STATIONARY ROPING PRACTICE TARGET APPARATUS

Abstract

A stationary roping practice target apparatus that simulates at least a portion of a running animal to serve as a roping practice target can comprise a frame configured to rest on a substantially flat surface during use, a motor that is attached to that frame, and first and second leg appendages that are pivotally attached to the frame and that are operably coupled to the motor. When the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, these leg appendages move cyclically between forward positions and rearward positions to thereby imitate the rear legs of a running animal and thereby provide a realistic roping practice target.

Claims

1. A stationary roping practice target apparatus that simulates at least a portion of a running animal to serve as a roping practice target, the stationary roping practice target apparatus comprising: a frame configured to rest on a flat surface during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus; a motor attached to the frame; a first and a second leg appendage pivotally attached to the frame and being operably coupled to the motor, such that when the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, the first and second leg appendages move cyclically between a forward position and a rearward position to thereby imitate rear legs of a running animal and provide a roping practice target.

2. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the stationary roping practice target apparatus weighs at least fifty pounds.

3. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one spring configured to bias the first and second leg appendage towards the forward position.

4. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor operates at between 35 and 55 revolutions per minute.

5. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 4 wherein the motor operates at about 45 revolutions per minute, such that the first and second leg appendages move cyclically between the forward position and the rearward position at a rate of about 45 cycles per minute.

6. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a portable power supply supported by the frame and which is selectively connectable to the motor to provide operating power to the motor.

7. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 6 further comprising: a switch supported by the frame and operably connected between the motor and the portable power supply to thereby selectively control provision of power from the portable power supply to the motor.

8. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second leg appendage each have an overall shape that resembles hind legs of a quadruped.

9. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first and second leg appendage each have a size that matches the hind legs of the quadruped.

10. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 9 wherein the quadruped comprises a steer.

11. The stationary roping practice target apparatus of claim 1 wherein neither the first nor the second leg appendage touch the flat surface when the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the stationary roping practice target apparatus described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0007] FIG. 2 comprises a top plan view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0008] FIG. 3 comprises a side elevational view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0009] FIG. 4 comprises a side elevational view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0010] FIG. 5 comprises a front elevational view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0011] FIG. 6 comprises a front elevational view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0012] FIG. 7 comprises a side elevational view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0013] FIG. 8 comprises a top perspective detail view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0014] FIG. 9 comprises a top perspective detail view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

[0015] FIG. 10 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings; and

[0016] FIG. 11 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings.

[0017] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale (though suggested dimensions for some embodiments may be shown in the drawings). For example, the visually apparent sizes and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the FIG.s may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present teachings. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present teachings. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. The word or when used herein shall be interpreted as having a disjunctive construction rather than a conjunctive construction unless otherwise specifically indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Generally speaking, these various embodiments provide a stationary roping practice target apparatus that simulates at least a portion of a running animal to serve as a roping practice target. By one approach, this stationary roping practice target apparatus can comprise a frame configured to rest on a substantially flat surface during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, a motor attached to that frame, and first and second leg appendages that are pivotally attached to the frame and that are operably coupled to the motor. When the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, these leg appendages move cyclically between forward positions and rearward positions to thereby imitate the rear legs of a running animal and thereby provide a realistic roping practice target.

[0019] By one approach, the apparatus can also include at least one spring configured to bias the first and second leg appendages towards the aforementioned rearward position.

[0020] The stationary roping practice target apparatus can include a portable power supply that is supported by the frame and that is selectively connectable to the motor via a switch that is also supported by the frame. So configured, power can be selectively provided to the motor via operation of the switch.

[0021] By one approach, the aforementioned motor operates at between 35 and 55 revolutions per minute. For many application settings, the motor can operate at about 45 revolutions per minute. In any event, the operation of the motor, in combination with linkage that couples the output of the motor to the appendages, can be such that the first and second leg appendages move cyclically between the forward position and the rearward position at a desired rate. By one approach, that rate is about 45 cycles per minute, which substantially correlates with the rate of a running animal such as a steer.

[0022] So configured, the stationary roping practice target apparatus can simulate at least the hindquarters portion of a running animal such as a steer. That action, in turn, can provide a realistic yet convenient target to permit a roping practitioner (and in particular a heeler) to practice their roping skills from a stationary vantage point.

[0023] These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, an illustrative example of a stationary roping practice apparatus 100 that is compatible with many of these teachings will first be presented. It will be understood that the specific details provided with respect to this example are intended to serve an illustrative purpose and are not intended to suggest any particular limitations with respect to these teachings.

[0024] In this example, the stationary roping practice apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 and a first and second leg appendage 102 as well as a motor (described and illustrated further below). This stationary roping practice apparatus 100 simulates at least a portion (i.e., the hindquarters) of a running animal (in this case, a quadruped such as a steer). The stationary roping practice apparatus 100 is stationary in the sense that it can be successfully used while the frame 101 remains in a stationary location on the ground. As will be made clearer below, the first and second leg appendage 102 are able to move forward and backwards (around a pivot point) by way of the aforementioned motor in order to imitate a running animal and to provide a more realistic target for a person practicing or demonstrating their roping skills. In this illustrative example, at no point during ordinary use and operation does any part of the first and second leg appendage 102 touch the ground.

[0025] Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the aforementioned frame 101 includes a base 201. The base 201 comprises a substantially planar member comprised, for example, of a suitable metal such as aluminum. Decorative features, such as the depicted star 202, can be formed on the surface of the base 201 or formed through the base 201 as desired.

[0026] If desired, apertures 203 can be formed through the base 201 (for example, near the corners of the base 201). Attachment mechanisms, such as spikes, screws, or bolts can be disposed through these apertures to secure the base 201 to an underlying surface. For many if not most application settings, however, this stationary roping practice target apparatus 100 can be successfully utilized without providing any such securement.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the frame 101 also includes a stand 301. This stand 301 includes a vertical portion 302 that connects (for example, via welding) at its bottom to the aforementioned base 201. The stand 301 also includes, in this illustrative embodiment, a horizontal portion 303 that connects at one end to the top of the vertical portion 302 and at its opposing end to an upwardly angled portion 304. This stand 301 may be comprised of a suitable metal, such as, for example, aluminum. The stand 301 may be partially or wholly solid or hollow as desired, though the angled portion 304 can be at least partially hollow in order to receive and house at least part of the motor and linkage assembly described further below.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the first and second leg appendages 102 can be essentially identical to one another. FIG. 4 depicts both sides of a single example of a leg appendage 102. In this example, each of the leg appendages 102 includes a cut out portion 401 formed through the upper half of the leg appendage 102. In this illustrative example, these leg appendages 102 each have an overall shape and size that resembles and matches the hind legs of a given quadruped, such as, but not limited to, a steer. In these regards, the lower portion 402 of each leg appendage 102 is somewhat angled by a few degrees with respect to the upper portion 403 thereof. As is well illustrated in FIG. 1, this angled orientation provides a more realistic target for the roper.

[0029] FIG. 5 presents a view of a bracket 501. This bracket 501 includes two flanges 502 that extend downwardly at a slight angle. These flanges 502 are configured to be secured to the leg appendages 102 at the upper ends thereof. That securement may be provided using, for example, attachment members such as bolts. In this illustrative embodiment the bracket 501 also includes an arcuately-shaped cut-out portion 503.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates that the lower portion 302 of the stand 301 may include a battery compartment 601 that can contain a portable power supply 602 such as a battery. In this illustrative example, the portable power supply is configured to provide 12 volts. The lower portion 302 of the stand 301 also includes, in this example, a switch 603. This switch is connected between the aforementioned motor and the portable power supply 602 to thereby selectively control the provision of electrical power from the portable power supply 602 to the motor and hence control the operating state of the motor.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, the upper ends of the first and second leg appendage 102 are secured to a shaft that passes through four concentrically positioned pillow block bearings 702 that are, in turn, secured to the free end of the angled portion 304 of the stand 301. So configured, the first and second leg appendage 102 are able to rotate back and forth (forward and backward) around the axis of the aforementioned shaft 701 as denoted by the arrows 703.

[0032] The angled portion 304 of the stand 301 also serves to house a portion of a motor and linkage assembly 704. Visible in FIG. 7 is an actuator arm 705 that pivotally connects within the angled portion 304 of the stand 301, a retraction spring 706 that connects at a first end to the actuator arm 705 and at an opposing second end to a connection point within the angled portion 304 of the stand 301, and a threaded rod 707 that pivotally connects at one end to an upper portion of the actuator arm 705 and at the opposing end to the aforementioned bracket 501. So configured, pivotal movement of the actuator arm 705 forward and backward will cause corresponding forward and backward pivotal movement of the first and second leg appendage 102.

[0033] Referring now to both FIGS. 8 and 9, the aforementioned motor and linkage assembly 704 will be described in more detail. In this illustrative embodiment, the motor 801 comprises a 24 volt motor that is rated at 90 revolutions per minute at its output shaft. In this embodiment, the motor 801 is provided with 24 volts from the portable power supply 602, and therefore provides 45 revolutions per minute at its output.

[0034] The output shaft of the motor 801 is secured to a short extension rod 901 that has its free end 902 pivotally connected to the first end 903 of a drive rod 904. The drive rod 904 has its opposing end 905 pivotally connected to the aforementioned actuator arm 705. The lower end of the actuator arm 705 is itself pivotally connected to an axle 802 that extends through to the opposite side of a vertical mounting plate 803 that is secured to an inner surface of the angled portion 304 of the stand 301. That axle 802 also passes through a pair of bearings 804 that permit the axle 802 to freely rotate.

[0035] So configured, rotation of the motor's 801 output shaft will cause, via the above-described linkage, a cyclical forward and rearward synchronized movement of the first and second leg appendages 102 about the aforementioned shaft 701. The retraction spring 706 serves to help bias the actuator arm 705 pivotally forward and to thereby bias the first and second leg appendages 102 towards being pivotally extended rearwardly.

[0036] By one approach, and as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a cover 1001 can be affixed over the above-described movable assembly. This cover 1001 can serve to protect the working components of the stationary roping practice apparatus 100 from inadvertent contact with a roper's lasso and can also help to protect attending humans from inappropriate contact with the mechanical workings of the stationary roping practice apparatus 100. This cover 1001 can be comprised of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, leather, and so forth.

[0037] By one approach, the stationary roping practice apparatus 100 is comprised of materials that weigh, in the aggregate, in excess of 50 pounds. That weight can help the stationary roping practice apparatus 100 to remain in position during use.

[0038] FIGS. 10 and 11 also illustrate a lasso 1002 in use with the stationary roping practice apparatus 100. In FIG. 10 the first and second leg appendages 102 are shown in their furthest forward orientation and in FIG. 11 the first and second leg appendages 102 are shown in their furthest rearward orientation. In use, the cyclical movement of the first and second leg appendages 102 back and forth between these positions realistically mimics the gait of an animal such as a small steer notwithstanding that the stationary roping practice apparatus 100 is, as a whole, stationary and not moving with respect to the ground. It will also be noted that, by one approach, no part of the first and second leg appendages 102 ever touches the ground or the base 201. The foregoing features provide an excellent setting for a roper to learn and hone specific roping skills in a focused manner, and without the distractions that attend practicing with a live, moving animal.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. As one illustrative example, one or more sensors could be utilized to detect when a lasso has properly encircled and/or tugged on the first and second leg appendages 102, and those sensors could be used to stop the motor. Accordingly, it will be understood that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.