Target launching machine

Abstract

Machine for launching targets ( 6 ) comprising means for storage of targets, means for delivering a target ( 6 ) from the storage means to the delivery area ( 13 ), launch area ( 16 ) remote from the delivery area ( 13 ) and connected to the delivery area ( 13 ) by a transfer ramp ( 12 ), a launch arm able to apply a launch force on a target ( 6 ) in the launch area ( 16 ), characterised in that it comprises means for inclining the transfer ramp ( 12 ). The invention is particularly suitable for use in launching targets for archery or clay pigeon shooting.

1 . A target launching machine comprising:
 target storage means;   means for delivering a target from the target storage means to a delivery area; and   a launch arm adapted to apply a force on the target located in a launch area,   wherein the launch area is connected to the delivery area by a transfer ramp.   
     
     
         2 . The target launching machine of  claim 1 , further comprising an inclination means configured so that the transfer ramp can pass from a first position corresponding to a target delivery phase to a second position corresponding to a target launching phase. 
     
     
         3 . The target launching machine of  claim 2 , wherein the transfer ramp is less inclined relative to the horizontal of the first position compared to the second position. 
     
     
         4 . The target launching machine of  claim 3 , wherein the first position is horizontal. 
     
     
         5 . The target launching machine of  claim 4 , wherein the second portion is inclined at an angle of between 70° and 90° relative to the horizontal. 
     
     
         6 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method for launching a target comprising:
 delivery of the target from a target storage means to a level of a delivery area;   transfer of the target via a transfer ramp between the delivery area and a launch area; and   launching of the target situated in the launch area by the application of a launch force by a launch arm,   wherein, between the target delivery phase and the target launch phase, inclination of the transfer ramp is changed.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the inclination of the transfer ramp is changed to provide greater inclination relative to the horizontal after the delivery phase.