Abstract:
The present device relates to a remote control target supporting device, and in particular to a device with an improved chassis and decoy supporting features. According to one embodiment of the present device, the device has a frame with multiple pieces that is selectedly extendable and retractable along a central longitudinal axis. A front axle is connected to the front of the frame, and is fully swivel-able relative thereto. The front axle supports turnable wheels and a steering controller. A motor assembly, power supply and receiver are at the rear of the frame with a rear axle that supports the rear wheels. Preferably two target connectors are provided, and are movably supported by the frame. The target connectors have at least one vertically mounted rod upon which decoys or targets can be mounted in virtually any angle or presentation to the shooter. Additional attachment embodiments are disclosed to affix a greater variety of targets and other functional devices such as dump boxes and others for loading and hauling materials.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional application for Patent Ser. No. 61/377,687 with filing date of Aug. 27, 2010. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Disclosed Embodiments 
     The present device relates to a remote control target supporting device or remote controlled electric vehicle, and in particular to a device with an improved chassis that is functional with a 3-D big game target and virtually any target and decoy or target supporting features. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Hunting or shooting of any type of projectiles, marksmanship, athletics and training for these activities are popular sports. Many if not most hunters spend a great deal of time practicing their sport. In the most basic set up, a hunter, for example a bow and arrow hunter, aims and releases the arrow toward a stationary target such as a bale of hay. While effective at improving skills at certain generic distances, this practice method does not lend itself well to altering terrain and moving targets. Further, this practice method does not provide practice in conditions such as from a particular tree stand. 
     Hunters can and do spend much time effort and planning in hunting game especially deer. Deer and other game do not always stop at the practiced shooting distance nor do they stand for a long time if at all. The hunter can be forced to take a less than “perfect” shot or a shot other than the shot(s) that had been practiced. This device allows hunters to practice those less than perfect shots to improve their hunting success. 
     Several inventions have been made over the years, some of which include: U.S. Pat. No. 3,689,927 to Boston titled Radio-Controlled Decoy. This patent shows a water fowl decoy containing a radio receiver adapted to receive signals from a remote radio transmitter. The receiver connects to an amplifier, one or more servos and other components within the decoy. A rudder operable by a servo steers the decoy. An electric motor drives a propeller to motivate the decoy. A folded or recessed grapple is extended when a servo mechanism within the decoy responds to a signal from the transmitter through the receiver. The decoy carries a battery pack and internal flotation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,439 to Roos et al. is titled Remote Controlled Decoy. This patent illustrates a remotely controlled floating decoy having a buoyant body resembling a game bird and having a receiver disposed within the buoyant body. The receiver is responsive to commands from a transmitter and provides electrical control signals to a plurality of servo-mechanisms and associated linkages in response to the commands. The apparatus also has a propulsive device coupled to the buoyant body and electrically coupled to the receiver. The propulsive device is responsive to the electrical control signals. The apparatus also has a rudder coupled to a rear end of the buoyant body. The rudder is responsive to the electrical control signals. The propulsive device and the rudder cooperate to provide directed locomotion for the buoyant body in response to commands transmitted from the transmitter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,902 to Conger is titled Apparatus for Simulating the Movement of an Animal. This patent shows a decoy apparatus that provides simulated walking movement of an animal along a path defined by a track. A carrier on the track supports the decoy and a motive device moves the carrier back and forth. A reversing mechanism in the form of a pulley on the carrier causes the decoy to face in the proper direction. The motive device includes first and second lines extending along the track. A spring driven spool tensions and provides the differential pulling force for the first line; the second line being similarly manually operated. A decoy attachment post includes a coil spring for creating a bobbing action. The track is an I-beam that hinges in the middle for transport. In an alternative embodiment, an electronic remote control circuit is provided. A related method of operating a decoy for walking movement in response to a motive force and reversing action is included. 
     None of this art teaches a remote controlled wheeled structure for supporting a target. None of this art shows a chassis with a fully swiveling front axle. 
     None of this art shows a frame that can be selectedly extended and retracted. 
     None of this art shows a chassis that supports a 3-D big game target, virtually any target and decoy on opposed sides of a central axis. 
     None of this art shows a zero to one hundred eighty degree locking target holding device for use with virtually any existing targets. 
     None of this art shows the ability to haul or transport cargo or gear while in the field or indoor areas to a variety of ranges and distances. 
     Thus there exists a need for a remote control target supporting device or remote controlled electric vehicle (RCEV) that solves these and other problems. The applicant has designed an attachment that allows a user to mount the target perpendicular to the unit so, for example, in an indoor or outdoor shooting ranges the units long side can be operated in forward and reverse. When multiple shooters are in the range, they do not have to cross the fire line to retrieve their targets for inspection or competition scoring. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present embodiments relate to a remote control target supporting device, and in particular to a device with an improved chassis and decoy supporting features. According to one embodiment of the present device, the device has a frame with multiple pieces that is selectedly extendable and retractable along a central longitudinal axis. A front axle is connected to the front of the frame, and is fully swivel-able relative thereto. The front axle supports turnable wheels with a steering controller. A motor assembly and receiver connected to the steering controller are at the rear of the frame. The rear of the frame supports rear wheels. Preferably two target connectors are provided, and are movably supported by the frame. The target connectors can have vertically mounted rods upon which removable decoys, targets and other target holders can be mounted. 
     According to one advantage of the present device, a remote controlled wheeled structure is provided. This advantageously allows either the hunter or another to move the device in the vicinity of a shooting location such as a tree stand. With this practice, the hunter can more accurately make shots from a particular location having practiced for such things as elevation and changes in the particular terrain and sudden movement or odd angles of the target. 
     According to another advantage of the present embodiments, the device has a chassis with a fully swivel-able front axle. This type of suspension allows the front wheels to better remain on the ground regardless of the terrain. This helps prevent tipping of the device and possible loss of drive power. According to a further advantage of the present embodiments, the frame can be selectedly extended and retracted to allow for greater customization of the decoy carrying device. This also aids in packing, transporting and storing the device. 
     According to a still further advantage of the present embodiments, the device has movable target connectors. This is accomplished in one embodiment by having target connectors that are movably positionable along the frame. 
     In one embodiment, the target connectors have rods that extend vertically from generally distances equal and opposite of the frame central axis so that the center of gravity of the decoy is approximately aligned with the center of gravity of the device to provide stability. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the device and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the Remote Controlled Target Supporting Device and cargo carrier. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of one embodiment of the front axle of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective rendering of one embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of one embodiment of the present device with a target mounted. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 11  shows a front perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a front perspective cut away view of one embodiment of the interconnection of the front axle and frame. 
         FIG. 13  shows a front view of one embodiment of the receiver target. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of one embodiment of the receiver target. 
         FIG. 15  shows a front view of one embodiment of the target connector. 
         FIG. 16  shows a front view of another embodiment of the target connector. 
         FIG. 17  shows a front view of one embodiment of a target frame. 
         FIG. 18  shows a side view of one embodiment of a dump box and bucket frame attached to one embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 19  shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the front axle and related elements. 
         FIG. 20  shows a cut away perspective view of one embodiment of the back of the device with protective plating. 
         FIG. 21  shows a cut away perspective view of one embodiment of the back of the device with protective plating. 
         FIG. 22  shows an alternative cut away perspective view of one embodiment of the back of the device with protective plating. 
         FIG. 23  shows another embodiment of a target and frame. 
         FIG. 24  a detailed view of the swivel feature of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this device will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the device to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the device as defined by the specification, drawings and appended claims. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-7 , it is seen that a device  10  having a front  11 , a back  12 , opposed sides  13  and  14 , a top  15  and a bottom  16  is provided. The device  10  generally has a frame  20 , a front axle  40 , a motor assembly  90 , a rear axle  100  and two target connectors  130  and  140  respectively. Each of these components, and others, are described in detail below. 
     The frame  20  has a front  21  and a rear  22 , and defines a longitudinal axis  23  along a central axis. The frame  20  has multiple parts, and preferably has a first piece  25  that is separated from a second piece  26  via an internal connector  27 . The pieces  25  and  26  and connector  27  are preferably concentric with the longitudinal axis  23 . It is also understood that the connector could be external of pieces  25  and  26  without departing from the broad aspects of the present device. Preferably, the first and second pieces are comprised of a rigid and strong material, such as aluminum or ferrous material. Yet, other materials could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present device. The first and second pieces  25  and  26  are preferably tubular in nature, and preferably have a generally square shaped cross-sectional profile. The first piece  25  is connected to the second piece  26  via the connector  27 . Extension of the frame  20  can be accomplished by moving the first and second pieced  25  and  26  apart and connecting them telescopically further away from each other to the internal connector  27 . 
     A pivot adapter  30  is provided and is connected to the front  21  of the frame. The pivot adapter  30  has a body  31  that is preferably received within the front  21  of the frame  20 , and also has a pin  32  that projects longitudinally outward form the first piece  25  of the frame. The pin is preferably concentric with the central longitudinal axis  23  of the frame  20 . 
     The front axle  40  has opposed ends  41  and  42 , a top, a bottom, a front and a rear. A pivot hole  43  passes through the front axle  40  between the front and rear, and is preferably centrally aligned through the axle. A top hole  44  is preferably located through the top and is offset toward but not at end  41  of the axle  40 . Pin  32  is preferably received through pivot hole  43 . The axle  40  can freely pivot or swivel about pin  32  and hence the frame  20  a full 360 degrees in a plane that is preferably perpendicular to longitudinal axis  23 . Pivoting of the front axle  40  relative the frame  20  does not interfere with the orientation of the frame  20  relative to the ground, since the front axle  40  allows the front wheels  70 ,  80  to adjust in orientation relative to the frame to accommodate any changes in terrain. 
     A steering link  50  is also provided. The steering link  50  has ends  51  and  52 , a pivot  53  near end  52  and a slot  54  intermediate the ends  51  and  52 ,  FIG. 6 . A pin can pass through slot  54  and into the top hole  44  of the front axle  40 . The pin restricts the path of the steering link  50 . 
     A steering rod connector  60  having ends  61  and  62  is provided between wheels  70  and  80 . Wheel  70  has a connection assembly  71  connected to end  61  of the steering connecter rod  60  and connected to pivot  53  of the steering link  50 . Wheel  80  has a connection assembly  81  connected to end  62  of the steering connector rod  60 . The wheels  70  and  80 , being mounted to a freely pivotal front axle  40 , are free to also pivot around the longitudinal axis  23  of the frame  20 . In this regard, the front wheels  70 ,  80  have a suspension that allow for both wheels to remain in contact with the ground while traversing uneven terrain. 
     A motor assembly  90  is located within a housing  91  at the rear of frame  20 . The motor assembly  90  contains the drive components and communication components of the present device. Also included in the motor assembly  90  is a power source such as a battery, not shown. As the title implies, the motor assembly can receive instructions via a remote control to affect changes in forward and rearward movement and turns. A steering controller  55  interconnects to the wheels  70 ,  80  best shown in  FIG. 12 . Steering controller  55  also has a controller cable  56  that connects to the motor assembly  90  and receiver for transmitting control signals from the motor assembly  90  to the steering controller  55  to steer the device  10 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a first plate  122  and second plate  124  to which the power supply and motor assembly are attached. The first and second plates  122 ,  124  are located between the back or rear of the frame  20  and the rear axle  100 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a rear axle  100  with ends  101  and  102 . A wheel  110  is supported by axle end  101  and a wheel  120  is supported by axle end  102 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a target connector  130  having a box  131  and a vertical rod  132 . While a box is a preferred structure to movably connect the target connector  130  to the frame  20 , it is understood that other methods and structures could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present device. The box  131  preferably is similar in cross sectional profile with the frame  20 . The polygonal nature (square in particular) of the frame and box prevent rotation of the target connector  130  relative to the frame  20 , yet allows the connector  130  to axially move along the frame  20 . A set screw of the like may be used to secure the target connector  130  in a desired position along the length of the frame  20 . A rod  132  is also provided and extends vertically upward from the frame  20 . 
     Likewise, target connector  140 ,  FIG. 4 , has a box  141  and a vertical rod  142 . While a box is a preferred structure to movably connect the target connector  140  to the frame  20 , it is understood that other methods and structures could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present device. The box  141  preferably is similar in cross sectional profile with the frame  20 . The polygonal nature (square in particular) of the frame and box prevent rotation of the target connector  140  relative to the frame  20 , yet allows the connector to axially move along the frame  20 . A set screw of the like may be used to secure the target connector  140  in a desired position along the length of the frame  20 . A rod  142  is also provided and extends vertically upward from the frame  20 . 
     It is understood that the distance between the connectors  130  and  140  can be determined by the user, and is adjustable to accommodate decoys or targets of differing dimensions. It is seen that rods  132  and  142  project vertically from opposing sides of the frame  20 . This advantageously allows the approximate center of gravity of the decoy to be aligned with the center of gravity of the device  10 . It is understood that a similar alignment of the center of gravity could be achieved by having the posts be geometrically aligned with the center of the tops of the boxes  132  and  141  respectively without departing from the broad aspects of the present device. 
     It is understood that the decoys or targets are removably supported by the device. It is also understood that the axles provide a wide stance for the device, which coupled with the pivoting or swiveling suspension of the front axle, provide great tipping resistance in the event that the decoy or target is struck by a projectile. 
     The wheels of the present device are preferably filled with foam or the like so as to avoid a flat tire situation. 
     The device  10  can be broken down easily for transport, and also easily assembled in the field. Such an advantage allows the device to be easily transported to and from a location such as a favorite hunting spot. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it is seen that an alternative embodiment is illustrated. The device  210  has a frame  220  with components similar to device  10  illustrated above. 
     The target connector  330  has a box  331  movable relative to frame  220  and a vertical rod  332 . However, a seat  333  is received upon the top of the rod  332 . The seat  333  has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. Target connector  340  also has a box  341  movable relative the frame  220  and a vertical rod  342 . A seat  343  having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion is received upon the rod  342 . 
     The horizontal portions of the seats  333  and  343 , respectively, are inwardly bound by the vertical portions, so that the seat can cooperate to form a base for a target  355  which can be bound with a strap  350  or other retaining device. A tensioner, such as a pull tensioner, can be provided to secure the target  355  upon the target connectors  330  and  340 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the device  10 . In this embodiment the front end of the frame  20  is connected to the front axle  40  with a pivot adaptor  150 . The back end of the frame  20  is connected to the motor assembly  90  with a pivot adaptor  160 . The pivot adaptors  150 ,  160  raise the frame  20  relative to the ground and the previous embodiments of the device  10 . This elevation provides better ground clearance.  FIG. 12  shows a partial cutaway view of the front of the frame  20  connected to the front axle  40  via the pivot adaptor  150 . A steering controller  55  is shown that operates via the radio control transmitter (not shown) and receiver (not shown) located in the motor assembly  90  housing  91  via control cable  56 . The control cable  56  runs from the motor assembly  90  and receiver in the interior of the frame  20  exiting near the pivot adaptor  150  to connect to the steering controller  55 . 
       FIG. 13  shows one embodiment of a receiver target  175 . The receiver target  175  emulates a football player and has a base  176  with a hole  177  where a quarterback would normally aim a pass to a receiver. First leg  178  and second leg  179  can be affixed to the vertical rods  132 ,  142  of the target connectors  130 ,  140 . 
     On the back of the receiver target  175  is attached a frame  180 ,  FIG. 14 . The frame  180  retains a bag  181 . When the receiver target  175  is attached to the device  10  with a target mount  185 ,  FIG. 17 , a quarterback practicing passing can throw balls at the hole  177  where they are “caught” by the bag  181 . This provides an efficient way for a quarter back to practice throwing balls while another party operates the radio transmitter to drive the device  10  and receiver target  175 .  FIG. 14  shows a side view of the receiver target  175  shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  shows one embodiment of the target connector  130 . In this embodiment there is a U-shaped section  134  that attaches to the vertical rod  132 . Vertical rod  132  can either be welded to the U-shaped section  134  or there can be weld nuts  194  or other attachment method. A bolt  191  and wing nut  190  can be used to secure the target connector  130  to the frame  20  of the device  10 . The bottom of the U-shaped section  134  can have extensions  193  on either or both sides with corresponding weld nuts  194  for moving the vertical rod  132 . This allows greater flexibility to the types of targets that can be attached to the device  10  and allows potentially more mounting options. 
       FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of the target connector  130 . In this embodiment there is a flat portion  136  to which is attached the vertical rod  132 . The flat portion  136  is secured to the top of the frame  20  with u-bolt  192  and wing nuts  190 . This embodiment can likewise have extensions  193  to which can be attached weld nuts  194  which allows either the vertical rod  132  to be moved or the attachment of additional vertical rods  132 . This too provides greater flexibility to the types of targets that can be configured and affixed to the device  10 . 
       FIG. 17  shows another embodiment of the target frame  182 . The target frame  182  has a body frame  183  that is approximately a rectangle. A head frame  184  is secured to the body frame  183 . A first leg  178  and second leg  179  are affixed to the body frame  183  on the end opposite the head frame  184 . The first and second legs  178 ,  179  are slid onto a target mount  185 , third leg  186  and fourth leg  187 . The target mount  185  has a mount plate  188  to which are attached third leg  186  and fourth leg  187 . Near the center of the mount plate  188  are a pair of holes which correspond to the legs of the u-bolt  192 . The u-bolt secures the target mount  185  to the top of the frame  20  of the device  10  with wing nuts  190 . When the target frame  182  is mounted to the target mount  185 , the third leg  186  is housed within the first leg  178  and the fourth leg  187  is housed within the second leg  179 . This allows removable attachment of the target frame  182  to the device  10 . 
     The target frame  182  can have other targets attached to the body frame  183 , head frame  184  or both. This allows a shooter to practice on a moving target that approximates the size of a human being. 
       FIG. 18  shows one embodiment of the device  10  with one embodiment of a bucket frame  200  attached to the top of the frame  20  with, in this embodiment, bolts  199 . The bucket frame  200  has a horizontal member  202  with two uprights  201  that secure the bucket frame  200  to the device  10 . At the top of the bucket frame  200  horizontal member  202  is attached a release  203 . The release  203  selectively engages the fore support  204  of the bucket  207 . The bucket  207  can be loaded with materials or tools and the device  10  can be driven to a place of work or wherever the materials or tools are needed. If materials such as sand or dirt are needed to be moved, the device can be driven to where they are needed, the user can disengage the release  203  and the bucket  207  can be rotated manually around the pivot  205  such that the bucket  207  rotates toward the ground and the material will dump from the bucket  207 . A pivot bracket  206  connects to the pivot  205  to allow the bucket  207  to rotate relative to the bucket frame  200 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an exploded view of the front axle  40  and adjacent elements. As can be seen from  FIG. 19 , the front  11  of the frame  20  houses pivot plate  152  having threaded holes. The pivot adapter  150  is bolted to the pivot plate  152 . A post  154  extends from one side of the pivot plate  152  through the front axle  40  where it is secured with a fastener in this embodiment nut  156 . The controller cable  56  has connectors  57  for disconnecting the control cable  56  from the front axle  40  and from the control cable  56  in the frame  20 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a partial cut away perspective view of another embodiment of the back  12  of the device  10 . In this embodiment, there is shown protective plating which surrounds the motor assembly  90  (not shown) and other components. The motor assembly  90  can be protected by side plates  242  and vertical plate  240 . L-plate  250  can also be attached to protect elements on the other side of the frame  20 .  FIG. 21  shows more of the protective plating that protects the motor assembly  90  and other components.  FIG. 21  shows a cover plate  244  that, in this embodiment, connects to the side plates  242  with fasteners and is further supported by support  248 . Also shown in  FIG. 21  is box cover  246  that attaches to vertical plate  240  with fasteners. 
       FIG. 22  is another cutaway perspective view of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 20 ,  21 . 
       FIG. 23  is another embodiment of a profile  255  or target having a base  176  connected to a first leg  178  and second leg  179 . A mount plate  188  has corresponding third leg  186  and fourth leg  187 . The mount plate  186  has a hole in the approximate middle through which a bolt  267  is inserted. The bolt  267  is also inserted through a hole in plate  262 . A pin  264  is also affixed to mount plate  188  off set from bolt  267  and pin  264  extends from the bottom of mount plate  188 . The plate  262  has a corresponding hole there through such that when inserted into and through plate  262 , mount plate  188  and plate  262  are on atop the other. The plate  262  is attached to a fifth leg  258  and sixth leg  260  which are then attached to the vertical rods  132  of the target connectors  130 ,  140 . 
     Below plate  262  and located around bolt  267  is spring  271 . Spring  271  is retained in place by nut  269 . 
     This allows the profile  255  to be retained in a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  23  of device  10 . The user, by pushing up on nut  269  or alternatively pulling up on profile  255 , can disengage pin  264  from plate  262 . The profile  255  can then be rotated approximately 90 degrees. The profile  255  can then be released and lowered whereby the pin  264  is located adjacent to the outside edge of plate  262 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . The result being that the profile  255  is now approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis  23  of device  10 . This allows the device  10  to be driven parallel to the user practicing shooting. With the profile  255  approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  23 , the shooter can thereby practice shooting at a target that is approaching or moving away from the shooter. 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the device, a remote control target supporting device that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the device has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the specification, drawings and broad scope of the appended claims.