Target jumper

This is a device for launching targets into the air for target practice. The launcher includes a base, a release lever pivotally mounted to the base and having an impact target, and a throwing lever mounted to the base and having target holding cups. A spring is mounted within the base, and biases the throwing lever away from the base, through a pair of lifting arms. The release lever has a notch which mates with a tab on the throwing lever to hold the throwing lever cocked. Upon impact of a projectile on the impact target, the release lever will pivot away from the throwing lever, allowing the throwing lever to spring up, and launch targets received in the holding cups.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention was initially made up to enhance recreational shooting or planning in the field. It saves on a useless slaughter of varmints in the field, the invention is compact, easy to assemble and use. I have kept this simple as possible with as many options as possible. This idea and first prototype was made in March of 2003.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to a mechanism for testing and honing shooting skills For the professional and recreational shooter.

The principal objection is to provide a new way for a shooter to engage a stationary primary target which releases a moving secondary target, or targets.

This device is portable and versatile in construction and usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The building process will involve cutting, drilling, milling, and welding to manufacture this item.

The materials list includes the following:

The base1is made from 1.5″×1.5″×19.5″ square tubing. One end is notched across the width of one side. The notch is for the hinge to be welded in. The hinge2is made with 1.250″×0.750″ round tube with a 0.1875″ wall and 1.250″×0.250″ flat strap. The round tube is welded along the top edge of the strap.

Once the hinge is welded in, the stabilizer can be welded on. The sleeve will have a 0.375″ hole in front on center with a nut welded over it. A 0.375″×1″ bolt can be screwed on. This will lock the stabilizer bar4on. The stabilizer bar extensions5are 1″×1″×14″ square tubing with 0.125″ wall. On one end a 1.5″×1.5″×1.5″ square tubing is welded perpendicular to the 14″ shaft. This is a sleeve3for the stabilizer bar extension to attach to the stabilizer bar. These two sleeves need a 0.375″ hole with a nut welded over the hole. A 1″ bolt can be screwed on each one.

The slot for the sliding pin is milled 0.375″ wide, and 5″ long centered on the base. The slot begins 4.750″ from the hinge end. The opposite end of the hinge end is the locking lever pivot point.

The pivot pin6is a 0.375″×2.5″ rod bent into a “L” shape, and welded to a 2.250″×1.250″×0.250″ flat strap. The flat strap7needs a 0.375″ hole drilled 0.3125″ from the end on center for the pivot pin to be aligned and welded into position.

A 0.375″×2.5″ rod8is installed into the milled slot of the base, and the lifting arms9are welded onto the rod ends. The lifting arms are 0.750″×7″×0.1875″ flat straps with 0.375″ holes drilled 0.50″ from each end. The rod and arms are welded into a “U” shape.

The release lever10is 1″×18.5″×0.250″ flat strap with a 0.375″ hole drilled 0.50″ from the end. The corners are rounded to allow the lever to fall freely on the “L” rod. A 0.250″×0.250″ notch is cut1″ above the hole. On the other end of the lever a 0.750″×1.5″ tube with a 0.1875″ wall is welded along the top edge. This will be the impact target cup mounting point.

The 150 lb. compression spring12is installed through, the pivot point end, and the “L” rod and release lever and end cap strap are installed and welded on.

The throwing lever13is 1.5″×1.5″×19.5″ square tubing with a 0.125″ wall. A hole is drilled on one end for the hinge pin. This hole will be 0.375″, and in a corner 0.5″ from the end, and 0.5″ from the bottom. Another 0.375″ hole is drilled 3.750″ from the hinge pin hole on center. From the hole (light tension setting), another 0.375″ hole is drilled 1.5″ center to center (heavy tension setting).

The locking lever end is opposite of the hinge end and it needs the locking lever tab14welded on. The locking lever is 0.375″×0.5″×0.250″ flat strap. This is welded on the same side the locking lever is located on. The tab is flat with the bottom 0.250″ from the end. From this end, 2″ on center, a 0.375″ hole is drilled. This is to hold the target holder cup in place.

The target holder cup15is 3″×1″ round tubing with a 0.125″ wall and a 0.125″×3″ disc with a 1″×7″×0.250″ flat strap. One end of the strap has a 1.250″×2.250″×0.3125″ flat strap welded flat with a 0.375″ hole drilled on center1″ from the end. The cup end of the strap has a 3″ disc 0.135″ thick welded perpendicular to the strap. This strap ends in the center of the disc. On top of the disc, the 3″ round tube is welded.

The impact target cup16is made up of a 0.1875″×3″ disc, and a 3″ diameter, 1″ long pipe with a 0.1875″ wall, and a 0.375″×2.5″ solid rod. The disc and pipe are welded together to form a cup, and the rod is welded perpendicular on the back on center. The rod has a 0.0625″ hole, 0.250″ from the end to receive a retainer pin. This pin locks the target cup to the release lever.

The throwing lever is capable of holding two target holder cups. This enables two targets in the air to to be shot into the air.

In the operation of the target shooter, the stabilizer bar with stabilizer extensions are mounted to the base by means of bolts.

The thrower cup is then installed onto the throwing lever using a 0.375″×2.5″ clevis pin to lock it on.

The lifting arms need to be aligned on the light or heavy tension setting, and clevis pin installed with a retainer pin.

Then, while holding the locking, or release, lever10, one would press down on the throwing lever13, and pivot the lever10to engage its notch with lock tab14to lock the throwing lever in place. The locking lever and locking tab should be secure.

A target object is then placed on the throwing cup.

The Target Jumper is ready for use. A weapon or weapons may be used to fire projectiles toward impact target cup16, to pivot release lever10away from throwing lever13, to release targets in cups15into the air.

The impact target cup16can be replaced with a different size, or different materials to meet the needs of the shooter. For instance, an archery type disc with a pin on the back can be used to catch arrows and release the locking lever.