Patent Publication Number: US-2023141304-A1

Title: Shooting target thrower

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63,267,396, filed Feb. 1, 2022, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/266,653, filed Jan. 11,  2022 , the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets, and more particularly to manually operated shooting target throwers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Shooting target throwers throw shooting targets, often called clays or clay pigeons, into the air to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A drive train is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The drive train includes a charge pedal configured to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position to the cocked position and a fire pedal configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate, under a force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A drive train is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The drive train includes a charge pedal configured to be operated by a foot of a user to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position to the cocked position and to charge the throwing spring. 
     In another aspect, a clay shooting target thrower for throwing a clay shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the clay shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal supported by the frame and configured to be operated by a foot of a user to rotate the throwing arm from the thrown position toward the cocked position. A fire pedal is supported by the frame and is configured to be movable by the foot of the user to permit the throwing arm to rotate, under a force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A hopper is configured to be supported by the frame to store a plurality of shooting targets to be fed to the throwing arm. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets, one at a time, to the throwing arm. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction. The throwing arm includes an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction to throw the shooting target. A target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm. A throwing arm stop is arranged to engage the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface engages the side of the shooting target. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A charge pedal is movable through a charging cycle. The charge pedal is movable in a charging stroke of the charging cycle to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position. A fire mode selector is moveable between a fire position and a non-fire position to change between a fire mode in which the charge pedal is operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target and a non-fire mode in which the charge pedal is not operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. A force imparted by the throwing spring to the throwing arm varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis. A ratchet is operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate in one direction about the throwing axis. The ratchet is configured to hold the throwing arm in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the shooting target. A force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the thrown position is greater than a lowest amount of force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets comprises a frame and a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position. The throwing arm includes an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target. A charge pedal is operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to rotate the throwing arm toward the cocked position when the charge pedal is manually actuated by a user. A hopper is configured to store the plurality of shooting targets. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time. The target feeder includes a first brush segment and a second brush segment. The first brush segment is arranged to bring the shooting target into engagement with the engagement surface of the throwing arm and the second brush segment is arranged to set a radial distance of the shooting target from the throwing axis. 
     In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets comprises a frame and a central shaft supported by the frame. The central shaft defines and is rotatable about a throwing axis. A throwing arm is supported by the central shaft and rotatable with the central shaft about the throwing axis in a first direction. The throwing arm is rotatable to a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target. A hopper is configured to store the plurality of shooting targets. A target feeder is configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time. The target feeder includes a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm and a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets. The feed foot is disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft is disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door. 
     Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective of a shooting target thrower according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions of the shooting target thrower cut away to show interior details; 
         FIG.  3    is another perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view or cut away to show interior details; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective a portion of a drive assembly of the shooting target thrower, with a fire pedal and a charge pedal both in at-rest positions and a fire mode selector in a non-fire position; 
         FIG.  5    is similar to  FIG.  4   , with the fire pedal in a firing position; 
         FIG.  6    is similar to  FIG.  4   , with the fire mode selector in a fire position; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of the shooting target thrower, with a throwing arm in a cocked position; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a bottom view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm in the cocked position; 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm throwing a target; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a top view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm in a thrown position; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a bottom view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm in the thrown position; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a top view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm in a non-cocked position; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a bottom view of the shooting target thrower, with the throwing arm in the non-cocked position; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective of the throwing arm; 
         FIG.  12    is an enlarged perspective of a bumper of the throwing arm; 
         FIG.  13    is another perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view or cut away to show interior details and the throwing arm in the thrown position; 
         FIG.  14    is another perspective of the shooting target thrower, with the charge pedal rotated to move the throwing arm to the cocked position; 
         FIG.  15    is another perspective of the drive assembly, with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view, cut away, or shown transparent to show interior details; 
         FIG.  16 A  is a top view of a pulley and a ratchet of the drive assembly, with the pulley in an at-rest position and the throwing arm in a thrown position; 
         FIG.  16 B  is similar to  FIG.  16 A , with the pulley rotating counter-clockwise to rotate the throwing arm toward the cocked position; 
         FIG.  16 C  is similar to  FIG.  16 A , with the pulley finishing rotating the throwing arm to the cocked position; 
         FIG.  16 D  is similar to  FIG.  16 C , with the pulley returning towards its at-rest position; 
         FIG.  17 A  is a perspective of a head of the shooting target thrower, with a ratchet actuator in a ratchet engaged position; 
         FIG.  17 B  is similar to  FIG.  17 A , with the ratchet actuator in a ratchet disengaged position; 
         FIG.  18 A  is similar to  FIG.  17 A , with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view or cut away to show interior details; 
         FIG.  18 B  is similar to  FIG.  17 B , with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view or cut away to show interior details; 
         FIG.  19    is a top view of the ratchet, with pawls of the ratchet in a ratchet wheel disengaged position; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective of a target feeder of the shooting target thrower, with portions of the shooting target thrower hidden from view to show interior details; 
         FIG.  21 A  is a bottom view of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the cocked position; 
         FIG.  21 B  is an elevation of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the cocked position; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a bottom view of the target feeder with the throwing arm throwing a target; 
         FIG.  22 B  is an elevation of the target feeder with the throwing arm throwing a target; 
         FIG.  23 A  is a bottom view of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the non-cocked position; 
         FIG.  23 B  is an elevation of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the non-cocked position; 
         FIG.  24 A  is a bottom view of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the thrown position; 
         FIG.  24 B  is an elevation of the target feeder with the throwing arm in the thrown position; and 
         FIG.  25    is a top view of the shooting target thrower showing the position of the throwing arm as the target feeder releases a target. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets T (e.g., clay shooting targets), commonly referred to as clay pigeons, clay targets, or simply clays, into the air to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun. The shooting target throwers of the present disclosure are non-motorized and are configured to be operated entirely through manual input by an operator or user, such as by using foot pedals. It is understood and appreciated that aspects of the shooting target throwers of the present disclosure can be implemented in other types of target throwers (e.g., motorized target throwers, hand held target throwers, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to the figures, one embodiment of a shooting target thrower according to the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral  10 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the target thrower  10  includes a frame  12  that supports a head  14 . The frame  12  includes a plurality of legs  16  arranged to rest on a support surface, such as a floor, throwing pad, ground, etc. to support the target thrower  10 . In one embodiment, the legs  16  are each pivotably connected to the rest of the frame so that the legs can be moved from a deployed position (as illustrated) to a collapsed, stowed position (not shown) for easy storage and transport. The target thrower  10  may include a strap  17 , such as an elastic strap, for securing the legs  16  in the stowed position. The target thrower  10  also includes a hopper  18  for storing and holding a plurality of targets T. The hopper  18  includes an interior  19  sized and shaped to receive the plurality of targets T. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper  18  stores and holds the targets T in a stack such that the targets are stacked one on top of the other. The targets T are fed from the bottom of the stack to a throwing mechanism of the target thrower  10 . 
     The head  14  includes a housing having a shroud or cover  20  covering and protecting internal components of the target thrower. The head  14  is mounted to the frame  12 . Desirably, the head  14  is pivotably attached to the frame  12 . This allows the angle (e.g., lunch angle) relative to the horizontal (e.g., a horizontal plane) the targets T are thrown by the throwing mechanism to be changed as desired by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the head  14  is pivotable about a head axis A 1  ( FIG.  1   ). The head  14  includes an adjustment bracket  22  having a plurality of openings. As illustrated, the adjustment bracket  22  has five openings, corresponding to five different throwing angles generally ranging from approximately parallel to the horizontal to approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. The target thrower  10  includes a retainer  24  (specifically, a retaining pin) for securing the head  14  relative to the frame  12 . The retaining pin  24  extending through an opening in the frame  12  and into one of the openings of the adjustment bracket  22  to secure the head  14  relative to the frame  12  at the desired throwing angle. To adjust the throwing angle, the retaining pin  24  is removed, the head  14  is manually pivoted up or down by the user until the opening for the desired angle aligns with the opening in the frame  12 , and then the retaining pin is reinserted to secure the head at the chosen angle. 
     The throwing mechanism includes a throwing arm  24  supported by the frame  12 . Specifically, the throwing arm  24  is coupled to the head  14 . The throwing arm  24  rotates 360 degrees through a range of motion or throwing cycle about a throwing or pivot axis A 2 . The throwing axis A 2  is disposed in front of the hopper  18 . The throwing mechanism also includes a throwing spring  26  operatively coupled to the throwing arm  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing spring  26  comprises a coiled tension spring, although other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  7 A- 10 B , the throwing arm  24  rotates through a variety of different positions during the throwing cycle (e.g., a single revolution about the throwing axis A 2 ). Generally speaking, the throwing arm  24  rotates in only one direction D 1  (e.g., a first or throwing direction) about the throwing axis A 2 , especially during the throwing cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to  FIG.  7 A , the throwing arm  24  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction about the throwing axis A 2 .  FIGS.  7 A-B  show the throwing arm  24  in a cocked position. In this position, the throwing spring  26  is near its maximum tension and the throwing arm  24  is ready to throw a target T.  FIG.  8    shows the throwing arm  24  rotating in the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2  to throw the target.  FIGS.  9 A-B  show the throwing arm  24  in a thrown position. The throwing arm  24  is configured to throw the target T as the throwing arm rotates from the cocked position, about the throwing axis A 2  in the first direction D 1 , toward the thrown position. In the thrown position, the throwing arm  24  has thrown the target T and is at rest (e.g., not moving about the throwing axis A 2 ). The thrown position may also be referred to as a partially cocked (e.g., ½ cocked, ¾ cocked) position as the throwing arm is partially cocked in this position (e.g., the throwing spring  26  has a tension greater than its lowest amount of tension applied during the throwing cycle).  FIGS.  10 A-B  show the throwing arm  24  in a non-cocked position. In this position, the throwing spring  26  imparts the least amount of force on the throwing arm  24 . A spring pin  30  (described below) is generally closest to the charge pedal  34  (e.g., farthest rearward) when the throwing arm  24  is in the non-cocked position. Generally, the throwing arm  24  rotates past the non-cocked position when throwing the target T and the throwing arm is only in this positon when moved there by the operator. The momentum of the throwing arm  24  carries the throwing arm past the non-cocked position and into the thrown position. During the throwing cycle, the throwing arm  24  rotates from the cocked position, through to the non-cocked position, and to the thrown position to throw the target. The throwing arm is then rotated from the thrown position to the cocked position to repeat the cycle. 
     Generally, the throwing spring  26  is arranged to rotate the throwing arm  24  in the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2  to throw the target T. In particular, the throwing spring  26  is arranged to rotate the throwing arm  24  from the cocked position toward (e.g., to) the thrown position to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower  10  includes a tensioner  28  to adjust the force or tension imparted by the throwing spring  26 . The tensioner  28  is coupled to the frame  12  and includes a rotatable knob coupled to the threaded shaft. A first end of the throwing spring  26  is coupled to the shaft and an opposite second end is coupled to the throwing arm  26 . The throwing arm  26  includes a spring pin  30  to which the end of the throwing spring  26  is coupled. Rotating the knob moves the shaft toward or away from the spring pin  30  to adjust the tension of the throwing spring  26 . The spring pin  30  (specifically, the connection between the spring pin and the throwing spring  26 ) is offset or spaced apart from the throwing axis A 2 . 
     The force (e.g., spring force) imparted by the throwing spring  26  on the throwing arm  24  varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis A 2  (e.g., during the throwing cycle). As the throwing arm  24  rotates through the throwing cycle, the throwing spring  26  expands and contracts as force applied to and released by the throwing spring. When the throwing arm  24  is in the cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring  26  is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum amount applied by the throwing spring  26  during the throwing cycle. In this position, a distance (e.g., a first distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring  26  is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum distance between the first and second ends of the throwing spring  26  during the throwing cycle. When the throwing arm is in the non-cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring  26  is at the lowest amount applied by the throwing spring  26  during the throwing cycle. In this position, the distance (e.g., a second distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring  26  is at the smallest distance during the throwing cycle. When the throwing arm  24  is in the thrown position, the force imparted by the throwing spring  26  is greater than the lowest amount applied by the throwing spring (and less than the maximum amount applied by the throwing spring). In this position, the distance (e.g., a third distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring  26  is greater than the second distance (and less than the first distance). Thus, in the thrown position, the throwing arm  24  may be considered partially cocked because the throwing spring  26  is partially tensioned (relative to the non-cocked position). As a result of the throwing arm  24  coming to rest at the thrown position after throwing a target T, the target thrower  10  reduces the total amount of force required to be exerted by the operator to move the throwing arm to the cocked position to throw another target T. For instance, the operator would need to exert more force to move the throwing arm  24  from the non-cocked position to the cocked position than from the thrown position to the cocked position. By stopping the throwing arm  24  at the thrown position, the target thrower  10  is able to recapture some of the force released by the throwing spring  26  while rotating the throwing arm to throw a target T. Desirably, the thrown position of the throwing arm is at a location that is greater than 180 degrees or 3.14 radians about the throwing axis A 2  from the cocked position. More desirably, the location of the thrown position is within the inclusive range of about 225 degrees to about 315 degrees (about 3.9 radians to about 5.5 radians) about the throwing axis A 2  from the cocked position. In one embodiment, the location of the thrown position is about 270 degrees (about 4.7 radians) about the throwing axis A 2  from the cocked position. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the target thrower  10  includes a drive train  32  (broadly, charging and firing assembly) for charging and firing the target thrower. The drive train  32  is operatively coupled to the throwing arm  24 . The drive train  32  generally controls the movement of the throwing arm  24  during the throwing cycle. The drive train  32  includes a charge or charging pedal  34  and a fire pedal  36 . Both the charge and fire pedals  34 ,  36  are arranged to be manually actuated or engaged (e.g., pressed by the foot of) by the operator. The charge pedal  34  is pivotably coupled to the frame  12  and rotates about a charge pedal axis A 3 . The charge pedal  34  includes a charge bracket or weldment  78 . The charge pedal  34  includes a foot pad  38  arranged to receive or be pressed by the foot of the operator. The foot pad  38  is mounted to the charge bracket  78 . The charge pedal  34  pivots (e.g., rotates) about the charge pedal axis A 3  when pressed by the operator. The charge pedal  34  receives energy from the operator as an input to the target thrower  10  to throw the target T. The charge pedal  34  is movable through a charging cycle including a downward or charging stroke and an upward or return stroke. The charge pedal  34  is resiliently biased (as explained in more detail below) toward an initial or at-rest position, shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . The frame  12  includes a stop  35  ( FIG.  3   ) which the charge pedal  34  contacts when in the initial position. The stop  35  holds the charge pedal  34  in the initial position. From the initial position, to start the charge cycle, the operator pushes the foot pad  38  downward to perform the charging stroke and then raises (or removes) their foot to allow the charge pedal  34  to perform the return stroke (e.g., return to the initial position). The charge pedal  34  is operatively connected to the throwing arm  24  and is configured to rotate the throwing arm  24  toward the cocked position when actuated by the operator. The phrase “operatively connected” includes both direct and indirect operative connections. The drive train  32  includes a puller  40  for cocking (e.g., rotating) the throwing arm  24 . During the charging stroke, the charge pedal  36  actuates (e.g., moves) the puller  40  to move (e.g. rotate) the throwing arm  24  toward (e.g., to) the cocked position, thereby tensioning the throwing spring  26 . Therefore, when the operator actuates the charge pedal  34 , the throwing arm  24  is brought to the cocked position and the throwing spring  26  is tensioned to throw the target T. As explained in further detail below, actuating the charge pedal  34  also operates other aspects of the target thrower, such as feeding a target T from the hopper  18  to the throwing arm  24 . 
     The drive train  32  includes a throwing arm stop  42 . The throwing arm  24  engages the throwing arm stop  42  when the throwing arm is in the cocked position. In this manner, the throwing arm stop  42  holds the throwing arm  24  in the cocked position. The throwing arm stop  42  includes a throwing arm engagement portion that engages the throwing arm  24 . The throwing arm stop  42  is movable relative to the throwing arm  24  to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring  26 , from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the target T. The throwing arm stop  42  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to the frame  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm stop  42  pivots about a stop axis A 4 . In a retained or holding position, the throwing arm stop  42  (e.g., throwing arm engagement portion) is arranged to engage the throwing arm  24 . In other words, the throwing arm stop  42  is arranged to block the travel path of the throwing arm  24  from the cocked position to the thrown position. In a release position, the throwing arm stop  42  (e.g., throwing arm engagement portion) is arranged to be spaced from or disengage the throwing arm  24  to permit the throwing arm to rotate about the throwing arm axis A 2  in the first direction under the force of the throwing arm spring  26  to throw the target T. The throwing arm stop  42  pivots between the holding position and the release position. A return spring  44  biases the throwing arm stop  42  toward the holding position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 B , the throwing spring  26  biases the throwing arm  24  against the throwing arm stop  42  in the cocked position. The throwing spring  26  is in an over-center arrangement when the throwing arm is in the cocked position to hold the throwing arm  24  in the cocked position. As the throwing arm  24  rotates in the first direction D 1  and nears the cocked position, the spring pin  30  (where the force from the throwing spring  26  is applied to the throwing arm) crosses over a main spring centerline C. The main spring centerline C extends through the throwing axis A 2  and the end of the throwing spring  26  attached to the tensioner  28 . The point in the throwing cycle where the spring pin  30  is aligned with the main spring centerline C, and the throwing axis A 2  is between the spring pin and the end of the throwing spring  26  attached to the tensioner  28 , is the point when the throwing spring  26  applies its maximum tension or force. The point in the throwing cycle where the spring pin  30  is aligned with the main spring centerline C, and the spring pin is between the throwing axis A 2  and the end of the throwing spring  26  attached to the tensioner  28 , is the point when the throwing spring  26  applies the its least tension or force. When the spring pin  30  crosses over the main spring centerline C, the throwing spring  26  begins to start pulling the throwing arm  24  in the first direction D 1 , instead of the opposite second direction D 2 . A few degrees of rotation after the spring pin  30  crosses the main spring centerline C, the throwing arm  24  hits the throwing arm stop  42  and remains there until the throwing arm stop is moved to the release position. This over-center arrangement of the force imparted on the throwing arm  24  by the throwing spring  26  holds the throwing arm in the cocked position against the throwing arm stop  42 . In this cocked position, the throwing arm  24  is ready to throw the target T. 
     The fire pedal  36  is configured to permit or release the throwing arm  24  to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring  26 , in the first direction from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the target T. The fire pedal  36  includes a foot pad  46  arranged to receive or be pressed by the foot of the operator. The fire pedal  36  pivots (e.g., rotates) about the fire pedal axis A 5  when pressed by the operator. The operator moves the fire pedal  36  from an initial or at-rest position (shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   ) toward a firing position (shown in  FIG.  5   ) to fire or throw the target T. Actuation of the fire pedal  36  disengages the throwing arm stop  42  and the throwing arm  24  from one another to permit the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring  26 , to throw the target T. The fire pedal  36  is operatively connected to the throwing arm stop  42  to move the throwing arm stop between the holding and release positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire pedal  36  engages a first engagement surface of the throwing arm stop  42  to pivot the throwing arm stop from the holding position to the release position. In operation, with reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , as the operator presses the foot pad  46  of the fire pedal  36  downward from the initial position, an end portion of the fire pedal opposite the foot pad moves upward and pivots the throwing arm stop  42  from the holding position to the release position, thereby permitting the throwing arm to rotate to throw the target T. A return spring  48  biases the fire pedal  36  in the initial position and returns the fire pedal to the initial position after the operator raises (or removes) their foot. As the fire pedal  36  returns to its initial position, the throwing arm stop  42  also returns to the holding position due to its return spring  44 . The throwing arm stop  42  and fire pedal  36  are now at rest and ready to be actuated to throw the next target T. 
     Actuating the fire pedal  36  is one way for an operator to interact with the target thrower  10  to throw the target T. In the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower  10  provides a second way for the operator to interact with the target thrower  10  to throw the target T using the charge pedal  34 . The target thrower  10  includes a fire mode selector  50 . The fire mode selector  50  is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a fire position ( FIG.  4   ) and a non-fire position ( FIG.  6   ). When the fire mode selector  50  is in the fire position, the charge pedal  34  permits or releases the throwing arm  24  to rotate, as described herein, to throw the target T during the return stroke of the charge pedal (broadly, actuation of the charge pedal throws the target). In this mode (e.g., a first or fire mode), the operator can repeatedly push the charge pedal  34  down and release the charge pedal upward to repeatedly throw targets T. When the fire mode selector  50  is in the non-fire position, the charge pedal  34  does not permit or release the throwing arm  24  to rotate to throw the target T during the return stroke of the charge pedal (broadly, actuation of the charge pedal does not throw the target). In this mode (e.g., a second or non-fire mode), when the fire mode selector  50  is in the non-fire position, the fire pedal  36  must be used to release the throwing arm  24  to throw the target T, as described above. It is understood the fire pedal  36  can also be used to release the throwing arm  24  to throw the target T when the fire mode selector  50  is in the fire position, but it is not desired or required. The charge pedal  34  performs its other functions, as described herein, regardless of the position of the fire mode selector  50 . 
     When the fire mode selector  50  is in the fire position, the operator uses the charge pedal  34  to release the throwing arm  24  to throw the target T. As the charge pedal moves along its return stroke and returns to its initial position, the throwing arm  24  is released and the target T is thrown. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing arm  24  is released when the charge pedal nears its initial position, but in other embodiments the throwing arm can be released at generally any point along the return stroke of the charge pedal  34 . Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  6   , the fire mode selector  50  selectively operatively connects and disconnects the charge pedal  34  to the throwing arm stop  42 . In the non-fire position, the charge pedal  34  is not operatively connected to the throwing arm stop  42 . In the fire position, the charge pedal  34  is operatively connected to the throwing arm stop  42 . The fire mode selector  50  is operatively coupled to the charge pedal  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fire mode selector  50  is supported by the charge pedal  34 . The fire mode selector  50  is mounted on and moves with the charge pedal  34  (specifically, the upper end of the charge bracket  78 ). 
     The target thrower  10  includes an engagement surface  54  operatively coupled to the fire mode selector  50 . As such the engagement surface  54  moves with respect to the throwing arm stop  42  with the movement of the fire mode selector  50 . When the fire mode selector  50  is in the fire position, the engagement surface  54  is arranged to engage and move the throwing arm stop  42  during the return stroke of the charge pedal  34  to disengage the throwing arm stop from the throwing arm  24  to release the throwing arm to rotate to throw the target T (e.g., move the throwing arm stop from the holding position to the release position). When the fire mode selector  50  is in the non-fire position, the engagement surface  54  is arranged to not engage and not move the throwing arm stop  42  during the return stroke of the charge pedal  34 . Therefore, when the fire mode selector  50  is in the non-fire position, movement of the charge pedal  34  during the return stroke does not disengage the throwing arm stop  42  from the throwing arm  24  to release the throwing arm to rotate to throw the target T. Instead, the fire pedal  36  is used to throw the target T, as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface  54  is part of the fire mode selector  50 . The fire mode selector  50  includes a cam  52 . The cam  52  defines the engagement surface  54 . Placing the fire mode selector  50  in the fire position arranges the cam  52  (e.g., the engagement surface  54  thereof) to engage the throwing arm stop  42  as the charge pedal  34  returns to its initial position. The cam  52  engages a second engagement surface (spaced from the first engagement surface) of the throwing arm stop  42  to pivot the throwing arm stop from the holding position to the release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement between the cam  52  and the throwing arm stop  42  occurs as the charge pedal  34  nears the end of the return stroke (e.g., nears the initial position). Placing the fire mode selector  50  in the non-fire position arranges the cam  52  (e.g., the engagements surface  54  thereof) such that the cam remains spaced apart and will not engage the throwing arm stop  42  at any point along the return stroke (broadly, the charging cycle). 
     It will be appreciated that the fire mode selector  50  can be referred to as a “flurry mode” selector in that it permits the user to (in the “fire position” of the selector) throw a flurry of targets from the thrower, one target after another, as the charging pedal is cycled downward and upward, as explained in further detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the throwing arm  24  includes a bed  56  arranged to receive and support the target T. The bed  56  includes a main bed  56 A (e.g., main bed section) and an extended bed  56 B (e.g., an extended bed section) projecting outward from a side of the main bed. The throwing arm  24  also includes a throwing bumper  58  arranged to engage and brace the target T as the throwing arm  24  rotates to throw the target. The throwing bumper  58  includes an engagement surface  60  (e.g., a target engagement surface) arranged to engage a side of the target T. The engagement surface  60  extends along a side of the bed  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing bumper  58  includes a resiliently compressible (e.g., rubber) throwing strip  62  that defines the engagement surface  60 . The throwing strip  62  has a t-shaped cross-section. The throwing strip  62  helps cushion the impact between the target T and the throwing bumper  58  to prevent the target from breaking. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing strip  62  is secured to the rest of the throwing arm  24  by a metal bar  64  and a plurality of fasteners  66  (e.g., nuts and bolts). This provides a robust connection between the throwing strip  62  and the rest of the throwing arm  24  while also allowing the throwing strip to be easily replaced if it wears out over time. Generally, when the throwing arm  24  rotates to throw the target T, the target slides radially outward from the throwing axis A 2  along the main bed  56 A and rolls along the engagement surface  60 . The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the throwing arm  24  forces the target T to slide off the end of the main bed  56 A and into the air. 
     The throwing arm  24  includes a bumper  72 . The bumper  72  is arranged to engage the throwing arm stop  42  when the throwing arm  24  is in the cocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bumper  72  is disposed adjacent the outer end of the throwing arm  24 . The bumper  72  is mounted to the leading edge of the throwing arm  24 . The bumper  72  is configured to cushion the impact between the throwing arm  24  and the throwing arm stop  42 . This extends the life of the throwing arm  24  and the throwing arm stop  42  by preventing the throwing arm and/or throwing arm stop from deforming over time due to repeated forceful contact with the throwing arm stop. The bumper  72  includes a cover strip  74  and a resiliently deformable backing  76 . The cover strip  74  covers the backing  76  to protect the backing. The cover strip  74  is arranged to engage the throwing arm stop  42  when the throwing arm  24  is in the cocked position, with the backing  76  arranged behind the cover strip to absorb the impact. In one embodiment, the cover strip  74  comprises a thin piece of metal and the backing  76  is made of rubber or any other suitable material. 
     The throwing mechanism includes a shaft  68  (e.g., a central shaft) that defines and is rotatable about the throwing axis A 2 . The throwing arm  24  is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft  68 . The shaft  68  and throwing arm  24  rotate together. Bearings  70  connect the shaft  68  to the housing of the head  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft  68  includes a plurality of splines to facilitate the connection of components (e.g., the throwing arm  24 ) to the shaft  68  as well as ensuring such components rotate with the shaft. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 - 16 D , as mentioned above, the drive train  32  includes the charge pedal  34  and the puller  40 . The puller  40  operatively connects the charge pedal  34  to the shaft  68  (and therefore the throwing arm  24 ). Actuation of the charge pedal  34  (in particular, movement of the charge pedal during the charging stroke) moves the puller  40  to rotate the throwing arm  24  about the throwing axis A 2  in the first direction toward the cocked position. The puller  40  is coupled to the upper end of the charge pedal. When the operator steps on the foot pad  38  of the charge pedal  34 , the force or power is transmitted through the charge pedal to the puller  40 . The charge pedal  34  pivots about the charge pedal axis A 3 . This rotates the upper end of the charge pedal  34  away from the throwing axis A 2 , which causes the puller  40  attached to the upper end of the charge pedal to be pulled during the charging stroke. As the puller  40  is pulled, the puller rotates the shaft  68 , and thereby the throwing arm  24 , about the throwing axis A 2  to the cocked position, thereby charging (e.g., adding tension to) the throwing spring  26 . 
     The puller  40  includes a cable  80  and a pulley  82 . One end of the cable  80  is attached to the charge pedal  34  (specifically, the upper end of the charge bracket  78 ) and the opposite end is attached to the pulley  82 . The end portion of the cable  80  attached to the pulley  82  curves around the pulley so that the pulley rotates when pulled by the cable. The pulley rotates about the throwing axis A 2 . The pulley  82  is rotatable about the shaft  68 . One or more bearings  70  connect the pulley  82  to the shaft  68 . Movement of the charge pedal  34  during its charging stroke rotates the pulley  82  in the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2 . The drive train  32  includes a return spring  84  that biases the pulley  82  in a second direction D 2  about the throwing axis A 2 , that is opposite the first direction D 1 , toward an initial or at-rest position, as shown in  FIG.  15   . In the illustrated embodiment, the return spring  84  is a torsion spring mounted about the shaft  68  above the pulley  82 . One end of the return spring  84  engages the housing of the head  14  and the other end of the return spring engages the pulley  82 . The return spring  84  may also assist in biasing the charge pedal  34  in its initial position. In the illustrated embodiment, the charge pedal  34  is also biased toward its initial position by return spring  48 . In operation, when the charge pedal  34  is pushed downward in its charging stroke, the cable  80  pulls the pulley  82  to rotate the pulley and the throwing arm  24 , against the bias of the return spring  84 , in the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2 . When the charge pedal  34  is released, the charge pedal is spring-returned, via the return springs  48 ,  84 , during the return stroke to its initial position, and the pulley is spring-returned, via the return spring  84 , back to its initial position. 
     The pulley  82  (broadly, the puller  40 ) is operatively connected to the shaft  68  and thereby the throwing arm  24 . The drive train  32  includes a ratchet  86 . The ratchet  86  is operatively coupled to the shaft  68  and the throwing arm  24 . The ratchet  86  permits the shaft  68  and throwing arm  24  to rotate in only the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2 . Thus, unless the ratchet  86  is disengaged (as described below), the ratchet prevents the throwing arm  24  from rotating in the second direction D 2  about the throwing axis A 2 . The ratchet  86  enables (1) the pulley  82  to rotate the throwing arm  24  about the throwing axis A 2  when the puller  40  is pulled, (2) the throwing arm to rotate relative to the pulley when the throwing arm is rotated by the throwing spring  26  to throw the target T, and (3) the pulley to rotate relative to the throwing arm to return to its initial position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet  86  includes a ratchet wheel  88 , a first or charging pawl  90 , and a second or holding pawl  92 . The ratchet wheel  88  is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft  68 . In this manner, the ratchet wheel  88  is fixed to the throwing arm  24  (via the shaft  68 ) such that the ratchet wheel and throwing arm rotate together. Rotation of the ratchet wheel  88  drives rotation of the shaft  68 , and therefore the throwing arm  24 . The ratchet wheel  88  includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The ratchet wheel  88  is splined in the center to mate with the splines of the shaft  68 . The charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  are engaged with the ratchet wheel (the ratchet teeth thereof). The charging pawl  90  is pivotable about a first pawl axis A 6  and the holding pawl  92  is pivotable about a second pawl axis A 7 . The charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  are each biased toward the ratchet wheel  88  by respective ratchet springs  94 . The charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  can operate independently of one another. For example, the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  can each rotate independently about their respective pawl axes A 6 , A 7 . The charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  are arranged relative to the ratchet wheel  88  to permit the ratchet wheel to rotate in the first direction D 1  and inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D 2 . In general, when the ratchet wheel  88  rotates in the first direction D 1  relative to the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92 , the charging and holding pawls slide along and are deflected (e.g., pivoted) by the ratchet teeth, thereby permitting rotation of the ratchet wheel. If the ratchet wheel  88  attempts to rotate in the second direction D 2  relative to the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92 , the charging and holding pawls lock with the ratchet teeth to inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating. 
     The charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  work together during the operation of the target thrower  10 . During the charging stroke of the charge pedal  34 , the charging pawl  90  rotates the ratchet wheel  88  and thereby the shaft  68  and the throwing arm  24  in the first direction D 1  about the throwing axis A 2  to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position. The charging pawl  90  is supported by (specifically, mounted to) and rotatable about the throwing axis A 2  with the pulley  82 . In operation, when the pulley  82  is rotated by the cable  80  in the first direction D 1 , the charging pawl  90  rotates the ratchet wheel  88  in the first direction, thereby rotating the shaft  68  and the throwing arm toward the cocked position. The holding pawl  92  is arranged to inhibit the ratchet wheel  88  from rotating in the second direction D 2  about the throwing axis A 2 . During the return stroke of the charge pedal  34 , the holding pawl  92  holds the ratchet wheel  88 , and thereby the shaft  68  and the throwing arm  24 , in position by preventing the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D 2 . This allows the pulley  82  to return to its initial position after the charging stroke. The holding pawl  92  is supported by (specifically, mounted to) the housing of the head  14 . Accordingly, the holding pawl  92  is generally stationary relative to the throwing axis A 2  (e.g., the second pawl axis A 7  is stationary relative to the throwing axis). The holding pawl  92  allows the charging pawl  90  to be unloaded so that the pulley  82  (broadly, the puller  40 ) can be returned to its initial position (reset for further pulling) without having the throwing arm  24  rotate. In operation, the holding pawl  92  prevents the ratchet wheel  88  from rotating in the second direction D 2  as the pulley  82  rotates in the second direction to return to its initial position during the return stroke of the charge pedal  34 . As the pulley  82  returns to its initial position after rotating the throwing arm  24  to the cocked position, the holding pawl  92  prevents the ratchet wheel  88  (and thereby the throwing arm) from rotating with the pulley in the second direction. As the pulley  82  returns to its initial position, the charging pawl  90  rides along the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel  88 . The movement of the pulley  82  and ratchet  86  during the charging cycle is shown in  FIGS.  16 A-D . In  FIG.  16 A , the pulley  82  is in its initial or at-rest position. In  FIG.  16 B , the pulley  82  and charging pawl  90  are rotating the ratchet wheel  88  in the first direction D 1  to move the throwing arm  24  to the cocked position due to the charge pedal  34  being moved along the charging stroke. In  FIG.  16 C , the pulley  82  and charging pawl  90  have rotated the ratchet wheel a sufficient distance to move the throwing arm  24  to the cocked position. Desirably, the charge bracket  78  is dimensioned such that only one charging stroke of the charge pedal  34  is needed to move the throwing arm  24  to the cocked position. However, it is understood multiple charging strokes of the charge pedal  34  can be used if needed. In this case, the holding pawl  92  inhibits the throwing arm  24  from rotating in the second direction while the charge pedal  34  is in-between charging strokes (e.g., being reset). In  FIG.  16 D , the pulley  82  is rotating in the second direction D 2  and returning to its initial position. As the pulley  82  rotates in the second direction D 2 , the charging pawl  90  rides along the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel. The holding pawl  92  is locked with the ratchet wheel  88  to prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D 2  with the pulley. 
     The ratchet  86  is also arranged to hold the throwing arm  24  in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the target T. When the throwing arm  24  is in the thrown position, both the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  lock with the ratchet wheel  88  to prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in the second direction D 2  under the force of the throwing spring  26 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 A- 19   , the ratchet  86  includes a ratchet actuator  96 . The ratchet actuator  96  engages and disengages the ratchet  86  with the throwing arm  24 . The charging pawl  90  and the holding pawl  92  are each movable (e.g., pivotable about their respective axes A 6 , A 7 ) between a ratchet wheel engaged position ( FIG.  16 A ) and a ratchet wheel disengaged position ( FIG.  19   ). In the ratchet wheel engaged position, each respective pawl  90 ,  92  is engaged with the ratchet wheel  88 . In the ratchet wheel disengaged position, each respective pawl  90 ,  92  is disengaged (e.g., spaced apart from) the ratchet wheel  88 . When the pawls  90 ,  92  are in the ratchet wheel disengaged position, the throwing arm  24  is free to rotate in any direction (first or second direction D 1 , D 2 ) about the throwing axis A 2 . Typically, the throwing arm  24  will freely rotate to the non-cocked position under the force of the throwing spring  26  when the ratchet  86  is disengaged. 
     The ratchet actuator  96  is operatively coupled to the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  to move these pawls between the ratchet wheel engaged and disengaged positions. The ratchet actuator  96  is movable (e.g., rotatable) between a ratchet engaged position ( FIG.  17 A ) and a ratchet disengaged position ( FIG.  17 B ). Generally speaking, the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  are both in the ratchet wheel engaged position when the ratchet actuator  96  is in the ratchet engaged position and are both in the ratchet wheel disengaged position when the ratchet actuator is in the ratchet disengaged position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet actuator  96  comprises a knob  98  and a stop  100  connected to the knob. The stop  100  comprises a shaft. Rotation of the knob  98  about an actuator axis A 8  rotates the stop  100  about the actuator axis. In the illustrated embodiment the actuator axis A 8  is coextensive with the second pawl axis A 7 , although in other embodiments these two axes can be spaced part. In one embodiment, the knob  98  is biased downward by a spring (not shown). In this embodiment, the knob  98  can be pulled upward to move the ratchet actuator  98  from a locked position, where the ratchet actuator is inhibited from rotating between the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions, to an unlocked position, where the ratchet actuator  98  is free to rotate between the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions. The knob  98  and head  14  (e.g., shroud  20 ) may include corresponding indicia, such as arrows, lines, words (e.g., “engaged” and “disengaged”), etc., to visually indicate when the ratchet actuator  96  is in the ratchet engaged and disengaged positions. The stop  100  includes a stop surface  102  and a recess  106 . The recess  106  is generally opposite the stop surface  102 . 
     During normal operation, where the target thrower  10  is used to throw the target T, the ratchet actuator  96  is in the ratchet engaged position. In this position, the stop surface  102  is arranged relative to the pulley  82  such that the pulley engages the first stop surface when the pulley is in its initial position. In other words, the pulley  82  contacts the stop  100  and is held in its initial position by the stop  100 . The stop  100  prevents further rotation of the pulley  82  in the second direction D 2  when the pulley is returning toward its initial position during the return stroke of the charge pedal  34 . The pulley  82  includes (broadly, supports) a holding pawl mover or flange  108 . For reasons that will become apparent, the stop  100  prevents the holding pawl mover  108  from engaging the holding pawl  92  when the ratchet actuator  96  is in the ratchet engaged position. 
     To disengage the ratchet, the ratchet actuator  96  is placed in the ratchet disengaged position. In this position, the stop  100  is arranged relative to the pulley  82  such that the recess  106  receives the pulley. This allows the pulley  82  to rotate a few extra degrees in the second direction D 2  past the initial position into the recess  106 . The holding pawl mover  108  is arranged to engage and rotate the holding pawl  92  when the pulley  82  moves the few extra degrees past the initial position. As shown in  FIGS.  18 B and  19   , as the pulley  82  rotates the extra amount past the initial position, the holding pawl mover  108  engages an arm of the holding pawl  92 . This causes the holding pawl  92  to pivot about the second pawl axis A 7  from its ratchet wheel engaged position to its disengaged position. As a result, the holding pawl  92  moves away from the ratchet wheel  88 . As the holding pawl  92  rotates away from the ratchet wheel  88  (due the force of the return spring  84 ), the holding pawl contacts the charging pawl  90  ( FIG.  19   ). This causes the charging pawl  90  to pivot about the first pawl axis A 6  from its ratchet wheel engaged position to disengaged position. As a result, the charging pawl  90  also moves away from the ratchet wheel  88 . Eventually, continued rotation of the holding pawl  92  creates an interference with the charging pawl  90  that prevents the holding pawl from further rotating about the second pawl axis A 7 . In turn, this interference prevents further rotation of the pulley  82  in the second direction D 2 . Thus, the pulley  82 , under the bias of the return spring  84 , holds the charging and holding pawls  90 ,  92  in their respective ratchet wheel disengaged positions. With both pawls  90 ,  92  disengaged from the ratchet wheel  88 , the only force acting on the throwing arm  24  is the throwing spring  26 . This permits the throwing arm  24  to move to the non-cocked position, via the throwing spring  26 , where the throwing spring is under its least amount of tension. This may be desirable to perform maintenance on the throwing arm  24  (e.g., replace the throwing strip  62 ) and/or facilitate the collapsing of the target thrower  10  for storage (e.g., disconnect the throwing spring  26  from the frame  12 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20 - 25   , the target thrower  10  includes a target feeder  110  configured to feed each target T held in the hopper  18  to the throwing arm  24 . The target feeder  110  dispenses the targets T one at a time from the bottom of the stack to the throwing arm  24 . The hopper  18  is aligned with an opening  120  (e.g., a first or housing opening) of the housing of the head  14 . The opening  120  is sized and shaped to permit the targets T to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm  24 . The target feeder  110  includes a feed door  112  (broadly, a first target retainer) and a feed cam  114 . The feed door  112  is arranged to release the bottom-most target T from the stack in the hopper  18  toward the throwing arm  24 . The feed door  112  includes a feed door opening  122  (e.g., a second or target opening). The feed door opening  122  is sized and shaped to permit the targets T to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feed door  112  generally underlies the opening  120  of the housing of the head  14 . The feed door  112  includes a support portion or platform  124 . The platform  124  is generally disposed between the feed door opening  122  and the throwing axis A 2 . The feed door  112  is movably coupled to the housing of the head  14 . The feed door  112  is movable between a first or feed door retaining position ( FIGS.  23 A-B ) and a second or feed door release position ( FIGS.  21 A-B ). In the feed door retaining position, the feed door  112  is arranged with respect to the hopper  18  (specifically, the stack of targets T) to retain the targets T. Specifically, the platform  124  is at least partially aligned with and underlying the opening  120  of the head  14  to support the stack of targets T thereon. In the feed door release position, the feed door  112  is arranged to release or dispense the targets T (e.g., the bottom-most target in the stack) toward the throwing arm  24 . Specifically, the feed door opening  122  is aligned with and underlying the opening  120  of the head  14  to permit the targets T to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm  24 . In other words, the feed door opening  122  becomes aligned with the bottom-most target T in the stack in the hopper  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feed door  112  moves linearly or in a radial direction relative to the throwing axis A 2  between the feed door retaining and release positions. The feed door  112  includes a plurality of slots  116  through which fasteners  118  connecting the feed door to the housing of the head  14  extend. The slots  116  permit the feed door  112  to slide relative to the fasteners  118  between the feed door retaining and release positions. 
     The feed cam  114  is operatively connected to the feed door  112  such that the feed door moves in response to movement of the feed cam. The feed cam  114  is rotatable responsive to rotation of the shaft  68 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feed cam  114  is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft  68  such that the feed cam rotates about the throwing axis A 2 . Thus, the feed cam  114  rotates with the throwing arm  24 . The feed door  112  includes a bearing  126  that is engaged with and follows the feed cam  114 . Accordingly, the feed door  112  follows or is moved by the feed cam. The bearing  126  (broadly, the feed door  112 ) is biased toward the feed cam  114  (broadly, toward the feed door release position) with one or more feed door springs  128 . The feed door springs  128  ensures the feed door  112  remains engaged with the feed cam  114  as the feed cam rotates. Rotation of the feed cam  114  moves the feed door  112  between the feed door retaining and release positions. The feed door  112  moves toward the shaft  68  or throwing axis A 2  as the feed door moves from the feed door retaining position toward the feed door release position. Likewise, the feed door  112  moves away from the shaft  68  or throwing axis A 2  as the feed door moves from the feed door release position toward the feed door retaining position. 
     The target feeder  110  includes a feed foot  130  (broadly, a second target retainer). The feed foot  130  is configured to retain the targets T in the hopper  18 . The feed foot  130  and the feed door  112  work together to dispense the targets T one at a time from the hopper  18  to the throwing arm  24 . The feed foot  130  includes a target engagement surface  132  facing the targets T in the hopper  18  (e.g., facing the interior  19  of the hopper). The target engagement surface  132  selectively engages the targets T in the hopper  18  to retain the targets. The feed foot  130  is movably coupled to the housing of the head  14 . The feed foot  130  is movable between the first or feed foot retaining position ( FIGS.  21 A-B ) and a second or feed foot release position ( FIGS.  23 A-B ). In the feed foot retaining position, the feed foot  130  is arranged to retain the targets T. Specifically, the target engagement surface  132  engages the second-to-bottom target T in the stack of the targets to hold the second-to-bottom target and any targets stacked thereon in the hopper  18  and prevent these targets from moving (e.g., falling) toward the throwing arm  24 . The feed foot  130  generally squeezes or clamps the second-to-bottom target T between the target engagement surface  132  and an opposite side of the hopper  18 . Thus, in the feed door retaining position, the feed foot  130  prevents the entire stack of targets T from falling through the feed door  112  (e.g., opening  122  thereof) when the feed door is in the feed door release position. In the feed foot release position, the feed foot  130  is arranged to release the targets T. Specifically, the target engagement surface  132  is spaced from the targets T (e.g., the second-to-bottom target) to permit the targets T to move (e.g., fall) toward the feed door  112  and the throwing arm  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot  130  moves linearly or in the radial direction relative to the throwing axis A 2  between the feed foot retaining and release positions. The feed foot  130  is mounted on a feed foot support  134  which permits the feed foot to slide between the feed foot retaining and release positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot  130  is disposed adjacent a first end (e.g., outer radial end relative to the throwing axis A 2 ) of the feed door  112  and the shaft  68  is disposed adjacent an opposite second end (e.g., inner radial end) of the feed door. In other words, the feed foot  130  is across the feed door opening  122  from the throwing axis A 2  and moves toward the throwing axis to engage the stack of targets T. This arrangement permits a compact configuration of the target feeder  110 . 
     The feed foot  130  is operatively connected to the feed door  112  such that the feed foot moves in response to movement of the feed door. Thus, the feed foot  130  is operatively connected to the feed cam  114  such that rotation of the feed cam causes the feed foot to move. The feed foot  130  includes a pin  136  disposed in (e.g., extends through) a feed foot slot  138  in the feed door  112 . This ties the feed foot  130  to the feed door  112  so that the feed foot will move with the feed door at certain times when the pin  136  is engaged by a portion of the feed door defining an end of the feed foot slot  138 . Accordingly, the feed foot  130  follows or is moved by the feed door  112 . The feed foot  130  is biased toward the targets  19  (e.g., the interior  19  of the hopper  18 ) with a feed foot spring  140 . In other words, the feed foot spring  140  biases the feed foot  130  toward the feed foot retaining position. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot spring  140  biases the feed foot  130  radially inward such that the pin  136  will generally be disposed at the radial inward end of the slot  138 . Movement of the feed door  112  moves the feed foot  130  between the feed foot retaining and release positions. The feed foot  130  moves toward the shaft  68  or throwing axis A 2  as the feed foot moves from the feed foot release position toward the feed foot retaining position. Likewise, the feed foot  130  moves away from the shaft  68  or throwing axis A 2  as the feed foot moves from the feed foot retaining position toward the feed foot release position. 
     The feed foot  130  and the feed door  112  work together to dispense the targets T one at a time from the hopper  18  to the throwing arm  24 . During the throwing cycle, at certain times the feed door  112  and the feed foot  130  move together and at other times the feed door moves independently of the feed foot. Generally, the feed foot  130  is disposed in the feed foot retaining position when the feed door  112  is disposed in the feed door release position. Similarly, generally the feed foot  130  is disposed in the feed foot release position when the feed door  112  is disposed in the feed door retaining position. 
     The target thrower  10  includes one or more brushes or brush segments (broadly, target guides or pushers) for controlling the positioning of the target T on the throwing arm  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the target feeder  110  includes a first brush segment  142  and a second brush segment  144 . The first and second brush segments  142 ,  144  may be part of the same brush or may be separate brushes, as illustrated. The first and second brush segments  142 ,  144  retain the target T in the correct position relative to the throwing arm  24  and help guide the target into place on the throwing arm. The first brush segment  142  is arranged to bring the target T into engagement with the engagement surface  60  of the throwing arm  24 . The second brush segment  144  is arranged to set a radial distance of the target T from the throwing axis A 2 . Desirably, the first and second brush segments  142 ,  144  are movable with respect to one another. This allows the first and second brush segments  142 ,  144  to better control the target&#39;s T movement and positioning on the throwing arm  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first brush segment  142  is mounted (broadly, coupled) to the feed door  112 . Accordingly, the first brush segment  142  moves with the feed door  112 . The first brush segment  142  is disposed on the leading side (relative to the first direction D 1 ) of the feed door opening  122 . The second brush segment  144  is mounted (broadly, coupled) to the feed foot  130 . Accordingly, the second brush segment  144  moves with the feed foot  130 . When the throwing arm  24  rotates to throw the target T, the throwing arm generally pushes past and moves the first and second brush segments  142 ,  144  out of the way. 
     The target feeder  110  operates responsive to rotation of the shaft  68 . The operation of the target feeder  110  is coordinated with respect to the cocking of the throwing arm  24 . Accordingly, moving the charge pedal  34  during the charging stroke not only moves the throwing arm  24  to the cocked position but also dispenses or feeds a target T from the hopper  18  to the throwing arm. Thus, the throwing arm  24  has a target T thereon when in the cocked position. Referring to  FIGS.  21 A- 25   , the operational sequence of the target feeder  110  will now be described. Starting at  FIGS.  24 A-B , the target thrower  10  has just thrown a target T and the throwing arm  24  has come to rest in the thrown position. In this position, the feed door  112  is in the feed door retaining position and the feed foot  130  is in or near the feed foot release position. Therefore, the stack of targets T in the hopper  18  rests on the platform  24  of the feed door  112 . At this moment, the charge pedal  34  is ready to be engaged to start the next throwing cycle. 
     To throw another target T, the operator presses the charge pedal  34  (e.g. initiates the charging stroke) to rotate the throwing arm  24  toward the cocked position. As the throwing arm  24  rotates, the feed cam  114  also rotates about the throwing axis A 2 , which permits the feed door  112  to move (under the influence of the feed door springs  128 ) toward the feed door release position. This movement of the feed door  112  also permits the feed foot  130  to move (under the influence of the feed foot spring  140 ) toward the feed foot retaining position (if not there already). The feed foot  130  reaches the feed foot retaining position before the feed door  112  reaches the feed door release position. The target engagement surface  132  of the feed foot  130  contacts the second-to-bottom target T in the stack and retains it—thus holding the other targets above in the stack. It is understood the target engagement surface  132  may contact the second-to-bottom target T before the charge pedal  34  is actuated due to the ending position of the throwing arm  24  after the clay is thrown. After the feed foot  130  reaches the feed foot retaining position ( FIGS.  21 A-B ), the feed door  112  continues to move toward the feed door release position. When the feed door  112  reaches the feed door release position, the bottom-most target T (which is not retained by the feed foot  130 ) drops through the feed door (e.g., aligned openings  120 ,  122 ) and down onto the throwing arm  24  ( FIGS.  21 A-B ). As this point, the throwing arm  24  is in the position shown in  FIG.  25   . The throwing arm  24  is near, but not yet at, the cocked position. The throwing arm  24  (e.g., at least the extended bed  56 B) underlies or is situated below the feed door  112  (specifically, the feed door opening  122 ). Thus, the dispensing or feeding of a target T to the throwing arm  24  is coordinated with the relative angular position of the throwing arm about the throwing axis A 2 . More specifically, the target feeder  110  is configured to feed the target T to the throwing arm while throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis A 2  toward the throwing arm stop  42  (e.g., toward the cocked position). In other words, the throwing arm stop  42  is arranged to stop the movement of (e.g., engage) the throwing arm  24  after the target feeder  110  feeds the target to the throwing arm. Due to this timing, the throwing arm stop  42  engages and stops the movement of the throwing arm  24  about the throwing axis A 2  before the engagement surface  60  of the throwing arm engages the side of the target T. Desirably, the timing is such that the target feeder  110  feeds the target T to the throwing arm  24  as the throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis A 2  before the engagement surface  60  becomes aligned with or underlies the feed door opening  122 . As shown in  FIG.  25   , the extended bed  56 B of the throwing arm  24  is arranged to receive at least a portion of the target T when the target is fed by the target feeder  110 . The extended bed  56 B enables the target feeder  110  to feed the target T to the throwing arm  24  before the throwing arm is in the cocked position. After the target T is dropped by the target feeder  110 , the first brush segment  142  engages the target T and prevents the target from rotating with the throwing arm  24 . Instead, as the throwing arm  24  continues to rotate toward the cocked position, the first brush segment  142  generally holds the target T so that the target slides on (e.g., over) the bed  56  as the engagement surface  60  moves toward (but does not engage) the target. In addition, after the target T is dropped by the target feeder  110 , the second brush segment  144  engages the target T and prevents the target from moving radially outward with respect the throwing arm  24 . Further, because the second brush segment  144  is mounted on the feed foot  130  (which is engaged with the second-to-bottom target T when the bottom target is dropped), the second brush segment may guide the bottom target as the bottom target falls from the bottom of the stack to the throwing arm  24 . Such guiding is particularly useful to ensure the target is at the correct radial location (e.g., distance from the throwing axis A 2 ) on the throwing arm  24  when the head  14  is set at a large angle relative to the horizontal. 
     Completely stopping the rotation of the throwing arm  24  with the throwing arm stop  42  before the engagement surface  60  engages the side of the target T dispensed by the target feeder  110  reduces the likelihood of the throwing arm breaking the target T. On certain conventional throwers, such as electric throwers, the target T is fed to the throwing arm before a throwing spring goes over center to allow a brush to push the target against a side of the throwing arm as the throwing spring goes over center. Such an operational sequence is not desirable for the present target thrower  10  because the rotational speed of the throwing arm  24  may be high enough to break the target T as the throwing spring  26  goes over-center. Because the rotational speed of the throwing arm  24  is a direct result of the speed the operator pushes the charge pedal  34  in the charge stroke, the speed the throwing arm  24  rotates toward the cocked position can vary greatly and can occasionally be fast enough to break the target T. Stopping the throwing arm  24  with the throwing arm stop  42  after the throwing arm rotates to a position where the throwing spring  26  is over-center but before the engagement surface  60  engages the side of the target T ensures the speed the throwing arm rotates toward the cocked position has no bearing on whether the target T will break. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  21 A-B , the throwing arm  24  is now in the cocked position. The throwing arm  24  has stopped rotating and is engaged with the throwing arm stop  42 . In this position, the feed door  112  is generally still in the feed door release position (the target T having already dropped down while the throwing arm was rotating toward the cocked position as described above) and the feed foot  130  is still in the feed foot retaining position. In addition, the engagement surface  60  of the throwing arm  24  is spaced apart from and has not yet engaged the side of the target T. At this moment, the throwing arm  24  is ready to be released, either by the fire pedal  36  or the charge pedal  34  (when the fire mode actuator  50  is in the fire position). After the throwing arm  24  is released by the throwing arm stop  42 , the engagement surface  60  of the throwing arm engages the side of the target T. The first brush segment  142  pushes the target T against the engagement surface  60  of the throwing arm  42  as the throwing arm rotates in the first direction D 1  from the cocked position. Referring to  FIGS.  22 A-B , the throwing arm  24  is in the process of throwing the target T. The throwing arm  24  is rotating about the throwing axis A 2  in the first direction D 1  from the cocked position to the thrown position. As the throwing arm  24  rotates in the first direction D 1  from the cocked position, the feed door  112  begins to move from the feed door release position toward the feed door retaining position. In the position shown in  FIGS.  22 A-B , the feed door  112  is nearing in the feed door retaining position (and is able to retain the stack of targets T in the hopper), the feed door begins to move the feed foot  130  from the feed foot retaining position to the feed foot release position. In other words, the pin  136  contacts the portion of the feed door  112  defining the inner radial end of the feed foot slot  138  and beings to move radially outward with the slot. Referring to  FIGS.  23 A-B , the throwing arm  24  has thrown (or is about to throw) the target T and is beginning to move against the force of the throwing spring  26  toward the thrown position. In this position, the feed door  112  is in the feed door retaining position. In addition, the feed door  112  has also moved the feed foot  130  into the feed foot release position. As a result, the feed foot  130  is now disengaged with the stack of targets T in the hopper  18  and the stack has fallen downward so that the new bottom-most target T (formerly the second-to-bottom target) now rests on the platform  124  of the feed door  112 . The throwing arm  24  continues to rotate toward and come to a stop in the thrown position ( FIGS.  24 A-B ). With the throwing arm  24  now in the thrown position, the process (e.g., throwing cycle) is ready to be repeated to throw another target T. 
     In one embodiment, the target thrower  10  is collapsible for easy transport and storage. For example, in one embodiment of a collapsed configuration, the front two legs  16  are pivoted rearward to the underside of the rear leg and the head  14  is pivoted rearward (about the head axis A 1 ) to overlie or rest on the charge pedal  34 . The strap  17  can be used to secure the legs  16  and head  14  in this position, such as by wrapping around the target support or having one end secured to a leg and the other end secured to the head. For example, one end of the strap  17  can be looped around one leg  16  and the other end of the strap can have one or more openings to selectively receive a hook on the head  14 . In the collapsed configuration, the hopper  18  is removed or disconnected from the head  14  before the head is pivoted rearward. In one embodiment, the space (e.g., length, width, height) taken up by the target thrower  10  in the collapsed configuration is about the same space as a box of  135  targets T. This allows the target thrower  10  to be stored in most retail stores in the same area as the targets and enables the target thrower to fit easily in a seat or trunk of a vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , in the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower  10  may include a safety pin  146 . The safety pin  146  can be removably inserted through an opening in the head  14 . When disposed in the opening of the head  14 , the safety pin  146  blocks the travel path of the throwing arm  24  from the cocked position, thereby preventing the throwing arm from inadvertently moving from the cocked position under the force of the throwing spring  26 . Before the target thrower  10  throws a target T, the user removes the safety pin  146  from the opening in the head  14 . 
     It is appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine the scope of terms of degree such as, but not limited to, “about,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For example, when a term of degree is used in relation to a numeric value, the person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the term of degree covers an inclusive range of plus or minus 10% of the numeric value, unless clearly indicated or stated otherwise. 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, it will be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, 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. 
     Other Statements of Invention 
     The following are statements or features of invention described in the present disclosure. Some or all of the following statements may not be currently presented as claims. Nevertheless, the statements are believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associated methods corresponding to the statements or apparatuses or systems below are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. It is understood that the following statements may refer to and be supported by one, more than one, or all the embodiments described above. 
     A1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction, the throwing arm including an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction to throw the shooting target; a target feeder configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm; and a throwing arm stop arranged to engage the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface engages the side of the shooting target. 
     A2. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is arranged to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction after the target feeder feeds the shooting target to the throwing arm to be thrown by the throwing arm. 
     A3. The shooting target thrower of statement A2, wherein the target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm while the throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis toward the throwing arm stop. 
     A4. The shooting target thrower of statement A3, wherein the target feeder includes a feed opening sized and shaped to permit the shooting target to move therethrough, the target feeder configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm as the throwing arm is rotating about the throwing axis in the first direction before the engagement surface becomes aligned with the feed opening. 
     A5. The shooting target thrower of statement A3, wherein the throwing arm includes a main bed and an extended bed projecting from the main bed, the extended bed being arranged to receive at least a portion of the shooting target when the shooting target is fed by the target feeder. 
     A6. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is movable relative to the throwing arm to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, in the first direction to throw the shooting target. 
     A7. The shooting target thrower of statement A6, wherein the engagement surface is arranged to engage the side of the shooting target after the throwing arm is released by the throwing arm stop. 
     A8. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm includes a throwing strip comprising resiliently deformable material, the throwing strip defining the engagement surface. 
     A9. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm includes a bumper arranged to engage the throwing arm stop, the bumper configured to cushion an impact between the throwing arm and the throwing arm stop. 
     A10. The shooting target thrower of statement A9, wherein the bumper comprises a resiliently deformable material. 
     A11. The shooting target thrower of statement A10, wherein the bumper includes a resiliently deformable backing and a cover strip covering the backing, the cover strip being arranged to engage the throwing arm stop. 
     A12. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing spring is configured to move over center to bias the throwing arm in the first direction before the throwing arm stop engages the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm about the throwing axis in the first direction. 
     A13. The shooting target thrower of statement A12, wherein the target feeder is configured to feed the shooting target to the throwing arm before the throwing spring moves over center to bias the throwing arm in the first direction. 
     A14. The shooting target thrower of statement A1, wherein the throwing arm stop is configured to be in a travel path of the throwing arm to be impacted by the throwing arm to stop movement of the throwing arm in the first direction. 
     B1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring arranged to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal movable through a charging cycle, the charge pedal movable in a charging stroke of the charging cycle to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position; a fire mode selector moveable between a fire position and a non-fire position to change between a fire mode in which the charge pedal is operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target and a non-fire mode in which the charge pedal is not operable to release the throwing arm to rotate, under force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. 
     B2. The shooting target thrower of statement B1, further comprising a fire pedal configured to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. 
     B3. The shooting target thrower of statement B2, wherein the fire pedal is configured to release the throwing arm regardless of whether the fire mode selector is in the fire position or the non-fire position. 
     B4. The shooting target thrower of statement B3, wherein the fire mode selector is operatively coupled to the charge pedal. 
     B5. The shooting target thrower of statement B4, wherein the fire mode selector is supported by the charge pedal. 
     B6. The shooting target thrower of statement B5, wherein the fire mode selector is carried by the charge pedal. 
     B7. The shooting target thrower of statement of B1, wherein the fire mode selector is pivotable between the fire and non-fire positions. 
     B8. The shooting target thrower of statement B1, further comprising a throwing arm stop arranged to engage the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the cocked position to hold the throwing arm in the cocked position, the throwing arm stop being movable relative to the throwing arm to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate, under the force of the throwing spring, from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target. 
     B9. The shooting target thrower of statement B8, further comprising an engagement surface operatively coupled to the fire mode selector, wherein the engagement surface is arranged to move the throwing arm stop relative to the throwing arm during the return stroke of the charge pedal to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate when the fire mode selector is in the fire position, and wherein the engagement surface is arranged to not move the throwing arm stop relative to the throwing arm during the return stoke of the charge pedal to disengage the throwing arm to release the throwing arm to rotate when the fire mode selector is in the non-fire position. 
     B10. The shooting target thrower of statement B9, wherein the fire mode selector defines the engagement surface. 
     C1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position and a thrown position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position toward the thrown position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm from the cocked position toward the thrown position to throw the shooting target, wherein a force imparted by the throwing spring to the throwing arm varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis; and a ratchet operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to permit the throwing arm to rotate in one direction about the throwing axis, the ratchet configured to hold the throwing arm in the thrown position after the throwing arm throws the shooting target, wherein a force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm when the throwing arm is in the thrown position is greater than a lowest amount of force imparted by the throwing spring on the throwing arm. 
     C2. The shooting target thrower of statement C1, wherein the throwing spring comprises a tension spring with opposite first and second ends, the first and second ends being separated by a first distance when the throwing spring imparts the lowest amount of force, the first and second ends being separated by a second distance greater than the first distance when the throwing arm is in the thrown position. 
     C3. The shooting target thrower of statement C1, wherein, in the thrown position, the throwing arm is more than 3.14 radians about the throwing axis from the cocked position. 
     C4. The shooting target thrower of statement C3, wherein, in the thrown position, the throwing arm is within an inclusive range of about 3.9 radians to about 5.5 radians about the throwing axis from the cocked position. 
     C5. The shooting target thrower of statement Cl, wherein the ratchet includes a ratchet wheel rotatable with the throwing arm, and the ratchet includes a first pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel and a second pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel. 
     C6. The shooting target thrower of statement C5, wherein the first pawl, the ratchet wheel, and the throwing arm are arranged to rotate in the one direction about the throwing axis to move the throwing arm toward the cocked position. 
     C7. The shooting target thrower of statement C6, wherein the second pawl operates independently of the first pawl to limit rotation of the ratchet wheel and is configured to inhibit the ratchet wheel from rotating in a direction about the throwing axis opposite said one direction. 
     C8. The shooting target thrower of statement C7, further comprising a pulley rotatable about the throwing axis, the first pawl being supported by the pulley and rotatable about the throwing axis with the pulley, and wherein the first pawl is movable with respect to the second pawl to change a distance between the first pawl and the second pawl when the first pawl is rotated about the throwing axis with the pulley. 
     C9. The shooting target thrower of statement C7, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl are each movable from a respective ratchet wheel engaged position to a respective ratchet wheel disengaged position to permit the throwing arm to rotate about the throwing axis without obstruction by the first pawl or the second pawl. 
     C10. The shooting target thrower of statement C2, wherein the ratchet comprises a ratchet actuator movable between a ratchet engaged position and a ratchet disengaged position to change the first and second holding pawls from the ratchet wheel engaged position to the ratchet wheel disengaged position. 
     D1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position, the throwing arm including an engagement surface arranged to engage a side of the shooting target to impart force to the side of the shooting target to throw the shooting target from the throwing arm; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target; a charge pedal operatively coupled to the throwing arm and configured to rotate the throwing arm toward the cocked position when the charge pedal is manually actuated by a user; a hopper configured to store the plurality of shooting targets; and a target feeder configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time, the target feeder including a first brush segment and a second brush segment, the first brush segment arranged to bring the shooting target into engagement with the engagement surface of the throwing arm and the second brush segment arranged to set a radial distance of the shooting target from the throwing axis. 
     D2. The shooting target thrower of statement D1, wherein the first and second brush segments are movable with respect to one another. 
     D3. The shooting target thrower of statement D2, wherein the target feeder includes a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm, the first brush segment coupled to and movable with the feed door. 
     D4. The shooting target thrower of statement D3, wherein the target feeder includes a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets, the second brush segment coupled to and movable with the feed foot. 
     D5. The shooting target thrower of statement D4, further comprising a central shaft defining and rotatable about the throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable with the central shaft, the feed foot disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door. 
     D6. The shooting target thrower of statement D5, wherein the target feeder includes a rotatable feed cam that rotates responsive to rotation of the central shaft, the feed cam operatively connected to the feed door such that rotation of the feed cam moves the feed door between a first retaining position and a first release position, wherein the feed door is arranged to retain the shooting target in the first retaining position, and wherein the feed door is arranged to release the shooting target in the first release position. 
     D7. The shooting target thrower of statement D6, wherein the feed foot is operatively coupled to the feed door such that the feed foot moves between a second retaining position and a second release position responsive to movement of the feed door, wherein the feed foot is arranged to retain the plurality of shooting targets in the second retaining position, and wherein the feed foot is arranged to release the plurality of shooting targets in the second release position. 
     D8. The shooting target thrower of statement D7, wherein the feed foot is operatively coupled to the feed door such that the feed foot is disposed in the second retaining position when the feed door is disposed in the first release position and such that the feed foot is disposed in the second release position when the feed door is disposed in the first retaining position. 
     D9. The shooting target thrower of statement D8, wherein the feed door is arranged to move toward the central shaft as the feed door moves from the first retaining position toward the first release position. 
     D10. The shooting target thrower of statement D9, wherein the target feeder includes a first spring biasing the feed door toward the first release position and a second spring biasing the feed foot toward the second retaining position. 
     E1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target of a plurality of shooting targets, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame; a central shaft supported by the frame, the central shaft defining and rotatable about a throwing axis; a throwing arm supported by the central shaft and rotatable with the central shaft about the throwing axis in a first direction, the throwing arm rotatable to a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis in the first direction from the cocked position; a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring configured to rotate the throwing arm in the first direction from the cocked position to throw the shooting target; a hopper configured to store the plurality of shooting targets; and a target feeder configured to feed the plurality of shooting targets to the throwing arm one at a time, the target feeder including a movable feed door arranged to release the shooting target toward the throwing arm and a movable feed foot for retaining the plurality of shooting targets, the feed foot disposed adjacent a first end of the feed door and the central shaft disposed adjacent an opposite second end of the feed door.