Abstract:
A target throwing system for use in shooting sports includes a target throwing mechanism and a control system. The target throwing mechanism includes a pedestal, a thrower carriage atop the pedestal and a clay target thrower assembly atop the thrower carriage. The control system includes a remote fire control unit a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. The thrower carriage provides a pitch assembly to adjust the pitch angle of the target thrower assembly and a roll assembly to adjust the roll angle target thrower assembly. Linear actuators effect the desired adjustments. The fire control unit receives manual user input, through a joystick, to independently select the pitch and roll angles of the thrower assembly and, through a push button switch, to initiate ejection of a shooting target from the thrower assembly. The fire control unit may be integrated with the control interface by wired or wireless connection.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This present application claims, as a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §120, all available benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,891 filed by Applicant on Oct. 15, 2014, which claims, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), all available benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/891,119 filed by Applicant on Oct. 15, 2013. By this reference, the full disclosures, including the claims, abstracts and drawings, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,891 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/891,119 are incorporated herein as though now set forth in their respective entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to sport shooting. More particularly, the invention relates to a remotely, manually, and preferably joystick, controlled multi-axis tilting machine and skeet thrower. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Automatic skeet throwers are usually set to a fixed position which doesn&#39;t allow users to shoot skeet at multiple angles of twist or elevation. In order to throw skeet at different angles, pitches, and the like, the user must stop shooting and manually adjust the skeet thrower to a different throwing angle or pitch. 
         [0004]    This change requires shooters to stop shooting and manually adjust the skeet thrower. Fixed position throwers must be manually manipulated to change the direction of throw of the skeet and the shooter cannot shoot skeet while the machine is being moved. 
         [0005]    Some throwers allow add on components such as, for example, a wobble kit that continually changes the direction of throw, but these add on features operate on a continuous basis and do not allow the shooter to choose the exact direction of throw or easily repeat the direction of throw should the shooter wish to repeat a certain direction. Throwers without a wobble kit, on the other hand, are set in a fixed position and do not move at all and will continuously throw the skeet in the exact same location with each throw of the skeet thrower. 
         [0006]    This invention seeks to improve over the prior art by allowing an operator to throw skeet at any chosen compound angle, i.e. while the throwing direction and pitch are remotely selected by a third party. Furthermore, the throwing direction can be changed or held constant, as desired, thereby allowing the shooter to master the prior direction of throw before changing to a new direction of throw. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a target throwing system for use in shooting sports—broadly comprises a target throwing mechanism and a control system. In at least the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target throwing mechanism comprises a pedestal, which may, for example, comprise a pillar extending upwardly from a substantially planar base; a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal; and a thrower assembly dependently supported atop the thrower carriage, while the control system comprises a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism and a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. As contemplated by the present invention, the thrower assembly is adapted to forcefully eject shooting targets such as, for example, clay shells or “pigeons.” 
         [0008]    The thrower carriage preferably generally comprises a top portion; a pitch assembly adapted to adjust the pitch angle, front to back with respect to the pedestal, of the top portion; and a roll assembly adapted to adjust the roll angle, side to side with respect to the pedestal, of the top portion. Although the top portion of the thrower carriage may comprise the upper structures of the roll assembly (or, if the assemblies are reversed, the upper structures of the pitch assembly), which upper structures may directly support the thrower assembly, the most preferred implementations of the present invention contemplate that the top portion of the thrower carriage will comprise a substantially planar table top, upon which the thrower assembly is mounted. 
         [0009]    The remotely located fire control unit is operable, in response to manual user input, to independently select the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; select the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; and to initiate ejection of a shooting target from the supported thrower assembly. The control interface, collocated with the target throwing mechanism, is adapted to operably interconnect the fire control unit and the target throwing mechanism. In at least some implementations, the control interface may also include power distribution provisions, such as, for example, a relay bank adapted to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly and/or roll assembly in response to manual user input received by fire control unit. 
         [0010]    In order to provide a maximally intuitive interface for imparting user input, the fire control unit most preferably comprises a joystick. In such an implementation, the joystick is adapted to receive manual user input in selection of the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage as well as manual user input in selection of the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage. Additionally, if such an implementation also implements a relay bank, the relay bank will be adapted to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly and/or roll assembly in response to manual user input received by the joystick in selection of the pitch angle and/or roll angle, respectively, of the top portion of the thrower carriage. 
         [0011]    In at least some implementations of the present invention, the pitch assembly may comprise a pitch frame rotatably attached to the pedestal and the roll assembly may comprise a roll frame rotatably attached to the pitch frame. In such implementations, the thrower carriage may further comprise a first linear actuator dependently connected between the pitch frame and the pedestal, and thereby adapted to effect the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage, and a second linear actuator dependently connected between the roll frame and the pitch frame, and thereby adapted to effect the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage. Additionally, if such an implementation also implements a joystick in connection with the fire control unit and a relay bank in connection with the control interface, the relay bank will be adapted to provide electrical power to the first linear actuator and/or the second linear actuator in response to manual user input received by the joystick in selection of the pitch angle and/or roll angle, respectively, of the top portion of the thrower carriage. 
         [0012]    In the most preferred and simplest implementations of the present invention, the fire control unit is connected with the control interface through an electrical cable. In alternate implementations, however, the fire control unit may comprise a radio transmitter and the control interface may comprise a radio receiver. In these implementations, the radio receiver is adapted to receive signals generated by the radio transmitter to indicate manual user input selecting the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage, selecting the roll angle of the top portion of said thrower carriage and initiating ejection of a shooting target from the thrower assembly. Although not otherwise described herein, it is noted that with the aid of the detailed description following implementation and integration with into the present invention of such a radio system will be well within the ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0013]    In a slightly varied implementation of the present invention, the target throwing system for use in shooting sports generally includes a target throwing mechanism, which comprises a pedestal and a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal and adapted to dependently support a thrower assembly, and control system, which comprises a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism and a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. In such an implementation, the fire control unit is operable, in response to manual user input, to independently select the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; select the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; and to initiate ejection of a shooting target from a thrower assembly as may be dependently supported atop the thrower carriage. Additionally, in such an implementation, it is most preferred that the top of the thrower carriage comprises a table top, which in turn may comprise a plurality of prearranged holes for mounting any one of a plurality of thrower assemblies. 
         [0014]    Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows, in a front left isometric view, the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows, in a back right perspective view, a typical thrower, or “trap,” assembly suitable for implementation of, or utilization with, implementations of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows, in a top isometric view, a typical clay target, or “pigeon,” for which the thrower assembly of  FIG. 2  is adapted to launch; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows, in a cross-sectional view taken through cut line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , various details of the clay target of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows, in an exploded back right isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the pedestal of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows, in an isometric view, details of an actuator mounting plate as utilized, in the preferred implementation of the present invention, in connection with the pedestal of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows, in a back right isometric view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 5 , the pedestal of  FIG. 5  as assembled for use; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows, in an exploded front left isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the pitch frame, which forms a major part of a pitch assembly utilized in the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 8 , the pitch frame of  FIG. 8  as assembled for use; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows, in the front left isometric view of  FIG. 9 , various details of the integration of a plurality of actuator mounting brackets with the assembled pitch frame of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows, in an isometric view, details of an actuator mounting bracket as utilized, in the preferred implementation of the present invention, in connection with the assembled pitch frame of  FIG. 9  and an assembled roll frame, as depicted in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows, in the front left isometric view of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the pitch frame of  FIG. 9  with the actuator mounting brackets of  FIG. 10  integrated therewith; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  shows, in an exploded front left isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the roll frame, which forms a major part of a roll assembly utilized in the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 13 , the roll frame of  FIG. 13  as assembled for use; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  shows, in the front left isometric view of  FIG. 14 , various details of the integration of an actuator mounting bracket with the assembled roll frame of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  shows, in the front left isometric view of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the roll frame of  FIG. 14  with the actuator mounting bracket of  FIG. 15  integrated therewith; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 1 , various details of the integration of the preferred implementation of the pitch assembly of the present invention with the preferred implementation of the pedestal of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  shows, in a detail view located at reference element  18  in  FIG. 17 , further details of the integration of the pitch assembly with the pedestal, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  shows, in an isometric view, a pitch frame axle as utilized in the integration of the pitch assembly with the pedestal, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  shows, in the front left isometric view of  FIG. 17 , various details of the integration of the preferred implementation of the roll assembly of the present invention with the preferred implementation of the pitch assembly of the present invention, thereby forming a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal assembly; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 21 through 23  show, in isometric views, a preferred implementation of a tubular linear actuator as utilized in the preferred implementation of the carriage assembly of  FIG. 20 , and wherein, in particular, 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  depicts the distal end of the tubular linear actuator, showing the tubular linear actuator with its actuator rod fully retracted and also a mounting clevis as provided on the distal end of the actuator rod, 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  depicts the base end of the tubular linear actuator, showing a mounting clevis utilized to attach the base end of the tubular linear actuator to another component of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 , and 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  depicts the distal end of the tubular linear actuator, showing the tubular linear actuator with its actuator rod fully extended; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  shows, in a detail view located at reference element  24  in  FIG. 20 , various details of the mounting of the actuators, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  shows, in an isometric view, a roll frame axle as utilized in the integration of the roll assembly with the pitch assembly, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  shows, in a detail view located at reference element  26  in  FIG. 25 , various details of the roll frame axle of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  shows, in a detail view located at reference element  27  in  FIG. 20 , further details of the integration of the roll assembly with the pitch assembly, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  shows, in a front left isometric view, details of the integration of a thrower table top with the roll assembly, in accordance with the most preferred implementation under the present invention of the carriage assembly; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  shows, in an isometric view, the preferred implementation of a fire control unit forming a part of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 30  shows, in the isometric view of  FIG. 29 , various additional details of the fire control unit of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 31  shows, in a schematic block diagram, the preferred implementation of the control system of the target throwing system of  FIG. 1 , including various details of the integration of the control system with various components of the target throwing mechanism of the target throwing system; 
           [0048]      FIG. 32  shows, in a right side elevational view, the range of pitch motion of the carriage assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 33  shows, in a front elevational view, the range of right roll motion of the roll assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 34  shows, in a front elevational view, the range of left roll motion of the roll assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0051]    Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0052]    Referring now to the figures, and to  FIGS. 1 and 31  in particular, the target throwing system  40  for use in shooting sports is shown to broadly comprise a target throwing mechanism  41  and an associated control system  128 . In at least the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target throwing mechanism comprises a pedestal  42 , a thrower carriage  60  dependently supported atop the pedestal  42  and a thrower assembly  118  dependently supported atop the thrower carriage  60 , while the control system  128  comprises a fire control unit  140  adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism  41  and a control interface  129  collocated with the target throwing mechanism  41 . To this end, the term “remotely,” the phrase “adapted for use at a location remote from said target throwing mechanism” and other terms or phrases of similar import are, as used herein, expressly defined to mean that remote object, i.e. the fire control unit  140 , is located a sufficient distance from the reference object, i.e. the target throwing mechanism  41 , to enable the safe operation of the fire control unit  140  by a third party while a shooter is actively engaged in fire against targets launched from the target throwing mechanism. 
         [0053]    As contemplated by the present invention, and as depicted in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , the thrower assembly  118  is of the type adapted to forcefully eject shooting targets  147  such as, for example, clay shells  148  or “pigeons.” As particularly shown in  FIG. 2 , and as is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such a thrower assembly  118  generally comprises a housing  119  containing a spring mechanism, firing actuator and like devices utilized to selectively spin a throwing arm  121  about an axis of rotation, thereby forcefully ejecting a shooting target  147  from the thrower assembly  118 . Additionally, and of particular advantage in use with or as part of the present invention, a typical thrower assembly  118  is “automated,” whereby upon receiving a simple electrical signal a target retainer and loading bar  124  is activated to cause a shooting target  147  stored in a provided magazine  123  to be dropped onto the throwing arm  121  just prior to the rapid “flinging” of the throwing arm  121 . 
         [0054]    Although many such thrower assemblies are readily available, an exemplary thrower assembly  118  suitable for use with or as part of the present invention is that which is commercially available from Champion Traps &amp; Targets of Anoka, Minnesota under its trademark “EASYBIRD.” As shown in  FIG. 1 , such a thrower assembly  118  may be purchased with a mounting bracket  125 , comprising a plurality of mounting holes  126 , with which the conventional mounting hardware  127 , such as bolts, washers and nuts, may be utilized to secure the thrower assembly  118  to any appropriate structure, including the top portion of thrower carriage  60  of the present invention. As also shown in  FIG. 1 , such a thrower assembly  118  is also typically provided with safety features such as, for example, the depicted arm path indicator  122 . All such manufacturer or otherwise provided safety features should at all times be properly and fully employed during use of the present invention. Finally, it is noted that such a thrower assembly  118  will also typically be provided with conventional electrical cabling  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 31 , and associated connectors as required, which are utilized to integrate and operate the thrower assembly  118 . In order to preserve clarity in the many detailed drawing figures, however, the electrical cabling  120  for the thrower assembly  118 , as well as all other electrical and like cables  72 ,  91 ,  146 ,  151  implemented in the present invention, are shown only in  FIG. 31  and are omitted from the remaining drawing figures. 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , in particular, an exemplary pedestal  42  suitable for implementation of the target throwing system  40  of the present invention is shown to generally comprise a pillar  46  supported by, and projecting upwardly from, the top face  44  of a substantially planar base  43 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lower end  47  of the pillar, which is preferably manufactured of steel, is preferably welded to the top face  44  of the substantially planar base  43 , which also is preferably manufactured of steel. Additionally, the pedestal  42  is shown to comprise carriage mounting provisions  50 . Although the utilization of the carriage mounting provisions  50  will be better understood further herein, it is now noted that these provisions  50  include a pair of tubular stubs  52  welded to the side faces  49  of the upper end  48  of the pillar  46  about a pair of through holes  51  extending side to side through the side faces  49  of the upper end  48  of the pillar as well as an actuator mounting plate  56  welded to the back face  55  of the pillar  46 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , each tubular stub  52  is provided with through holes  53 , which, as will be better understood further herein, will receive conventional hardware  70  utilized to secure and stabilize a pitch frame axle  68 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the actuator mounting plate  56  comprises a base plate  57  have projecting from one face thereof a clevis tang  58  adapted to connect with a mounting clevis  101  of a tubular linear actuator  98 , as also will be better understood further herein. To this end, however, the clevis tang  58  is provided with a through hole  59  adapted to receive suitable actuator mounting hardware  110 . 
         [0057]    Still further, it is noted that one side face  49  of the pillar  46  is provided with a plurality of tapped holes  54 , which will be utilized, as better understood further herein, for conveniently dependently mounting a control housing  130 , such as, for example, a conventional junction box, utilized to house components of the onboard control interface  129 . Finally, it is noted that the substantially planar base  43  is also preferably provided with a plurality of mounting holes  45 , which may be utilized, as may be desired, for securing the pedestal  42  to fixed foundation, trailer or other bogie type frame, conventionally journaled locking casters or a like structure. 
         [0058]    As will be better understood further herein, and as generally shown in  FIGS. 17 ,  20  and  28 , the preferred implementation of the thrower carriage  60  of the present invention comprises a pitch assembly  61 , a roll assembly  73 , a thrower table top  114  and a pair of tubular linear actuators  98 . The pitch assembly  61  is constructed from a specially formed pitch frame  62  and attached to the pillar  46  with a pitch frame axle  68  and one tubular linear actuator  98  dedicated for use as the pitch actuator  71 . Likewise, roll assembly  73  is constructed from a specially formed roll frame  74  attached to the pitch assembly  61  with a roll frame axle  81  and one tubular linear actuator  98  dedicated for use as the roll actuator  90 . 
         [0059]    Referring then to  FIGS. 8 through 12 , the manufacture of the pitch frame  62 , and provision thereof with a pair of actuator mounting brackets  92 , are detailed. As particularly shown in  FIG. 8 , the pitch frame  62  is generally comprised of a plurality of steel tubular sections  63 . Two of the tubular sections  63  will be utilized as hinge sections  64 , and therefore are adapted to mount over and about the pitch frame axle  68 . To this end, the pitch frame  62  must be designed such that the hinge sections  64  are maintained free from internal obstructions. Another of the tubular sections  63  will be utilized as a roll axle mounting section  65 , and therefore is adapted to dependently receive the roll frame axle  81 . To this end, the pitch frame  62  must also be designed such that the roll axle mounting section  65  is maintained free from internal obstruction. With these considerations in mind, the pitch frame  62  is assembled as a weldment as particularly depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0060]    As particularly shown in  FIGS. 10 through 13 , a pair of actuator mounting brackets  92  is provided in connection with the assembled pitch frame  62 . To this end, two of the tubular sections  63  are utilized as actuator mounting bracket attachment sections  66  and are thus prepared by the provision of through holes  67  adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware  152  for securing the actuator mounting brackets  92  to the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections  66 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a suitable actuator mounting bracket  92  comprises a base  93  having a clevis tang  94  projecting from one face thereof and adapted to connect with a mounting clevis  101 ,  108  of a tubular linear actuator  98 . To this end, the clevis tang  94  is provided with a through hole  95  adapted to receive suitable actuator mounting hardware  110 . A pair of oppositely oriented wings  96  are also provided, with are sized and shaped to embrace the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections  66  and are provided with through holes  97  adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware  152  for securing the actuator mounting brackets  92  to the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections  66 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the attached actuator mounting brackets  92  are oriented, as will be better understood further herein, to accommodate the dependent support, between the pitch frame  62  and the pillar  46 , of the pitch actuator  71  and, likewise, to accommodate the dependent support, between the roll frame  74  and the pitch frame  62 , of the roll actuator  90 . 
         [0061]    Referring then to  FIGS. 13 through 16 , the manufacture of the roll frame  74 , and provision thereof with an actuator mounting bracket  92 , are detailed. As particularly shown in  FIG. 13 , the roll frame  74  is generally comprised of a plurality of steel tubular sections  75 . Two of the tubular sections  75  will be utilized as hinge sections  76 , and therefore are adapted to mount over and about the roll frame axle  81 . To this end, the roll frame  74  must be designed such that the hinge sections  76  are maintained free from internal obstructions. With these considerations in mind, the roll frame  74  is assembled as a weldment as particularly depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0062]    As particularly shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , an actuator mounting bracket  92  is provided in connection with the assembled roll frame  74 . To this end, one of the tubular sections  75  is utilized as actuator mounting bracket attachment section  77  and is thus prepared by the provision of through holes  78  adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware  152  for securing the actuator mounting bracket  92  to the actuator mounting bracket attachment section  77 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the attached actuator mounting bracket  92  is oriented, as will be better understood further herein, to accommodate the dependent support, between the roll frame  74  and the pitch frame  62 , of the roll actuator  90 . Additionally, however, another two of the tubular sections  75  are utilized as thrower table mounting sections  79  and are thus prepared by the provision of through holes  80  adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware  116  for securing the thrower table top  114  (or, alternatively, the thrower assembly  118  directly) to the thrower table mounting sections  79 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17 through 28 , the details of the assembly of the thrower carriage  60  and its mounting atop the pedestal  42  are described. As particularly shown in  FIG. 17 , the assembled and prepared pitch frame  62 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , is first mounted to the pedestal  42  by inserting the pitch frame axle  68  in order through the fully hinge section  64  of the pitch frame  62 , the two tubular stubs  52  of the carriage mounting provision  50  and then into the remaining hinge section  64  that terminates in one of the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections  66 . With the pitch frame axle  68  so placed, the pitch frame axle  68  is secured and stabilized in place with conventional mounting hardware  70 , such as bolts, washers and nuts, as particularly shown in  FIG. 18 . To this end, it is noted, as shown in  FIG. 19 , that the pitch frame axle  68  comprises a plurality of through holes  70  corresponding to the through holes  53  through the tubular stubs  52 . In any case, the pitch frame  62  is then stabilized by dependently affixing the pitch actuator  71  between the actuator mounting plate  56  welded to the back face  55  of the pillar  46  and the downwardly oriented actuator mounting bracket  92  affixed to the pitch frame  62 , thereby completing the pitch assembly  61 . 
         [0064]    Before addressing the details of the completion of the roll assembly  73 , it is again noted that the pitch actuator  71  and the roll actuator  90  are each implemented, in accordance with this exemplary description, utilizing identical tubular linear actuators  98  as shown in  FIGS. 21 through 23 . Referring then to  FIGS. 21 through 23 , each tubular linear actuator  98  is shown to generally comprise an actuator body  99  housing conventional mechanisms for providing fast acting thrust and pull forces at about one to two inches per second under load over a three inch stroke length, as well as holding force at any point during retraction or extension of an actuator rod  105 . As shown in the figures, the base end  100  of the actuator body  99  is provided with a mounting clevis  101  having through holes  102  for accepting appropriate actuator mounting hardware  110 . The distal end  103  of the actuator body presents a rod orifice  104  for operably receiving therein a base end  106  of the actuator rod  105 . The distal end  107  of the actuator rod  105 , on the other hand, comprises a mounting clevis  108  with through holes  109 , of substantially the same form as the mounting clevis  101  of the base end  100  of the actuator body  99 . Although many substantially equivalent actuators are readily commercially available, Applicant has found suitable the model FA-04-12-03 commercially available from Firgelli Automations of Ferndale, Wash. 
         [0065]    As should therefore now be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the pitch actuator  71  and the roll actuator  90  are dependently mounted in such a manner as to require active rotation with respect to their mounting devises  101 ,  108 . As a result, “appropriate” mounting hardware  110  should be adapted to accommodate this motion without risk of inadvertent loosening of the hardware  110 . To this end, as particularly shown in  FIG. 24 , the most preferred implementations of this aspect of the present invention comprises utilization of shoulder bolts  111 , thereby providing pivotal axes while nonetheless maintaining the security of utilized lock washers  112  and nuts  113 . 
         [0066]    Returning then to  FIG. 20 , the assembled and prepared roll frame  74 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , is next mounted to the completed pitch assembly  61  by inserting the roll frame axle  81  in order through one of the hinge sections  76  of the roll frame  74 , the roll axle mounting section  65  of the pitch frame  62  and then into the remaining hinge section  76  of the roll frame  74 . As is the case with the pitch frame axle  68 , it is necessary to secure the roll frame axle  81  in place. As will be apparent further herein, however, extra care should be taken to ensure that the roll frame axle  81  does not interfere with the desired motion of the completed roll assembly  73 . As a result, a low profile means for securing the roll frame axle  81  is desired. To this end, and although other substantially equivalent structures are possible, Applicant has found it suitable to implement the roll frame axle  81  in generally the form of a large hitch pin. As particularly shown in  FIG. 25 , the roll frame axle  81  is therefore provided at a first end  82  with a low profile  83  and at a second end  84  with a neck  86 , extending from and a shoulder  85  near the end of the roll frame axle  81 , and provided with a cross hole  87 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the described end treatment accommodates fastening the roll frame axle  81  in place utilizing a flat washer  88  secured with a split cotter pin  89 . In any case, the roll frame  74  is then stabilized by dependently affixing the roll actuator  90  between the unused actuator mounting bracket  92  affixed to the pitch frame  62  and the single actuator mounting bracket  92  affixed to the roll frame  74 , thereby completing the roll assembly  73 . 
         [0067]    Finally, the assembly of the thrower carriage  60  is completed by attaching the thrower table top  114  to the uppermost portions of the roll frame  74 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 28 , the thrower table top  114  generally comprises a substantially planar steel plate provided with table mounting holes  115  corresponding in size and location to the through holes  80  provided in the thrower table mounting sections  79  of the assembled roll frame  74 . As shown in the figure, the thrower table top  114  is secured in place atop the assembled roll frame  74  utilizing conventional mounting hardware  116  such as, for example, bolts, washers and nuts. As also shown in the figure, the thrower table top  114  is further preferably provided with a plurality of prearranged thrower assembly mounting holes  117 . Although the required holes could be drilled at the time of assembly, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that by pre-providing such mounting holes  117  for popular brands of thrower assemblies the chance of interference with elements of the roll assembly  73  is lessened. Alternatively, “clear” zones for drilling may be marked on the top surface of the thrower table top  114 . 
         [0068]    As previously noted, the target throwing system  40  of the present invention also comprises a control system  128 , including, as a critical aspect of the present invention, a fire control unit  140  adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism  41  and, in a most preferred aspect of the present invention, a control interface  129  collocated with the target throwing mechanism  41 . As particularly shown in  FIGS. 29 through 31 , the fire control unit  141  preferable comprises a body  141  and a controller interface  145  for interoperation with the target throwing mechanism  41 . In the most preferred implementations, the body  141  houses or otherwise supports a joystick  142  for intuitively controlling pitch and roll and a pushbutton firing switch  143  for readily and easily initiating launch of a shooting target  147 . Additionally, indicia of operation  144  should be provided as an aid to the user. In the most preferred and simplest implementations, the controller interface  145  of the fire control unit  140  is connected to the fire control interface  132  within the control housing of the onboard control interface  129  utilizing conventional electrical cabling  146  and connectors as required. 
         [0069]    As particularly shown in  FIG. 20 , the control housing  130  is preferably mounted to a side face  49  of the pillar  46  of the pedestal  42  utilizing conventional securing hardware  139  such as, for example, flange bolts. Mounted in such an “out of way” location, the control housing  130  serves in the first instance as a convenient means for cable management, thereby ensuring that the various electrical connections do not become entangled in the moving components of the target throwing system  40 . Additionally, however, the control housing may house an actuator power distribution unit  133 , comprising a bank of actuator driving relays  134 , whereby low current signals from the a fire control unit  140  may be utilized to deliver high current power, received through a power source interface  131 , to the pitch actuator  74  and the roll actuator  90 . To this end, the power distribution unit  133  also comprises a pitch actuator interface  135 , which is operably connected by conventional electrical cabling  72  to the pitch actuator  74 , and a roll actuator interface  136 , which is likewise operably connected by conventional electrical cabling  91  to the roll actuator  90 . Still further, the power source interface  131  is conventionally connected through appropriate conventional electrical power cabling  151 , and connectors as required, to an external power source  149  such as, for example, a conventional  12 -Volt direct current battery  150 . Finally, the control housing  130  also provides a convenient central location for providing both power and control for the thrower assembly  118 . To this end, a thrower interface  153  is provided which for connecting the electrical cabling  120  of the thrower assembly  118 . 
         [0070]    In use, the joystick  142  is repositioned as required (as shown in the differences between  FIGS. 29 and 30 ) in order to intuitively effect a desired pitch angle (as shown in  FIG. 32 ) and/or to intuitively effect a desired roll angle (as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 ). Because the adjustment is fully manual, as opposed to being dependent upon any automated system, the joystick  142  is particularly useful. To this end, it is noted that the preferred implementation of the present invention contemplates that the joystick will approximate the direction normal the desired position of the top surface of the thrower table top  114 . In any case, when the thrower assembly  118  is positioned as desired, the fire button  143  on the fire control unit  140  may then be depressed one or more times to launch as many targets  147  as may be desired before selecting a new launch orientation. 
         [0071]    While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. For example, in at least some implementations a thrower assembly  118  could be mounted directly to the uppermost structures of the assembled roll assembly  73 , obviating any need for a thrower table top  114 . Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control housing  130  of the onboard control interface  129  should be provided with a water resistant but readily removable lid  137  such as may be secured in place using pan head machine screws  138  or other conventional hardware. 
         [0072]    In a slight more complex modification of the implementation as heretofore described, it is noted that, in light of the foregoing exemplary description, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the described “stacking” order of the roll assembly  73  atop the pitch assembly  61  may readily be reversed such that the pitch assembly  61  rests atop the roll assembly  73 . In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.