Folding roping practice dummy assemblies, systems and methods

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to foldable roping dummy assemblies and systems. In a first illustrative embodiment, a central support portion may have right and left leg assemblies and an upper body chamber generally formed as tube. A body cylinder slidable in the upper body chamber may be connected to a head assembly via a linkage at a front end. In a folded position, the head assembly resides between the leg assemblies. As the head assembly is lifted into position, the body cylinder slides rearward and the linkage rotates the head assembly into position at the front of the upper body chamber. In a second illustrative embodiment, the central support portion may be formed as a set of stairs which includes a central cavity open on at least one side, such that in a folded position, the head assembly resides in the central cavity.

1 . A foldable roping target assembly, comprising:
 a body including a central support portion configured as a set of steps, wherein the body has an upper surface forming a topmost step of the set of steps, the body further defining a storage space accessible through at least a front surface of the body;   a head assembly comprising a head portion and a rear attachment portion; and   at least one linkage member which is pivotally connected to the rear attachment portion of the head assembly to thereby allow the head assembly to be pivoted between an undeployed storage position within the storage space and a deployed position on the front surface of the body.   
     
     
         2 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body has an open bottom and an open front to allow access to the storage space. 
     
     
         3 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one linkage member pivotally connects the rear attachment portion of the head assembly to a corresponding structure disposed on the body in the storage space. 
     
     
         4 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a tubular chamber which extends rearwards from the front end of the body. 
     
     
         5 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a cylinder slidable in the tubular chamber, which is moved forward in the tubular chamber as the head assembly is moved to the deployed position. 
     
     
         6 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one linkage member is pivotally connected to the cylinder. 
     
     
         7 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the front surface of the body includes a seat in which the rear attachment portion of the head assembly resides when the head assembly is placed in the deployed position. 
     
     
         8 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a securing assembly configured to secure the head assembly in the deployed position. 
     
     
         9 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the head portion of the head assembly is configured to resemble the head of an animal that is used in competitive rodeo events. 
     
     
         10 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one removable horn member attached to the head portion of the head assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The foldable roping target assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one lighting assembly disposed in the head assembly for illuminating a portion thereof to designate a target for a user. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-use folding roping target assembly, comprising:
 a body configured as a stepstool, the body having a top member with an upper surface forming a topmost step of the stepstool, the body further having tow opposite side members extending downwards at opposite sides of the top member, the top member and opposite side members defining an opening in a front surface of the body allowing access to a storage space within the body;   a head assembly comprising a head portion and a rear attachment portion; and   at least one linkage member which is pivotally connected to the rear attachment portion of the head assembly to thereby allow the head assembly to be pivoted between an undeployed storage position within the storage space and a deployed position on the front surface of the body adjacent to the top member.   
     
     
         13 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the body has an open bottom. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the opposite side members extend rearward from the front surface of the body and define support for additional steps. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one linkage member pivotally connects the rear attachment portion of the head assembly to a corresponding structure disposed on the body in the storage space. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the front surface of the body includes a seat in which the rear attachment portion of the head assembly resides when the head assembly is placed in the deployed position. 
     
     
         17 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the body includes a tubular chamber which extends rearwards from the front end of the body and they assembly further comprises a cylinder slidable in the tubular chamber with the at least one linkage member being pivotally connected to the cylinder. 
     
     
         18 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a securing assembly configured to secure the head assembly in the deployed position. 
     
     
         19 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the head portion of the head assembly is configured to resemble the head of an animal that is used in competitive rodeo events. 
     
     
         20 . The multi-use folding roping target assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one removable horn member attached to the head portion of the head assembly.