Abstract:
A practice proxy bovine roping apparatus is described. The device is configured to move in a similar fashion to that of a conventional live cow or bull when running. The device is equipped with a hitch attachment, facilitating connection of the device to the rear of a vehicle such as an All-Terrain Vehicle. Attachment of the device to a vehicle provides a means of movement and power for the device, allowing for the device to be towed behind the vehicle while an individual attempts to rope the device with a lariat from horseback. The device is equipped with a wheeled sled, configured to be towed behind the vehicle. A head of the practice device is configured to release the device from the hitch attachment when successfully roped.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application No. 62/087,839, filed on Dec. 5, 2014, and priority is claimed thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to roping practice devices, and more specifically to automotive or All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) modifications configured to be removably attached to the rear of the ATV, and are designed to act as a proxy bull or bovine during lasso training. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    During team roping practice, a user throws a lariat at a target in an attempt to snare a portion of the target via lasso. It is commonplace for the user to practice lassoing or roping on horns, bovine heads, or similar bull-head equipped and/or bull riding machines before moving on to practice on live animals. Conventionally in team roping sports, two people on horse back run after a steer, with one team member on each side of the steer, approaching the steer from the rear. The team member approaching on the left side of the steer ropes the steer by the horns and pulls it to the side. The steer is then usually hauled behind the first team member, while the second roping team member runs behind the steer, trying to rope its back legs with the lariat. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, many of the roping practice devices on the market today are primarily stationary, and do not help a user practice roping while on horseback or while in transit. Some devices employ a horned object or bull head that may move or buck up and down and/or side to side, but few are configured to move autonomously, and are rarely portable. While these devices are helpful for teaching basic, stationary roping with a lariat, they fail to provide adequate training to individuals training to lasso a bull while on horseback. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need for a device capable of more accurately simulating a bull or cow in terms of movement, as well as a need for a more portable device that may be used while in motion. Such a device is preferably configured to be affixed to a vehicle, such as an All-Terrain Vehicle, in order to simulate the movement of a bovine when it is running. 
         [0006]    Some instances of prior art attempt to solve this issue. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,386, filed on Apr. 24, 1996 by Nelson is an Apparatus for Roping Training that employs a similar structure and mechanics to that of the present invention. However, Nelson teaches an apparatus that is primarily designed to train the secondary roping team member, who conventionally ropes the legs after the first or primary roping team member ropes the head or horns of a steed. As Nelson does not teach the inclusion of a head or horns, and is designed to be stationary, there is still a need for a more complete roping practice apparatus that more accurately mimics the body, movement, and construct of an authentic steed that provides adequate opportunities for both the primary and the secondary roping team members to achieve ample training. 
         [0007]    While there are a few proxy roping practice devices on the market, none are adapted to pulled behind a vehicle (atop a sled or wheeled cart structure) for a short period of time, and configured to release from the vehicle upon roping the head or horns. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is a proxy bovine roping practice apparatus configured to simulate the look and movement of a live animal, such as a bull or cow. The present invention is preferably equipped with a hitch attachment, configured to facilitate the connection and/or mounting of the present invention to the rear of a vehicle. The hitch attachment is configured to release from the vehicle upon roping the head of the apparatus. The present invention is equipped with a wheeled sled, configured to roll behind the towing vehicle. The wheeled sled provides a mount for the head, body, and legs of the proxy bovine. The head of the present invention is preferably equipped with horns to replicate the appearance of a bovine animal. 
         [0009]    The present invention is preferably positioned such that it is easier for the horseback riding individual to attempt to rope the target as the target is able to go travel at the same speed of the horse via power from the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle that is ideal to tow the apparatus is an All-Terrain Vehicle. 
         [0010]    The intended purpose of the present invention is to provide accurate simulated circumstances to perform the same roping-from-horseback maneuver using a mechanical steer that will simulate a more realistic situation than a stationary steer. The present invention provides for more accurate training, as well as facilitates teaching the roping team what to do dealing with a real steer. The present invention is a training device configured to train people as well as horses in roping sports. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows the present invention as seen from the side. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts the present invention as seen from above. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  exhibits an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  displays a view of the sled and other components of an alternate embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts the leg spring portion of the rear of the present invention as seen from behind. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  displays the attachment hitch of the present invention, as shown from the side. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  displays the attachment hitch of the present invention, as shown from above. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    The present invention is a proxy bovine practice roping device. The device is configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and is designed to simulate the movement and speed of a bovine animal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a head ( 10 ), wheels ( 20 ), an attachment hitch ( 30 ), a steel rope ( 35 ), a sled ( 40 ), a first axel ( 50 ), a second axel ( 60 ), a body ( 100 ), and legs ( 110 ). The head ( 10 ) is equipped with a roping release mechanism ( 70 ) secured in position with a pin ( 250 ). The present invention is configured to release the pin ( 250 ), activating the roping release mechanism ( 70 ), when the apparatus is roped by the head ( 10 ), pulling the head ( 10 ) to the side. When the pin ( 250 ) is released, the sled ( 40 ) is freed from the towing vehicle. 
         [0019]    The head ( 10 ) is designed to replicate the appearance of a bull, and is a proxy bovine head. Similarly, the body is of a proxy bovine head, and the legs ( 110 ) are proxy bovine legs, as seen in  FIG. 5 . The head ( 10 ) is preferably equipped with horns ( 80 ) to facilitate roping of the apparatus during practice. Similarly, the head ( 10 ) is configured to oscillate vertically and horizontally, and may be configured to mimic the turns of the towing vehicle in accordance with the direction of the turn. As such, the first axel ( 50 ) is preferably equipped with at least one alignment arm ( 90 ) in communication with said head ( 10 ) to facilitate the turning of the head ( 10 ) when the towing vehicle makes a turn with the present invention in tow. 
         [0020]    The head ( 10 ) of the present invention is preferably in communication with the body ( 100 ). The body ( 100 ) is in communication with the legs ( 110 ) of the present invention via a support frame ( 210 ). After the present invention has been successfully roped by an individual practicing roping, the head ( 10 ) is conventionally roped with the lasso, causing the head ( 10 ) to activate the roping release mechanism ( 70 ), releasing the sled ( 40 ) from the towing vehicle, simulating the confusion and slowing of a bovine after being roped. Upon release from the towing vehicle, the head ( 10 ) and legs ( 110 ) may be roped again by another individual practicing roping. A first axel ( 50 ) with at least two wheels ( 20 ) is configured to lower down from within the body ( 100 ) of the present invention when the head ( 10 ) is pulled by a roping team member. 
         [0021]    The second axel ( 60 ) and the first axel ( 50 ) are preferably configured to support the body ( 100 ), head ( 10 ), and legs ( 110 ) of the present invention after separation via the roping release mechanism ( 70 ). A neck ( 130 ) is preferably in communication with the head ( 10 ) and the body ( 100 ). The roping release mechanism ( 70 ) preferably consists of a first bracket ( 120 ) that is communicated to the neck ( 130 ) of the apparatus such that when the head ( 10 ) and/or horns ( 80 ) is roped by a roping team member and is pulled to the side, the force of pulling the rope turns the neck ( 130 ) to the left side towards the roping team member. Then the first bracket ( 120 ), via the neck ( 130 ) pulls a pin ( 250 ), releasing the apparatus from the ATV, allowing it to roll independently of the vehicle while remaining roped by the roping team member. The steel rope ( 35 ) is in communication with the first bracket ( 120 ) with the roping release me3chanism ( 70 ), and is preferably disposed inside of the alignment arm ( 90 ) as shown in  FIG. 6B . Steel rope ( 35 ) is preferably used, as it is flexible yet strong, and does not affect the integrity of the present invention during a turn induced by the towing vehicle. When the head ( 10 ) is turned to the side when roped by a roping team member, the first bracket ( 120 ) turns to the opposite side and pulls on the steel rope ( 35 ) connected to the roping release mechanism ( 70 ), releasing the pin ( 250 ) and loosening the sled from the towing vehicle. 
         [0022]    The sled ( 40 ) of the present invention is preferably made out of steel. The sled ( 40 ) is preferably affixed to the ATV or similar vehicle with a conventional rope ( 25 ) or chain. The pin ( 250 ) releases the conventional rope or chain when pulled, releasing the apparatus from the ATV. Conversely, the body ( 100 ) of the present invention is preferably made out of fiber glass, ensuring the weight of the present invention remains light enough to be controlled, but heavy enough to not fall over during turning maneuvers, or after being roped by a roping team member. 
         [0023]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably equipped with at least one pulley system ( 140 ). The at least one pulley system ( 140 ) preferably includes a first pulley ( 150 ) and a second pulley ( 160 ). The first pulley ( 150 ) is disposed at the first axel ( 50 ) by the wheel providing support to the apparatus. The first axel ( 50 ) drives the first pulley ( 150 ) to turn when the present invention is in rolling in motion, driving the at least one pulley system ( 140 ). At least one belt ( 200 ) is in communication with the first pulley ( 150 ) and the second pulley ( 160 ). The second pulley ( 160 ) is preferably disposed within the body ( 100 ) of the present invention, near the support frame ( 210 ). The second pulley ( 160 ) is in communication with a second bracket ( 180 ) and a third bracket ( 190 ). The second bracket ( 180 ) is non-fixedly mounted to a primary shaft ( 230 ). The primary shaft ( 230 ) is in communication with the legs ( 110 ) via a leg mount ( 240 ). The leg mount ( 240 ) is configured to move about a leg joint ( 220 ) when the at least one pulley system ( 140 ) is in operation. A scissor joint ( 260 ), located at the rear of the present invention in communication with the leg mount ( 240 ), facilitates the movement of the body ( 100 ) to simulate an authentic, live steed. 
         [0024]    The third bracket ( 190 ) is in communication with a head-motion shaft ( 240 ) which is configured to convey motion to the head ( 10 ) of the present invention in order to cause it to move (mimicking a real steed) when the at least one pulley system ( 140 ) is in motion. The head-motion shaft ( 240 ) conveys oscillating motion, via the second pulley ( 160 ) to the head via a rear joint ( 170 ) and via the leg joint ( 220 ). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the same motion of the at least one pulley system ( 140 ) powers both the oscillating back-and-forth of the legs while simultaneously conveying the motion of the wheels ( 20 ) to the head for oscillating vertical and horizontal movement. As such, the leg joint ( 220 ) is preferably reinforced to prevent premature failure. The vertical movement of the head ( 10 ) is embodied in the dotted-lined portion of the head ( 10 ) as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0025]    While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is envisioned to be roped while in motion, it is envisioned that the present invention may be used to practice roping while stationary, as a precursor to attempting to rope and lasso a moving target. 
         [0026]    An alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . As shown, the back legs ( 110 ) are configured for additional movement via the leg joint ( 220 ) and a leg spring ( 300 ) as shown in  FIG. 6 . The leg spring ( 300 ) is configured to be compressed in the event that the legs are roped, causing the legs to be pulled together when the rope is tight. The leg spring ( 300 ) facilitates a hinge function, allowing the legs to pivot together when roped, and preventing accidental damage to the back legs ( 110 ) if roped. Additionally, this alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a steel rope, configured to facilitate the transfer of energy from the roping team member pulling the present invention to detach the sled ( 40 ) from the ATV or similar vehicle. 
         [0027]    Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application. 
         [0028]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.