HANDHELD SHOOTING TARGET THROWER

Abstract

A handheld target thrower, components thereof, and associated methods. In some embodiments, the target thrower includes a frame, a thrower, and a target holder that holds the target in position to be thrown by the thrower when the thrower moves relative to the target holder. In some embodiments, the target thrower includes a firing mechanism including a release actuator and a safety spaced apart from one another such that both hands of an operator are required to fire a target. In some embodiments, the target thrower includes one or more debris outlets that allow debris, such as from broken targets, that may enter the target thrower to migrate out of the target thrower so as to not disrupt the operation of the target thrower.

Claims

1. A handheld clay thrower assembly for throwing a clay target, the handheld clay thrower assembly comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame, the throwing arm being moveable relative to the frame from a first position to a second position to throw the clay target; and a target holder arranged to hold the clay target relative to the throwing arm and to release the clay target to permit the throwing arm to throw the clay target when the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position, the throwing arm being moveable relative to the target holder as the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

2. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 1, wherein the target holder is arranged to hold the clay target against the throwing arm or in a position to be contacted by the throwing arm as the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

3. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a bed, the bed configured to permit the clay target to slide on the bed as the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

4. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 3, wherein the target holder includes a retainer opposing the bed, the retainer being resiliently deflectable away from the bed for gripping the clay target between the retainer and the bed.

5. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 4, wherein the throwing arm is configured to deflect the retainer away from the bed to release the clay target as the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

6. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 5, wherein the throwing arm is disposed between the retainer and the bed in the first position.

7. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 4, wherein the target holder includes a spring biasing the retainer toward the bed.

8. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 1, wherein the target holder is moveable from an at-rest position to a deflected position by engagement of the clay target with the target holder.

9. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 1, further comprising a throwing spring supported by the frame and operatively coupled to the throwing arm for moving the throwing arm from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

10. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 9, further comprising a bumper supported by the frame and arranged to be contacted by the throwing arm to position the throwing arm in the second position.

11. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 1, wherein the throwing arm includes a throwing arm body configured to permit the clay target to roll along the throwing arm as the throwing arm moves from the first position toward the second position to throw the clay target.

12. A handheld shooting target launcher assembly for launching a shooting target, the handheld shooting target launcher assembly comprising: a frame; a launcher supported by the frame and moveable relative to the frame to launcher the shooting target; a release actuator supported by the frame, the release actuator being actuatable to launch the shooting target with the launcher; and a safety supported by the frame, the safety being actuatable to permit the release actuator to be actuated to launch the shooting target with the launcher, the safety and the release actuator being spaced apart from each other such that one hand of an operator cannot actuate the release actuator and the safety at the same time.

13. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 12, wherein the release actuator is actuatable to launch the shooting target with the launcher only when the safety is being actuated.

14. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 12, wherein the release actuator comprises a trigger.

15. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 12, wherein the frame includes a first hand grip configured to be gripped by a first hand of the operator and a second hand grip configured to be gripped by a second hand of the operator, the release actuator being located relative to the first hand grip to be actuated by the first hand of the operator that grips the first hand grip, the safety being located relative to the second hand grip to be actuated by the second hand of the operator that grips the second hand grip.

16. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 15, wherein the second hand grip is forward of the first hand grip.

17. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 15, wherein the frame includes a bed, the bed configured to permit the shooting target to slide on the bed as the launcher launches the shooting target, the first and second hand grips being located below the bed.

18. The handheld shooting target launcher assembly of claim 12, further comprising a linkage connecting the release actuator and the safety to one another, the linkage including a stop, the stop being positioned to engage the frame when the safety is in a non-actuated position to inhibit the release actuator from being actuated and positioned to permit actuation of the release actuator when the safety is actuated.

19. A handheld clay thrower assembly for throwing a clay target, the handheld clay thrower assembly comprising: a frame including an interior; a thrower supported by the frame and moveable relative to the frame to throw the clay target; a release actuator supported by the frame, the release actuator being actuatable to release the thrower to throw the clay target, the release actuator at least partially located in the interior of the frame, the frame including a debris outlet in fluid communication with the interior, the debris outlet being located at an elevation below the release actuator, the debris outlet arranged to permit debris in the interior to move out of the interior through the debris outlet and into the environment surrounding the handheld clay thrower assembly.

20. The handheld clay thrower assembly of claim 19, wherein the debris outlet is located vertically below the release actuator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective of a handheld clay thrower assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the handheld clay thrower assembly;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective of the handheld clay thrower assembly with a throwing arm in a cocked position and an upper housing shell removed;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective of the handheld clay thrower assembly with the throwing arm in a thrown position and the upper housing shell portion removed;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side perspective of a firing mechanism of the handheld clay thrower assembly with a portion of the handle assembly removed;

[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the firing mechanism, with a portion of the handle assembly removed and portions of the firing mechanism shown transparent, a safety of the firing mechanism being in an actuated position;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective of the handheld clay thrower assembly; and

[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a rear portion of the handle assembly, with a portion of the handle assembly removed.

[0016] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a handheld clay thrower or launcher assembly (a handheld target thrower or launcher assembly, a target thrower, or a target launcher) of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. In one example, the target thrower 10 may be used for throwing or launching a target T, such as a clay pigeon (also known as a clay target or clay target/pigeon), commonly used as a shotgun shooting target. A standard clay pigeon T is shown in the illustrated embodiment, however other sizes (e.g. Midi, Mini, Rabbit, Battue, etc.) and other types of targets or projectiles can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The standard clay pigeon T includes an upper face, an opposite bottom face, and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending therebetween. The target thrower 10 is a handheld target thrower. A user or operator holds the target thrower by hand (e.g., with both hands as will be explained herein) to throw or launch a target T for another person or shooter to shoot, such as with a shotgun. It will be appreciated that aspects of the target thrower 10 of the present disclosure can be used in other types of throwers (e.g., target throwers that are not handheld, motorized target throwers, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] The target thrower 10 includes a frame 12 and a thrower or launcher 14. The thrower 14 throws or launches the target T and is supported by the frame 12. The frame 12 includes a housing 16 and a handle assembly 18. The handle assembly 18 is connected to and supports the housing 16. The handle assembly 18 is located below or underneath the housing 16. The housing 16 includes or defines a housing interior (upper interior or compartment) in which various components of the target thrower 10 are housed, such as components of the thrower 14. The housing interior includes a target receiving space 16A sized and shaped to receive the target T (FIG. 3). The housing 16 includes or defines a side opening (e.g., target opening) 16B (FIG. 1) of the target receiving space 16A out of which the target T is thrown from the thrower 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 16 includes an upper housing shell or body 16C and a lower housing shell or body 16D connected together by one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). The housing 16 (broadly, the frame 12) includes a bed 20, formed by the lower housing shell 16D. The bed 20 has a generally flat upper surface for supporting the target T. The bed 20 extends laterally outward and forward of the side opening 16B. The bed 20 permits the target T (e.g., the bottom face of the target) to slide on and over the bed as the target is thrown by the thrower 14.

[0019] The target thrower 10 may include one or more sights 22 (broadly, aiming devices) for assisting the operator in aiming the target thrower. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower 10 includes two sights 22 (FIG. 1), one at or towards the forward end of the target thrower 10 and one at or towards the rearward end of the target thrower, although more or fewer sights (e.g., none) may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The sights 22 are located on top of the housing 16. In particular, the sights 22 are formed by the upper housing shell 16C. In the illustrated embodiment, each sight 22 comprises a linear groove or channel. The linear grooves of the two sights 22 are aligned along the same axis SA (e.g., sighting or aiming axis), which generally extends or points forward in the direction the target T will be thrown by the thrower 14.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the handle assembly 18 (broadly, the frame 12) includes a forward handle 24 and a rearward handle 26 located rearward of the forward handle. The forward and rearward handles 24, 26 are located below the housing 16. In particular, the handles 24, 26 generally extend downward from a bottom side of the housing 16. Thus, the handles 24, 26 generally extend downward away from a plane defined by the bed 20 (e.g., planar surface thereof). The forward handle 24 includes a forward hand grip 24A and a rear guard 24B. The forward hand grip 24A is gripped by one hand of the operator. The forward hand grip 24A and rear guard 24B form a cavity sized and shaped to receive a hand of the operator, when the operator is gripping the forward hand grip 24A. The rear guard 24B is generally located behind the hand when the hand grasps the forward hand grip 24A. The rearward handle 26 includes a rearward hand grip 26A and a front guard 26B. The rearward hand grip 26A is gripped by the other hand of the operator. The rearward hand grip 26A and the front guard 26B bound a cavity sized and shaped to receive the other hand of the operator, when the operator is gripping the rearward hand grip 26A. The front guard 26B is generally located in front of the other hand when the other hand grasps the rearward hand grip 26A. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward and rearward hand grips 24A, 26A are each configured to generally replicate a pistol grip of a firearm, although other configurations can be used without depart from the scope of the present disclosure. The handle assembly 18 includes or defines a handle interior (lower interior or compartment) in which various components of the target thrower 10 are housed, such as components of a firing mechanism described herein. Together, the handle interior and the housing interior form an interior of the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 18 includes a left or first handle shell or body 18A and a right or second handle shell or body 18B connected by one or more fasteners. The first and second handle shells 18A, 18B form the forward and rearward handles 24, 26 (broadly, form at least a portion of the forward and rearward handles). The first and second handle shells 18A, 18B are generally identical (e.g., are mirror images of one another). The first and second handle shells 18A, 18B are secured to the underside of the lower housing shell 16D with one or more fasteners.

[0021] In one embodiment, the handle shells 18A, 18B and the housing shells 16C, 16D may be made of plastic and may be formed by any suitable method, such as injection molding. The shells may be made of other materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the thrower 14 is supported by the frame 12. The thrower 14 is moveable relative to the frame 12 to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the thrower 14 includes a throwing arm 28, supported by the frame 12 (specifically, the housing 16). The throwing arm 28 is moveable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the frame 12 from a first or cocked position (FIG. 3) to a second or thrown position (FIG. 4) to throw or launch the target T. The throwing arm 28 rotates about a throwing arm axis TAA between the cocked and thrown positions. As shown in FIG. 4, the throwing arm 28 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction to throw the target T. The throwing arm 28 includes a throwing arm body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The throwing arm body permits the target T to roll along the throwing arm 28 as the throwing arm moves from the first position to the second position to throw the target. The throwing arm body includes a target engagement face 28A arranged to engage the target T (e.g., the sidewall thereof). The target engagement face 28A is planar. The bed 20 permits the target T to slide on and over the bed as the throwing arm 28 moves from the cocked position toward the thrown position. The target thrower 10 includes a bumper or stop 21 (e.g., foam cushion or block) supported by the frame 12 (e.g., the housing 16). The bumper 21 is arranged to stop the throwing arm 28 at the end of its movement, in the thrown position. The bumper 21 receives the impact from the throwing arm 28 and positions the throwing arm in the thrown position.

[0023] The thrower 14 includes a main or throwing spring 30 (e.g., a tension spring or coiled spring) that drives to the throwing arm 28. The throwing spring 30 is supported by the frame 12. The throwing spring 30 is contained within the interior of the housing 16. The throwing spring 30 is operatively coupled to the throwing arm 28 to move (e.g., rotate) the throwing arm from the first position toward the second position to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing spring 30 is directly connected to the throwing arm 28. One end of the throwing spring 30 is attached to the throwing arm 28 (e.g., the proximal end portion of the throwing arm) and the other end of the throwing spring is connected to a tension adjuster (e.g., throwing force adjuster) 32 of the target thrower 10. The tension adjuster 32 is supported by the frame 12 (specifically, the housing 16) and can be used to change the tension of (e.g., the force imparted by) the throwing spring 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension adjuster 32 includes a tension knob or actuator 34 threadably coupled to a fastener or shaft 36 (e.g., eye bolt). The other end of the throwing spring 30 is connected to the shaft 36. The shaft 36 extends through an opening in the housing 16 and the knob 34 abuts a rear end or face of the housing. The throwing spring 30 pulls the knob 34 against the housing 16. The knob 34 is rotatable relative to the housing 16. Rotating the knob 34 in one direction moves the shaft 36 toward the throwing arm axis TAA to reduce the tension in the throwing spring 30, and rotating the knob in the other direction moves the shaft away from the throwing arm axis to increase the tension in the throwing spring.

[0024] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the target thrower 10 includes a target holder 38. The target holder 38 holds and locates the target T relative to the throwing arm 28 (broadly, the thrower 14) so that the throwing arm throws the target when moving from the cocked position toward the thrown position. The target holder 38 may hold the target T against the throwing arm 28 (e.g., the face 28A) when the throwing arm is in the cocked position or may hold the target T in a position to be contacted by the throwing arm as the throwing arm moves from the cocked position to the thrown position to throw the target. The target holder 38 releases the target T (responsive to movement of the throwing arm 28) to permit the throwing arm to throw the target when the throwing arm moves from the cocked position to the thrown position. The target holder 38 is fixed to the housing 16. The target holder 28 is not supported or carried by the throwing arm 28. The throwing arm 28 is moveable relative to the target holder 38 as the throwing arm moves between the cocked and thrown positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the target holder 38 includes a mount or base 40 and a retainer or thumb 42. The base 40 is secured to the bed 20. In one embodiment, the lower housing shell 16D forms the base 40. The retainer 42 is supported by, connected to, and moveable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the base 40. The retainer 42 is spaced apart from and opposes the bed 20. The target holder 38 grips the target T in the space between the retainer 42 and the bed 20. The retainer 42 is resiliently deflectable (e.g., pivotable) away from the bed 20 for gripping the target T between the retainer and the bed. The retainer 42 includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end is pivotably connected to the base 40. The distal end portion includes a cam/chamfered surface to facilitate insertion and removal of the target T. The retainer 42 is biased toward the bed via a spring 44 of the target holder 38. The base 40 includes an upwardly extending, raised projection or lip 46 that engages the underside of the retainer 42 to limit the movement of the retainer toward the bed (e.g., set the retainer in an at-rest position). In the cocked position, the throwing arm 28 is disposed between the retainer 42 and the bed 20. The throwing arm 28 is moved to the cocked position before the target T is loaded. The target holder 38 receives the target T by sideways movement of the sidewall of the target T. For example, a user may load or position a target T in the target thrower 10 by placing the bottom face of the target on the bed 20 and sliding the target into the side opening 16 and into the space between the retainer 42 and the bed. The target holder 38 (specifically, the retainer 42) is moveable (e.g., pivotable) from the at-rest position (FIG. 4) to a deflected position (FIG. 3) by engagement of the target T with the target holder for insertion of the target.

[0025] The throwing arm 28 (broadly, the thrower 14) is configured to deflect the retainer 42 away from the bed 20 so that the target holder 38 releases the target T as the throwing arm moves from the cocked position to the thrown position. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm 28 pushes the target T out of the space between the retainer 42 and the bed 20 as the throwing arm rotates, which causes the retainer to pivot upward to allow the target to pass, thereby releasing the target. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm body is sized and shaped to not come into contact with the retainer 42 as the throwing arm 28 rotates. The throwing arm body includes an upper recess or cavity 28B that is aligned with and accommodates the retainer 42 (even when the retainer is in the at-rest position) as the throwing arm 28 moves between the cocked and thrown positions. In other embodiments, the throwing arm may engage the retainer to deflect the retainer and release the target.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the target thrower 10 includes a firing or release mechanism 48. The firing mechanism 48 is supported by the frame 12. The firing mechanism 48 is disposed in the interior of the frame 12 (e.g., in the interiors of the housing 16 and the handle assembly 18). The firing mechanism 48 holds the throwing arm 28 in the cocked position and selectively releases the throwing arm from the cocked position to allow the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring 30, toward the thrown position to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing mechanism 48 includes a firing or release actuator 50 and a safety (e.g., safety actuator) 52. Both the release actuator 50 and the safety 52 are supported by the frame 12, specifically the handle assembly 18. The release actuator 50 and the safety 52 are located (broadly, at least partially located) in the interior of the handle assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the release actuator 50 comprises a trigger, although other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The release actuator 50 is actuatable (e.g., moveable by the operator) to throw the target T with the thrower 14 (e.g., the release actuator is actuatable to release the thrower to throw the target). The safety 52 is actuatable (e.g., moveable by the operator) to permit the release actuator 50 to be actuated to throw the target T with the thrower 14.

[0027] The release actuator 50 and the safety 52 are spaced apart from each other such that one hand of the operator cannot actuate both the release actuator and the safety at the same time. Instead, the release actuator 50 is arranged to be engaged by one hand (e.g., a finger thereof) of the operator, and the safety is arranged to be engaged by the other hand (e.g., the palm thereof) of the operator. The release actuator 50 is located relative to the rearward hand grip 26A to be actuated by the hand of the operator that grips or grasps the rearward hand grip. The safety 52 is located relative to the forward hand grip 24A to be actuated by the other hand of the operator that grips or grasps the forward hand grip. This two-handed configuration provides a safety measure by ensuring that both hands (and arms) of the operator will be out of the way of the target T and/or the thrower 14 when the thrower moves to launch the target. If the release actuator and safety could be actuated at the same time by one hand, there is a possibility that the operator's other hand (and arm) could be located unintentionally in a position where it is contacted (e.g., hit) by the thrower and/or target when firing a target, potentially injuring the operator. The arrangement of the safety 52 and the release actuator 50 requires the operator to use both hands to operate the target thrower 10 because the safety and the release actuator (e.g., the forward and rearward handles, forward and rearward hand grips) are spaced apart such that one hand cannot operate both the safety and the release actuator at the same time. This ensures that both hands of the operator are below the bed 20 of the target thrower 10 and away from the throwing arm 28 when the throwing arm is released to fire the target T, to reduce the likelihood the operator accidentally comes into contact with the throwing arm once it is released. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The safety 52 prevents accidental firing of the target thrower 10. The release actuator 50 is actuatable to throw the target T with the thrower 14 only when the safety 52 is being actuated. Thus, the safety 52 needs to be operated or actuated (e.g., moved, pressed, squeezed) before the release actuator 50 can be operated or actuated (e.g., moved, pressed, pulled). Further, the safety 52 needs to be held in its actuated state (e.g., in its actuated or unlocked position) by the operator in order for the operator to be able to actuate the release actuator 50. This ensures the hand of the user actuating the safety 52 remains below the bed 20 before and during the actuation of the release actuator 50.

[0029] The safety 52 is operatively coupled to the release actuator 50 for selectively permitting and inhibiting actuation of the release actuator. The firing mechanism 48 includes a linkage or linkage assembly 54 connecting the safety 52 and the release actuator 50 together. The linkage 54 is disposed in the interior of the handle assembly 18. The linkage 54 includes two links 56 (broadly, at least one link). Each link 56 is pivotably coupled to the release actuator 50 at one end and the safety 52 at the other end. The linkage 54 includes a safety pin (broadly, a stop) 58. The safety pin 58 extends through the links 56 and through a linear slot 60 in the safety 52 to couple the links to the safety. The safety pin 58 can slide along the slot 60 in the safety 52, thereby allowing the links to side relative to the safety. The links 56 cannot slide (but can rotate) relative to the release actuator 50.

[0030] The safety pin 58 acts as a stop. Movement of the safety 52 moves (e.g., positions) the safety pin 58 relative to the frame 12 (specifically, the handle assembly 18). The safety pin 58 is positioned to engage the frame 12 when the safety 52 is in a locked or non-actuated position (FIG. 5) to inhibit the release actuator 50 from being actuated. The safety pin 58 is positioned to permit actuation of the release actuator 50 (e.g., is positioned so as not to engage the frame 12 in a manner that inhibits the release actuator from being actuated) when the safety 52 is in an actuated or unlocked position (FIG. 6). The safety pin 58 extends into a retaining slot or recess 62 in the frame 12 (specifically, handle assembly 18). In the illustrated embodiment, the safety pin 58 (e.g., ends thereof) extends into two retaining slots 62, one on each side of the safety 52. The retaining slots 62 are mirror images of one another (only one is shown), with one retaining slot being defined by the left handle shell 18A and the other retaining slot being defined by the right handle shell 18B. Each retaining slot 62 has an L-shape, with a first or vertical leg and a second or horizontal leg (generally parallel to the sighting axis SA). When the safety 52 is in the locked position (FIG. 5), the safety positions the safety pin 58 in the vertical legs of each retaining slot 62. In this position, if the operator tries to pull the release actuator 50 rearward to fire the target T, the safety pin 58 (e.g., ends thereof) engages the portion of the frame 12 (e.g., a forward facing stop surface) defining the vertical leg to prevent the rearward movement of the release actuator 50 (and thereby the firing of the target T). To be able to fire the target T, the operator squeezes or pushes the safety 52 (a handle portion thereof) forward, which rotates or pivots the safety about a safety pivot axis SPA to move the slot 60 of the safety downward (into lateral alignment with the horizontal legs of the retaining slots 62) and position the safety pin in registration (e.g., alignment) with the horizontal legs of the retaining slots. Now, if the operator pulls rearward on the release actuator 50, the safety pin 58 slides along the horizontal legs of the retainer slots 62 and the slot 60 of the safety, which permits the release actuator 50 to move rearward to fire the target T. Other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the safety may be arranged to block the throwing arm from rotating instead of preventing the release actuator from moving.

[0031] The release actuator 50 is biased toward its non-actuated or holding position, away from its actuated or firing position. The firing mechanism 48 includes a release actuator spring 64 for biasing the release actuator 50. The safety 52 is also biased toward its non-actuated or locked position, away from its actuated or unlocked position. The firing mechanism 48 includes a safety spring 66 for biasing the safety 52.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, the firing mechanism 48 includes a keeper or latch 68. The keeper 68 is supported by the frame 12 (specifically, the housing 16) and is disposed in the interior of the housing. The keeper 68 selectively engages the throwing arm 28 to hold or retain the throwing arm in the cocked position. In particular, the keeper 68 able to engage the throwing arm 28 to hold the throwing arm in the cocked position and to release the throwing arm to permit the throwing arm to move, under the force of the throwing spring 20, toward the thrown positon to throw the target T. The keeper 68 is moveable (e.g., pivotable about a keeper axis KA) between a retaining position (FIG. 3), where the keeper engages and holds the throwing arm 28 in the cocked position, and a release position, where the keeper is disengaged from the throwing arm and permits the throwing arm to rotated toward the thrown position.

[0033] The release actuator 50 and the keeper 68 are separate and distinct pieces movable with respect to each other. The release actuator 50 includes a keeper actuator 70 (e.g., projection or pin) arranged to engage and pivot the keeper (about the keeper axis) to disengage keeper from the throwing arm 28 (and thereby release the throwing arm). The keeper actuator 70 extends upward through aligned openings in the handle assembly 18 and the housing 16 to reach the keeper 68. The keeper 68 includes a hook or catch 72 that engages the throwing arm 28 (e.g., extends into an opening or recess thereof) to retain the throwing arm in the cocked position. A return spring biases the keeper 68 towards its retaining position, where the keeper engages and holds the throwing arm 28 in the cocked position. The release actuator 50 and the keeper 68 can move independent of one another to facilitate latching of the throwing arm 28 when it is moved to the cocked position. The keeper 68 is permitted to pivot slightly to permit the throwing arm 28 to move into the cocked position (and then return to the retaining position via the return spring to engage and hold the throwing arm in the cocked position) without also requiring the release actuator 50 to move. It will be appreciated, the engaged safety 52 obstructs the release actuator 50 from moving rearward, such that separating the keeper 68 and release actuator facilitates latching of the throwing arm 28 when the safety is active. Further, the arrangement of the keeper 68 and release actuator 50 provides a mechanical advantage making it easier to pull the release actuator because the keeper actuator 70 engages the keeper at a location spaced apart from the keeper axis KA. When the release actuator 50 is pulled rearward, the keeper actuator 70 engages and rotates the keeper 68 about the keeper axis KA, thereby disengaging the catch 72 from the throwing arm 28.

[0034] A cycle of use for the target thrower 10 will now be described. With the throwing arm 28 in the thrown position (FIG. 4), the operator grabs the throwing arm and manually rotates the throwing arm from the thrown position rearward to the cocked position to cock the throwing arm. Moving the throwing arm 28 into the cocked position engages the keeper 68 with the throwing arm, thereby holding the throwing arm. This secures the throwing arm 28 in the cocked position until the release actuator 50 is pulled. After the throwing arm 28 is cocked, the operator inserts the target T into the target receiving space 16A (via the side opening 16B) and positions the target under the retainer 42 of the target holder 38. The operator may position the target T so that it is engaged with the throwing arm 28. The target thrower 10 is now ready to fire or throw the target T. The operator grips the forward hand grip 24A in one hand, thereby pressing the safety 52 and moving the safety to the unlocked position. With the other hand, the operator grips the rearward hand grip 26A. The operator points the target thrower 10 in the desired direction, such as by using the sights 22. When ready (and with the hands still grasping the respective hand grips 24A, 26A), the operator pulls the release actuator 50 rearward, thereby releasing the throwing arm 28. The throwing arm 28 rotates, under the force of the throwing spring 30, toward the thrown position. As the throwing arm 28 rotates, the throwing arm pushes the target T out from the target holder 38 and along the bed 20. The centrifugal forces acting on the target T cause the target to roll along the throwing arm 28 (out of the side opening 16B) until the target is thrown forward off the bed 20. The throwing arm 28 engages and is brought to a stop in the thrown position by the bumper 21. The cycle can now be repeated to throw the next target T.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the target thrower 10 may include one or more debris outlets 74 to permit debris to pass out of the target thrower. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower 10 includes one debris outlet 74, although more outlets can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Generally, the debris outlet 74 is in fluid communication with the interior of the frame 12 (e.g., the interior of the housing 16 and/or the interior of the handle assembly 18). The debris outlet 74 permits debris in the interior of the frame 12 to move out of the interior through the debris outlet and into the environment surrounding the target thrower 10. If a target T breaks inside the housing 16 (in the target receiving space 16A), portions of the target (e.g., pieces and/or powder) may migrate in the target thrower 10 to areas that could cause the target thrower to malfunction. The debris outlet 74 allows such portions to exit the interior of the target thrower 10 so as to not cause the target thrower to experience adverse effects. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the debris outlet 74 is located in the rearward handle 26 (at a lower end thereof). Specifically, the debris outlet 74 is located in the bottom of the front guard 26B, forward of the rearward hand grip 26A. Thus, the debris outlet 74 is located at an elevation below the release actuator 50. Desirably, as illustrated, the debris outlet 74 is located vertically below the release actuator 50. The location of the debris outlet 74 is such that it allows debris from around the release actuator 50 to exit the interior of the handle assembly 18 (via gravity). If pieces of a broken target or other debris enters the area of the interior around the release actuator 50, it could cause the release actuator to jam. The debris outlet 74 permits passage of the debris to prevent such jamming.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle shells 18A, 18B forming the handle assembly 18 and defining the interior of the handle assembly includes internal structural reinforcement ribs 76. The ribs 76 subdivide the interior of the handle assembly 18 into different sections. For example, the ribs 76 subdivide the interior of the handle assembly 18 into an actuator section, in which the release actuator 50 is located and moves. Debris may enter the actuator section of the interior of the handle assembly 18 by passing through the aligned openings in the handle assembly 18 and the housing 16 through which the keeper actuator 70 extends. The ribs 76 bounding the actuator section may act as guides that guide the forward and rearward movement (e.g., linear sliding) of the release actuator. In this embodiment, the ribs 76 positioned between the release actuator 50 and the debris outlet 74 includes recesses 78 (broadly, openings) to permit the debris to pass from the release actuator (e.g., the actuator section) to and out of the debris outlet 74. The recesses 78 form a passage (e.g., debris passage or passageway) through the handle assembly 18 for leading the debris away from the release actuator 50 (e.g., the actuator section) toward the debris outlet 74 (e.g., through various sections of the interior of the handle assembly). Although only the left handle shell 18A is shown in FIG. 8, the right handle shell 18B is a mirror image thereof. Accordingly, the right handle shell 18B has similarly (e.g., identical) shaped ribs 76 with recesses 78 that cooperate with the recesses in the left handle shell 18A to form openings through the ribs and, thus, form the debris passageway when the two handle shells are connected together to assembly the handle assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the debris passageway has a relatively wide mouth (compared to the other openings and debris outlet 74) at the top of the debris passageway under the actuator section. The debris passageway has smaller openings below the mouth but are sized to permit debris to pass there-through. In some instances, the mouth may act as a collection area where a larger piece of debris may collect, but because the mouth permits the debris to migrate away from the release actuator 50, the debris desirably does not affect operation of the release actuator, and the debris can later be removed from the mouth. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the ribs 76 may be omitted (e.g., all of the ribs or just the ribs between the release actuator 50 and the debris outlet 74) such that the debris falls down from the release actuator (through the portion of the interior formed by the front guard 26B) to the debris outlet 74. Moreover, the debris outlet can be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. The dimensions and proportions described herein are by way of example without limitation. Other dimensions and proportions can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, 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.

[0039] It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. The dimensions and proportions described herein are by way of example without limitation. Other dimensions and proportions can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, 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.