SHOOTING TARGET LAUNCHER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/345,178, filed Sep. 30, 2025, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/700,911, filed Sep. 30, 2024, to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/707,939, filed Oct. 16, 2024, to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/710,747, filed Oct. 23, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/714,248, filed Oct. 31, 2024, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to shooting sports, and more particularly to target launchers for launching or firing shooting targets.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Shooting target launchers launch shooting targets, sometimes called clays or clay pigeons, into the air to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun. Shooting target launchers that launch clay pigeons are also called throwers (e.g., shooting target throwers, clay throwers, clay pigeon throwers, etc.).

SUMMARY

[0004]In one aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a target connector configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target for launching. A target retainer is configured to retain the shooting target with the target connector. The target retainer is moveable between a retaining configuration where the target retainer is arranged to retain the shooting target with the target connector and a release configuration where the target retainer is arranged to permit the shooting target to launch off the target connector. Wherein at least one of: i) the target retainer is configured to be moveable to the release configuration by rotation of the target connector; ii) the shooting target launcher is free of a prime mover dedicated for moving the target retainer between the retaining configuration and the release configuration; or iii) the target retainer is configured to be free of discrete control to move the target retainer to the release configuration when the target connector is rotating to rotate the shooting target for launching.

[0005]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target having a central hub and a plurality of fan blades extending radially outward from the central hub comprises a housing and a target connector supported by the housing. The target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. The target connector is configured to engage the shooting target at a location on the shooting target that is radially outward of the central hub to drive rotation of the shooting target with the target connector as the target connector is rotated.

[0006]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target having a plurality of fan blades comprises a housing and a target connector supported by the housing. The target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. The target connector is configured to engage one or more of the plurality of fan blades of the shooting target to drive rotation of the shooting target with the target connector as the target connector is rotated.

[0007]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a motor supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the motor about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A launch control system is configured for sensorless motor control of the motor to launch the shooting target from the target connector after the target connector and the shooting target reach a desired rotational launch speed.

[0008]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A launch control system is configured to operate the prime mover to rotate the target connector and the shooting target about the axis of rotation. The launch control system is configured to launch the shooting target from the target connector by decelerating or slowing the rotation of the target connector.

[0009]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. The shooting target launcher requires two hands of an operator to be in contact with the shooting target launcher to launch the shooting target.

[0010]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing having a battery receiver. The battery receiver has a battery receiving space having an open bottom. A prime mover is supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A battery is releasably connectable to the battery receiver. The battery is configured to be inserted generally upward through the open bottom of the battery receiving space and into the battery receiving space of the battery receiver.

[0011]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing having a battery receiver. The battery receiver has a guide channel. A prime mover is supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A battery is releasably connectable to the battery receiver. The battery includes a guide configured to move in the guide channel to guide movement of the battery into and out of the battery receiver.

[0012]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A light source is arranged to illuminate the shooting target when the shooting target is connected to the target connector.

[0013]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A sight is supported by the housing and configured to assist an operator in aiming the shooting target launcher.

[0014]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A trigger is configured to launch the shooting target from the target connector. The trigger is disposed rearward of the prime mover.

[0015]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a target connector configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A target retainer is configured to retain the shooting target with the target connector. The target retainer is moveable between a retaining configuration where the target retainer is arranged to retain the shooting target with the target connector and a release configuration where the target retainer is arranged to permit the shooting target to fly off the target connector. The target retainer is configured to be moved by the shooting target from the retaining configuration to the release configuration as the target connector receives the shooting target.

[0016]In another aspect, a shooting target launcher for launching a shooting target comprises a housing and a prime mover supported by the housing. A target connector is configured to receive the shooting target. The target connector is configured to be rotated by the prime mover about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation. A launch control system is configured to operate the prime mover to rotate the target connector and the shooting target about the axis of rotation. The launch control system includes a display configured to indicate a first operational status and a second operational status of the shooting target launcher.

[0017]In another aspect, a shooting target comprises a hub including a first recess, a plurality of blades extending outward with respect to the hub, and a first residual molding gate protrusion from molding of the hub. The first residual molding gate protrusion is located in the first recess.

[0018]Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective of a handheld shooting target launcher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure loaded with two shooting targets;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective of a shooting target according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the shooting target of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective of a shooting target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024]FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the handheld shooting target launcher;

[0025]FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the handheld shooting target launcher, with a portion of a housing removed to show interior details;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the handheld shooting target launcher, with a portion of the housing removed to show interior details;

[0027]FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspectives of a battery of the handheld shooting target launcher;

[0028]FIGS. 10A and 10B are an enlarged, fragmentary perspectives of a battery receiver of the handheld shooting target launcher, with a battery retainer in a retaining position (FIG. 10A) and a release position (FIG. 10B);

[0029]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a forward portion of the handheld shooting target launcher;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective of a target connector and a motor of the handheld shooting target launcher, with a shooting target connected to the target connector;

[0031]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of FIG. 12;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the target connector with a target retainer in a retaining configuration;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the target connector with the target retainer in the retaining configuration;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a cross-section of the target connector with the target retainer in the release configuration;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a plan view of the target connector with the target retainer in the release configuration;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a control system of the handheld shooting target launcher;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a closed-loop control sequence of the control system;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an open-loop control sequence of the control system; and

[0039]FIG. 21 is a line graph illustrating the rotational speed of the target connector during a launch cycle.

[0040]Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041]Referring to FIG. 1, a handheld shooting target launcher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The handheld shooting target launcher (“launcher”) 100 launches shooting targets, sometimes referred to as clays, clay targets, or clay pigeons, into the air. The launcher 100 spins the target and then releases the target to allow the target to fly off into the air. The launcher may be referred to as a thrower. While described in the context of a handheld shooting target launcher 100, it is understood that features and aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to other shooting target launchers.

[0042]Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a shooting target according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The shooting target (“target”) 10 can be launched or fired into the air with the launcher 100 of the present disclosure. The launcher 100 can be used with other shooting targets without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The target 10 includes a central hub 12 (inner-most concentric ring) and a plurality of fan blades 14 extending radially or laterally outward from (broadly, with respect to) the central hub 12. The fan blades 14 are evenly spaced around the central hub. The fan blades 14 propel the target 10 through the air when the target is rotated and launched by the launcher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the target 10 has six fan blades 14, although more or fewer fan blades can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The central hub 12 defines a central circular opening 16 (broadly, opening) that extends through the hub 12. The central opening 16 receives a portion of the launcher 100 when the target 10 is connected to or mounted on the launcher. The target 10 includes an outer ring 18 (outer-most concentric ring) that connects the outer ends of the fan blades 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the target 10 includes one or more intermediate rings 20 positioned between the central hub 12 and the outer ring 18. The intermediate rings 20 intersect with the fan blades 14 to provide structural support to the target 10. The target has a forward or front face or side 22 and a rearward or rear face or side 24 formed by the hub 12, outer ring 18 and intermediate rings 20. The target 10 is reversible in the sense that it does not matter whether the target is connected to the launcher 100 with the front side 22 facing forward (e.g., in the direction of flight or launching) or the rear side 24 is facing forward.

[0043]The target 10 can be made by injection molding. To facilitate the manufacturing (e.g., injection molding) of the target 10, the target can include one or more recesses 26 on the body of the target, such as the central hub 12. Desirably, the one or more recesses 26 comprises at least two recesses positioned so that the target 10 is rotationally balanced about an axis of rotation AR (extending through the center of the target). For example, the two or more recesses may be symmetrically arranged about the axis of rotation AR. In the illustrated embodiment, the central hub 12 includes the recesses 26. The recesses 26 are formed on a face of the central hub 12, such as the front/leading face or the rear/trailing face. In the illustrated embodiment, the target 10 includes three recesses 26 on the portion of the front side 22 of the target formed by the central hub 12. The recesses 26 have a semicircular shape. The three recesses 26 are spaced equally apart circumferentially on the central hub 12 to balance the target 10 about the axis of rotation AR. Each recess 26 opens out of the front side 22. In other words, each recess 26 has an open front flush with the front side 22 of the target 10. The central hub 12 has an inner (e.g., cylindrical) surface bounding the central opening 16 and an opposite outer (e.g., generally cylindrical) surface. Each recess 26 is outboard of the inner surface of the central hub 12. Each recess opens out of inner surface of the central hub 12 (e.g., in a radially inward direction toward the axis of rotation AR) and opens out of the outer surface of the central hub (e.g., in a radially outward direction away from the axis of rotation). In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 26 has an open inner side at (e.g., in communication with) the central opening (the open inner side is flush with the inner surface of the central hub 12) and an opposite open outer side (the open outer side is flush with the outer surface of the central hub).

[0044]For the injection molding, the one or more injection mold gates of the mold are located at the respective one or more recesses 26. During the injection molding process, extra material 27 (residual molding gate protrusion) (shown schematically as black dots) may form or build up around the injection mold gate, such as in gaps between the parts of the mold and/or between the molded part (e.g., target) and gate. The residual molding gate protrusion 27 (broadly, residual material) from the molding of the target 10 (e.g., hub 12) can have generally any shape (e.g., circular, square, cylindrical, etc.) and can be located anywhere within the recess 26. A residual molding gate protrusion 27 may be located in each recess 26 or only some of the recesses. Placing any potential extra material 27 from the gate in one of the recesses 26 minimizes, if not eliminates, the effect of the extra material could have on the operation of the target 10. For example, because this extra material 27 is located in one of the recesses 26, this extra material does not impact the fit of the central hub on the launcher 100. If the extra material was not in a recess but on the inner surface of the central hub 12, the extra material could bind or create friction on the launcher 100 (e.g., nose portion thereof), thereby impacting the ability for the target to be connected to and/or released from the launcher. Further, providing a recess 26 for this potential extra material 27 also eliminates the need to remove this extra material, such as by sanding, reducing manufacturing time and steps. In addition, the arrangement of the recesses 26 also prevents any potential extra material 27 from impacting the stacking of multiple targets on one another, such as in packaging and/or on the launcher 100. It is understood the recesses can be disposed at other locations on the target without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, another embodiment of a target 10′ is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the recesses 26 are in the form of channels along the inner surface (inner radial side) of the central hub 12. Otherwise, the target 10′ of FIG. 4 is generally identical to the target 10 of FIGS. 2 and 3, and identical reference numerals are employed to identify similar, analogous, or identical parts.

[0045]Referring to FIG. 3, the target 10 can include one or more flats 28 (e.g., flat surfaces, flat areas, more broadly profile deviations) on the front side 22 and/or rear side 24 of the target. The flats 28 facilitate the removal of the target 10 from the injection mold. The flats 28 align with locations of ejector pins of the injection mold so that the ejector pins push on the flats to eject the target after molding (e.g., after the parts of the mold have been separated). After the parts of the mold have been separated, the target 10 may remain stuck in one of the parts. The ejector pins engage the target 10 (e.g., the flats 28) to push the target out of the mold part. The ejector pins push in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation AR. In the illustrated embodiment, the target 10 includes a plurality of flats 26, spaced part across the front side 22 and rear side 24 of the target (the front side is shown below with the rear side being a mirror image thereof). Desirably, each ring 18, 20 (including the central hub 12) includes at least one flat 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the flats 28 are located at the intersection of the fan blade 14 (e.g., front/rear edge thereof) and the ring 12, 18, 20. Flats 26 associated with one fan blade 14 are generally identical to the flats associated with the other fan blades. In some instances, the flats 26 are wider than the leading edge (e.g., front or rear edge) of the ring 12, 18, 20, such as the intermediate ring 20. In some instances, the flats 26 increase the flat area present on the leading edge (e.g., front or rear edge) of the ring 12, 18, 20, such as the hub ring 12 and the outer-most ring 18. It will be appreciated the flats are broadly profile deviations that deviate from the profile of target features designed to promote aerodynamics of the target. Other arrangements may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046]In certain embodiments, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target may comprise a thermoplastic, a filler, and/or a temperature stabilizer. For example, in one embodiment, the material comprises a thermoplastic, a filler, and a temperature stabilizer. Desirably, the thermoplastic, the filler, and the temperature stabilizer are all biodegradable. The thermoplastic may be a thermoplastic monomer such as polylactic acid (PLA). The filler may be barium sulfate. The temperature stabilizer may be polybutylene succinate (PBS). For example, in one embodiment, the material comprises barium sulfate, polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene succinate (PBS). In one embodiment, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target may comprise from about 30% to about 90%, from about 35% to about 90%, from about 40% to about 90%, from about 40% to about 85%, from about 40% to about 85%, from about 40% to about 80%, from about 45% to about 80%, from about 45% to about 75%, or from about 50% to about 70% filler. In other embodiments, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target may comprise from about 5% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 15% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 45%, or from about 20% to about 40% thermoplastic. In still further embodiments, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target may comprise from about 1% to about 40%, from about 1% to about 35%, from about 1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 20%, from about 2% to about 20%, from about 3% to about 20%, from about 4% to about 20%, from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 5% to about 15% temperature stabilizer. For example, in certain embodiments, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target may comprise from about 50% to about 70% filler, from about 20% to about 40% thermoplastic, and/or from about 5% to about 15% temperature stabilizer. In one embodiment, the material (e.g., injection molding material) forming the body of the target comprises about 60% filler, about 30% thermoplastic, and about 10% temperature stabilizer. In each of the above embodiments, the concentrations may be on a weight % or volume % basis. In one embodiment, the material composition further comprises one or more of the glow in the dark additives as mentioned herein. PBS is, in certain contexts, a temperature stabilizer, that is also biodegradable, that prevents the target from warping due to high temperatures (100° F. or more). For example, the targets may be subject to such high temperatures during shipping/transportation (e.g., in shipping containers). In one embodiment, the density of the material forming the body of the target is about 0.1-0.5 grams/cubic centimeter or is about 0.1-0.3 grams/cubic centimeter. In one embodiment, the density is about 0.2 grams/cubic centimeter. This density has been found to be large enough to have sufficient rotational inertia to keep spinning after being launched by the target to fly sufficiently far (40+yards) away from the target while also being light enough so that the target does indeed fly. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047]In one embodiment, the target 10 may comprise a glow-in-the-dark material. Such material (e.g., paint) may be applied to the target or may be an additive (e.g., powder, fluid, etc.) applied during the forming of the target (e.g., injection molding) or included in the formulation of the target composition. Desirably, the glow-in-the-dark material is included at least on the rearward side 24 of the target, the side most likely to be viewed by a shooter after the target is launched. This allows the targets to be seen in low light or night conditions. Desirably, the glow-in-the-dark material is included on both the front side 22 and the rear side 24 of the target 10, so that it does not matter which orientation the user loads the target onto the launcher 100. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048]The launcher 100 of the present disclosure can be used with different sized targets. For example, the targets 10, 10′ of FIGS. 2-4 can be referred to as large targets and have a diameter of about 110 mm. Another embodiment of a target 10′ is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the target 10′ can be referred to as a small target and has a diameter of about 90 mm. In addition, the target 10′ of FIG. 5 does not have any intermediate rings. Otherwise, the target 10′ of FIG. 5 is generally identical to the target 10 of FIGS. 2 and 3, and identical reference numerals are employed to identify similar, analogous, or identical parts. It will be appreciated other targets (e.g., other shapes/sizes, omitting some features, including other features, and/or having other combinations of features) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6-10, the launcher 100 includes a housing 102, a motor 104 (e.g., an electric motor such as a brushless DC (BLDC) electric motor), and a target connector or hub 106. The housing 102 supports, carries, and/or encloses the other components of the launcher 100. The housing 102 supports the motor 104 and the target connector 106. The target connector 106 receives the shooting target 10. In other words, the target 10 connects or mounts to the target connector 106. The motor 104 (broadly, first prime mover) drives rotation of the target connector 106 about the axis of rotation AR to rotate and launch the target 10. Together the motor 104 and the target connector 106 (and any intermediate linkage, if present) can be referred to as a target driver or rotator. The launcher 100 rotates or spins the target 10, such as to a desired or designated rotational launch speed (e.g., rotations per minute (RPM)), before releasing the target. The fan blades 14 of the target 10 generate lift and propel the target away from the launcher when the target is released. The target flies similar to how a live bird would fly (takes off slowly and then accelerates) and allows hunters to use the targets for more realistic practice for live bird hunting.

[0050]The launcher 100, specifically the housing 102, is configured to be handheld to be operated by a user to launch targets 10 into the air for shooting practice in a desired direction. Overall, the launcher 100 is compact and lightweight. The housing 102 includes a first or rear handle or grip 108 configured to be gripped by one hand of an operator or user. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear handle 108 is in the form of pistol grip, although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rear handle 108 is positioned at the rear of the housing 102. The housing 102 can also include a second or forward handle or grip 110 configured to be gripped by the other hand of the operator. The forward handle 110 is located adjacent the front of the housing 102, generally below a forward portion or head of the housing. The forward handle 110 is configured so that one or more fingers of the operator's hands wrap around the forward handle. The housing 102 can also include left and right thumb rests 111, positioned on either side of the housing. The thumb rests 111 are generally identical (e.g., are mirror images of one another). Each thumb rest 111 is disposed above the forward handle 110. The thumb rests 111 are positioned to be engaged by the thumb of the operator's hand grasping the forward handle 110. The operator can push on the thumb rest 111 to facilitate actuating (e.g., squeezing) a safety 186 (described in more detail below). Two thumbs rests 111 are provided so that it does not matter which hand (left or right) of the operator grips the forward handle 110. The left thumb rest 111 is engaged by the thumb on the left hand of the operator when the operator's left hand grips the forward handle 110. The right thumb rest 110 is engaged by the thumb on the right hand of the operator when the operator's right hand grips the forward handle 110. As illustrated, the housing 102 has a generally pistol shape.

[0051]The front portion (e.g., head) of the housing 102 defines or bounds a target receiving space 112. The target receiving space 112 is sized and shaped to receive the target 10 when the target is received by the target connector 106. The target receiving space 112 has an open front end permitting the target 10 to be inserted into the target receiving space to be connected to the target connector 106 and permitting the target to fly in a forward direction out of the target receiving space when the target is launched by the launcher 100. The head of the housing 102 includes a generally cylindrical wall 114 and a bed or rear wall 116 that bound the target receiving space 112. The cylindrical wall 114 circumferentially bounds the target receiving space 112 and the bed 116 bounds a rear of the target receiving space. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior surface of the wall 114 is cylindrical and the exterior surface of the wall has an octagon shape.

[0052]The housing 102 can be formed from a durable material such as plastic or composite material. The housing 102 can be formed of multiple pieces connected together, such as with fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes left and right side portions 102A, 102B and a bowl 102C which generally defines the target receiving space 112. The bowl 102C can be a different material (e.g., metal) than the side portions 102A, 102B (e.g., plastic). The side portions 102A, 102B generally sandwich the bowl 102C therebetween. In one embodiment, the bowl 102C includes one or more openings or recesses 103 (FIG. 11) for receiving portions of the left and right side portions 102A, 102B to help secure the left and right side portions together. In the illustrated embodiment, the bowl 102C includes four openings 103, two circular openings in the bed of the bowl and two openings extending along the bed and side wall of the bowl. The left and right side portions 102A, 102B each include a projection 105 (e.g. L-shaped projection or semi-circular) that is received in one of the openings 103 of the bowl 103C. Each opening 103 receives a projection 105 of the left and right side portions 102A, 102B. Desirably, the projections 105 are flush with or recessed relative to the surfaces of the bowl 102C. The left and right side portions 102A, 102B and the bowl 102C can also be secured together with one or more fasteners. Other configurations of the housing can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the housing 102 can include a sight 118 to assist an operator in aiming the launcher 100. The operator uses the sight 118 point the launcher 100 toward a desired target area or trajectory for launching the target 10. The sight 118 is supported by the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the sight 118 is disposed on top of the housing 102, although the sight can be located at other positions relative to the housing. The launcher 100, specifically the housing 102, does not have any element positioned in front of or in the line of sight of the sight 118, thereby providing the operator with a clear line of sight when aiming the launcher.

[0054]In the illustrated embodiment, the sight 118 comprises an open sight (e.g., similar to an iron sight), although other types of sights can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The sight 118 has a rearward sighting portion 118A and a forward sighting portion 118B. The rearward sighting portion is adjacent the rear of the housing 102 and the forward sighting portion 118B is adjacent the front of the housing. The rearward sighting portion 118A includes a notch or channel (e.g., V-shaped channel or U-shaped channel) that aligns with the forward sighting portion 118B along a sighting axis. The sighting axis is generally parallel to the axis of rotation AR of the target connector 106, allowing the operator to aim the launcher 100 in the direction the target 10 will be launched. The forward sighting portion 118B may comprise a projection, rib, post, bead, or other visual reference point that can be aligned within the notch of the rearward sighting portion 118A.

[0055]In one embodiment, the sight 118 is formed integrally with the housing 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the sight 118 are an integral part of the left and right side portions 102A, 102B. Alternatively, the sight 118 may be a separate component that is attached to or mounted on the housing. In such embodiments, the housing may include mounting structure, such as a rail, for mounting the sight to the housing.

[0056]Referring to FIGS. 7-10B, the launcher 100 includes a battery pack or battery 120 for supplying electrical power to the components of the launcher. The battery 120 includes one or more battery cells (e.g., rechargeable battery cells). The battery 120 can include status indicator (such as one or more lights (LEDs) that turn on when a button is pressed) for indicating the charge level of the battery and/or a charging port (e.g., electrical port such as USB port) for recharging the battery. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 120 is releasably connectable to the housing 102. In other embodiments, the battery may not be disconnectable from the housing (and a charging port is accessible for recharging the battery). The housing 102 includes a battery receiver 122 for receiving the battery 120 and releasably connecting the battery to the housing. The battery receiver 122 includes a battery receiving space or compartment 124 that is sized and shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the battery 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiving space 124 has an open bottom 126 (FIGS. 10A and 10B), allowing the battery 120 to be inserted generally upward through the open bottom and into the battery receiving space of the battery receiver 122. This configuration is similar to the way a magazine holding ammunition is connected to and disconnected from a firearm and facilitates easy installation and removal of the battery 120 from the battery receiver 122. The removability of the battery 120 allows a depleted battery to be replaced with a fully charged battery, thereby allowing the operator to launch additional targets 10 without waiting for a recharge. The interchangeable battery 120 allows the operator to carry extra batteries to replace dead batteries in the field.

[0057]The battery receiver 122 may be positioned at a location that provides proper weight distribution and balance for the launcher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiver 122 is disposed forward of the rear handle 108 and rearward of the target connector 106. The battery receiver 122 is disposed rearward of the forward handle 110. The battery receiver 122 is positioned below the motor 104 to optimize the internal layout of components within the housing 102.

[0058]The battery 120 is releasably connectable to the battery receiver 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiver 122 includes one or more guide channels 128 that cooperate with corresponding one or more guides 130 of the battery 120 to facilitate proper alignment and insertion of the battery into the battery receiver and removal of the battery from the battery receiver. The guide channels 128 and guides 130 help ensure that the battery 120 is properly oriented and seated within the battery receiving space 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiver 122 includes two guide channels 128 (e.g., first and second guide channels) and the battery includes two guides 130 (e.g., first and second guides). Each guide 130 moves in a respective one of the guide channels 128 to guide movement of the battery 120 into and out of the battery receiver 120. The guide channels 128 are located on opposite sides (e.g., forward and rearward sides) of the battery receiving space 124, and likewise the guides 130 are located on opposite sides of the battery 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 120 includes an insertion portion or body 132 that is sized and shaped to be received in the battery receiving space 124. The two guides 130 are disposed along opposite sides of the insertion portion 132. In the illustrated embodiment, each guide 130 comprises a rail extending along the side of the insertion portion 132, although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The configuration of the guides 130 and guide channels 128 is such that the battery 120 moves along a battery axis that is skewed relative to the axis of rotation AR when the battery is connected to and disconnected from the battery receiver 122.

[0059]The battery receiver 122 includes electrical contacts or connectors 134 that engage with corresponding electrical contacts 136 of the battery 120 to establish electrical connection between the battery and the electrical components of the launcher. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 134 of the battery receiver comprise blades and the electrical contacts 136 of the battery 120 comprise slots which receive the blades. Other types of electrical connectors can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060]When the battery 120 is connected to the battery receiver 122, the battery protrudes out of the battery receiver. Specifically, a portion of the battery 120 protrudes downward from the battery receiver 122 and out of the housing 102. This portion of the battery 120 is accessible to the operator and can be easily grabbed by the operator when connecting or disconnecting the battery with the battery receiver 122.

[0061]The launcher 100 includes a battery retainer 138 for retaining the connection of the battery 120 to the battery receiver 122. The battery retainer 138 is moveable between a retaining position (FIG. 10A) where the battery retainer is arranged to retain the connection of the battery 120 to the battery receiver 122 and a release position (FIG. 10B) where the battery retainer is arranged to permit the battery to be disconnected from the battery receiver. The battery retainer 138 can be biased toward the retaining position, such as by a spring 140 (FIG. 7). The battery retainer 138 includes a stop 141. When the battery retainer 138 is in the retaining position, the battery retainer (e.g., the stop 141) is positioned to engage the battery 120 to prevent the battery from being removed from the battery receiver 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 120 includes a battery retainer space or recess 142 configured to receive the battery retainer 138 (e.g., the stop 141) when the battery retainer is in the retaining position and the battery is connected to the battery receiver 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery retainer space 142 is bounded by one of the guides 130. The stop 141 engages a surface of the guide 130 to secure the battery 120 to the battery receiver 122. The battery retainer 138 includes a push button 144 or other actuator arranged to be actuated (e.g., pushed) by the operator to move the battery retainer from the retaining position toward the release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the push button 144 is moved generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation AR between the retaining and release positions.

[0062]The battery retainer 138 is configured to move from the retaining position toward the release position as the battery 120 is inserted into the battery receiver 122. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the battery 120 moves (e.g., pushes against) the battery retainer 138, causing it to move against the bias toward the release position. Once the battery 120 is fully seated in the battery receiver 122, the battery retainer 138 moves back to the retaining position under the influence of the spring 140, and into the battery retainer space 140 to secure the battery in place. The stop 141 has a ramp or inclined surface 143 relative to the battery axis and/or the leading end of the guide 130 has a corresponding ramp or inclined surface 131. When the leading end of the guide 130 contacts the stop 141, the ramp(s) 143, 131 cause the battery retainer 138 to move to the release position to permit the battery 120 to be fully seated in the battery receiver 122. To remove the battery 120, the operator pushes the battery retainer 138 (e.g., push button 144, more specifically a push surface thereof) to move it from the retaining position to the release position, moving the battery retainer (e.g., stop 141) out of the battery retainer space 140. With the battery retainer 138 in the release position, the battery 120 can be pulled downward and out of the battery receiver 122.

[0063]In the illustrated embodiment, the battery retainer 138 is captured by or trapped between the left and right side portions 102A, 102B of the housing 102. The housing 102 guides the battery retainer 138 between the retaining and release positions. The right side portion 102B of the housing 102 has a retainer cavity 139 a base 137 of the battery retainer 138 is disposed in. The perimeters of the retainer cavity 139 and the base 137 correspond to one another, to guide movement of the battery retainer 138. The spring 140 engages a wall of the right side portion 102B defining the bottom of the retainer cavity 139 and pushes off therefrom to bias the battery retainer 138 toward the retaining position. The push button 144 and the stop 141 each extend from the base 137. The left side portion 102A of the housing 102 includes an opening 145 in which the push button 144 is disposed. The push button 144 can extend through the opening 145. The perimeters of the opening 145 and the push button 144 also correspond to one another, to guide movement of the battery retainer 138. The base 137 includes one or more stops (e.g., shoulders) 149 arranged to engage the left side portion 102A of the housing 102. The stops 149 engage the left side portion 102A of the housing 102 when the battery retainer 138 in the retaining position. This engagement of the stops 149, in combination with the base 137 being received in the retainer cavity 139 and the push button 144 being received in the opening 145, captures the battery retainer 138. Other configurations of the battery retainer and other ways of connecting the battery retainer to the housing can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064]Referring to FIGS. 11-17, the target connector 106 is rotated by the motor 104 about the axis of rotation AR to rotate or spin the target 10 about the axis of rotation. The target connector 106 is operatively connected to the motor 104. For example, the target connector 106 can be mounted on an output shaft of the motor 104. A bearing 147 connects the target connector 106 to the housing 102 and allows the target connector to rotate relative to the housing. The target connector 106 includes a drive hub 146 configured to engage and drive rotation of the target 10. The drive hub 146 interfaces with the target 10 to rotate the target about the axis of rotation as the target connector 106 is rotated by the motor 104. The drive hub 146 is operatively connected to and rotated by the motor 104 (e.g., the drive hub is mounted on a front portion of the output shaft of the motor). The drive hub 146 can receive and rotate one or more targets 10 (e.g., two targets at the same time). This allows the target connector 106 (broadly, the launcher 100) the ability to launch two targets 10 at the same time. The drive hub 146 includes a base 148, a nose portion 150, and one or more (e.g., a plurality of) petals 152. The base 148 is generally circular or disc-shaped. The nose portion 150 and the petals 152 each extend from the base 148. The nose portion 150 (e.g., cylindrical central boss or column) is sized and shaped to be received in (e.g., inserted through) the central opening 16 of the central hub 12 of the target 10. The axis of rotation AR extends through the center of the nose portion 150.

[0065]The target connector 106 engages the target 10 at a location on the target that is radially outward of the central hub 12 (more specifically, radially outward of the central opening or inner surface of the central hub) to drive rotation of the target with the target connector as the target connector is rotated by the motor 104. The target connector 106 engages one or more of the fan blades 14 of the target 10 to drive rotation of the target with the target connector as the target connector is rotated by the motor 104. Each petal 152 is arranged to engage and push a fan blade 14 of the target 10 to drive rotation of the target about the axis of rotation AR. The petals 142 are circumferentially arranged about the nose portion 150 (e.g., axis of rotation AR). In the illustrated embodiment, the target connector 106 includes three petals, although more or fewer petals can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the target connector includes the same number of petals (e.g., six) as the number of fan blades of the target. Each petal 152 is configured to extend through a gap in the target 10 defined by two adjacent fan blades 14 and the central hub 12 of the target (and optionally an intermediate ring 20). In the illustrated embodiment, each petal 152 is sized and shaped to extend through two targets 10. The petals 152 are spaced apart radially outward of the nose portion 150. The central hub 12 of the target 10 is received in the space (e.g., ring space) between the nose portion 150 and the petals 152. The petals 152 are spaced circumferentially apart from one another, with each gap (e.g., fan blade gap or space) formed between adjacent petals able to receive a portion of one of the fan blades 14 of the target 10. The petals 152 can narrow or tapper as the petals extend from the base 148 to the tip of the petal. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066]In addition to rotating the target 10, the petals 152 are also configured to assist in retaining the target 10 on the target connector 106 (when the target connector 106 is rotating) and/or to assist in launching the target from the target connector (e.g., pushing the target forward off the target connector). The petals 152 are all generally identical. Each petal 148 is angled or contoured to approximately match the pitch angle of the portion of the fan blades 14 received in the gap between adjacent petals. Each petal 148 has a blade engagement surface 154 and a blade launch surface 156. Each fan blade gap is defined by the blade engagement surface 154 of one petal 152 and the blade launch surface 156 of an adjacent petal. The blade engagement surface 154 (e.g., blade drive surface) is the leading edge/surface (relative to the direction of rotation) of the petal 152. The blade engagement surface 154 engages one of the fan blades 14 of the target 10 to drive rotation of the target. The blade engagement surface 154 is angled to generally match the pitch angle of the fan blade 14 (specifically, the pitch angle of the portion of the fan blade the blade engagement surface contacts, as the pitch angle can vary over the length of the fan blade). The angle of the blade engagement surface 154 also assists in retaining the target 10 with the target connector 106 by capturing the target as the target connector is accelerated. The angle of the blade engagement surface results in the petal 152 (broadly, the target connector 106) applying a generally rearward axial force to the target 10 as the target is accelerated. The blade launch surface 156 is the trailing edge/surface (relative to the direction of rotation) of the petal 152. The blade launch surface engages a different one of the fan blades 14 of the target 10 to push the target forward off the target connector 106 to launch the target. The blade launch surface 156 is also angled to generally match the pitch angle of the fan blade 14 (specifically, the pitch angle of the portion of the fan blade the blade launch surface contacts). This angle of the blade launch surface 156 results in the petal 152 (broadly, the target connector 106) applying a forward axial force to the target 10 to push the target forward off the target connector to launch the target as the target connector is decelerated. Thus, the target connector 106 is configured to apply a rearward axial force to the target 10 (specifically, one or more of the fan blades 14) to retain the target on the target connector and is configured to apply a forward axial force to the target (specifically, one or more of the fan blades) to push the target off of the target connector.

[0067]As the target connector 106 is accelerated to the rotational launch speed by the motor 104, the blade engagement surfaces 154 of the petals 152 contact the forward facing faces of the fan blades 14, thereby exerting a rearward axial force against the target 10 which retains the target on the target connector (specifically, the drive hub 146) (forces the target against or toward the base 148 of the drive hub from which the petals extend forward). After the rotational launch speed is reached, the rotational speed of the target connector 106 is decelerated. The rotational momentum of the target 10 causes the target to keep rotating in the direction of rotation as the rotation of the drive hub 146 slows down. This causes the rearward facing faces of the fan blades 14 to come into contact with the blade launch surfaces 156 of the petals 152, which exert the forward axial force against the target to push the target forward out of the fan blade gaps, thereby releasing and launching the target. This is the case regardless if one or two targets 10 are connected to the target connector 106.

[0068]In one embodiment, the rotational speed of the target connector 106 is decelerated by cutting power to the motor 104. In one embodiment, the launcher may includes a brake (e.g., mechanical brake) configured to decelerate the target connector. In one embodiment, the motor 104 may be electrically braked by locking one or more phases of the motor (e.g., supplying constant electrical power to the one or more phases to turn one or more phases into a constant electric magnet). In one embodiment, a combination of two or more of these braking methods are used. As is apparent, the release of the one or more targets 10 from the target connector is purely mechanical and does not require a separate motor, actuator, or sensor, thereby reducing costs. However, other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069]The base 148 of drive hub 146 can include one or more openings 158 to permit air to flow therethrough and into the interior of the housing 102. Each opening 158 is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 102, specifically the section of the interior containing the motor 104. The openings 158 permit air (e.g., cooling air) from the surrounding environment to flow from the target receiving space 112, through the openings, and into the interior to cool the motor 104 and other components in the interior (e.g., control system, battery 120, etc.). Each opening 158 is disposed at the base or rearward end of a corresponding fan blade gap, desirably adjacent (or extending circumferentially from) a corresponding blade engagement surface 154 of one of the petals 152. The ramp or angle of the blade engagement surface directs air in the target receiving space 112 through the opening 158 and into the interior as the target connector 106 is rotated by the motor 104. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070]Still referring to FIGS. 11-17, the launcher 100 includes a target retainer 160 for retaining (e.g., keeping, holding) the one or more targets 10 on the launcher. Specifically, the target retainer 160 retains the one or more targets 10 with the target connector 106. The target retainer 160 keeps or holds the one or more targets on the drive hub 146 after the one or more targets are loaded (and before the target connector 106 starts rotating). This way the target(s) 10 remain connected to the target connector 106 (broadly, remain on the launcher 100) while the user manipulates the launcher to position or aim the launcher for launching. In the illustrated embodiment, the target retainer 160 is supported by (e.g., carried by) the target connector 106. More specifically, the target retainer 160 is supported or carried by the nose portion 150 of the drive hub 146. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071]The target retainer 160 is moveable between a retaining configuration or position (e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15) and a release configuration or position (e.g., FIGS. 16 and 17). In the retaining configuration, the target retainer 160 is arranged to retain the one or more targets 10 on the launcher 100, specifically with the target connector 106 (more specifically, on the drive hub 150). In the release configuration, the target retainer 160 is arranged to permit the one or more targets 10 to fly off the launcher, specifically the target connector 106 (more specifically, on the drive hub 150).

[0072]In the illustrated embodiment, the target retainer 160 is movable from the retaining configuration to the release configuration by rotation of the target connector 106 to spin the target(s) for launching the target(s). The target retainer 160 is biased (e.g., spring loaded) toward the retaining configuration and moves against the bias to the release configuration via centrifugal forces acting on the target retainer. The target retainer may be referred to as centrifugally driven from the retaining configuration to the release configuration. The target retainer 160 is supported by and rotates with the target connector 106 about the axis of rotation AR. The target retainer 160 moves from the retaining configuration to the release configuration due to the centrifugal forces experienced by the target retainer as the target retainer rotates about the axis of rotation when the target retainer and target connector 10 are rotated by the motor 104. When the target connector reaches a sufficient rotational speed, the target retainer moves by centrifugal force to the release configuration.

[0073]The launcher 100 is free of a prime mover dedicated to moving the target retainer 160 to the release configuration (e.g., between the retaining and release configurations), such as when the target connector 106 is rotating. Moreover, with respect to the first prime mover (e.g., motor 104), the launcher 100 is free of a second prime mover that is configured (e.g., operatively connected (either directly or indirectly (such as via a drive train or linkage))) to drive movement of the target retainer 160 to the release configuration. As used herein, prime mover means a primary generator of motion such as a motor, servo, linear actuator, or such as a human-input actuator or manually operated actuator (e.g., button, knob, lever, trigger, etc.). It will be appreciated that in operation the target retainer 160 is not moveable from the retaining configuration to the release configuration by the electronic control system 200 of the launcher 100 independent from rotation of the target connector 106. The motor 104 that rotates the target connector 106 to rotate the target 10 also drives rotation of the target retainer 160 by its being supported by the target connector and thus causes the movement of the target retainer to the release configuration. The target retainer 160 is configured to be free of discrete control for moving the target retainer to the release configuration when the target connector 106 is rotating. The launcher 100 is free of an electronic control system operable to discretely control the target retainer 160 to move the target retainer to the release configuration when the target connector is rotating. The target retainer 160 is configured to operate passively (e.g., with respect to the launcher's electronic control system 200) to move the retainer from the retaining configuration to the release configuration when the target connector 106 is rotating for launching a shooting target 10. The electronic control system 200 does not discretely control operation of the target retainer 160. There is no user input (e.g., button, lever, actuator) that permits discrete control of the target retainer 160 for moving to the release configuration. The operation of the target retainer 160 moving to the release configuration happens without a control signal from the electronic control system 200 to move the target retainer. After the target connector 106 is loaded with a target or targets 10, the target retainer 160 remains in the retaining configuration until sufficient rotational speed of the target connector 106 causes the target retainer to move to the release configuration. Other configurations of the target retainer (e.g., a target retainer that is driven by a dedicated prime mover) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the target retainer can be omitted without departing from the scope of the present application. In addition, it will be appreciated that the target retainer can be implemented in manual launchers (e.g., non-electronic).

[0074]In the illustrated embodiment, the target retainer 160 includes one or more target holders. In the illustrated embodiment, the target retainer 160 includes a first target holder 162 and a second target holder 164. The first and second target holders 162, 164 are generally identical (the second target holder is flipped over and rotated 180-degrees about the axis of rotation relative to the first target holder). The first target holder 162 overlies the second target holder 164. Each target holder 162, 164 is moveable between its respective retaining and release positions. Each target holder 162, 164 engages the target 10 (specifically, the central hub 12) to retain the target with the target connector 106 when the target holder is in its respective retaining position (broadly, when the target retainer 160 is in the retaining configuration). Each target holder 162, 164 permits the target 10 to fly off the launcher 100 (specifically, the target connector 106) when the target holder is in its respective release position (broadly, when the target retainer 160 is in the release configuration). Each target holder 162, 164 moves radially or non-axially (relative to the axis of rotation AR) between the retaining and release positions.

[0075]Each target holder 162, 164 is generally T-shaped (in plan). Each target holder 162, 164 has an elongate portion or bar 166 and a crosspiece or counterweight 168. The bar 166 extends from the counterweight 168. The first and second target holders 162, 164 are nested together. Each bar 166 extends through a holder gap or space 170 in the nose portion 150 (adjacent the upper end thereof). Each bar 166 can also extend through a bar gap or space 171 of the counterweight 168 of the other target holder 162, 164. The end of the bar 166 opposite the counterweight 168 forms a target engaging portion or detent 172. The target engaging portion 172 of each holder 162, 164 engages the target 10 (specifically, the central hub 12) to retain the target with the target connector 106 when the target holder is in its respective retaining position (broadly, when the target retainer 160 is in the retaining configuration). The target engaging portion 172 includes a post that extends generally parallel to axis of rotation AR. The target retainer 160 includes a spring 174 (e.g., coil spring) biasing the two target holders 162, 164 toward their respective retaining positions (broadly, biases the target retainer 160 toward the retaining configuration). The spring 174 biases the target holders 162, 164 in opposite radially outward directions. This biases the target engaging portions 172 toward the retaining configuration. One end of the spring 174 engages and pushes against the first target holder 162 (specifically, the post of the bar 166) and the other end of the spring engages and pushes against the second target holder 164 (specifically, the post of the bar).

[0076]In the illustrated embodiment, each target holder 162, 164 includes a guide or stop 176. Each stop 176 stops or limits the radial movement of their respective target holder 162, 164, such as when the target holders move due to the centrifugal forces. Each stop 176 is disposed in and slideable along a slot or channel 178 of the nose portion 170. The stop 176 of the first target holder 162 is in a slot 178 of a cap 180 of the nose portion 150. The stop 176 of the second target holder 162 is in a slot 178 of a base 182 of the nose portion 150. The cap 180 can be secured to the base 182 by any suitable method, such as by one or more fasteners. In general, the cap 180 secures the target retainer 160 to the drive hub 146 (broadly, the target connector 106). The stops 176 guide movement of the target holders 162, 164 along a radial axis (generally perpendicular to and extend through the axis of rotation AR). The ends of each slot 178 are closed or blocked. The stops 176 engage one of the ends of their corresponding slots 178 to limit the movement of the target holders 162, 164 along the radial axis.

[0077]Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the target retainer 160 is in the retaining configuration, the target holders 162, 164 project radially outward of an outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150. Specifically, the target engagement portions 172 extend beyond or radially outward of the outer cylindrical surface 151. In this retaining configuration, the distance between the target engagement portions 172 (e.g., ends thereof) is greater than a diameter of the central opening 16 of the central hub 12 of the target 10. The outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150 interfaces with the central hub 12 of the target 10 (e.g., extends through the central opening 16). The spring 174 biases the first and second target holders 162, 164 (specifically, target engagement portions 172) toward these respective retaining positions. The counterweights 168 also act as a stop and engage the nose portion 150 (projections of the nose portion defining opposite sides of the gap 170) (FIG. 15), thereby positioning the target holders 162, 164 in their respective retaining positions. In these positions, the target engagement portions 172 are positioned to engage the forward or leading face of the central hub 12 of the target 10 to prevent the target from moving forward off the drive hub 146, thereby retaining the target on the target connector 106. If two targets 10 are connected to the target connector 106, the target engagement portions 172 engage the forward target, which in turn retains the rearward target on the target connector. In the retaining configuration, the counterweights 168 are recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150.

[0078]The target retainer 160 moves from the retaining configuration to the release configuration when loading the target 10 onto the target connector 106 to permit the target to move rearward past the target retainer. The target retainer 160 is engaged and moved by the target 10 (specifically, the central hub 12) from the retaining configuration to the release configuration as the target connector 106 receives the target. To install the target 10 on the target connector 106, the central hub 12 of the target is aligned with the nose portion 150 and then moved rearward onto the nose portion. The central hub 12 of the target 10 presses on the target engagement portions 172 (e.g., radially outward ends thereof), thereby forcing the first and second target holders 162, 164 toward their respective release positions (broadly, moving the target retainer 160 towards its release configuration). The target engagement portions 172 of the target holders 162, 164 may be chamfered, beveled, rounded, etc. to facilitate movement of the target holders when engaged by the target 10. The target holders 162, 164 are moved sufficiently toward their release positions to allow the central hub 12 of the target 10 to pass thereby. Once the central hub 12 of the target 10 clears the target holders 162, 164 (moves rearward pass the target holders), the target holders return to their respective retaining positions via the spring 174, to retain the target on the target connector 106. If desired, a second target can be loaded in a similar manner. The nose portion 150 is sized to hold at least two targets 10 behind the target retainer 160. The spring-loaded target retainer 160 retains the target(s) 10 after loading and before acceleration of the target connector 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ends of the target engagement portions 172 of the target holders 162, 164 are chamfered, beveled, rounded, etc. to facilitate movement of the target holders by the target 10 when the target is loaded onto the target connector 106 and removed from the target connector. This allows the operator to easily connect and disconnect the target 10 from the target connector 106 as desired. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the forward and rearward edges of the outer ends of the target engagement portions 172 are chamfered, beveled, rounded, etc. to facilitate this movement. The portion extending between the forward and rearward edges of the outer ends of the target engagement portions 172 are also rounded to facilitate this movement.

[0079]Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the target retainer 160 retracts or moves to the release configuration via the centrifugal forces acting on the target retainer as the target connector 106 and target retainer are rotated to rotate and launch the one or more targets 10.

[0080]Each counterweight 168 is arranged relative to its target holder's 162, 164 corresponding target engagement portion 172 so that the centrifugal forces acting on the counterweight when the target retainer 160 is rotated by the motor 104 cause the target engaging portion to move (e.g., move radially) from the retaining position to the release position. Each target engaging portion 172 moves radially inward the retaining position to the release position due to the centrifugal forces acting on the respective counterweights 168. In other words, the counterweights 168 move radially outward and the target engaging portions 172 move radially inward. This is due to the axis of rotation AR being between each set of counterweights 168 and the target engaging portions 172. The first and second target holders 162, 164 (e.g., the counterweights 168, target engaging portions 172, etc. thereof) move in opposite radial directions due to the centrifugal forces. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the stops 176 of each target holder 162, 164 engage the end of the respective slots 178 to limit the radial movement of the target holders (e.g., limit the radially inward movement of the target engaging portions 172 and the radially outward movement of the counterweights 168). This prevents the counterweights 168 from extending radially outward of the outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150 and interfering with the launching of the one or more targets 10. In other words, in the release position, the counterweights 168 are either aligned with or radially inward of the outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150. In addition, limiting the movement of each target holder 162, 164 prevents only one target holder from moving to the release position (unlimited movement could counteract the centrifugal force acting on the other target holder (via compressing the spring 174 too much) and preventing the other target holder from moving to its release position). In one embodiment, the counterweights 168 (broadly, the target holders 162, 164) are made of metal (such as steel) to have sufficient mass to move as a result of the centrifugal forces. The counterweights 168 can include a notch or recess 169 for receiving the target engaging portion 172 of the other target holder 162, 164 when in the release position.

[0081]The target retainer 160 retains the one or more targets 10 on the target connector 106 as the motor 104 accelerates and rotates the target connector and target. As the rotational speed of the target connector 106 approaches a set or minimum rotational release speed (e.g., 5000 RPM), the centrifugal forces acting on the counterweights 168 of each target holder 162, 164 overcomes the force of the spring 174, thereby moving the target holders toward (and to) their respective release positions. The speed at which the target retainer 160 moves into the release configuration is the minimum rotational release speed. In the release positions, the target engaging portions 172 are either aligned with or radially inward of the outer cylindrical surface 151 of the nose portion 150 (broadly, a distance between the target engaging portions is less than the diameter of the central opening 16 of the central hub 12 of the target 10). At this time, as the target connector 106 continues to rotate (at the same speed or continues to accelerate if the desired rotational launch speed is greater than the minimum rotational release speed), the target 10 is retained by the engagement of the petals 152 with the fan blades 14, as discussed herein. The motor 104 rotates the target 10 and target connector 106 at the desired rotational launch speed (e.g., 5000 RPM, 6000 RPM, 7000 RPM, 8000 RPM, 9000 RPM, 10,000 RPM, 11,000 RPM, 12,000 RPM, etc.). The desired rotational launch speed can be within the inclusive range of about 5000-20,000 RPM, or more preferably about 7500-15,000 RPM, or any range or value therein. After reaching the desired rotational launch speed, the target connector 106 decelerates (is decelerated), as described herein, thereby releasing the target 10 from the target connector 106. At the same time, the centrifugal forces acting on the first and second target holders 162, 164 diminishes and the spring 174 returns the target holders toward their retaining positions, but this occurs after the one or more targets have flown off the target connector 106.

[0082]Target retainers having other configurations (e.g., other numbers of target holders (e.g., one, three, more)) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the target retainer can be omitted.

[0083]Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the launcher 100 can include one or more light sources 184 arranged to illuminate the target 10 when the target is connected to the target connector 106. This may be desirable when the one or more targets 10 comprise glow-in-the-dark material, as the light sources 184 will “charge” the glow-in-the-dark material. Each light source 184 can include one or more LEDs or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 184 are arranged to illuminate the rearward facing side 22, 24 of the one or more targets 10 when the one or more targets are connected to the target connector 106. Illumination of at least the rearward facing side 22, 24 of the target 10 is desirable as this is the portion of the target that will generally be facing the shooter as the target flies through the air. However, it is understood other portions (including the entire target) can be illuminated to charge said other portions (including the entire target). Because the target 10 is reversible, it is appreciated that the target can be loaded onto the target connector 106 such that the rear face 24 faces rearward and the front face 22 faces forward or vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 184 are arranged to emit light in a generally forward direction. The light sources 184 are mounted in the bed 116 of the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four light sources 184, equally spaced apart circumferentially around the axis of rotation AR. For example, the light sources 184 can emit light when the motor 104 is rotating the target connector 106 and the target 10. In one embodiment, the light sources 184 are turned on when the motor 104 begins to rotate the target connector 106 and target 10. This charges the target 10 as the target is accelerated and before the target is launched. In one embodiment, the light sources 184 are turned off when the target connector 106 is decelerated. In one embodiment, the light sources 184 turn on when the launcher 100 is turned on (and turn off when the launcher is turned off). The lights sources 184 can be mounted on a light support or board supported by the housing of the launcher.

[0084]Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 18, the launcher 100 includes an electronic control system 200 (e.g., a launch or launcher control system). The control system 200 includes a controller 202 (broadly, a computer) for controlling the operation of the launcher 100. The controller 202 controls and operates the components (e.g., motor 104) of the launcher 100. The controller 202 has control circuity which includes a CPU or processor (e.g., a launcher processor) and RAM or memory (broadly, non-transitory computer readable storage medium). Broadly, the memory includes (e.g., stores) processor-executable instructions for controlling the operation of the launcher 100 and the components thereof. The instructions embody one or more of the functional aspects of the launcher 100 and the components thereof (as described herein), with the processor executing the instructions to perform said one or more functional aspects. The components of the launcher 100 may be in wired or wireless communication with the controller 202. The processor and memory can be provided on a circuit structure, such as one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 204 in the housing 102. Other configurations of the control system 200 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The control system 200 includes an on/off switch 206 for turning the launcher 100 on and off.

[0085]The control system 200 (broadly, the launcher 100) includes a trigger 208 (e.g., a manually operable trigger). The trigger 208 is configured to launch the target 10 from the target connector 106. The trigger 208 is arranged to be actuated (e.g., pulled) by the operator to start a launch sequence or cycle (the motor 104 begins to rotate the target 10 and target connector 106). The control system 200 operates the motor to rotate the target connector 106 and the target 10 in response to the trigger 208 being pulled. The control system 200 includes a trigger switch 210 (e.g., an electronic switch) operatively connected to the trigger 208 to be actuated in response to actuation of the trigger. For example, the trigger switch 210 may be pressed when the trigger 208 is moved rearward and released when the trigger moves forward. The controller 202 is in communication with the trigger switch 210. The trigger 208 is actuated by pulling the trigger and releasing the trigger, which in turn actuates the trigger switch 210. A spring 286 biases the trigger 208 forward. The trigger 208 is positioned within the launcher 100 to facilitate easy use and operator comfort. The trigger is disposed rearward of the target connector 106. The trigger 208 is disposed rearward of the motor 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation AR intersects the trigger 208. The motor 104 is disposed between the trigger 208 and the target connector 106. The trigger 208 is disposed forward of the rear handle 108.

[0086]The control system 200 includes a launch speed control or actuator 212 for changing the desired rotational launch speed (e.g., the rotational speed the target 10 is to be launched with). In the illustrated embodiment, the launch speed control 212 comprises a rotary knob, although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rotary knob is rotated in one direction (e.g., clockwise) to increase the desired rotational launch speed and is rotated in the other direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to decrease the desired rotational launch speed. For example, the user adjusts the rotary knob before pulling the trigger to preset the maximum rotational speed of the target before launch.

[0087]The control system 200 launches the target 10 from the target connector 106 by decelerating the rotation of the target connector (reducing the rotational speed of the target connector). For example, the control system 200 decelerates the target connector 106 by turning off the motor 104 (e.g., cutting or stopping electrical power to the motor). This will cause the motor 104 to naturally come to a stop. In one embodiment, the control system 200 decelerates the target connector 106 by operating a brake. In one embodiment, the control system 200 decelerates the target connector 106 by electrically braking the motor 104, such as by locking one or more phases of the motor. In general, the target retainer 160 will move to the release configuration before any of the maximum rotational speeds (available via the rotary adjustment knob 212) such that the target retainer does not obstruct the target(s) 10 from leaving the launcher 100 upon braking, and the target retainer moves back to the retaining configuration as the target connector 106 continues to slow down, after the target(s) have launched. Other ways of decelerating the target connector can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088]The control system 200 can include an acceleration profile for the motor 104. The acceleration profile can define the rotational speed of the motor 104 versus time, or the acceleration of the motor versus time. The motor 104 is operated according to the acceleration profile until the rotational speed of the motor reaches the desired rotational launch speed. The acceleration profile can be stored in the memory. In this embodiment, the control system 200 (e.g., motor driver 214) operates the motor 104 based on the acceleration profile. When the launch cycle is initiated, the control system 200 accelerates the motor 104 according to the acceleration profile. The control system 200 can store an acceleration profile for each desired rotational launch speed, one acceleration profile for all the desired rotational launch speeds, or a plurality of acceleration profiles each for one or more desired rotational launch speeds. The acceleration profile can be a constant acceleration profile (e.g., acceleration does not change) or non-linear or variable acceleration profile (e.g., acceleration varies over time). For example, in one embodiment, the variable acceleration profile is such that the acceleration starts out relatively slow and increases over time. It has been found that operating the motor 104 according to this type of acceleration profile results in better electrical power consumption from the battery 120, resulting in the battery being able to power more launch cycles off a single charge than operating the motor according to a constant acceleration profile. In addition, the initial slower acceleration can also prevent the petals 152 of the target connector 106 from breaking the fan blades 14 of the target 10 (e.g., when the target connector starts to rotate and comes into contact with the target to rotate the target).

[0089]FIG. 21 is a line graph 400 showing an example rotational speed (RPM) of the motor 104 (e.g., target connector 106 and target 10) over time during a launch cycle. As shown, the control system 200 operates the motor 104 at a first relatively slower acceleration rate during the initial or first period 402 of the launch cycle (e.g., from start (e.g., 0 seconds) to about 0.2 seconds). For example, the first acceleration rate can be in the inclusive range of about 50-900 rad/s², or about 200-800 rad/s², or about 400-600 rad/s², or about 500 rad/s². During a second period 404 of the launch cycle (from about 0.2 seconds until the desired rotational launch speed is reached), the control system 200 operates the motor 104 at a second relatively greater acceleration. This second acceleration rate is greater than the first acceleration rate. For example, the second acceleration rate can be in the inclusive range of about 1000-4000 rad/s², or about 1500-3000 rad/s², or about 2000-2500 rad/s², or about 2200 rad/s². In one embodiment, this second acceleration rate is as fast as the motor 104 allows while maintaining synchronization. This second acceleration rate may gradually decrease as the rotational speed of the motor 104 increases. In this illustrated launch cycle, once the desired rotational launch speed is reached, indicated by point 408, the control system 200 brakes or decelerates the motor 104 (as described herein) during a third period 406 of the launch cycle to launch the target 10. In this case, the desired rotational launch speed is about 15,000 RPM. The entire launch cycle is very quick, being completed in just under 1 second.

[0090]The control system 200 (e.g., motor driver 214) can operate the motor 104 to minimize, if not eliminate, the target connector 106 and target 10 from rotating in a reverse or backward direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 11), that is opposite the direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in FIG. 11) of rotation for launching the target (forward or launching rotation direction), at the start of the motor (e.g., the start of the output shaft rotating) for the launch cycle. In electric motors, such as brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors, it is common for the motor to start by aligning the rotor with one of the motor phases (e.g., a winding or group of windings) of the stator, so that the rotor starts rotating from a known position (providing a reliable reference point such as for acceleration). However, depending on the initial position of the rotor relative to the stator (before the motor starts up), this alignment can cause the rotor to rotate in the reverse direction at start-up to reach that aligned position. For the launcher 100 of the present disclosure, the one or more targets 10 on the target connector 106 could potentially be ejected during such reverse rotation.

[0091]The control system 200 of the present disclosure can operate the motor 104 to avoid this issue. The control system 200 can avoid aligning the rotor of the motor 104 with one of the motor phases of the stator at start-up. Instead, the control system 200 can start the motor 104 by running the initial few commutation cycles slowly in the launching rotation direction (broadly, starting the motor at a slow rotational speed). This gives the rotor time to synchronize with the commutation cycles. If the rotor does start rotating in the reverse direction, the advancing commutation cycles quickly change the direction of rotation to the launching rotation direction. This prevents a large jerk of the rotor (broadly, target connector 106) and ensures the rotor transitions smoothly into rotating in the launching rotation direction. Because the rotor of motor 104 is lightly loaded (e.g., one or more targets 10 and the target connector 106), the rotor synchronizes up with the commutation cycles within the first few cycles. In one example, the initial commutation cycles correspond to about 1-10 revolutions (more desirably, about 2-6 revolutions, even more desirably about 3-5 revolutions, even more desirably about 3 revolutions) at about 5-60 RPM (more desirably, about 10-50 RPM, even more desirably about 20-40 RPM, even more desirably about 30 RPM). It is understood this start-up sequence (e.g., running the initial few commutation cycles slowly) could be part of the acceleration profile or separate from the acceleration profile. After running the first few commutation cycles slowly, the motor 104 can then be operated (e.g., accelerated) to reach the desired rotational launch speed (e.g., 5000-20,000 RPM) by speeding up the commutation cycles (such as based on the acceleration profile). For example, after the first few commutation cycles, the motor 104 can be accelerated by the first and second acceleration rates described above.

[0092]The control system 200 operates the motor 104 to rotate the target connector 106 and the target 10 about the axis of rotation in order to launch the target. The control system 200 can monitor the rotational speed (actual or estimated) of the target connector 106 and target 10 and launches the target after the target connector and target reach the desired rotational launch speed (as set by the launch speed control 212). For example, the control system 200 launches the target 10 after the target reaches a desired rotational launch speed of 8000 RPM. Desirably, the control system 200 (e.g., controller 202) will launch the target 10 from the target connector 106 after the rotational speed of the target connector and target is equal to or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed. In one embodiment, the control system 200 launches the target 10 after the target connector and target reach the desired rotational launch speed.

[0093]In one embodiment, the control system 200 can determine the rotational speed (e.g., actual rotational speed) of the target connector 106 and the target 10. For example, the control system could include a sensor (e.g., rotational speed sensor) for detecting the actual rotational speed of target connector 106, target 10, and/or output shaft of the motor 104, or a corresponding rotating component. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 200 is configured for sensorless motor control of the motor 104 to launch the target 10 from the target connector 106 after the target connector and the target reach the desired rotational launch speed. Eliminating the need for a sensor reduces costs and simplifies manufacturing. The control system 200 monitors operational data to determine the rotational speed of the motor 104 (and thereby the rotational speed of the target connector 106 and the target 10). For example, the control system 200 can utilize and/or monitor electrical motor data of the motor 104 to determine the rotational speed of the motor. The electrical motor data can include current and/or voltage data representing the current and voltage, respectively, of the motor 104. In one example, the electrical motor data includes back-electromotive force (back-EMF) data representing the back-EMF (which is proportional to the motor's actual rotational speed) generated by rotating the motor to determine the rotational speed of the motor (e.g., output shaft), the target connector 106, and target 10. Thus, the control system 200 determines whether and/or when the target 10 is ready to be launched as a function of (e.g., based on) the electrical motor data, such as the back-EMF data. The control system 200 includes a motor driver 214, which the controller 202 uses to operate and monitor the motor 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor driver 214 monitors electrical motor data of the motor 104 (e.g., the back-EMF) to determine the actual rotational speed of the motor. The motor driver 214 can determine the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 (based on the electrical motor data) and outputs a speed signal indicative of the actual rotational speed to the controller 202. The controller 202 can continuously monitor the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 while the motor is rotating (e.g., accelerating). Other types of sensorless motor control, such as slip speed estimation for induction motors, high-frequency signal injection, direct torque and flux control (DTFC), Kalman filter, and/or observer-based methods (single mode observer, adaptive observer), can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appreciated that the illustrated embodiment of the launcher 100 is free of a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the target connector 106, the target 10, and/or the output shaft of the motor 104. More generally, the illustrated launcher 100 is free of a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the target 10 and any component of the launcher. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094]In one embodiment, the control system 200 launches the target 10 from the target connector 106 after the rotational speed of the target connector and target is equal to or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed (automatic launching). When the rotational speed (e.g., actual rotational speed, estimated rotational speed) of the target connector 106 and target 10 meet or exceed the desired rotational launch speed, the control system 200 decelerates the target connector to launch the target. In this embodiment, the target 10 is launched independent of the trigger 208 being released. The operator pulls (broadly, actuates) the trigger 208 to start the launch cycle or sequence. The control system 200 accelerates the motor 104 to the desired rotational launch speed. When the rotational speed of the target connector 106 and target 106 is equal to or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed, the target is launched (regardless of the state of the trigger 208). The motor 104 then comes to a stop, ending the launch cycle. In this embodiment, the trigger 208 (and safety 186 described below) can remain pulled (e.g., held in a rearward position) until the target 10 is launched and released after the target is launched or released prior to the target being launched (in which case the control system 200 will still complete the launch cycle). In other words, in one embodiment, releasing the trigger 208 and/or safety 186 before the target is launched (broadly, anytime during the launch cycle) will not abort the launch cycle and the control system 200 will still launch the target 10.

[0095]In one embodiment, the control system 200 launches the target 10 from the target connector 106 in response to the trigger 208 being released (broadly, actuated) (trigger-based launching). For example, the control system 200 can launch the target 10 from the target connector 106 after the rotational speed of the target connector and target is equal to or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed and the trigger 208 is actuated (e.g., released) by the operator. In this embodiment, the control system 200 launches the target 10 from the target connector 106 in response to the trigger 208 being released (e.g., the target is launched responsive to the trigger being released). For example, the operator pulls the trigger 208 to start the launch cycle. The control system 200 accelerates the motor 104 so that the rotational speed of the target connector 106 and target 106 is equal to or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed. With the rotational speed of the target 106 and target 106 equal to or exceeding the desired rotational launch speed, the operator releases the trigger 208. In response, the control system 200 launches the target 10. The motor 104 then comes to a stop, ending the launch cycle. This method of operation allows the operator to launch the target at the exact time of the operator's choosing, without waiting for the motor 104 to spin up to the desired rotational launch speed. For example, the operator can press and hold the trigger 208 and then release the trigger to launch the target 10 instantly after the shooter has indicated that they are ready for the target to be launched. In this embodiment, after the target connector 106 and target 10 reach or exceed the desired rotational launch speed, the motor 104 will continue to rotate the target connector 106 and target 10 generally at the desired rotational launch speed (or slightly above) while the control system 200 waits for the trigger 208 to be released. Desirably, in this embodiment, if the trigger 208 is released before the rotational speed of the target connector 106 and target 10 meets or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed (or a rotational speed corresponding to the target retainer moving to the release configuration), the launch sequence will be aborted and target connector 106 will decelerate gradually and slowly to a stop without launching the target.

[0096]Referring to FIG. 19, one possible closed-loop control sequence 300 of the control system 200 utilizing the actual rotational speed of the target connector 106 and target 10 is illustrated. The control system 200 (e.g., controller 202) monitors the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 (via the speed signal from the motor driver 214) to ensure the one or more targets 10 reach the desired rotational launch speed before the targets are launched. In this control sequence, the launcher 100 is turned on via the on/off switch 206 at step 302 and the one or more targets 10 are loaded at step 304. The operator may also set the desired rotational launch speed with the speed control 212. Then the operator pulls the trigger 208 to start the launch cycle at step 306. Before or during this time, the operator will point the launcher 100 in the direction the operator wants the one or more targets 10 to fly. In response to the trigger 208 being pulled, at step 308 the motor 104 is accelerated. The acceleration can be based on the acceleration profile. As the motor 104 spins, the control system 200 repeatedly compares the actual rotational speed of the motor (via the motor driver 214) to the desired rotational launch speed at steps 310 and 312. If the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 is less than the desired rotational launch speed, the speed of the motor continues to accelerate. After the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 is equal to or greater than the desired rotational launch speed, the motor is decelerated at step 314 to launch the one or more targets 10. This manner of control may be implemented with the automatic launching (e.g., automatically decelerating to release the target 10 once the actual rotational speed of the motor 104 reaches the desired rotational launch speed) or trigger-based launching (e.g., decelerating to release the target in response to releasing the trigger 10) described in the preceding paragraphs. In the trigger-based launching, after the motor's 104 actual rotational speed meets or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed, the motor may stop accelerating and instead rotate at a constant speed (waiting for the trigger 208 to be released). After the one or more targets 10 are launched, the motor 104 comes to a stop at step 316. The process can now be repeated to launch the next target(s) 10.

[0097]Referring to FIG. 20, one possible open-loop control sequence 400 of the control system 200 utilizing an estimated speed of the target connector 106 and target 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the control system 200 estimates the rotational speed of the motor 104 (and thereby the target connector 106 and the target 10) based on the acceleration profile by which the motor is accelerated. The control system 200 uses the acceleration profile to obtain an estimated rotational speed of the target connector 106 and target 10. When the acceleration profile reaches the desired rotational launch speed (regardless of whether or not the actual rotation speed of the motor 104 has reached the desired rotational launch speed), the one or more targets 10 are launched. In this control sequence, the launcher 100 is turned on via the on/off switch 206 at step 402 and the one or more targets 10 are loaded at step 404. The operator may also set the desired rotational launch speed with the speed control 212. Then the operator pulls the trigger 208 to start the launch cycle at step 406. Before or during this time, the operator will point the launcher 100 in the direction the operator wants the one or more targets 10 to fly. In response to the trigger 208 being pulled, at step 408 the motor 104 is accelerated. The acceleration is based on the acceleration profile. As the motor 104 spins, the control system 200 repeatedly compares the estimated rotational speed of the motor (via the acceleration profile) to the desired rotational launch speed at steps 410 and 412. If the estimated rotational speed of the motor 104 is less than the desired rotational launch speed, the speed of the motor continues to accelerate. After the estimated rotational speed of the motor 104 is equal to or greater than the desired rotational launch speed, the motor is decelerated at step 414 to launch the one or more targets 10. This manner of control may be implemented with the automatic launching (e.g., automatically decelerating to release the target 10 once the estimated rotational speed of the motor 104 reaches the desired rotational launch speed) or trigger-based launching (e.g., decelerating to release the target in response to releasing the trigger 10) described in the preceding paragraphs. In the trigger-based launching, after the motor's 104 estimated rotational speed meets or exceeds the desired rotational launch speed, the motor may stop accelerating and instead rotate at a constant speed (waiting for the trigger 208 to be released). After the one or more targets 10 are launched, the motor 104 comes to a stop at step 416. The process can now be repeated to launch the next target(s) 10.

[0098]In one embodiment, the control system 200 can include one or more communication interfaces or ports 218, for communicating with remote devices, such as a smart phone, laptop, tablet, computer, network, server, etc. The one or more communication interfaces 218 may be a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface, or a combination thereof. For example, the wired communication interface may be a port, such as a USB port, that connects to a cable. In another example, the wireless communication interface may be a wireless receiver or wireless transceiver. The wireless communication interface may communicate via one or more of Wi-Fi, radio, Bluetooth, etc. Other types of wireless communication may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the communication interface 218 receives software updates (e.g., firmware updates, such as for battery usage) from the remote device, although other types of information can be received and/or communicated with the remote device. For example, the communication interface 218 can receive information (e.g., updates) from an application on a smartphone. In one embodiment, the communication interface 218 can receive a firing or launch command from the remote device and initiate a launch cycle to launch a target 10 in response to receiving the launch command. For example, an operator can press a button on an application on a smartphone and/or give a voice command (e.g., yell “pull”) received by the smartphone and then send the launch command to the launcher 100. In one embodiment, the application running on the remote device (e.g., smartphone) allows an operator to input the desired rotational launch speed (broadly, a launch configuration), which is then communicated to the launcher 100 via the communication interface 218. The control system 200 will then launch the target(s) 10 at the desired rotational launch speed communicated by the remote device. This allows the operator to set the desired rotational launch speed independent of the launch speed control 212.

[0099]The control system 200 can also send information to the remote device via the communication interface 218. For example, the control system 200 can send error reports to the remote device, which can then relay the error reports to the manufacturer or other persons (e.g., remote server) for analysis. In another example, the control system 200 can send the desired rotational launch speed setting to the remote device, which can then display (such as via the application running on the smartphone) the desired rotational launch speed to the operator. The displayed desired rotational launch speed can be in the form of RPM (e.g., 10,000 RPM) or can be converted to a different unit (e.g., speed unit), such as miles-per-hour (mph) or kilometers-per-hour (kph) representing the speed (flight speed) at which the target will fly away from the launcher 100. It is appreciated that the flight speed of the target 10 is a function of the rotational speed of the target. This conversion can be done by the control system 200 or by the remote device. This allows the operator to select a particular speed (20 mph, 25 mph, 30 mph, etc.) at which the targets fly away from the launcher 100.

[0100]The control system 200 can also include a display 220 for conveying information to the operator. The information indicated by the display 220 can include the operational status (e.g., a first operational status, a second operational status, a third operational status, etc.) of the launcher 100 (more specifically, the control system 200). The display 220 has different states to indicate different operational statuses. The operational status can include an indication of the desired rotational launch speed (as set by the launch speed control 212), a charge level (e.g., 25%, 50%, etc.) of the battery 120, a cooling mode, and/or a reset timer or time (broadly, hold or pause period). The launcher 100 (e.g., control system 200) can enter a cooling mode when a temperature of the motor 104 gets to high (exceeds a predetermined maximum operational temperature such as 150° F.) to give the motor time to cool down. The motor can become damaged if the temperature of the motor is too high. When in the cooling mode, the control system 200 will not initiate a launch cycle, even if the safety 186 and trigger 208 are pressed. The launcher 100 (e.g., control system 200) can activate a reset timer (e.g., enter a hold period) at the end of launcher cycle. While the reset timer is active (e.g., counting down), the control system 200 will not initiate a launch cycle, even if the safety 186 and trigger 208 are pressed. The hold period prevents the next launch cycle from starting two quickly, giving the motor 104 time to cool down between launch cycles.

[0101]In the illustrated embodiment, the display 220 comprises a plurality (e.g., four) light sources 222 (FIG. 8) (such as light emitting diodes (LEDs)) arranged in a row. Other configurations of the display can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the display could be a screen (e.g., touchscreen). The display 220 changes the state of light sources 222 to indicate the different operational statuses. The state of the light source 222 (broadly, the display) includes the illumination of the light sources 222 and/or the color illuminated by the light sources. For example, the display 220 can illuminate (e.g., turn on) different numbers (e.g., one or more) of light sources 222 and/or have the light sources illuminate different colors (e.g., yellow, red, blue, green, etc.) to indicate different operational statuses. The illumination of the light sources 222 can comprise different (e.g., first and second) types of illumination. For example, a first type of illumination can be constant on and a second type of illumination can be flashing. The display 220 is in a first state (e.g., launch speed state) to indicate the desired rotational launch speed. This state includes indicating the desired rotational launch speed by the number of light sources 222 that are illuminated (e.g., constant on). The more light sources 222 that are illuminated, the greater the desired rotational launch speed. The fewer light sources that are illuminated, the lower the desired rotational launch speed. For example, the display 220 illuminates one light source 222 to indicate the lowest desired rotational launch speed and all the light sources to indicate the highest desired rotational launch speed. The display 220 (broadly, control system 200) can turn the light sources 222 on and off in response to the launch speed control 212 being actuated by the user. Desirably, this occurs simultaneously with the actuation of the launch speed control 212 so that the display 220 gives real time immediate feedback to the operator on the selected desired rotational launch speed. In one embodiment, the default operational status displayed by the display 220 is the indication of the desired rotational launch speed. For example, if the launcher 100 is on and no other operational status is being displayed, the display 220 will display the indication of the desired rotational launch speed. Displaying the indication of the desired rotational launch speed also indicates the launcher 100 (e.g., the control system 200) is in a launching mode and ready to launch a target 10.

[0102]In the illustrated embodiment, the display 220 can indicate a low charge level of the battery 120 by illuminating one or more of the light sources 222 in a different type of illumination than the indication of the desired rotational launch speed (broadly, placing the display in a second (battery power) state different than the other states). For example, the illumination of the low charge level of the battery 120 can be flashing while the illumination of the desired rotational launch speed can be constant on. In addition, the display 220 can also use different colors. For example, the one or more light sources 222 are a first color (e.g., yellow or green) to indicate of the desired rotational launch speed and are a different second color (e.g., red) to indicate the low charge level of the battery 120. In one embodiment, a single light source 222 flashes red to indicate to the operator the low charge level of the battery.

[0103]In the illustrated embodiment, the display 220 can indicate the launcher 100 (e.g., the control system 200) is in the cooling mode by being in a third (cooling mode) state different than the other states. The display 220 can indicate the launcher 100 is in the cooling mode by illuminating one or more of the light sources 222 in a different type of illumination and/or with different colors than the other operational statuses. For example, in one embodiment, all four light sources 222 flash red to indicate the launcher is in the cooling mode. The control system 200 can remain in the cooling mode for a predetermined period of time and/or until the temperature of the motor 104 falls below the predetermined maximum operational temperature. The control system 200 can include a temperature sensor for determining the temperature sensor. In one embodiment, the control system 200 monitors the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor after each launch cycle. If the sensed temperature is above the predetermined maximum operational temperature, the control system enters the cooling mode. When the temperature sensed falls below the predetermined maximum operational temperature, the control system 200 can reenter the launching mode, indicated by changing the display 220 to the launch speed state.

[0104]In the illustrated embodiment, the display 220 can indicate the launcher 100 (e.g., the control system 200) is in the hold period by being in the fourth (hold period) state different than the other states. In this state, the display 220 displays a countdown or reset timer by illuminating all (broadly, several) of the light sources 222 (to indicate the countdown timer has started) and then turning the light sources off, one by one. The light sources 222 may turn off at regular intervals (e.g., 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, etc.). The display 220 enters or changes to this hold period state (from the launch speed state) after the launch cycle is completed. When the countdown timer ends, the display 220 returns to the launch speed state. The last light source 222 for the countdown timer may turn off before the display 220 returns to the launch speed state, or remain on. The color illuminated by the light sources 222 may be the same as another state (e.g., same color as the launch speed state) or different than at least one other state (e.g., a different color than the launch speed state). For example, the colors of the launch speed state and the hold period state can both be yellow, or one can be yellow and the other can be green.

[0105]Other operational statuses can be indicated by the display 220, such as a system failure, if the rotational speed of the motor 104 during the launch cycle reached the desired rotational launch speed, etc. For example, a system failure, such as a broken motor or damaged control system, can be indicated by four constant on red light sources 222.

[0106]Other ways of controlling the launcher can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the launcher can omit an electronic control system 200 and instead be manually operated.

[0107]Referring back to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the launcher 100 is configured so that both hands of the operator are needed to operate the launcher. The launcher 100 requires both hands of the operator to be in contact with the launcher in order to launch the one or more targets 10. The launcher 100 includes a safety 186 (e.g., safety actuator or lever). The trigger 208 arranged to be actuated by one hand of the operator and the safety 186 is arranged to be actuated by the other hand (e.g., off hand (non-trigger hand)) of the operator to launch the one or more targets 10. The trigger 208 and the safety 186 are arranged relative to one another (e.g., spaced apart sufficiently) such that one hand of the operator cannot actuate the trigger and the safety simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety 186 is disposed at the forward handle 110, below the target connector 106 and wall 114. This positions the operator's off hand away from the flight path of the one or more targets 10 and positions the operator's off hand gripping the forward handle 110 to engage the safety 186. The safety 186 and trigger 208 are located with respect to each other to require two-handed operation (one hand for each) and to promote the two hands of the operator being out of the flight path of the target(s) 10. This prevents the launcher 100 (e.g., control system 200) from launching a target 10 if both hands of the user are not clear of the flight path of the target (the trigger hand grasps the rear handle 108 and is therefore behind the flight path). The control system 200 includes a safety switch 216 (FIG. 18) (e.g., an electronic switch) operatively connected to the safety 186 to be actuated in response to actuation of the safety. For example, the safety switch 216 may be pressed when the safety 186 is moved rearward and released when the safety moves forward. The controller 202 is in communication with the safety switch 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety 186 is actuated by pulling, pushing, pressing, or squeezing the safety and releasing the safety, which in turn actuates the safety switch 216. A spring 188 (FIG. 7) biases the safety 186 forward.

[0108]The control system 200 will not launch a target 10 (e.g., initiate a launch cycle or begin spinning the target connector 106) if the safety 186 is not actively actuated or pressed. The control system 200 is configured to launch the target 10 from the target connector 106 when both the trigger 208 and the safety 186 are actuated simultaneously and to prevent the launching of the target from the target connector when the safety is not being actuated. Desirably, the safety 186 must be actuated or pressed from the beginning of the launch cycle until the one or more targets 10 are launched. For example, in one embodiment, the control system 200 prevents the motor 104 from rotating (e.g., beginning to rotate) the target connector 106 and target 10 (broadly, prevents the launch cycle from starting) when the trigger 208 is actuated but the safety 186 is not being actuated. The control system 200 will not start the launch cycle unless the safety is being actuated. In another example, in one embodiment, the control system 200 will abort a launch cycle if the safety 186 is released prior to the one or more targets 10 being launched. In aborting the launch cycle, the control system 200 will operate the motor 104 so that the target connector 106 will decelerate gradually and slowly to a stop, without launching the target 10. In this situation, the safety 186 being released after the launch cycle has been initiated but before the deceleration of the target connector 106 to launch the target, it can be assumed that the operator has removed one hand from the launcher, and the control system 200 will operate the motor 104 to decelerate slowly to abort the launch. The operator can also release the safety 186 during a launch cycle to intentionally cancel a launch after it has been initiated. This could be desirable if the shooter signals that they are not ready, or if something or someone has entered the field of fire. In a similar manner, in one embodiment, the control system 200 can abort a launch if the trigger 208 is released before the desired rotational launch speed is reached.

[0109]Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, at least some of the components of the control system 200 (e.g., printed circuit board 204, controller 202, motor driver 214, etc.) are disposed in the interior of the housing 102, behind or otherwise rearward of the motor 104. In one embodiment, a cooling fan can be provided that is rotated by the motor 104. The cooling fan can be mounted on a rear portion of the motor (a rear portions of the output shaft), on a forward portion of the motor (a forward portion of the output shaft), or any other suitable location. The cooling fan is rotated by the motor 104 and is arranged to direct air of the components inside the housing 102 for cooling. The cooling fan can work in combination with the openings 158 in the target connector to move air into the interior of the housing 102. The air moved by the cooling fan can cool the motor, the components of the control system 200, and/or the battery 120.

[0110]Although described in connection with an example computing system environment, embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. The computing system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the disclosure. Moreover, the computing system environment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example operating environment. Examples of well-known computing systems, computing circuitry, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0111]Embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may be described in the general context of data and/or processor-executable instructions, such as program modules, stored one or more tangible, non-transitory storage media and executed by one or more processors or other devices. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media including memory storage devices.

[0112]In operation, processors, computers and/or servers, which include computing circuitry, may execute the processor-executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, and/or hardware) such as those illustrated herein to implement aspects of the disclosure.

[0113]Embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may be implemented with processor-executable instructions. The processor-executable instructions may be organized into one or more processor-executable components or modules on a tangible processor readable storage medium. Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific processor-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may include different processor-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

[0114]The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

[0115]It is appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine the scope of terms of degree such as, but not limited to, “about,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For example, when a term of degree is used in relation to a numeric value, the person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the term of degree covers an inclusive range of plus or minus 10% of the numeric value, unless clearly indicated or stated otherwise.

[0116]When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0117]Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, it will be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Other Statements of the Disclosure