Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
124078000 | PROJECTILE IMPELLED BY COACTING WHEELS | 26 |
20090095272 | Toy gun - A toy gun includes a barrel to be loaded with a number of soft projectiles, a firing bay, an exit passage, a motor-driven accelerator mechanism for accelerating the soft projectiles from the firing bay through the exit passage, a delivery mechanism for transferring the soft projectiles in the barrel to the firing bay, a motor-driven shunting mechanism for shunting the individual projectiles in the firing bay for engagement by the accelerator mechanism, a trigger mechanism, and electrical switches in circuit with the motor-driven accelerator mechanism and motor-driven shunting mechanism, the switches being manipulated by the trigger mechanism in use. | 04-16-2009 |
20090095273 | PITCHING MACHINE FOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL BATTING PRACTICE - Disclosed is a pitching machine arranged specifically to pitch small diameter balls utilized in baseball and softball training and practice exercises for increasing a batter's proficiency for regular batting play. The pitching machine includes a body housing one or more electric motors to turn one or more wheels which, in turn, can project a ball toward a batter. The pitching machine includes a feeder tube configured to capture and store a number of balls for use with the pitching machine, and which can be reversibly attached to the pitching machine for automatic feeding of stored balls to the one or more wheels. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine is configured to pitch balls smaller than standard baseballs or softballs. | 04-16-2009 |
20090120421 | BALL-THROWING MACHINE - A ball-throwing machine includes a frame and a ball-throwing mechanism pivotally connected with the frame. The ball-throwing machine further includes a circuit unit. Via a first servomotor and a first linkage, the circuit unit serves to move the ball-throwing mechanism to a ball-throwing angle and drive the ball-throwing mechanism to continuously swing up and down. The frame can be pivotally mounted on a base. Via a second motor and a second linkage, the circuit unit serves to drive the frame to horizontally swing back and forth. In addition, the ball-throwing machine has a safety switch. When setting the functions of the ball-throwing machine, a user can press the safety switch to stop the operation of ball throwing so as to protect a person from being incautiously hit and injured. The circuit unit further has a malfunction detection function for detecting whether the ball-throwing machine works normally. | 05-14-2009 |
20090217918 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING AN ARTICLE - The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for projecting articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for projecting balls and like articles for interaction with a player where a player may, for example, be considered a human training for or playing a ball sport or, an animal such as a dog exercising by retrieving the projected article. In one form, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for projecting an article comprising: feeding at least one article into a launching means wherein the launching means comprises a plurality of independently controlled rotating drive devices each device adapted to provide contact between the launching means and the at least one article for providing a component of drive force to launch the at least one article; attenuating at least one component of drive force to control the 3-Dimensional spin of the launched article by moving at least one drive device whilst maintaining the orientation of the axis of rotation of said drive device. | 09-03-2009 |
20090260611 | Pitching machine having optimal adjustability - A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device. | 10-22-2009 |
20090260612 | Ball projecting machine - A ball projecting machine having a C-shaped arm that provides the ability to adjust the length or elevation of pitched balls. The C-shaped arm connects a ball projecting head to a stand, with the ball projecting head affixed to one end of the C-shaped arm, and the C-shaped arm is slidably engaged through a frame atop the stand to allow rotation of the ball projecting head about a horizontal axis. A center of gravity of the ball projecting head in combination with the C-shaped arm facilitates stability of the ball projecting machine when the C-shaped arm is slid up or down. A locking device, when loosened, allows the C-shaped arm to slide up or down through the frame. | 10-22-2009 |
20090283088 | Shuttlecock launching apparatus - A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly. | 11-19-2009 |
20100252015 | PROGRAMMABLE BALL THROWING APPARATUS - The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters. | 10-07-2010 |
20120097145 | Pitching Machine Having Angle and Speed Adjustment Function - A pitching machine includes a stand unit, a direction adjusting device swivelably mounted on the stand unit, a base unit pivotally mounted on the direction adjusting device, two pitch adjusting devices mounted on the base unit, and an angle adjusting device pivotally mounted between the base unit and the direction adjusting device. The base unit includes a base frame, two side brackets, two screwed sockets, two rotation wheels, two drive motors, a guide track, and a push member. Thus, the inclined angle of each of the rotation wheels can be adjusted individually by each of the pitch adjusting devices so that the rotation wheels can be adapted to have different inclined angles. In addition, the angle adjusting device can move the base frame relative to the support arm to change the inclined angle of the base frame. | 04-26-2012 |
20120312290 | PNEUMATIC TIRE FOR THROWING MACHINE - Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles, methods, and tires for throwing machines are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 12-13-2012 |
20120325193 | BALL THROWING MACHINE - A ball throwing apparatus includes a ball magazine attached to a first end of a ball tube. A ball propelling or throwing assembly is attached to a second end of the ball tube. A retaining element, such as a spring finger, extends into the ball tube from a first side of the ball tube. A holder which may be pivotally mounted on the ball tube extends into the ball tube from a second side of the ball tube. An arm moves through an arm slot in the second side of the ball tube in a reciprocating motion, feeding balls one at a time from the ball magazine into the throwing assembly, in a uniform time sequence. | 12-27-2012 |
20130087131 | CHANGEUP CONTROLLER FOR BALL THROWING MACHINE - Embodiments provide a ball throwing machine including a motor coupled to a rotary wheel and configured to rotate the rotary wheel at a rotational speed to throw a ball forward toward an athlete. A speed control module may be coupled to the motor and configured to rotate the rotary wheel, via the motor, at a first rotational speed during a fastball setting and a second rotational speed during a changeup setting. The speed control module may determine the second rotational speed based on the first rotational speed so that a ball thrown by the ball throwing machine will arrive in a target zone when the ball throwing machine is in the fastball setting and the changeup setting. In some embodiments, the speed control module may utilize resistive braking to transition the rotary wheel from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed. | 04-11-2013 |
20130104869 | BALL THROWING MACHINE AND METHOD | 05-02-2013 |
20130104870 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PROJECTING SPORTS OBJECTS | 05-02-2013 |
20130112184 | TOY PROJECTILE LAUNCHER AND PROJECTILE THEREOF - A toy projectile launcher includes a body having a magazine for storing at least one cylindrical projectile. The body has an elongate barrel in communication with the magazine. The barrel is shaped for travel of the projectile from the magazine to an exit end. The barrel has an intermediate opening between the magazine and the exit end. A drive wheel is powered by a motor to spin about an axis of rotation. The drive wheel can be coupled to the body by a drive wheel biasing member. The drive wheel intrudes into the barrel though the intermediate opening to contact and propel the projectile down the barrel. The drive wheel can include a resilient part. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel can deviate from being perpendicular to the length of the barrel by a predetermined angle selected to impart spin to the projectile. | 05-09-2013 |
20130312726 | PROJECTILE LAUNCHER WITH ROTATABLE CLIP CONNECTOR - A toy launcher apparatus with a rotatable clip connector mounted to a lower portion of a housing. The housing also includes an upper portion, a barrel portion and a grip portion. Pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the housing is a handle and mounted to the grip portion is a trigger and a switch. Attached to the clip connector may be eight projectile clips and the clip connector is rotatable 45° every time the handle is pivoted forward. Mounted within the housing are a battery compartment, and a wheel and motor assembly. Batteries in the battery compartment may power the wheel and motor assembly after the switch is activated by a user. Pulling the trigger causes a projectile, such as a foam dart, to be pushed from a clip aligned with the barrel portion toward spinning wheels of the wheel and motor assembly, and the wheels cause discharge the dart. | 11-28-2013 |
20140109887 | TENNIS BALL THROWING MACHINE - A tennis ball throwing machine includes a support frame for carrying the machine, a pair of round pitching wheels, and a hopper mounted on the frame and above the pitching wheels. A ball chute connects the bottom of the hopper and a launch point that is proximate the point where the pitching wheels are closest together. The ball chute includes a plurality of guide rails that are spaced apart and open between them such that the guide rails are separated but are close enough together that they may support and carry a ball down the chute. The open rails allow for dirt and other debris to fall through the machine and away from the ball chute. | 04-24-2014 |
20140261362 | System and Method to Pitch Soccer Balls - A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as soccer balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to kicks, throws, and headers. A main frame has a frame with a front panel, a rear panel and a top panel. A tubular chute is rotatably mounted in the interior portion of the main frame with a set of bearings. A pair of opposing ball throwing wheels are fitted to the rotatable tubular chute for launching the ball from the chute. Each wheel is driven by a variable speed motor that is controlled by a variable switch mounted to the main frame. A pair of caddy wheels is attached to the main frame for portability of the apparatus, along with a rear support having an adjustable extension to vary the height and angle of the rotatable tubular chute to adjust the trajectory of the ball. A ball feed chute is mounted to the main frame onto which balls are loaded to be pitched. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261363 | Ball pitching machine - A ball pitching machine of the present invention includes a tripod, a mounting base, two rotary wheel devices, and a ball holder. The mounting base includes an engaging member rotatably mounted to a pillar of the tripod and a mounting plate pivotably coupled to the engaging member. The rotary wheel devices are mounted on two sides of the mounting plate and each includes a rotary wheel. The ball holder is mounted to the mounting plate and located between the rotary wheel devices. The ball holder of the ball pitching machine is applicable to different-sized rugby balls or soccer balls and can be easily adjusted to any elevation angle. The ball pitching machine allows elevation angles of the mounting base to be adjusted, and also allows elevation angles of the rotary wheels to be adjusted. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261364 | SHUTTLECOCK LAUNCHING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for launching shuttlecocks at different frequencies, trajectories, speeds, spins, and shot types, thereby providing simulated shots for use in practice for badminton players. The shuttlecock launching apparatus having a dual pivoting launch assembly for providing various launch paths and trajectories, first and second launching wheels for imparting a forward motion to a shuttlecock, and a shuttlecock holding and transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from a holding area to a launch point near the first and second launching wheels in a controlled and consistent manner. Other embodiments may include a shuttlecock distribution system comprising one or more shuttlecock storage containers capable of housing a stack of one or more shuttlecocks, an apparatus for applying a controlled force on the stack of one or more shuttlecocks providing a downward movement of the one or more shuttlecocks within the shuttlecock storage device, a shuttlecock filter located at the bottom opening of the shuttlecock storage container for receiving and separating the bottom shuttlecock from the stack of one or more shuttlecocks as the stack of one or more shuttlecocks moves downward within the shuttlecock storage device, and a vertical shuttlecock transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the shuttlecock filter to the holding area in a controlled manner. | 09-18-2014 |
20140305420 | Football Throwing System and Method of Operation - Described is an automated football throwing system and method of operation thereof. The system comprises a route input system, a launch controller, and a football throwing device. In operation, a user inputs the route desired to be executed. The processor accesses a visual illustration of the route from the storage media and displays the visual illustration on a display. Additionally, the data retrieval system accesses data regarding the launch variables which may include the lateral orientation, angle of elevation, and output speed corresponding to a selected route. The launch controller adjusts the football throwing device in accordance with the launch variables for the specific route. The football throwing device comprises a pair of coacting wheels adapted to propel a football and separated by a space in which a football may be inserted. A loading mechanism moves a football received from a storage receptacle into the space between the coacting wheels. | 10-16-2014 |
20150096546 | System and Method to Pitch Footballs - A system and method for pitching balls, particularly footballs and other football-shaped balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to passes, punts, kick-offs and snaps. A cradle for use in the system and method holds the ball in any one of a number of positions such that when it is fed into the system, the ball is propelled to simulate a different type of pitch. The apparatus and system for pitching balls includes a support for a ball throwing head, two opposing variable speed motor powered wheels that can be tilted in relation to each other to control the spin and distance, a slide configured to present the ball on the cradle into the wheels at different angles to provide right or left handed spirals and end over end pitches, and adjustments for height and horizontal pivot. A removable throwing head allows balls to be pitched from different heights from ground level to an upright arm motion to simulate different types of pitches. | 04-09-2015 |
20150308782 | HINGED ARM SAFETY MECHANISM FOR FOAM DART LAUNCHER - A dart launcher comprises a housing, a safety arm, and a trigger. The housing includes a launching section configured to receive a dart having a minimum threshold length. The safety arm is movably attached to the housing and extends at least partially across the launching section. The safety arm is positioned so that the dart having the minimum threshold length engages at least a portion of the safety arm upon insertion into the launching section. The trigger is movable with respect to the housing and is operable to cause the dart having the minimum threshold length to launch from the launching section. | 10-29-2015 |
20150352425 | BALL THROWING MACHINE AND METHOD - A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine. | 12-10-2015 |
20160193520 | AUTOMATIC BALL PITCHING MACHINE | 07-07-2016 |
20170232323 | RACKET-FREE TENNIS TRAINING DEVICE | 08-17-2017 |