US20040084037A1 - Portable ball throwing apparatus - Google Patents
Portable ball throwing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040084037A1 US20040084037A1 US10/289,681 US28968102A US2004084037A1 US 20040084037 A1 US20040084037 A1 US 20040084037A1 US 28968102 A US28968102 A US 28968102A US 2004084037 A1 US2004084037 A1 US 2004084037A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- pivot
- pivot means
- post member
- leg
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
- A63B69/406—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies with rotating discs, wheels or pulleys gripping and propelling the balls or bodies by friction
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
- A63B2069/401—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies substantially vertically, e.g. for baseball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
- A63B2102/182—Softball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
- A63B2225/093—Height
Definitions
- This invention relates to ball throwing devices, and more particularly to a ball throwing apparatus of minimum size and unique construction.
- Ball throwing apparatus of the prior art are capable of throwing baseballs and softballs with a reproducible accuracy and variable speeds for the batting practice of players.
- they are characterized by complex construction and costly manufacture. Most are large and heavy and cumbersome to transport and manipulate.
- This invention provides a portable ball throwing apparatus in which a simplified main support plate mounts adjustable ball feeding and projecting components.
- the main support plate is mounted pivotally on a tripod leg and hub assembly which is adjustable for use at selected vertical heights for baseball and softball practice.
- the principal objective of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of prior ball throwing apparatus.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 1 and illustrating the sectional arrangement of the tripod support legs for baseball practice and to accommodate disassembly for storage and transport in a carrying bag.
- the embodiment shown in the drawings includes base means which includes a horizontal bearing member 10 welded or otherwise secured to the upper end of a vertical post member 12 .
- the lower end of the post is joined to pivot bearing 14 (FIG. 2) which supports pivot shaft 16 (Fig. 1).
- the bearing 14 forms an integral part of a slotted plate 18 which projects laterally from the post 12 and is provided with an arcuate slot 20 formed about the axis of pivot shaft 16 .
- a screw support 22 (FIG. 2) secured to post 12 has a threaded bore arranged to receive the threaded shank end of a screw 24 (FIG. 3).
- the intermediate portion of the screw is unthreaded and extends slidably through the arcuate slot 20 .
- An outer portion 24 ′ is enlarged in diameter and may be tightened against the slotted plate 18 by means of the hand knob 26 , to secure the post in any desired position of angular adjustment as it is pivoted about the axis of pivot shaft 16 .
- annular sleeve 28 and support bracket 30 for the bearing 14 .
- a tripod leg support hub member 32 has a reduced diameter upper end section 34 (FIG. 2) configured for rotation within the sleeve 28 .
- a set screw 36 extends radially through the sleeve for releasable engagement in an annular groove 40 in the upper end section 34 of the tripod hub 32 , to secure the base in any desired position of rotation about the axis of the sleeve and post 12 .
- the horizontal base member 10 includes an integral side section 10 ′ which mounts a main support plate 48 by pivot shaft 50 .
- An arm 52 supported on pivot shaft 50 extends parallel to an integral segment 48 ′ of the plate 48 which extends perpendicularly from the plate.
- the segment is provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced apart index holes 54 disposed about the axis of shaft 50 .
- the arm 52 mounts a screw 56 (FIG. 3) one end of which has a hand control knob 58 and the opposite end of which is configured to be received removably in any selected one of the holes 54 .
- the plate 48 and segment 48 ′ thus are rotatable adjustably about the axis of pivot shaft 50 , for purposes described hereinafter.
- the drive motor 60 is of the variable speed type and preferably is of the direct current type to enable the alternative use of battery source of electric potential or, as shown, an AC-DC converter.
- a housing 68 secured to plate 48 contains speed adjustment control means 70 , for example a rheostat or potentiometer, for adjusting the rotational speed of the wheel tire 66 ′.
- An electric switch 72 on the housing serves to turn the drive motor on and off.
- a handle 92 is formed in the upper end of the plate 48 to facilitate carrying the apparatus, for example from the trunk of an automobile to the playing field.
- the tripod legs 42 preferably are provided in segmented form.
- FIG. 4 shows the leg segments 42 and 42 ′ provided with interconnecting male and female threaded end portions 94 . By this means the legs may be shortened in length to facilitate collapsing the apparatus to minimum dimensions for carrying and storage in a closure bag.
- the use and operation of the apparatus described hereinbefore is as follows:
- the carrying bag which contains the components of the apparatus is removed from the truck of an automobile and carried to the playing field in the vicinity of the pitcher's mound.
- the components of the apparatus are removed from the bag, the leg segments 42 and 42 ′ are coupled together by the threaded interconnections 94 , and the upper ends of the leg segments 42 are placed in the sockets in the hub 32 .
- the clamp 46 is positioned inwardly of the legs and the sockets in the clamp are aligned with the legs.
- the clamp screw 44 is threaded into the threaded opening in the hub 32 , by means of the T-handle 44 ′ to secure the legs to the hub.
- the assembled unit then is raised to vertical position for baseball practice and the tripod leg assembly is oriented with two of the three legs facing forward and the third leg facing rearward.
- leg segments 42 and 42 ′ are separated and the lower segments 42 ′ are reversed, end-to-end, and the short bent sections 42 ′′ are secured in the hub 32 , as previously disclosed.
- the hand knob 58 is loosened to retract the screw 56 from the opening 54 in the plate segment 48 ′, to allow rotation of the plate 48 and the supported components about the horizontal axis of pivot shaft 50 .
- the desired angle is achieved, it is secured by rotating the hand knob 58 to extend the screw 56 into the selected opening 54 .
Abstract
The ball throwing apparatus of this invention is formed of a flat main frame plate which mounts a rotary ball throwing wheel and a confronting pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be thrown. The pad is mounted for adjusting said space for alternatively engaging and throwing baseballs and softballs. The main frame plate is mounted on the upper end of a vertical post by a first pivot for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis for adjusting the curvature of flight of a thrown ball. The lower end of the post is mounted on a second pivot for rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first pivot for adjusting the trajectory of flight of a thrown ball, the bearing for the second pivot is mounted on a leg supporting cup for rotation about a vertical axis for adjusting the horizontal direction of a thrown ball. Tripod legs are secured removably to the cup and each leg is formed of at least two segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for supporting the ball throwing wheel and pad at an elevation above ground for throwing baseballs. The lower segments of each leg is bent adjacent its lower end for engaging the ground or, in an alternative arrangement, for being secured to the cup in place of the upper leg segment, for supporting the ball throwing wheel and pad at a lower elevation above ground for throwing softballs.
Description
- This invention relates to ball throwing devices, and more particularly to a ball throwing apparatus of minimum size and unique construction.
- Ball throwing apparatus of the prior art are capable of throwing baseballs and softballs with a reproducible accuracy and variable speeds for the batting practice of players. However, they are characterized by complex construction and costly manufacture. Most are large and heavy and cumbersome to transport and manipulate.
- This invention provides a portable ball throwing apparatus in which a simplified main support plate mounts adjustable ball feeding and projecting components. The main support plate is mounted pivotally on a tripod leg and hub assembly which is adjustable for use at selected vertical heights for baseball and softball practice.
- The principal objective of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of prior ball throwing apparatus.
- Another object of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus of the class described that is small in size for convenient hand transport to a playing field from the trunk of a conventional automobile.
- Still another objective of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus of the class described that includes segmented legs which facilitate collapsing of the apparatus to minimum dimensions for carrying and storage in a closure bag.
- A further objective of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus in which segmented legs are configured for adjusting the vertical elevation of the ball throwing components between baseball and softball delivery levels.
- A still further objective of this invention is the provision of ball throwing apparatus of the class described in which the simplified components are adjustable on three axes for varying the line of travel of a ball.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a portable ball throwing apparatus embodying the features of this invention.
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevation as viewed from the left in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation as viewed from the left in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 1 and illustrating the sectional arrangement of the tripod support legs for baseball practice and to accommodate disassembly for storage and transport in a carrying bag.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the arrangement of legs which lower the elevation of the ball throwing components for use for softball practice.
- The embodiment shown in the drawings includes base means which includes a horizontal bearing
member 10 welded or otherwise secured to the upper end of avertical post member 12. The lower end of the post is joined to pivot bearing 14 (FIG. 2) which supports pivot shaft 16 (Fig. 1). Thebearing 14 forms an integral part of aslotted plate 18 which projects laterally from thepost 12 and is provided with anarcuate slot 20 formed about the axis ofpivot shaft 16. - A screw support22 (FIG. 2) secured to
post 12 has a threaded bore arranged to receive the threaded shank end of a screw 24 (FIG. 3). The intermediate portion of the screw is unthreaded and extends slidably through thearcuate slot 20. Anouter portion 24′ is enlarged in diameter and may be tightened against theslotted plate 18 by means of thehand knob 26, to secure the post in any desired position of angular adjustment as it is pivoted about the axis ofpivot shaft 16. - Also integral with the
bearing 14 and slottedplate 18 is anannular sleeve 28 andsupport bracket 30 for thebearing 14. A tripod legsupport hub member 32 has a reduced diameter upper end section 34 (FIG. 2) configured for rotation within thesleeve 28. Aset screw 36, withhand knob 38, extends radially through the sleeve for releasable engagement in anannular groove 40 in theupper end section 34 of thetripod hub 32, to secure the base in any desired position of rotation about the axis of the sleeve andpost 12. - The
hub 32 is provided with circumferentially spaced arcuate slots configured to receive the upper ends of threetripod legs 42 which diverge downwardly from the hub in tripod form. Aclamp screw 44, with T-handle 44′ is mounted in a threaded bore in the hub for releasably securing atapered clamp member 46. The clamp member is provided with arcuate sockets arranged to match the sockets in thehub 32, to releasably secure the upper ends of the tripod legs to the hub, in a manner suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,584 which has common ownership with this invention. - The
horizontal base member 10 includes anintegral side section 10′ which mounts amain support plate 48 bypivot shaft 50. Anarm 52 supported onpivot shaft 50 extends parallel to anintegral segment 48′ of theplate 48 which extends perpendicularly from the plate. The segment is provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced apartindex holes 54 disposed about the axis ofshaft 50. Thearm 52 mounts a screw 56 (FIG. 3) one end of which has ahand control knob 58 and the opposite end of which is configured to be received removably in any selected one of theholes 54. Theplate 48 andsegment 48′ thus are rotatable adjustably about the axis ofpivot shaft 50, for purposes described hereinafter. - The
main support plate 48 also mounts anelectric drive motor 60 anoutput shaft 62 of which projects through theplate 58 for connection to thehub 64 of a ball-engaging wheel member 66 which includestire 66′. Although the tire illustrated in the drawings is of a solid type with a concave outer surface, it may be a conventional pneumatic type of tire, as desired. - The
drive motor 60 is of the variable speed type and preferably is of the direct current type to enable the alternative use of battery source of electric potential or, as shown, an AC-DC converter. Ahousing 68 secured toplate 48 contains speed adjustment control means 70, for example a rheostat or potentiometer, for adjusting the rotational speed of thewheel tire 66′. Anelectric switch 72 on the housing serves to turn the drive motor on and off. - Also supported by the
plate 48 is aball engagement pad 74 secured to anangle bracket 76 attached toplate 48 adjustably byscrews 78 provided withhand knobs 80. A plurality of threadedholes 78′ are provided for selectively receivingscrews 78 to adjust the position of the pad. The pad is disposed above thetire 66′ a distance slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be thrown. Theangle bracket 76 also mounts a U-shaped bracket 82 (FIG. 1) which, in turn, adjustably mounts abracket 84 byscrews 86 provided withknobs 88. Thebracket 84 mounts aball delivery feed 90 which is positioned rearwardly of thetire 66′ andpad 74 for introducing a ball into the space between them. The ball thus is ejected forwardly from between the tire and pad at a preset speed and direction toward a selected location adjacent a practicing batter.Adjustment screws 86 allow adjustment of theball feeder 90 relative to thetire 66′ andpad 74. - A
handle 92 is formed in the upper end of theplate 48 to facilitate carrying the apparatus, for example from the trunk of an automobile to the playing field. To facilitate transport, thetripod legs 42 preferably are provided in segmented form. FIG. 4 shows theleg segments - The segmented legs also accommodate adjustment of the height of the ball throwing components selectively for use in baseball and softball practice. FIG. 5 shows the use only of the
lower leg segments 42′ of FIG. 4 which are provided with ashort bent section 42″. In FIG. 4 these bent sections rest upon the ground. In FIG. 5, these bent sections are secured in thehub 32 so that thesegments 42′ splay outwardly and lower the ball throwing components for softball practice. - The use and operation of the apparatus described hereinbefore is as follows: The carrying bag which contains the components of the apparatus is removed from the truck of an automobile and carried to the playing field in the vicinity of the pitcher's mound. The components of the apparatus are removed from the bag, the
leg segments leg segments 42 are placed in the sockets in thehub 32. Theclamp 46 is positioned inwardly of the legs and the sockets in the clamp are aligned with the legs. Theclamp screw 44 is threaded into the threaded opening in thehub 32, by means of the T-handle 44′ to secure the legs to the hub. The assembled unit then is raised to vertical position for baseball practice and the tripod leg assembly is oriented with two of the three legs facing forward and the third leg facing rearward. - If softball practice is desired, the
leg segments lower segments 42′ are reversed, end-to-end, and theshort bent sections 42″ are secured in thehub 32, as previously disclosed. - The
screw knob 38 is rotated to loosen the screw and retract it from theannular groove 40 to allow the assembly supported onhub 32 to rotate about the axis ofpost 12 until the direction of therotary wheel 66 faces the home plate position for batting pratice, or any other position for fielding practice. Thehand knob 38 then is rotated to tighten thescrew 36 into thegroove 40 to secure the adjusted position. - To adjust the trajectory of the ball pitched from between the
tire 66′ andpad 74, theknob 26 is loosened and the components mounted on the post are rotated about the axis ofpivot shaft 16. When the desired trajectory is achieved, theknob 26 is tightened against the slottedplate 18 to secure the trajectory setting. - In the event it is desired for the apparatus to throw a curve ball, the
hand knob 58 is loosened to retract thescrew 56 from theopening 54 in theplate segment 48′, to allow rotation of theplate 48 and the supported components about the horizontal axis ofpivot shaft 50. When the desired angle is achieved, it is secured by rotating thehand knob 58 to extend thescrew 56 into the selectedopening 54. - Rotation of the
ball projecting wheel 66 andtire 66′ is achieved by manipulating the on/offswitch 72 to complete the electric circuit to thedrive motor 60. Adjustment of thespeed control 70 brings thetire 66′ to a desired speed appropriate for the desired ball delivery speed. - It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the size, shape, type, number and arrangement of parts described hereinbefore without departing from the spirit of this invention and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (17)
1. Ball throwing apparatus, comprising:
a) a main frame member,
b) ball projecting wheel means on the frame member for projecting a ball to a practicing player,
c) electric power means on the frame member for rotating the wheel means at selected speeds,
d) support means for mounting the main frame member for adjustment about horizontal and vertical axes, and
e) tripod leg means for mounting the support means in ball playing position.
2. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main frame member is a flat plate.
3. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 2 wherein the ball projecting wheel means comprises a rotary wheel and a pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be projected.
4. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 3 including means mounting the wheel and pad on the flat plate for adjustment of said spacing between the wheel and pad.
5. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the adjusting of the spacing accommodates the selective throwing of baseballs and softballs.
6. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means includes a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the main frame member on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means, and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on the tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis.
7. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 6 including lock means interengaging the support means and the post member for securing the main frame member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the first pivot means.
8. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 6 including lock means interengaging the third pivot means and post member for securing the post member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the second pivot means.
9. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tripod leg means includes a pair of leg segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for forming each of the tripod legs.
10. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 9 wherein one of the leg segments is bent angularly for alternatively forming the lower end of each tripod leg means for engaging the ground and alternatively forming the upper end of each tripod leg means for connection to the support means.
11. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 10 wherein the alternative formations of the bent leg segments varies the vertical elevation of the ball projecting wheel means for throwing baseballs and softballs.
12. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main frame member is a flat plate, and the support means comprises a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the flat plate on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means, and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on the tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis.
13. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tripod leg means comprises a plurality of segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for forming each of the tripod legs, one of the leg segments being bent angularly for alternatively forming the lower end of each tripod leg means for engaging the ground and alternatively forming the upper end of each tripod leg means for connection to the support means.
14. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means comprises a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the main frame member on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means, and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on the tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis, lock means interengages the flat plate and the post member for securing the main frame member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the first pivot means, and lock means interengages the third pivot means and post member for securing the post member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the second pivot means.
15. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means comprises a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the main frame member on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about the horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means, and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on the tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis, the tripod leg means comprises a plurality of leg segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for forming each of the tripod legs, one of the leg segments being bent angularly for alternatively forming the lower end of each tripod leg means for engaging the ground and alternatively forming the upper end of each tripod leg means for connection to the support means.
16. The ball throwing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means comprises a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the main frame member on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on the tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis, lock means interengages the main frame member and post member for securing the main frame member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the first pivot means, lock means interengages the third pivot means and post member for securing the post member in selected positions of rotation about the axis of the second pivot means, and the tripod leg means comprises a plurality of leg segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for forming each of the tripod legs, one of the leg segments being bent angularly for alternatively forming the lower end of each tripod leg means for engaging the ground and alternatively forming the upper end of each tripod leg means for connection to the support means.
18. Ball throwing apparatus comprising:
a) a flat plate main frame member,
b) ball projecting wheel means comprising a rotary wheel and a pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be projected, electric power means on the flat plate frame member,
c) support means comprising a vertical post member, first pivot means mounting the main frame member on the upper end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis, second pivot means on the lower end portion of the post member for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot means, and third pivot means mounting the second pivot means on a tripod leg means for adjustable rotation about a vertical axis, and
d) tripod leg means comprising a plurality of leg segments secured together removably in longitudinal extension for forming each of the tripod leg means and one of the leg segments being bent angularly for alternatively forming the lower end of each tripod leg means for engaging the ground and alternatively forming the upper end of each tripod leg means for connection to the support means, the alternative formations effecting adjustment of the vertical elevation of the ball projecting wheel means for accommodating the selective throwing of baseballs and softballs.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/289,681 US6732724B1 (en) | 2002-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Portable ball throwing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/289,681 US6732724B1 (en) | 2002-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Portable ball throwing apparatus |
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US20040084037A1 true US20040084037A1 (en) | 2004-05-06 |
US6732724B1 US6732724B1 (en) | 2004-05-11 |
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US10/289,681 Expired - Lifetime US6732724B1 (en) | 2002-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Portable ball throwing apparatus |
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Families Citing this family (21)
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US6983741B2 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2006-01-10 | Brashier Donald | Pitching machine |
US6863059B1 (en) * | 2004-07-08 | 2005-03-08 | Wen-Hao Lee | Three-axis adjustment ball pitching machine |
US20060201490A1 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2006-09-14 | Villar Luis F | Method of converting baseball pitching machine to pitch lacrosse balls |
US7290540B2 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2007-11-06 | Sheng-Hsiao Lu | Practicing apparatus for baseball and softball |
US7383832B2 (en) | 2005-04-01 | 2008-06-10 | Soberg John P | Change up pitching machine |
US20090095273A1 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-16 | Paulson Kerry K | Pitching machine for baseball and softball batting practice |
US8074633B2 (en) * | 2008-04-16 | 2011-12-13 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball projecting machine |
US7958876B2 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2011-06-14 | William Coleman Lay | Projectile expelling apparatus |
US8365711B2 (en) * | 2009-04-14 | 2013-02-05 | Mark Kusiak | Ball feeding device for a ball pitching machine and method of using the same |
US20110214652A1 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-08 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Arm pitching machine having improved ball delivery assembly and pitching arm |
US8833355B2 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2014-09-16 | Jugs Sports, Inc. | Pneumatic tire for throwing machine |
US9095959B1 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2015-08-04 | David Lee Smith | Adjustable soldering hold down |
US8707942B2 (en) * | 2012-05-28 | 2014-04-29 | Sheng-Hsiao Lu | Rotary wheel for ball pitching machine |
US9339716B1 (en) * | 2014-12-06 | 2016-05-17 | Radio Systems Corporation | Automatic ball launcher |
USD848082S1 (en) | 2014-12-06 | 2019-05-07 | Radio Systems Corporation | Automatic ball launcher |
US10625135B2 (en) * | 2014-12-06 | 2020-04-21 | Radio Systems Corporation | Automatic ball launcher |
US10477837B1 (en) | 2015-02-06 | 2019-11-19 | Radio Systems Corporation | Cat activity toy |
US9180355B1 (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2015-11-10 | Sports Attack, Inc. | System and method to pitch balls with fine adjustment |
US9579554B1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2017-02-28 | Sports Attack, LLC | System and method to pitch balls using one powered wheel |
US10130865B2 (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2018-11-20 | Jugs Sports, Inc. | Micro adjustment mechanism for a pitching machine |
US11771976B2 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2023-10-03 | Michael Robert Valenches | Ball throwing machine and system |
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US3774584A (en) * | 1972-02-14 | 1973-11-27 | J Paulson | Coacting wheel type ball projecting device |
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US6732724B1 (en) | 2004-05-11 |
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