ARTICULATING ROPING DUMMY TOW APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus and system for towing a roping dummy is provided. The roping dummy tow apparatus includes an anchor member coupled a roping dummy, and an articulating support member coupled to the anchor member. The articulating support member includes a plurality of arms coupled to one another. Each respective arm includes at least a first end and a second end, the first end having an elongated arm extension and the second having a grooved concave portion to receive the elongated arm extension. The roping dummy tow apparatus further includes one or more skis coupled to a bottom of the anchor member. The system includes the roping dummy and a vehicle to tow the roping dummy using the roping dummy tow apparatus.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a roping dummy tow apparatus that includes: a roping dummy; an anchor member coupled to the roping dummy; and an articulating support member coupled to the anchor member having a plurality of arms wherein each respective arm includes at least a first end having at least one coupler.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more skis coupled to the anchor member.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms are coupled to one another, and at least one arm has the first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein an elongated arm extension protrudes from the first end and is positioned within a grooved concave portion of the second end of an adjacent arm.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor member extends from an underside surface of the roping dummy, the underside surface of the roping dummy is parallel to a top planar surface of the ski.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the articulating support member having the plurality of arms is made of steel circular pipes.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the steel circular pipes have an inside diameter of up to 2 inches.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of arms are configured to articulate in a 20-30 degree axis of rotation on a horizontal plane.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupler is a universal joint, pin, or fastener.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor member is coupled to a movable platform having one or more wheels.

10. A roping dummy, comprising: a roping dummy body that includes: a front end having a head and chest portion; a rear end opposite to the front end; an upper surface, and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the upper and lower surfaces between the front and rear ends; at least one ski mounted to the lower surface of the roping dummy body; and an articulating support member coupled to the at least one ski, wherein the articulating support member is configured to manipulate the roping dummy in an articulating range of motion.

11. The roping dummy of claim 10, wherein at least two skis are mounted to the lower surface of the roping dummy.

12. The roping dummy of claim 10, wherein the articulating support member includes a plurality of arms.

13. The roping dummy of claim 12, wherein each respective arm includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end or the second end includes a pin that is configured to enable each respective arm to articulate in a first direction and in a second direction.

14. The roping dummy of claim 13, wherein each respective arm is configured to articulate in an at least 20-degree axis of rotation in the first or second direction on a horizontal plane.

15. The roping dummy of claim 10, wherein the at least one ski is aligned with a center portion of the underside surface of the roping dummy.

16. The roping dummy of claim 10, wherein at least three skis are coupled to the underside surface of the roping dummy.

17. The roping dummy of claim 16, wherein the skis are configured in a triangular design wherein at least one ski is positioned under the chest portion of the roping dummy body.

18. The roping dummy of claim 10, wherein the articulating support member is made of steel.

19. A system, comprising: a roping dummy; a vehicle; and an articulating support member coupled to the roping dummy and the vehicle, wherein the articulating support member is configured to pull the roping dummy in an articulating motion.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising an anchor member coupled to the roping dummy and the articulating support member, wherein the articulating support member is made of steel and configured to articulate 20-30 degrees in a first direction and a second direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a roping dummy system including a roping dummy tow apparatus.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the roping dummy system including the roping dummy tow apparatus.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a top front-end view of the roping dummy tow apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a roping dummy system according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a portion of the articulating support member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] To efficiently and effectively prepare properly and train for cow horse competitions, a roping dummy tow apparatus having an articulating support member is needed and widely desired for training purposes.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a roping dummy system 100 that includes a roping dummy 101 and an embodiment of a roping dummy tow apparatus 111. The roping dummy 101 is molded or designed in a shape that generally reassembles that of a bovine or cow. The roping dummy system 100 described herein can be used in cow horse competition trainings or for other similar purposes. The roping dummy 101 includes a body 115 having a head 117 and a rear end 123 that is positioned opposite to the head 117. The head 117 may be referred to as a front portion of the roping dummy 101 for ease of description. Although the head 117 of the roping dummy 101 is shown with horns in FIG. 1, the head 117 of the roping dummy 101 may be designed with or without horns.

[0018] The body 115 of the roping dummy 101 includes a top surface 119 and an underside surface 109. The top and underside surfaces 109, 119 extend from the head 117 to the rear end 123 of the roping dummy 101. A chest portion 121 makes up a section of the underside surface 109 of the roping dummy 101 that is located under the head 117 and adjacent to a neck portion (not shown).

[0019] The roping dummy system 100 includes a roping dummy tow apparatus 111. The roping dummy tow apparatus 111 includes an anchor member 107, an articulating support member 105, and one or more skis 113. The anchor member 107 has a top portion closer to the roping dummy body 115, and a bottom portion opposite to the top portion. The top portion of the anchor member 107 is coupled to the underside surface 109 of the roping dummy body 115. The anchor member 107 is made of a solid piece of metal or steel and structured to support the roping dummy body 115 while coupling the roping dummy body 115 to the roping dummy tow apparatus 111.

[0020] In this embodiment, the anchor member 107 is coupled directly below the center portion of the roping dummy body 115. However, the anchor member 107 may be located closer toward the head 117 (toward the direction of travel) or closer toward the rear end 123 (opposite to the direction of travel) of the roping dummy 101. Dependent on the embodiment, the anchor member 107 can be placed in varying positions on the underside surface 109 such that the roping dummy 101 can remain vertically upright while in use, for example while veering or turning during training sessions.

[0021] The bottom portion of the anchor member 107 couples the roping dummy body 115 to one or more skis 113. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the ski 113 is shown as a singular ski that has a width capable of sustaining the weight, height, and width of the roping dummy 101. In other embodiments, the ski 113 can be two skis, or three or more skis with narrower widths that enables the roping dummy 101 to maneuver as needed and intended for its original purpose. In some embodiments, the skis 113 can be positioned closer to the rear end 123 of the roping dummy or closer to the head 117 of the roping dummy 101.

[0022] At least one embodiment of the ski 113 is shown in FIG. 1. The ski 113, described in the direction of travel, has a length and width (total surface area) designed and shaped to withhold the weight and balance of the roping dummy 101. The anchor member 107 is coupled to a top planar surface 108 of the ski 113. The top planar surface 113 is substantially parallel to the underside surface 109 of the roping dummy body 115. A bottom surface 110 of the ski 113 is configured to move or travel on a ground surface (not shown) with a portion of the ski 113 having an upward tongue 114 extending in the direction of travel. However, it is appreciated that in other embodiments, the ski 113 can be designed in another manner that enables the ski 113 to successfully maneuver the roping dummy 101 as intended by the user. In other words, the ski 113 design and shape may differ dependent on user preference and manufacturing controls; however, the essential function of the ski will remain constant.

[0023] The roping dummy tow apparatus 111 further includes an articulating support member 105 that is coupled to the anchor member 107. The articulating support member 105 is positioned between the ski 113 and the underside surface 109 of the roping dummy body 115. The articulating support member 105 includes a plurality of links or arms 133 that connect or fasten to one another by at least one coupler or pin 103. In some embodiments, the pin 103 may be a bolt, coupling, universal joint, or other similar fastener that can link the plurality of arms 133 together and connect them from a first respective arm to the end of the articulating support member 105. In this embodiment, the plurality of arms 133 extend outwardly, in the direction of travel, from the anchor member 107 to beyond the head 117 of the roping dummy body 115. The plurality of arms 133 are made of steel or other similar materials.

[0024] In roping dummy system described herein, the articulating support member 105 would replace a traditional bar or towing mechanism that is typically used in cow horse competition training, or other purposes demanding the use of a roping dummy. The articulating support member 105 in conjugation with the plurality of arms 133 are designed and configured to create a strong bar and towing mechanism for towing the roping dummy 101, while simultaneously providing the appropriate amount of slack that enables the bar to bend or curve to a certain degree. Advantageously, the curvature of the articulating support member 105 will manipulate the movement of the roping dummy 101 such that the horse will not trip or hit the bar when attempting to step up to or approach the front of the roping dummy 101. This curvature of the bar prohibits injury to the horse and the rider when the horse is in close proximity to the head 117 of the roping dummy 101. This is accomplished by each respective arm 133 having on at least one end, the coupler or pin 103.

[0025] The articulating support member 105 would be composed of steel or similar material and would be in the shape of a round pipe-like design. The articulating support member 105 would have an inside diameter (I.D.) of approximately 1- or 1.750 inches to 2 inches. The length of the articulating support member 105 will vary and can be dependent on user or manufacturer preferences. The articulating support member 105 can provide a 20-30-degree rotational turn relative to a horizontal plane, which will be described in further detail below in reference to FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a roping dummy system 200. For brevity, features of the roping dummy 101 and roping dummy tow apparatus 111 described in FIG. 1 will not be described in detail for FIG. 2, as the features are the same as described in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the anchor member 107 is coupled to a top planar surface 208 of a wheeled moveable platform 213. The wheeled moveable platform 213 includes two or more wheels 215. The wheeled moveable platform 213 is structured to maneuver the roping dummy 101 and roping dummy tow apparatus 111 in a manner similar to the embodiment having one or more skis 113, as mentioned above. The wheeled moveable platform 213 as shown in FIG. 2 includes two pairs of wheels across the platform, but may be designed and structured in a variety of embodiments not shown in the Figures.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the roping dummy system 100. This top perspective view of the roping dummy system 100 shows the articulating support member 105 extending out beyond the purview of the roping dummy body 115. The plurality of arms 133 are coupled such that the combination of each respective arm 133 and each respective pin 103 enables a unitary link for the articulating support member 105 to articulate or rotate in a 20-30-degree range of motion. The limited articulating motion enables the rider to position the horse close to the head 117 of the roping dummy, without being entangled or tripping over the articulating support member 105. When towing or maneuvering the roping dummy 100, the particular structure and movement of the articulating support member 105 limits the curvature to a 20-30-degree rotation, while preventing a user from jackknifing (folding of an articulating vehicle that resembles a folding knife).

[0028] The articulating support member 105 is placed in a position relative to the roping dummy body 115 such that the head 117 and neck portion of the roping dummy 101 are easily accessible to a horse (not shown). The articulating support member 105 can articulate in a first direction 135 or in a second direction 137. Each respective arm 133 has the capability to articulate in either the first or second direction 135, 137.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) 125 towing the roping dummy 101 using the roping dummy tow apparatus 111. Although the vehicle 125 shown in the Figure is an ATV, it is appreciated that the vehicle may be any machine designed for, or capable of, transporting cargo. The ATV 125 is coupled to the roping dummy tow apparatus 111 using a standard ball size for a trailer hitch, which is traditionally 2 inches in diameter.

[0030] The roping dummy tow apparatus 111 is configured to articulate in either the first or second directions 135, 137 while simultaneously keeping the roping dummy 101 straight or in line while the ATV 125 begins to turn the roping dummy 101. When in motion, the ATV 125 turns first, followed by the roping dummy 101 that turns in a direction mimicking the ATV 125. In FIG. 4, although the ATV 125 illustrates towing the roping dummy 101 by initiating a turn to the left, it is appreciated that the articulating support member 105 can rotate movement in either the left direction or the right direction (i.e., first direction or second direction 135, 137, which is dependent on orientation of the user).

[0031] The ski 113 remains in a substantially parallel position relative to the roping dummy body 115. The articulating support member 105 can articulate in the 20-30-degree range of motion, while remaining intact to the anchor member 107 supporting the roping dummy body 107. This demonstrates the capability of the roping dummy system 100 that allows the horse (not shown) to encroach upon the head 117 of the roping dummy 101 in an up-close and precise manner, without causing undue injury to the horse or rider.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a portion of the articulating support member 105. As noted above, the articulating support member 105 comprises the plurality of arms 133 that are coupled or fastened together by one or more of the pins 103. Each respective arm 133 includes a first end 127, and a second end 129 opposite to the first end 127. The first end 127 of each respective arm 133 has an elongated arm extension 141. The elongated arm extension 141 protrudes out the first end 127 in a direction toward the second end 129 of the adjacent arm in order to couple the first end 127 to the second end 129. Each respective pin 103 is inserted within a grooved concave portion 131 of the second end 129 of each respective arm 133.

[0033] Because the pins 103 allow each respective arm 133 of the articulating support member 105 to rotate or articulate in the first and second directions 135, 137, the grooved concave portion 131 appropriately limits or restricts the rotating of each arm 133 to a 20-30 degree articulating range of motion. This restriction prevents the vehicle 125 from jackknifing, which as noted above, can cause significant damage to the roping dummy tow apparatus 111 or the vehicle 125 towing the roping dummy 101. The grooved concave portion 131 is manufactured in a manner to restrict unnecessary movement while allowing a measured degree of movement for each respective arm 133. The elongated arm extension 141 of each respective arm 133 is purposely proportioned such that the height and width are substantially aligned with the grooved concave portion 131. In some embodiments, however, the structure of the elongated arm extension 141 and grooved concave portion 131 may vary to suit the needs of the user and are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the grooved concave portion 131 can be positioned in the first end 127, as opposed to the second end 129 shown in FIG. 5.

[0034] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0035] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.