Device for releasing clay targets from a clay target thrower

Abstract

An example apparatus/design is disclosed that mounts to a manual clay target thrower (manual thrower) that allows an individual to electrically release targets. The release of targets can be instantaneous or on a variably time basis. The complete device may be mounted to a bent pipe with a platform and a square tube on the opposite end capable of being mounted in the towing hitch receiver of a vehicle.

1 . An apparatus for automating the operation of a manual clay target thrower, the apparatus comprising: 
 a releaser for attaching the apparatus to a manual releasing mechanism of the manual clay target thrower and for activating the manual releasing mechanism of the manual clay target thrower;    a timer for delaying prior to activating the releaser; and    a bracket for attaching the apparatus to the manual clay target thrower.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the releaser is a solenoid.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the releaser further comprises a relay for activating the solenoid.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a housing containing the releaser and the timer.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the timer is a processor.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the processor is programmed to receive a timing goal input, to delay for an amount of time associated with the timing goal input, and, after delaying, to activate the releaser.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a power source attached to at least one of the timer or the releaser.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a linkage for attaching the releaser to the manual releasing mechanism of the clay target thrower.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the manual releasing mechanism is a human-actuated manual releasing mechanism.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for automating the operation of a manual clay target thrower, the apparatus comprising: 
 a solenoid operatively coupled with a manual releasing mechanism of the manual clay target thrower, the solenoid for activating the manual releasing mechanism of the manual clay target thrower;    a processor programmed to receive a timing goal input, to receive a trigger input, and, when the trigger input is activated, to delay for a time period associated with the timing goal input and, then, to activate the solenoid;    at least one of a button or a switch for generating a trigger input;    a power source;    a housing enclosing the processor and having the solenoid, the at least one of the button or the switch, and the power source attached thereto; and    a bracket attached to the housing for attaching the apparatus to the manual clay target thrower.    
   
   
       11 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the bracket comprises U-channel.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the bracket is to be attached to the manual clay target thrower using at least one bolt.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the bracket is to be attached to the manual clay target thrower using at least one weld.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , further comprising a manual clay target thrower.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the manual clay target thrower is at least one of a full-cock clay target thrower or a three-quarter-cock clay target thrower.  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising a support attached to the manual clay target and attached to a vehicle.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the power source is a portable power source.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the power source is at least one of a 12-volt battery or a vehicle alternator.  
   
   
       19 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , further comprising a linkage for attaching the solenoid to the manual releasing mechanism of the manual clay target thrower.  
   
   
       20 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the manual releasing mechanism is a human-actuated manual releasing mechanism.