Oscillating platform for a shooting range

Abstract

A running target shooting range comprising an oscillating platform 21, wherein a marksman stands thereon so as to position himself or herself to fire bullets at a stationary target (not shown). The oscillating platform 21 is supported on and moves by rollers or wheels 31 which are positioned in a stationary base member 25 located below the surface of the oscillating platform 21. Pivot arm 32 engages both the stationary base member 25 and the oscillating platform 21 at a generally central location, wherein the platform is oscillatable about the pivot arm 32 when a drive mechanism, also housed in the stationary base member 25 is activated. The drive mechanism 80 comprises a gearmotor 81, which propels a rotary shaft 82 having one end engaging the motor and the other end including a small-toothed pinion wheel 84, and wherein the teeth on the pinion wheel 84 mate with matching teeth on the bottom side of a cam system when the shaft is rotated. The gearmotor 81, therefore, rotates the shaft 82, which propels the pinion wheel 84 to translate a rotational force to the cam disk 36. Additionally, the cam system 60 includes a cam follower 42. While the cam disk 36 rotates, the cam follower 42, following one of the two cams, 66 or 68, transfers the force to the platform 32, thus, causing the platform to oscillate in a specific pattern. Therefore, the present invention trains and provides the same sensation to the marksman as if the target is moving and the platform is stationary.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.