TEAM ROPING APPARATUS
Patent Number: US 11779823 Grant Date: 2023-10-10 Filing Date: 2020-02-19
Overview
This patent describes a mechanically robust team‑roping training assembly designed to let a heeler practice without a header. Filed in February 2020 and granted in October 2023, the claim set reflects careful drafting to capture a configurable track-and-trolley system that constrains a steer to an arced path that simulates a header’s pull. Inventors based in Childress, TX and the applicant based in Childress, TX developed an arrangement combining a curved track segment between two straight runs, a trolley that translates along the track, a tether that couples to a horn wrap, and a barrier and post structure to guide movement and protect equipment. Optional drive motor assemblies, cable spools, and pulleys provide powered towing and automated reset, while sensors integrated near the gate and along the track control engagement, braking, and tether decoupling for safety and repeatable drills.
The specification emphasizes practical materials and configurations (for example, an I‑beam track and L‑shaped curvature to mimic leftward steer arcs), plus routine but important automation features such as variable motor control, braking force sufficient to decelerate an animal, and sensor-triggered sequences that start and stop runs.
Key Features
- Track-and-trolley constrained path to simulate a header
- Tethered horn-wrap connection with selective decoupling
- Optional variable drive motor, cable spool, and pulleys
- Sensor integration for automated start/stop and safety
This invention advances training equipment by combining predictable mechanical guidance with optional automation and sensor safety, improving solo heeler practice and supporting broader livestock training and rodeo training system applications.
Invention Details
Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a team roping assembly for assisting a heeler to practice team roping without a header. The assembly includes a track having a curved portion located between a first straight portion and a second straight portion, a barrier coupled along the track, a trolley coupled to the track wherein the trolley is permitted to translate along the track, and a tether that couples a horn wrap of a steer to the trolley. Other embodiments include a drive motor assembly coupled proximately to an end of the track that pulls the trolley along the track.
Summary of the Invention: It is an object of the present application to provide a team roping assembly for assisting a heeler to practice team roping without a header, the team roping assembly comprising: a track having a curved portion located between a first straight portion and a second straight portion, a barrier coupled along the track, a trolley coupled to the track wherein the trolley is permitted to translate along the track, and a tether that couples a horn wrap of a steer to the trolley.
Another object of the present application is to provide a team roping assembly alternatively having a drive motor assembly coupled proximately to an end of a track of the team roping assembly, the drive motor assembly pulling the trolley along the track.
Ultimately the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art.
The more important features have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and to ensure that the present contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.
Many objects of the present application will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Patent Document
Related: Agriculture | Mechanical Engineering | Robotics & Automation | Livestock | Robotics | Sports And Recreation | Childress, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney