US3841293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clay pigeon dispensing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-07-26
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Granted: 1974-10-15
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Expires: 1993-07-26
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for serially dispensing, from a vertical stack, platelike objects which may be fragile in nature. The invention is shown in the environment of a device for distributing target plates to the catapult arm of a throwing device used in trap shooting. The apparatus of the invention includes means for laterally supporting a vertical stack of objects, retractable latch means for supporting the stack from the bottom and retention means for preventing vertical movement of all but the lowermost object in the stack when the latch means are retracted.
Inventors
- 👤 J Laporte
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:42
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J9/00; F41J9/16; F41J9/18; F41J9/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
325 words
In an apparatus for throwing frangible targets, the apparatus including a catapult arm having loading and unloaded positions, the improvement comprising: means for supporting a stack of targets, said supporting means being provided with a central aperture through which the targets pass, the catapult arm being in vertical registration with said central aperture when in the loading position; pivotal latch means mounted for movement in a direction generally transverse to the direction of movement of the targets during delivery of the catapult arm, said latch means being disposed below said supporting means between said supporting means and the catapult arm, said latch means including at least a first latch having a first end which defines a retractable stack supporting tongue member, said tongue member normally extending into partial vertical alignment with said supporting means central aperture whereby a stack of objects will normally be supported on said latch means; means biasing said latch means into said normally extended position; a control arm extension on said first latch; a projection on the catapult arm, said projection engaging and operating said control arm extension to cause pivoting of said control arm and its associated latch when said catapult arm is moved into registration with said supPorting means central aperture whereby the lowermost target in the stack will be released for delivery to the catapult arm; retention means vertically displaced from said latch means, said retention means being movable between a first position wherein said retention means engages at least the second target from the bottom of the stack to thereby support the stack and a second position wherein said retention means is withdrawn from contact with the stack of targets; and means operating said retention means in synchronism with and in opposition to said latch means whereby said retention means will occupy said first position when said latch means is retracted and will occupy said second position when said latch means is in its normally extended position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
325 words
In an apparatus for throwing frangible targets, the apparatus including a catapult arm having loading and unloaded positions, the improvement comprising: means for supporting a stack of targets, said supporting means being provided with a central aperture through which the targets pass, the catapult arm being in vertical registration with said central aperture when in the loading position; pivotal latch means mounted for movement in a direction generally transverse to the direction of movement of the targets during delivery of the catapult arm, said latch means being disposed below said supporting means between said supporting means and the catapult arm, said latch means including at least a first latch having a first end which defines a retractable stack supporting tongue member, said tongue member normally extending into partial vertical alignment with said supporting means central aperture whereby a stack of objects will normally be supported on said latch means; means biasing said latch means into said normally extended position; a control arm extension on said first latch; a projection on the catapult arm, said projection engaging and operating said control arm extension to cause pivoting of said control arm and its associated latch when said catapult arm is moved into registration with said supPorting means central aperture whereby the lowermost target in the stack will be released for delivery to the catapult arm; retention means vertically displaced from said latch means, said retention means being movable between a first position wherein said retention means engages at least the second target from the bottom of the stack to thereby support the stack and a second position wherein said retention means is withdrawn from contact with the stack of targets; and means operating said retention means in synchronism with and in opposition to said latch means whereby said retention means will occupy said first position when said latch means is retracted and will occupy said second position when said latch means is in its normally extended position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said latch means comprises: a plurality of pivotal latches affixed to vertical axles located below said supporting means, said latches each having first ends which define retractable stack supporting tongue members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: stop means for limiting the motion of said control arm extension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of said pivotal latches has a control arm extension, at least one of said extensions being operated by an adjacent latch and at least two other extensions being directly operated by said catapult arm projection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said retention means is a resilient member and wherein said operating means comprises: a vertical pawl on one of said latches, said pawl being located on the opposite side of the axle from the tongue member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said retention means is a resilient member and wherein said operating means comprises: a vertical pawl on one of said latches, said pawl being located on the opposite side of the axle from the tongue member, said pawl being affixed to one of said directly operated latches.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said pivotal latches comprise: a tongue having two sides forming an intermediate elbow, the first side being intended for projecting into registration with said central aperture under the force of said biasing means, the other side being extended by a control arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-14 | 1978-04-15 | 1978-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-14 | 1982-04-15 | 1982-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-14 | 1986-04-15 | 1986-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |