Knockdown-Target Remote Resetting System

Description

The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of the U.S. design application Ser. No. 30/007,917 filed on Jun. 11, 2025. The U.S. design application 30/007,917 is a CIP application of a U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/342,725 filed on Jun. 27, 2023. The U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/342,725 claims a priority to a U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/356,012 filed on Jun. 27, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to shooting targets and motorized resetting systems. More specifically, the present invention discloses a motorized system that can reset knocked down shooting targets automatically or can be remotely engaged to reset the knocked down shooting targets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, people performing shooting practice have a preference to reset multiple targets at once, especially in the commonly known and used form of a “plate rack.” A plate rack generally consists of 4 to 6 knockdown targets affixed to a 2×4 piece of wood. The knockdown targets are arranged in a line across the top of the 2×4, and the 2×4 is elevated using legs to serve as a “stand” for the plate rack unit. Some existing products implement a self-resetting mechanism that utilize the momentum of the target being knocked down to reset the shooting target. These existing products generally utilize springs or swivel mechanisms to reset the shooting targets so that the users do not have to manually reset each knocked down target. These existing products eventually lose the resetting effectiveness due to continuous use. Moreover, no existing products provide a remotely powered, motorized system able to simultaneously reset knocked down targets on a plate rack to further facilitate the resetting.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a knockdown-target remote resetting system that implements a motorized mechanism to remotely reset knockdown shooting targets. The present invention is designed to simultaneously reset all shooting targets on a plate rack by implementing a pair of motorized units. Further, the present invention can implement a remote-control mechanism that allows the user to selectively engage the system to reset the knocked down targets. For example, the user can engage the pair of motorized units via a remote control after the user has knocked down the shooting targets. Alternatively, the present invention can implement an automated mechanism that resets the knocked down targets according to various predetermined factors. For example, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be implemented to automatically engage the pair of motorized units based on feedback signals from various sensors implemented on the system. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are further discussed in the sections below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a knockdown-target remote resetting system that utilizes a pair of motorized units to reset the shooting targets on a plate rack. The pair of motorized units can be implemented on the plate rack so that the shooting targets can be simultaneously reset when engaged. The pair of motorized units can accommodate a 2×2 piece of wood that is used to simultaneously reset the knocked down targets. This way, the pair of motorized units do not have to be directly connected to each shooting target on the plate rack to reset the knocked down targets. Further, the pair of motorized units of the present invention is designed to be portable and weatherproof with a structure that protects the electronics from weather damage as well as from ballistic impacts. Moreover, each motorized unit of the pair of motorized units can include a custom splatter containment shield that protects the electronics from accidental ballistic impacts. In addition, the splatter containment shield makes the system “ricochet-free” which allows the present invention to be safely used in indoor range settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective view of the system of the present invention, wherein the shooting targets are shown set, and wherein the target-lifting crossbar is shown lowered.

FIG. 2 is a top-rear-right perspective view of the system of the present invention thereof.

FIG. 3 is a top-front-left perspective view of the system of the present invention, wherein the shooting targets are shown knocked down, and wherein the target-lifting crossbar is shown lowered.

FIG. 4 is a top-front-left perspective view of the system of the present invention, wherein the shooting targets are shown reset, and wherein the target-lifting crossbar is shown raised.

FIG. 5 is a top-front-left perspective view of the system of the present invention, wherein the ballistic shield is shown installed on the elongated support base.

FIG. 6 is a top-rear-right perspective view of the system of the present invention thereof.

FIG. 7 is a top-front-left perspective view of a resetting device of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom-front-left perspective view of a resetting device of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a resetting device of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the resetting device of the system of the present invention taken along line 10-10 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a left view of a resetting device of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown raised.

FIG. 12 is a left view of a resetting device of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown lowered.

FIG. 13 is a top-front-left perspective view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown raised.

FIG. 14 is a top-front-left perspective view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown lowered.

FIG. 15 is a top-rear-right perspective view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown raised.

FIG. 16 is a top-front-left perspective view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention, wherein the lift arm is shown lowered, and wherein the hinged lid of the device enclosure is shown opened.

FIG. 17 is a left view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention thereof.

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device enclosure of the system of the present invention taken along line 18-18 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of a device enclosure of the system of the present invention, wherein the device enclosure is shown without the lift arm.

FIG. 20 is a box diagram showing the electrical connections, the electronic connections, and the wireless connections of the system of the present invention, wherein the electrical connections are shown in solid lines, wherein the electronic connections are shown in dashed lines, and wherein the wireless connections are shown in dotted lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides a knockdown-target remote resetting system that enables people to safely practice shooting indoors and outdoors without having to manually reset the shooting targets on a plate rack. In the preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a first resetting device 1, a second resetting device 2, and a target-lifting crossbar 25, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 correspond to a pair of motorized units that can be engaged to reset the position of knocked down shooting targets. The first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 can be remotely engaged or can be configured for automatic operation according to preset configurations. The target-lifting crossbar 25 facilitates the resetting of the shooting targets without requiring the direct connection of the shooting targets to the first resetting device 1 nor the second resetting device 2.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components enables the simultaneous resetting of shooting targets on a plate rack. The first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 correspond to two portable motorized units that can be installed on a plate rack to reset the shooting targets of the plate rack. In general, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 each comprise a device enclosure 3, a microcontroller 7, a portable power source 8, a lift arm 9, and an arm actuator 12, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 19. The device enclosure 3 corresponds to the structure of each resetting device that houses the electronics and other sensitive components of the corresponding resetting device. The microcontroller 7 processes the command signals from an external remote-control device or other computing device. The portable power source 8 provides the electrical power necessary for the operation of the microcontroller 7 and the arm actuator 12.

Further, the lift arm 9 corresponds to a pivoting device that helps mount the target-lifting crossbar 25 to the corresponding resetting device. The lift arm 9 has an overall elongated structure that offsets the mounted target-lifting crossbar 25 from the device enclosure 3. So, the lift arm 9 comprises a proximal arm end 10 and a distal arm end 11 corresponding to the terminal ends of the lift arm 9, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 18. Further, the arm actuator 12 facilitates the controlled pivoting of the lift arm 9 to raise or lower the mounted target-lifting crossbar 25 as desired.

In general, the system of the present invention can be arranged as follows: the microcontroller 7, the portable power source 8, and the arm actuator 12 are mounted within the device enclosure 3. This allows the device enclosure 3 to protect the microcontroller 7, the portable power source 8, and the arm actuator 12, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 20. The device enclosure 3 is also designed to facilitate the operation of the arm actuator 12. Further, the proximal arm end 10 is rotatably connected to the device enclosure 3 about an arm rotation axis 26, which coincides the rotation axis of the arm actuator 12. This way, the arm actuator 12 can be operatively integrated between the lift arm 9 and the device enclosure 3 so that the arm actuator 12 can move the lift arm 9 about the arm rotation axis 26 relative to the device enclosure 3. In other words, the arm actuator 12 is secured within the device enclosure 3, and the lift arm 9 is connected to the arm actuator 12 through the device enclosure 3 so that the torque generated by the arm actuator 12 pivots the lift arm 9.

Further, the microcontroller 7 is electronically connected to the arm actuator 12 to process the command signals that control the operation of the arm actuator 12, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 20. The portable power source 8 is also electrically connected to the microcontroller 7 and the arm actuator 12 to provide the electrical power necessary for the operation of each component. Furthermore, to secure the target-lifting crossbar 25 to each resetting device, the distal arm end 11 of the first resetting device 1 is terminally attached to the target-lifting crossbar 25, preferably at one end of the target-lifting crossbar 25. Similarly, the distal arm end 11 of the second resetting device 2 is also terminally attached to the target-lifting crossbar 25, opposite to the distal arm end 11 of the first resetting device 1, preferably at the other end of the target-lifting crossbar 25.

Different mechanisms can be utilized to help secure the target-lifting crossbar 25 to each lift arm 9 depending on the type of target-lifting crossbar 25. In some embodiments, the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be a squared elongated bar long enough to reach all the shooting targets on the plate rack. For example, the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be a 2×2 piece of wood or other similar lightweight durable piece of material. Each lift arm 9 can also include a crossbar cutout on the distal arm end 11 through which the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be inserted, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The shape and size of the crossbar cutout matches the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of the target-lifting crossbar 25. As a result, the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be easily mounted onto each resetting device without the use of fasteners or other devices. In other embodiments, different mounting mechanisms for the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be implemented.

As previously discussed, the system of the present invention is preferably designed to be used with plate racks. The present invention may further comprise a plurality of shooting targets 27 and an elongated support base 28 that can be used to form the plate rack, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The elongated support base 28 can a 2×4 piece of wood long enough to accommodate the plurality of shooting targets 27, the first resetting device 1, and the second resetting device 2. However, other types of durable materials can be utilized for the elongated support base 28. Further, custom shooting targets can be utilized for the system of the present invention. For example, the plurality of shootings targets can be steel targets covered by a polymer wrap. Polymer wrapped targets are an excellent solution for indoor ranges and outdoor shooting due to the material used. The polymer wrap simply and effectively transforms the previously non-ricochet-free steel target into a safer, ricochet-free steel target. Unlike a shooting targets completely made of a polymer, the polymer wrap allows for the stability of the steel target inside of the wrap, without the floppiness (and constant “shoot-thru”) of 100% polymer targets.

Further, polymer wrapped targets do allow for the common hit sound to be emitted that most shooters rely on to confirm a successful hit. This sound comes from the projectile hitting the surface of the steel target inside the protective polymer wrap. In addition, the polymer wrap forms a “pocket” between the steel target and the polymer wrap that holds and captures all shrapnel/splatter that results from the ballistic impact on the steel target. The formed wrap pocket solves a problem for areas that have restrictions on what projectiles can be freely shot due to local laws that have zero tolerance for residual lead splatter on the ground. In other embodiments, different types of shooting targets can be implemented.

In general, the plurality of shooting targets 27 and the elongated support base 28 can be implemented as follows: the device enclosure 3 of the first resetting device 1 is terminally mounted to the elongated support base 28, preferably adjacent to one end of the elongated support base 28, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The device enclosure 3 of the second resetting device 2 is also terminally mounted to the elongated support base 28, opposite to the device enclosure 3 of the first resetting device 1, adjacent to the other end of the elongated support base 28. Further, the plurality of shooting targets 27 is distributed along the elongated support base 28 in between the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. The plurality of shooting targets 27 is preferably arranged in a linear arrangement along the elongated support base 28 to evenly distribute the shooting targets.

Further, each of the plurality of shooting targets 27 is hingedly mounted to the elongated support base 28, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. This allows each of the plurality of shooting targets 27 to be knocked down once the projectile impacts the shooting targets. Furthermore, the target-lifting crossbar 25 is positioned parallel and offset to the elongated support base 28. The arrangement of the target-lifting crossbar 25 and the elongated support base 28 is configured in such a way that once the plurality of shooting targets 27 has been knocked down, the target-lifting crossbar 25 is evenly lifted by the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. As the target-lifting crossbar 25 is lifted, the body of the target-lifting crossbar 25 engages each of the plurality of shooting targets 27 to lift all the shooting targets simultaneously. Once the target-lifting crossbar 25 is fully lifted, the plurality of shooting targets 27 disengages from the target-lifting crossbar 25 so that shooting targets are fully reset. Then, the target-lifting crossbar 25 can be lowered down by the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. Once triggered by the remote control 39, both the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 are simultaneously engaged. In other embodiments, different arrangements of the plurality of shooting targets 27 and the elongated support base 28 can be implemented to accommodate other features.

As previously discussed, both the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 are designed to protect the electronics from projectiles and ballistic impacts. In the preferred embodiment, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 each further comprise a ricochet-containing cover 13 and a ballistic shield 18, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 12. The ballistic shield 18 prevents damage to the electronics of the corresponding resetting device from projectiles and ballistic impacts. The ballistic shield 18 is preferably made of a thick piece of metal that can stop or deflect the projectile. The ricochet-containing cover 13 prevents splatter from the ballistic impacts from escaping the corresponding resetting device. The ricochet-containing cover 13 can have different shapes and sizes large enough to enclose the device enclosure 3, the ballistic shield 18, and other components that facilitate the operation of the corresponding resetting device.

In general, the ricochet-containing cover 13 and the ballistic shield 18 can be implemented as follows: the device enclosure 3 and the ballistic shield 18 are mounted within the ricochet-containing cover 13 so that the ricochet-containing cover 13 encloses both the device enclosure 3 and the ballistic shield 18, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 12. The ballistic shield 18 is mounted adjacent to the device enclosure 3, offset from the ricochet-containing cover 13, so that the ballistic shield 18 prevents projectiles from reaching the device enclosure 3. The device enclosure 3 can also be mounted onto the elongated support base 28 via a bottom clamp that is accommodated by the ballistic shield 18. For example, the bottom clamp can be an overall rectangular piece of flat metal that can be fastened on the elongated support base 28, while the device enclosure 3 is fastened to the bottom clamp. Further, the ricochet-containing cover 13 of the first resetting device 1 is laterally attached to the elongated support base 28. Similarly, the ricochet-containing cover 13 of the second resetting device 2 is laterally attached to the elongated support base 28. Thus, each ricochet-containing cover 13 is secured to the elongated support base 28 while enclosing the corresponding device enclosure 3 and ballistic shield 18 for protection.

As previously discussed, the ricochet-containing cover 13 can be custom made with a novel design that accommodates the operation of the corresponding lift arm 9. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 12, the ricochet-containing cover 13 may comprise a lateral cover portion 14, a closed cover end 15, an open cover end 16, and an arm slot 17. The closed cover end 15 and the open cover end 16 correspond to the opposite bases of the ricochet-containing cover 13. The lateral cover portion 14 corresponds to the lateral structure of the ricochet-containing cover 13. The arm slot 17 corresponds to the space on the ricochet-containing cover 13 that enables the corresponding lift arm 9 to be pivoted.

This embodiment of the ricochet-containing cover 13 can be implemented as follows: the closed cover end 15 and the open cover end 16 are positioned opposite to each other about the lateral cover portion 14 due to the overall height of the ricochet-containing cover 13, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 12. The arm slot 17 traverses from the open cover end 16, through the lateral cover portion 14, and into the closed cover end 15 to form an elongated space large enough that accommodates the pivoting of the corresponding lift arm 9. The formed elongated space enables the corresponding lift arm 9 to be positioned through the arm slot 17. Furthermore, the distal arm end 11 is positioned external to the ricochet-containing cover 13 so that target-lifting crossbar 25 can be secured to each lift arm 9 without the ricochet-containing cover 13 obstructing. In other embodiments, the ricochet-containing cover 13 can include different designs that accommodate other features.

Regardless of the type of shooting targets being utilized for the plate rack, the plurality of shooting targets 27 must be able to be knocked down once impacted by the projectile. To facilitate the hinged connection of the plurality of shooting targets 27, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of target mounts 29, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The plurality of target mounts 29 includes target mount devices of equal number to the plurality of shooting targets 27. Further, each of the plurality of target mounts 29 may comprise a mount base 30 and a target stopper 33. The mount base 30 corresponds to the structure of the target mount that is fastened to the elongated support base 28. The mount base 30 can be an overall rectangular structure comprising a proximal base edge 31 and a distal base edge 32 which correspond to two opposite lateral edges of the mount base 30. Further, the target stopper 33 corresponds to a protrusion on the corresponding target mount that keeps the shooting target upright after being reset by the target-lifting crossbar 25.

The plurality of target mounts 29 can be implemented as follows: the proximal base edge 31 and the distal base edge 32 are positioned opposite each other across the mount base 30 due to the overall rectangular shape of the mount base 30, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. The target stopper 33 is also connected along the distal base edge 32 to secure the target stopper 33 to the mount base 30. The target stopper 33 can be an upright rectangular protrusion high enough to keep the shooting target upright once the shooting target is reset. The target stopper 33 is oriented towards the user so that once the user shoots the target, the shooting target is knocked back down towards the target-lifting crossbar 25. Furthermore, each of the plurality of shooting targets 27 is hingedly mounted to the elongated support base 28 by a corresponding target mount from the plurality of target mounts 29. In other words, each shooting target is hingedly connected to the target mount which also secures the shooting target to the elongated support base 28. In other embodiments, the plurality of target mounts 29 can be modified to accommodate other features.

Several protective features can be further implemented to protect the users from shrapnel and other projectiles resulting from the ballistic impact on the shooting target. In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a shielding panel 34 and a plurality of target openings 35, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The shielding panel 34 is a ballistic panel that prevents projectiles from flying back to the user to protect the user. This allows the system of the present invention to be safely used indoors. Further, the plurality of target openings 35 corresponds to several openings on the shielding panel 34 that allow the shot projectile to pass through the shielding panel 34 and hit the intended shooting target.

The shielding panel 34 and the plurality of target openings 35 can be implemented as follows: the shielding panel 34 is positioned across the plurality of shooting targets 27 so that the shielding panel 34 can catch the projectiles ricocheting after hitting the intended shooting target, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The shielding panel 34 is also laterally mounted to the elongated support base 28 to secure the shielding panel 34 to the elongated support base 28. Further, each of the plurality of target openings 35 traverses through the shielding panel 34 to form openings large enough to facilitate the shot projectile to reach the intended shooting target. Furthermore, each of the plurality of target openings 35 is positioned adjacent to a corresponding shooting target from the plurality of shooting targets 27. This aligns every target opening with a corresponding shooting target. In other embodiments, different safety features can be implemented to further facilitate the use of the system indoors and/or outdoors.

As previously discussed, the lift arm 9 is pivoted up and down by the arm actuator 12 without obstruction from the device enclosure 3. In the preferred embodiment, the arm actuator 12 is a servomotor 36 with an actuator stator 37 and an actuator rotor 38, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 20. The actuator stator 37 corresponds to the fixed portion of the servomotor 36, while the actuator rotor 38 corresponds to the rotating portion of the servomotor 36. The actuator stator 37 is mounted within the device enclosure 3 to secure the servomotor 36 within the device enclosure 3. On the other hand, the actuator rotor 38 is torsionally connected to the proximal arm end 10 to transmit the torque generated by the servomotor 36 to the lift arm 9.

Different mechanisms can be used to fasten the lift arm 9 to the actuator rotor 38. In some embodiments, the device enclosure 3 may include a lateral opening that accommodates a servo horn, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 20. The servo horn serves as an interface between the servomotor 36 and the proximal arm end 10. In addition, a bearing bracket can be utilized to secure the servomotor 36 adjacent to the lateral opening within the device enclosure 3. On the other hand, the servo horn is positioned external to the device enclosure 3. This way, the proximal arm end 10 is fastened to the servo horn, which is torsionally connected to the actuator rotor 38. In other embodiments, different mechanisms can be implemented to facilitate the torsional connection of the lift arm 9 to the actuator rotor 38. Further, a servo block can be implemented to improve the safe operation of the servomotor 36 and prevent operational damages to the servomotor 36.

Due to the weight of the target-lifting crossbar 25, additional load can be applied to the arm actuator 12 of each resetting device when the target-lifting crossbar 25 is lowered down. To prevent damage, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each further comprise a stop protrusion 24, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 20. The stop protrusion 24 limits the angular rotation of the corresponding lift arm 9 when the lift arm 9 is pivoted down to lower the target-lifting crossbar 25. In addition, the device enclosure 3 may comprise a top enclosure portion 4, a lateral enclosure portion 5, and a bottom enclosure portion 6 corresponding to the general portions of a rectangular enclosure.

To implement the stop protrusion 24, the top enclosure portion 4 and the bottom enclosure portion 6 are positioned opposite to each other about the lateral enclosure portion 5 according to the overall height of the device enclosure 3, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 20. In addition, the stop protrusion 24 is positioned external to the device enclosure 3 to engage the lift arm 9 when the lift arm 9 is pivoted down. To do so, the stop protrusion 24 is positioned offset from the proximal arm end 10 by a distance less than the length of the lift arm 9. In other words, when the lift arm 9 is pivoted down, the stop protrusion 24 engages the middle of the lift arm 9. This accommodates the shape of the distal arm end 11 that has a rectangular shape to match the shape of the target-lifting crossbar 25. Furthermore, the stop protrusion 24 is connected onto the lateral enclosure portion 5, adjacent to the bottom enclosure portion 6, to secure the stop protrusion 24 to the device enclosure 3. In other embodiments, different mechanisms can be utilized to control the motion of the lift arm 9.

The present invention is preferably designed so that the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 can be remotely engaged to reset the knocked down targets. To do so, the present invention may further comprise a remote control 39 that the user can utilize to remotely engage the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2, as can be seen in FIG. 20. The remote control 39 can be a custom portable device made to only pair and/or bind with the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. Alternatively, third-party personal computing devices including, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., can be utilized as the remote control 39 for the system. A proprietary software application developed for the personal computing device can be provided which allows the user to control the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 via the personal computing device. Further, to allow the remote control 39 of both resetting devices, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 each further comprises a wireless communication module 19. The wireless communication module 19 enables the wireless transmission of the command signals using the implemented wireless technology.

The remote control 39 and the wireless communication module 19 can be implemented as follows: the wireless communication module 19 is mounted within the corresponding device enclosure 3 so that the wireless communication module 19 is protected from damage, as can be seen in FIGS. 18 through 20. In addition, the microcontroller 7 is electronically connected to the wireless communication module 19 to relay the received command signals to the microcontroller 7 for processing. The portable power source 8 is also electrically connected to the wireless communication module 19 to provide the electrical power necessary for the operation of the wireless communication module 19. Moreover, the remote control 39 is positioned offset from the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. The operational range of the remote control 39 depends on the wireless technology implemented. Further, the remote control 39 is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 7 of the first resetting device 1 through the wireless communication module 19 of the first resetting device 1. Similarly, the remote control 39 is also communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 7 of the second resetting device 2 through the wireless communication module 19 of the second resetting device 2. This way, the user can engage both resetting devices simultaneously using the remote control 39 or other computing device from a safe distance.

In other embodiments, the system of the present invention can be configured for automatic operation based on different predetermined parameters. Each resetting device can be equipped with several electronic sensors that are electronically connected to the microcontroller 7 and electrically connected to the portable power source 8. The different electronic sensors can monitor various variables corresponding to the positioning and/or movement of the plurality of shooting targets 27. For example, position sensors can be implemented to track the current position of each of the shooting targets, motion sensors to track the movement of each of the shooting targets, etc. In addition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be implemented to further automate the operation of the system and to customize the operation of several units of resetting devices. For example, several plate racks can be set up, each equipped with a pair of resetting devices and the corresponding target-lifting crossbar 25. AI can help reset each plate rack as the corresponding shooting targets are knocked down or in a predetermined pattern to help the user practice shooting. In other embodiments, different control mechanisms and methodologies can be implemented to meet the user's requirements.

The portable power source 8 can be provided in different embodiments depending on the system requirements as well as the location where the system is utilized. In some embodiments, the portable power source 8 can be provided as a power cable connected to a voltage regulator or converter that implemented within the corresponding resetting device. In other embodiments, the portable power source 8 can be provided as rechargeable or disposable batteries. The appropriate modifications to the device enclosure 3 can be made to accommodate replaceable or rechargeable batteries. Further, a corresponding charging port can be implemented to enable the recharging of the batteries using an external power supply. In these embodiments, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each comprise at least one charging port 20 that is integrated through the corresponding device enclosure 3, as can be seen in FIG. 20. The at least one charging port 20 is electrically connected to the portable power source 8 so that electrical power received is transmitted to the portable power source 8.

In another embodiment, the portable power source 8 can be provided as a rechargeable battery with a power cable that allows the direct electrical connection of the rechargeable battery to an external power source to recharge. Both the rechargeable battery and the power cable are provided within the corresponding device enclosure 3 so that both components are protected. Whenever the rechargeable battery needs to be recharged, the user opens the device enclosure 3 to retrieve the power cable. The power cable is long enough so that the power cable can reach the external power source in a safe manner. In other embodiments, the power cable can be provided as a removable cable that can be selectively connected to the rechargeable battery whenever the rechargeable battery needs to be recharged.

In some embodiments, renewable energy sources can be implemented to provide the electrical power necessary for the system operation. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each further comprise at least one solar panel 21 that generates electricity to power the corresponding resetting device. The at least one solar panel 21 is mounted external to the device enclosure 3 so that the at least one solar panel 21 can be exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, the at least one solar panel 21 is electrically connected to the portable power source 8 through the at least one charging port 20 to transmit the electricity generated to the portable power source 8. In other embodiments, different power sources can be implemented to power the system operation.

The present invention can implement different features that improves the system functionality. In some embodiment, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each further comprise an analog anemometer 22 which allows a user from a remote location to determine the speed and direction of the wind around the corresponding device enclosure 3. The analog anemometer 22 is mounted external to the corresponding device enclosure 3 so that the analog anemometer 22 can be clearly seen by the user. The analog anemometer 22 can be a rod with a string attached at one end of the rod and a mounting mechanism (e.g., a magnet) attached to the other end of the rod. In other embodiments, different types of anemometers such as digital anemometers can be implemented.

In other embodiments, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may further comprise a target illuminator which allows a user to better see the plurality of shooting targets 27 during low light conditions. The target illuminator is mounted external to the corresponding device enclosure 3 so that the target illuminator can be oriented towards and illuminate the adjacent shooting targets. The target illuminator is electronically connected to the microcontroller 7 so that the target illuminator can be turned on or off based on instructions from the microcontroller 7. The target illuminator is also electrically connected to the portable power source 8, which allows the target illuminator to be electrically powered by the system. In some embodiments, the present invention may further comprise a light sensor, which is used to detect when evening and/or nighttime hours are approaching to automatically switch on the target illuminator.

Further, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each further comprise a power switch 23 that allows the corresponding resetting device to be directly turned on or off. As can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 20, the power switch 23 is integrated into the device enclosure 3 so that the power switch 23 can be externally accessible. In addition, the power switch 23 is electrically connected to the portable power source 8 to control the electricity flow from the portable power source 8 to the microcontroller 7, the arm actuator 12, and other electronics installed within the corresponding resetting device.

Various physical features can be implemented on each device enclosure 3 to ensure safe and efficient operation of the corresponding resetting device. In some embodiments, the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2 may each further comprise a plurality of vents 40 that allow ventilation through the corresponding device enclosure 3, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 18. Allowing ventilation through the device enclosure 3 prevents overheating of the electronics mounted within such as the servomotor 36, the microcontroller 7, the wireless communication module 19, etc. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 through 16, the plurality of vents 40 is integrated through the corresponding device enclosure 3. For example, the plurality of vents 40 can be implemented on the front portion of the corresponding device enclosure 3 adjacent to the power switch 23. Both the power switch 23 and the plurality of vents 40 can be positioned on the lateral enclosure portion 5 so that both are accessible and unobstructed.

As previously discussed, each device enclosure 3 is designed to protect the different electronic and electrical components of the corresponding resetting device. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 through 19, to facilitate the access to these components for maintenance, the top enclosure portion 4 of each resetting device is preferably provided as a hinged lid 42 that can be selectively opened to access the interior of the corresponding device enclosure 3. The hinged lid 42 may comprise a free lengthwise edge 43 and a hinged lengthwise edge 44 corresponding to the opposite long edges of the hinged lid 42. The hinged lengthwise edge 44 is hingedly connected to the lateral enclosure portion 5, preferably adjacent to the rear side of the device enclosure 3. On the opposite side of the device enclosure 3, corresponding to the front side of the device enclosure 3, the free lengthwise edge 43 engages the lateral enclosure portion 5 to seal the device enclosure 3.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 through 19, a snap mechanism 45 is preferably implemented that facilitates the secure engagement of the free lengthwise edge 43 to the front side of the lateral enclosure portion 5. The snap mechanism 45 allows the selective engagement of the free lengthwise edge 43 to the lateral enclosure portion 5 in a secure manner without the use of fasteners and other tools. In the preferred embodiment, the snap mechanism 45 includes a protruding lip, a cylindrical protrusion, and a cylindrical recession. The protruding lip is laterally connected along the free lengthwise edge 43 to make the protruding lip part of the hinged lid 42. The protruding lip is oriented towards the bottom enclosure portion 6 to ensure that the protruding lip engages the front side of the lateral enclosure portion 5. Further, the cylindrical protrusion is integrated onto the protruding lip and oriented towards the hinged lengthwise edge 44 so that the cylindrical protrusion engages the front side of the lateral enclosure portion 5. On the other hand, the cylindrical recession externally traverses into the lateral enclosure portion 5, adjacent to the top enclosure portion 4, so that the cylindrical recession can receive the cylindrical protrusion. Thus, when the user wants to seal the device enclosure 3, the user closes the hinged lid 42 and presses the hinged lid 42 down until the cylindrical protrusion engages the cylindrical recession. To unseal the device enclosure 3, the user applies enough force to pull the free lengthwise edge 43 from the lateral enclosure portion 5 until the cylindrical protrusion is disengaged from the cylindrical recession. In other embodiments, different fastening mechanisms can be implemented to enable the secure sealing of the device enclosure 3.

As previously discussed, the remote control 39 allows the user to remotely engage the first resetting device 1 and the second resetting device 2. The remote control 39 can also be configured to control several pairs of resetting devices that are vertically stacked to provide multiple plate racks with several shooting targets for the user to practice. To ensure that the remote control 39 controls the desired resetting devices, the first resetting device and the second resetting device may each further comprise at least one control button 41, as can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 20. The at least one control button 41 is preferably configured to serve as a pairing button that engages the corresponding wireless communication module 19 to communicably couple with the remote control 39.

To implement the at least one control button 41, the at least one control button 41 is mounted onto the device enclosure 3, as can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 20. The at least one control button 41 is preferably provided within the device enclosure 3 so that the at least one control button 41 is only accessed after opening the hinged lid. The at least one control button 41 is also provided as a physical button that is pressed to start the pairing process. A light indicator can be provided adjacent to the at least one control button 41 to indicate when the pairing process has been successfully started. Further, the at least one control button 41 is electronically connected to the microcontroller 7 to relay the command signal that starts the pairing process. In addition, the at least one control button 41 is electrically connected to the portable power source 8 to facilitate the operation of the at least one control button 41. The at least one control button 41 can be replaced with other mechanical devices that can be physically engaged to start the pairing process of the remote control 39 to the desired resetting device.

Further, in some embodiments, each device enclosure 3 can accommodate the at least one control button 41 in such a way that the at least one control button 41 can be accessed without moving other internal components of the corresponding resetting device. For example, a fixed flat surface internally mounted within the device enclosure 3 can be provided that supports the at least one control button 41, as can be seen in FIG. 16. The at least one control button 41 can be mechanically connected to the corresponding button on the wireless communication module 19 so that when the at least one control button 41 is pressed, the corresponding button is simultaneously pressed. Further, the internal fixed surface does not span the entire internal space of the corresponding device enclosure 3 so that the power cable can be retrieved to recharge the corresponding portable power source 8. In other embodiments, additional control features or mechanisms can be implemented to enhance the overall functionality of each resetting device of the present invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.