c usable in the invention is typically cylindrical and flattened. It features an essentially flat extension. In this plane, also known as the target plane, the target 2 is bounded by a circular cylindrical contour or side edge 21. In the direction perpendicular to said plane, the target 2 is bounded by two flat faces or flanks 22, spaced apart by a thickness e. The target is preferably made of plastic foam, such as an elastomer foam. It may comprise two circular faces arranged on either side of a central body. The two circular faces are preferably formed of a material having a density lower than that of the central body in order to receive and hold the arrow on one of the two faces by blocking passage of the arrow through the central body. The indicative dimensions of a target are a diameter of more than 15 cm, for example 33 cm, and/or a thickness advantageously between 5 and 10 cm and preferably 5 cm. The indicative weight corresponding to these dimensions may be 100 grams with a tolerance of +/10%. The machine according to the invention comprises a launching device which is the site at which the target is thrown outwards.

The launching device is equipped with a rotationally movable launching arm 3. Movement of the launching arm 3 occurs at least in part inside the launching recess 7. The rotary arm 3 therefore moves, at least over a portion of its rotation, inside the launching recess 7.

Figure 1 shows a machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. It rests on a frame 1, which, in the example illustrated, is equipped with an axle with two wheels and a foot, forming a balanced assembly to rest on the ground. A target launching device is arranged on the frame 1. In the case illustrated, the launching device uses a launching arm 3, the axis of rotation of which is oriented horizontally. Other orientations are possible. The longitudinal extension of the arm 3 therefore rotates in a 360° cycle from a position in which the arm is armed and ready to launch a target. Figure 1 represents the armed position in which a target 2a is placed at the front of the arm 3 which rests on a surface 31 of the target; it is understood that the arm 3 is ready to propel the target 2a when a movement, in the clockwise direction in this case, is effected. The result is illustrated in figure 2, showing an intermediate position of the arm 3 and throwing of the target 2a. In the armed position in figure 1, the target 2a ready to be launched is not at the lowest point of the track. In this case, it is advantageous to have an element for retaining said target in the armed position, on one side of the side edge 21 opposite the bearing area 31. This may be a flexible blade visible in figure 1, integral with one of the walls 13, 14, resting on the side edge 21 but moving away elastically when the launching arm 3 throws the target 2a. After throwing, the blade returns to the stop position of another target in the launching area.

According to a first possibility, the arm 3 may be powered by an electric drive, possibly combined with a helical spring serving to store energy and release the latter violently when a target throwing command is given. According to another possibility, the machine 1 comprises a mechanical system configured to produce the energy required to rotate the arm according to its launching cycle; in particular, a helical spring may be employed, tensioned by means of a mechanical control, such as a pedal or lever, in a single movement or by repeated movements by a user.

The launching device is advantageous bounded by side walls 13, 14; figure 1 illustrating the wall 13 and figure 3 showing both walls in an advantageous configuration in which the walls 13, 14 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the launching arm 3. The bottom portion of the volume thus defined is furthermore delimited by a track configured to form an application surface for the side edge 21 of the targets. In the case illustrated, the track in question comprises a fixed track 11 forming the major portion of the length of the track and an adjustable track 12 which can be extended or retracted, preferably with several positions, so as to vary the overall length of the track and consequently change the direction in which the targets are thrown. The means of variation of the adjustable track 12 may for example include a slide. From figure 1, it will furthermore be noticed that the track is advantageously concave curvilinear in shape so as to define a target receiving area forming a hollow in which the targets can move.

More specifically, this curvilinear shape can be defined as a circular or virtually circular shape. Advantageously, the width of the track is slightly greater than that of the targets so as not to hamper their movements, while ensuring effective guidance of the target flanks against the walls 13, 14 separated by the track. The assembly thus forms a fairing enclosing at least the target to be thrown, in which the arm 3 moves, at least during part of its movement.

Figure 1 also shows a plurality of targets present in the machine, which ensures a certain degree of autonomy, so that a plurality of targets can be thrown in succession without any need to reload the machine. To this end, the machine comprises a magazine 6. According to the invention, the latter is organised so as to store the targets both vertically and horizontally. More specifically, a first row 61 of targets is visible, in addition to a second row 62 superimposed on the first. A row itself includes a capacity able to receive at least one target and preferentially at least two targets side by side. The diagrams provided show an embodiment using two rows, but this arrangement is by no means restrictive.

Advantageously, each row is equipped with a ramp 63, 64 guiding the targets against their gravity. Advantageously, the ramps 63, 64 are inclined so as to tend to lower the targets in a preferred direction. The invention does not however exclude employing additionally or alternatively a member pushing on the targets at the end of the row 61, 62 such that lowering by gravity is unnecessary or is supplemented. Potentially, the ramps 63, 64 are parallel to each other.

In a similar way to guidance of the targets on the track 11, 12, the magazine 6 advantageously comprises a fairing serving to delimit an internal volume for receiving, and preferably for lateral guidance of, the targets present in the magazine 6. To this end and likewise similarly to the launching device, the magazine 6 preferably comprises two side walls 66, 68 on either side of the ramps 63, 64, with the walls preferably being parallel to each other; advantageously, the spacing between the side walls is such that the possibility of lateral movement of the targets is limited so that the latter are guided laterally and held in a vertical position, with the side edge 21 interacting with the ramps 63, 64. It should be understood that this arrangement forms a fairing for the magazine 6. Preferably, a fairing side edge, corresponding to a proximal end of the rows 61, 62, remains accessible, by means of an opening, so that the targets can be loaded into the rows.

Although vertically separated, the rows 61, 62 jointly lead to a transfer column 67 allowing the targets to descend towards the launching device. It is noted in fact in figure 1 that a target on the first row 62 is no longer held by the ramp 64 and that a target, marked in this case 2c and located on the second row 61, is not held by the ramp 63. In the manner, the targets are able to transit gradually downwards. They remain advantageously held laterally by the walls 66, 68. In addition, the transfer column 67 is also delimited laterally, according to the thickness of the fairing, i.e. the width of the ramps 63, 64, by a guide 65 avoiding their exit by the side edge of the fairing. For example, the guide 65 may be a rectilinear surface, oriented potentially vertically downwards. Advantageously, the magazine 6 is configured to hold the targets in a vertical position, with the axis of symmetry of the targets being parallel to the axis of rotation of the arm 3. Furthermore, in the arrangement illustrated, the magazine 6 and the launching device are offset laterally (i.e. in the direction of the axis of rotation of the arm 3) so that the targets inside the magazine 6 are located in a plane, parallel to the angular displacement plane of the arm 3, offset in relation to the latter. This angular offset is more precisely apparent from figures 5 and 6. In particular, the side walls 66, 68 may be offset in relation to the side walls 13, 14. This arrangement allows complete movement of the launching arm 3 throughout its entire cycle next to the magazine 6, without interfering with the latter. Thus, the rotation plane of the arm 3 is advantageously juxtaposed to the volume of the magazine 6. Figure 4 illustrates the position of the arm at the rear of the side wall of the magazine 6.

It should be noted the magazine 6 can be articulated relative to the launching device in such a way that the magazine can be folded back into a position where the machine is not in use. For example, figure 3 shows a rectilinear lower edge of the magazine 6 mounted to pivot on an upper edge of the launching device (here it is the edges of two side walls among walls 66,68 and 13, 14 that interact). In the folded position, the height of the machine is very significantly reduced, making it easier to store, without taking up too much space or completely dismantling the magazine 6. According to another possibility, the magazine is detachable by dismantling the fixing means on the launching device, so as to handle and transport these two parts separately.

The bottom end of the column 67 leads into a transfer portion 7. Indeed, the lateral offset between the magazine 6 and the launching arm 3 requires a change in the position of the targets up to the launching area. Consequently, there is a part in the machine that allows the targets to be offset gradually so as to reach the displacement plane of the arm 3. The transfer portion 7 appears in particular in figure 3 in the form of a protrusion on the launching device. The portion 7 comprises a deflector 71 which may adopt the form of a wall, advantageously flat, on which the targets are liable to be applied, said wall having an oblique direction from a proximal end of the wall to a level corresponding to the plane of magazine 6 up to a distal end of the wall, a level corresponding to the displacement plane of the launching arm 3. The deflector angle may be 30°. The deflector 71 acts like a slide between the magazine 6 and the launching area in front of the arm 3 in the armed position.

Figure 4 is a stripped-down view in which a side wall of the launching device has been partly illustrated so as to reveal the transfer portion 7 and the inclination of the target 2b located there. This transfer also appears in figure 5 without illustration of the deflector 71 and in figure 6 with the deflector 71.

It should be noted that the walls previously indicated may be made of metal sheets or layers of sufficiently rigid polymer or composite materials.

It will be seen from the above that the targets are gradually conveyed by gravity to the launching area, on the side of the launching arm 3 allowing their throwing. Since, however, the lowering column 67 is common to the different rows 61, 62, it is desirable, albeit not absolutely necessary, to have a means serving to retain the targets in the bottom row(s) (in this case the first row 61) when targets are still available in the upper row (in this case the second row 62). Indeed, the lateral push of the targets of the first row 61 on the other targets already present in the lowering column 67 could block the movement of lowering by gravity in said column 67 in the direction of the launching arm 3.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a target retaining device for this purpose.

Advantageously, this device is active on a portion of the angular travel of the arm 3 and inactive on another portion of this travel. More specifically, it is desirable that the retaining device be active on a portion of the angular sector of rotation of the arm upstream from the armed position (within an angular sector of 180° upstream from the armed position). It is indeed in this area that the relative blockage of targets would be most detrimental. For example, the retaining device may be active on an angular sector of at least 30° and preferably of at least 40° towards the armed position. Thus, the retaining device may be inactive on an angular sector beyond the armed position in the direction of rotation of the arm and allow in this case complete movement of the targets in the magazine and the transfer portion, including in the first row 61. In the following angular sector, in which the retaining device is active, the targets of the first row 61 are retained so as not to interfere with the movement of the targets present in the lowering column 67. According to one possibility, the retaining device can be configured to push back the targets in the first row 61 during the movements of activation of the retaining device in order to avoid persistent contact between these targets and those present in the column 67.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining device comprises a stop in the form of a rotationally movable lever 5 (a translational movement or a complex movement is not however excluded) between a retracted position that does not interfere with the first row 61 and a deployed position in which the lever 5 is liable to interfere with the targets in the first row 61, as is the case in figure 1. In this configuration, a stop area 52 of the lever 5 is in contact with the side edge 21 of the lowermost target in the row 61.

On a preferred embodiment, the stop (typically the lever 5) has a movement linked to that of the launching arm 3. Thus, no motorisation or additional drive means are required to perform this function. In order to achieve this, in the case illustrated, a cam 4 is integral with the launching arm, around an axis of rotation 41 also corresponding to that of the arm. The cam 4 is advantageously of curvilinear shape, elongated so as to have a larger dimension in a longitudinal direction oriented in the direction of longitudinal extension of the launching arm 3 than in a transverse direction oriented perpendicularly to the direction of longitudinal extension of the launching arm

3. Thus, the cam 4 is an elongated rounded shape. Furthermore, the cam 4 is configured to rest on the lever 5 so as to exert a force on the latter during rotation of the arm 3. In the case described in detail here, there is an offset between the planes of the magazine 6 and the launching device containing the arm 3. Consequently, the cam 4 is advantageously offset in relation to the arm 3 in the direction of the axis of rotation of the arm so as to be positioned, like the lever 5, in the volume of the magazine 6, offset to that of the launching device.

It will be understood that the contact between the cam 4 and the lever 5 is variable during rotation of the arm 3, so that the lever 5 is more or less deployed according to the area of its contact with the cam 4. In this manner, the movement of the lever 5 may follow a cycle, for example sinusoidal in shape, of deployment and retraction in relation to the first row 61. The deployed position is visible in particular, specifically in figure 1, whereas the retracted position is reflected by figure 2.

It should be noted that if more than two rows 61, 62 are present in the magazine 6, the necessary means may be provided in the retaining device to ensure retention of the targets of the rows below the uppermost row in the magazine 6. It is in particular possible to synchronise the movement of the different additional retaining members with that of the lever 5 or with any other stop of the first row 61 described above. It is, for example, possible to employ a bar and tie rod system for transmitting movements to additional levers.

Figures 7 to 22 show the successive operating phases of the machine according to the invention.

Figure 7 corresponds to the situation previously described in accordance with figure 1. The magazine here is completely filled and a target is ready for throwing in front of the launching arm. Throwing is performed, as shown in figure 8, by a rotation of the arm. In this situation, the lowermost target in the first row 61, which was held up to this point by the lever 5, is now released by retraction of the lever 5. In this situation, there is nothing to prevent gradual lowering of the targets until a new target arrives in the launching area in order to be thrown. Gradual lowering of the targets causes the targets that were on the highest level to move by priority towards the transfer portion 7. The retaining device prevents the targets in the first row 61 from interfering with lowering of the targets present in the column 67.

Figure 9 is fairly similar to figure 7 for launching of the next target, with the arm having returned to the armed position in this figure. Likewise, the launching in figure 10 corresponds to the movement of the arm previously described in figure 8. The movement of the lever 5 is also equivalent. It should be noted that the first row 61 remains full and the second row 62 continues to empty.

Figures 11 to 13 show successive phases of preparing a throw and execution of a throw, with, as in the previous cases, retention of the targets in the first row 61 and lowering of the other targets through the column 67. In figure 14, the first row 61 begins to empty, since no higher level target is available in this case. The throwing and reloading phases then succeed each other, as figures 15 to 22 show. In this last figure, 5 there are no longer any targets available and the machine needs to be reloaded in order to be able to continue target practice.

REFERENCES

1. Frame

11. fixed track

12. adjustable track

13. side wall

14. side wall

2a, b, c. Targets

21. side edge

22. flank

3. Launching arm

31. bearing area

4. Cam axis of rotation

5. Lever

51. axis

52. stop area

6. Magazine

61. first row

62. second row

63. first ramp

64. second ramp

65. guide

66. side wall

67. transfer column

68. side wall

7. Transfer portion

71. deflector

Claims (11)

1. Machine for launching discoidal targets (2a, 2b, 2c), comprising:

- a launching device comprising a launching arm (3) rotationally movable in a cycle from and to an armed position starting from which the launching arm (3) is configured to throw a target present in the launching area,

- a magazine (6), configured to store targets pending launching, above the launching area,

- a transfer portion (7) between the magazine (6) and the launching area, configured to move the targets from the magazine to the launching area, characterised in that the magazine (6) comprises a first row (61) capable of receiving juxtaposed targets and a second row (62) capable of receiving juxtaposed targets, with the second row (62) being located above the first row (61) and the first row (61) and second row (62) leading into a target lowering column extending to the transfer portion (7).

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the first row (61) and the second row (62) respectively feature a first ramp (63) and a second ramp (64), each inclined downwards in the direction of the lowering column (67).

3. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a device for retaining targets received in the first row (61) which is active at least when the launching arm (3) is in the armed position.

4. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining device is active on an angular sector of the rotational travel of the launching arm (3) of at least 30°, preferably 40°, upstream from the armed position according to the direction of rotation of the launching arm (3).

5. Machine according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the retaining device comprises a stop, movable between a position in which the stop is configured to halt the targets present in the first row (61) and a position in which the stop is configured not to halt targets present in the first row (61).

6. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining device comprises a kinematic coupling member configured so that the stop is rotated by the launching arm.

7. Machine according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the stop is a lever (5) which is movable in rotation.

8. Machine according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 6, wherein the kinematic coupling member comprises a cam (4), rotationally integral with the launching arm (3) and pushing on the lever (5).

9. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the launching device comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls (13, 14) parallel to each other and to a plane of rotational travel of the launching arm (3), and wherein the magazine (6) comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls (66, 68) parallel to each other.

10. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the fairing of the launching device and the fairing of the magazine (6) are parallel and offset in the direction of the axis of rotation of the launching arm (3).

11. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magazine (6) is foldable towards the launching device or is movable.