Patent Grant
9658023
This invention relates to a hand held throwing device. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment, the invention relates to a hand held throwing apparatus consisting of a U-shaped body with two sides and a bottom forming an open interior, the U-shaped body having an open front and an open back. A combination throwing-cocking arm with a first end and a second end is provided where the second end is rotatably connected with the U-shaped body in proximity to the open front in between the two sides. A spring is provided with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the spring is attached to the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and the second end of the spring is connected with the U-shaped body. A stop device is attached to the combination throwing-cocking arm between the first end and the second end and a handle is connected to the U-shaped body.
A problem exists with regard to the use of devices used for throwing objects. By way of example only and not by limitation, in order to practice many sports, such as baseball, again for example only, it is necessary to practice hitting and catching baseballs. The problem is that prior art devices for throwing baseballs are costly, cumbersome, complicated, and incapable of hand held operation. Further, most prior art throwing devices require power to operate and, thus, are not suitable for use where power is unavailable, or if battery powered, where power is depleted altogether.
Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method for enabling a user to operate a hand held device for repeatedly throwing objects that is light weight, easy to use and does not require electricity.
It therefore is an object of this invention to provide a hand held throwing device the is easy for anyone to use, that does not require electricity, that is portable and that is adjustable in direction and speed, among other things as will be more fully described hereafter.
Accordingly, the hand held throwing apparatus of the present invention, according to one embodiment, includes a U-shaped body with two sides and a bottom forming an open interior, the U-shaped body having an open front and an open back. A combination throwing-cocking arm with a first end and a second end is provided where the second end is rotatably connected with the U-shaped body in proximity to the open front in between the two sides. A spring is provided with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the spring is attached to the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and the second end of the spring is connected with the U-shaped body. A stop device is attached to the combination throwing-cocking arm between the first end and the second end and a handle is connected to the U-shaped body.
All terms used herein are given their common meaning so that, for example, “U-shaped body” identifies and describes a structure with raised sides connected by a bottom to form a generally “U” shape in that no enclosing top is present. The “U” shape is not limiting in that it is not required that it include rounded bottom edges and may include sides connected at right angles to a bottom for example only. Importantly, and open interior is created by the structure of the body and preferably the ends of the body are “open” as well. That is, the structure is not a box with an open top but, again, a U-shaped structure with an open top as well as a generally open front and back, as illustrated and discussed herein.
Likewise, “combination throwing-cocking arm” describes a single structure that serves two separate purposes, to wit, throwing an object and cocking the device, all again as will be more fully described hereafter.
According to another aspect, the invention further includes a spring adjustment rod where the second end of the spring is connected to the spring adjustment rod and spaced apart spring adjustment slots are provided in the U-shaped body and the spring adjustment slots are conformed to receive and removably retain the spring adjustment rod. By this structure it is to be understood that more or less tension may be applied to the springs so as to allow the user to adjust the speed of the movement of the combination throwing-cocking arm, as is described more fully hereafter.
According to another aspect, the spring adjustment rod extends from side to side across the open interior and the spring adjustment slots consist of pairs of oppositely positioned spring adjustment slots in the sides. In a further aspect, the spring adjustment rod includes grips where the grips extend beyond the sides of the U-shaped body.
In another aspect, the invention further includes a spring relaxation slot connected with the spring adjustment slot and the spring adjustment rod fits within the spring relaxation slot.
In one aspect, the device further includes at least one projection connected with at least one side of the U-shaped body where the at least one projection extends into the open interior of the U-shaped body. In a further aspect, two projections are connected with the U-shaped body, a first projection connected to one side and a second projection connected to the opposite side and the two projections are oppositely positioned and facing each other across the open interior.
In one aspect, a holder is provided at the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm. In another aspect, the holder is a pad that extends beyond the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and at least partially to either side of the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm.
In another aspect, the first end of the combination throwing cocking arm extends beyond the open front when uncocked and where the first end of the combination throwing cocking arm is located between the sides at the open back when cocked. Here the terms “cocked” and “uncocked” are understood by reference to the figures, such as
In a further aspect, the present invention further includes a spring attachment stud connected with the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm where more than one spring is connected with the spring attachment stud and where more than one spring is also connected with the U-shaped body.
According to another embodiment, the hand held throwing apparatus of the present invention includes a U-shaped body with two sides and a bottom forming an open interior, the U-shaped body having an open front and an open back. A combination throwing-cocking arm, with a first end and a second end, is connected with an arm axle. The arm axle is connected with the U-shaped body in proximity to the open front in between the two sides and within the open interior. A spring, with a first end and a second end, is attached to the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm. An adjustable stop device is attached to the combination throwing-cocking arm between the first end and the second end. A spring adjustment rod is provided where the second end of the spring is connected to the spring adjustment rod and spaced apart spring adjustment slots are provided in the U-shaped body where the spring adjustment slots are conformed to receive and removably retain the spring adjustment rod. Two projections are connected with the U-shaped body, a first projection connected to one side and a second projection connected to the opposite side and the two projections are oppositely positioned and facing each other across the open interior. A handle is connected to the U-shaped body at the bottom of the U-shaped body in proximity to the open back.
In another aspect, the spring adjustment rod extends from side to side across the open interior and the spring adjustment slots consist of pairs of oppositely positioned spring adjustment slots in the sides. In a further aspect, the spring adjustment rod includes grips and the grips extend beyond the sides of the U-shaped body.
In one aspect, the invention further includes a spring relaxation slot connected with the spring adjustment slot and the spring adjustment rod fits within the spring relaxation slot.
In another aspect, the invention further includes a holder where the holder is a pad connected with the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and where the holder extends beyond the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and at least partially to either side of the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm.
In one aspect, the invention further includes a spring attachment stud connected with the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm. More than one spring is connected with the spring attachment stud and the more than one springs are also connected with the spring adjustment rod. Further, the spring attachment stud is located in between the arm axle and the second end of the throwing-cocking arm.
In another aspect, the invention further includes a hand stop extending from the bottom of the U-shaped body in between the handle and the open front.
According to another embodiment, a hand held throwing method includes the steps of:
a. providing a U-shaped body with two sides and a bottom forming an open interior, the U-shaped body having an open front and an open back; a combination throwing-cocking arm with a first end and a second end where the second end is rotatably connected with the U-shaped body in proximity to the open front in between the two sides; a spring with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the spring is attached to the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and the second end of the spring is connected with the U-shaped body; a stop device attached to the combination throwing-cocking arm between the first end and the second end; and a handle connected to the U-shaped body;
b. grasping the handle;
c. rotating the first end of the combination throwing-cocking arm back to the open back of the U-shaped body;
d. placing an object to be thrown at the stop device while holding the first end; and
e. releasing the first end.
In another aspect, the method further includes:
a. providing a spring adjustment rod where the second end of the spring is connected to the spring adjustment rod;
b. providing spaced apart spring adjustment slots in the U-shaped body where the spring adjustment slots are conformed to receive and removably retain the spring adjustment rod; and
c. adjusting tension on the spring by selectively placing the spring adjustment rod in one of the spring adjustment slots.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which:
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalent constructions to those described herein insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, the specific sequence of the described process may be altered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel or independent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes are not dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of steps described herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence of steps to perform the process. In alternative embodiments, one or more process steps may be implemented by a user assisted process and/or manually. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes are also contemplated.
In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention.
It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative configurations are possible.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in
Combination throwing-cocking arm 28 has a first end 30 and a second end 32. Second end 32 is rotatably connected with U-shaped body 12. In one aspect, arm axle 34 is connected with combination throwing-cocking arm 28 and with the two sides 14 and 16 across open interior 26 in proximity to the open front 22 of U-shaped body 12, as illustrated. By “rotatably connected” it is understood that combination throwing-cocking arm 28 is held in position, as by arm axle 34 for example only, and when moved, the first end 30 and second end 32 of combination throwing-cocking arm 28 rotate about that location, i.e. the axle 34, but otherwise the position of combination throwing-cocking arm 28 is fixed within the U-shaped body 12.
A spring 36 with a first end 38 and a second end 40 is provided. There may be more than one spring 36, certainly, and two springs 36 are illustrated as a preferred embodiment. The first end 38 of the spring(s) 36 is attached to the second end 32 of the combination throwing-cocking arm 28 and the second end 40 of the spring(s) 36 is connected with the U-shaped body 12.
Preferably, second end 40 is connected with U-shaped body 12 by means of a spring adjustment rod 42 where the second end 40 of the spring 36 is connected to the spring adjustment rod 42. Spaced apart spring adjustment slots 44 (as more clearly shown in
As illustrated, spring adjustment rod 42 preferably extends across the open interior 26 from side 14 to side 16 of U-shaped body 12 and works in combination with oppositely positioned pairs of spring adjustment slots 44 to selectively place more or less tension in springs 36 resulting, as will be discussed more fully hereafter, in faster or slower movement of combination throwing-cocking arm 28.
In one aspect, grips 46 are added to the ends of spring adjustment rod 42. Grips 46 extend beyond the sides 14 and 16 on the outside of U-shaped body 12 as illustrated. Grips 46 enable a user to safely and securely move spring adjustment rod 42 against the tension of springs 36.
Additionally, spring relaxation slot 48 (as more clearly shown in
Still referring to
Handle 58 is connected to the U-shaped body 12. Preferably, handle 58 is connected to the bottom 18 in proximity to the open back 24 of U-shaped body 12 as illustrated. Other locations that are useful are suitable as well. Handle 58 may be in “pistol grip” form as illustrated or any other useful form.
Preferably, in one aspect of the invention, at least one projection 60 is connected with at least one side (14 or 16) of U-shaped body 12 where the at least one projection 60 extends into the open interior of said U-shaped body. In one preferred aspect, two projections 60 are provided, the two projections 60 oppositely positioned across the open interior 26 one on one side 14 and one on the other side 16. Projection(s) 60 define and provide a space between stop device 50 and the projections 60 into which object 52 is placed. Depending on the size of the object 52 projections 60 may assist in stabilizing the object prior to releasing combination throwing-cocking arm 28, as will be described more fully hereafter.
Referring now to
Referring now to
By way of further description, Applicant's hand held throwing apparatus 10 solves the need for a light weight, hand held device that users of all ages can safely handle and that can throw all types of objects 52 such as fore example only and not by limitation: tennis balls, golf balls, cricket balls, base balls, soft balls and the like as well as other objects such as clay pigeons, etc, at various speeds, accurately and repeatedly and without need of a powered motor. By way of testing, Applicant has determined that the light weight (the apparatus is mostly made of plastic and aluminum parts and/or any light weight material now known or hereafter developed), device can throw a regular baseball seventy mph with very little tension needed on the springs 36. Again, Applicant has determined the present invention can throw light weight balls at speeds at or exceeding one hundred mph.
Importantly, the arm 38, in order to be as light as possible is small and narrow. Thus the structure of the present invention uses the sides 14 and 16, or some other method, to hold the ball 52 in place as the arm 28 starts in motion. In combination with the side, the present invention uses stop device 50 on arm 28 and projections 60 in the side(s) 14 and 16, for example. Thereafter, the force against the ball 52 causes it to stay in position in the center of the arm 28 until it is released. This structure is what makes it possible to use as much of the available power as possible to throw the ball 52 and not be used up moving heavy wheels or heavier arms as with prior art devices. In sum, the lighter the arm 28, the more efficient the throw will be.
By way of continued explanation, projections 60 have enough cushion to hold the ball 52 in place when aiming up at the sky for high fly balls or straight up for catcher drills. That is, when throwing level or down, ball 52 may not even contact projections 60. When pointed up, however, as in
A further advantage of this hand held throwing apparatus 10 is that, unlike stationary machines, each time it “throws” an object the user himself aims the device. Thus, once you have thrown the object the user knows how to aim it for each future throw. Like a real pitcher, for example, the user can throw the object up, down, left, right on any pitch and with more accuracy than most people or most other machines.
Further, extension springs 36 allow the power exerted from the cocking motion to be transferred to the axle 34 as the arm 28 rotates past the fulcrum so it is easy to hold down, allowing just the user's 68 thumb to hold down the arm 28 with just enough force to remind the operator it is cocked. Applicant understands a trigger device could be used, but it would not be as safe since the machine could be left cocked and accidentally release and cause possible injury.
Applicant has determined, that since the majority of the tension in the springs 36 is transferred to the axle 34 as the second end 32 of combination throwing-cocking arm 28 moves past the fulcrum to right at 180 degrees (see
Further, Applicant knows of no machine that can teach fielding by throwing balls to exact positions on every throw. The hand held throwing apparatus and method 10 allows a user 68 to make perfect throws to help beginners learn to catch; also one hop or two hop, etc., ground balls; sinking line drives or balls thrown to the edge of a players range. No prior art machine at any price can do this.
By way of further description, Applicant notes that if torsion springs were used, the tension would continue to increase as the arm 28 is cocked until full tension would be exerted in the final cocked position. The full tension would cause the arm 28 to take off at full speed and would throw the ball out or off of arm 28 before tangential velocity takes over the ball which is required in order to the throw in the direction the machine is pointed.
Further, Applicant has found that it is preferred that the arm 28 surface upon which the object 52 rest be smooth and/or slick or the object 52 will not slide up the arm 28 a bit during the throw. If the object does not slide a bit, Applicant has found the object will leave arm 28 in a downward direction eliminating the efficiency and accuracy of the throw.
Additionally, Applicant has determined that the present invention will throw all types of balls, but the aim will be slightly different for each type of ball. Further, this is the only machine that exists that can throw balls of different size, hardness, texture and weight, without making any changes to the machine and the operator will quickly learn to aim each ball accurately.
During tests, Applicant has used the present invention to machine to throw balls to beginners, with regulation weight safety balls and to a professional ball player, throwing equivalent speeds of 80+ mph, using Stike 3 plastic balls designed for gym use. It has versatility that is unmatched.
By way of further explanation, Applicant submits that it has been a while since there has been any real new technology for throwing baseballs, but Applicant, who holds other patents in the art, is even surprised at what this super light weight arm with side controls can do. Applicant has always wondered why companies sell machines that cost hundreds of dollars to throw a ball that does not weigh anything. Applicant's present invention provides a hand held throwing apparatus 10 that can be used indoors or for warming up before games or use at home or in the park.
By way of continued explanation, the present invention includes, among other things, the following advantages and features:
Combination throwing-cocking arm 28 is so light and small that is it basically useless by itself, so something holding the ball in the center position, the ball stop device 50 and projections 60 in combination, as it is thrown is required for it to work. Further arm 28 must be long enough to be used to cock the machine easily, but light enough to use only a limited amount of the spring power so as to leave the rest to throw fast and far. The present invention is a very accurate machine and the long arm 28 goes over the top of it, during the throw, and keeps the ball 52 from flying out high, but grooves it down the middle.
The sides 14 and 16 of the U-shaped body 12 on each side make it possible to put the two projections 60 on the back side of the ball 52 so it can be aimed up without the ball 52 rolling down the arm 28. This is very important for teaching youngsters to catch fly balls as regular pitching machines cannot do it and it is hard to accurately place fly balls to beginners any other way. This is also the only way Applicant knows of to teach catchers to catch balls popped straight up above them.
In operation, the spring 36 going past the fulcrum of axle 34 takes the power off the arm 28. The thumb release pad 62 is quick and safer than a trigger release. The thumb release pad 62 is made of rubber so the end of the arm 28 could not cut or scratch anyone if they got in the way.
Speed adjustment slots 44 in the sides 14 and 16 of the U-shaped body 12 allows the operator to quickly change the speeds by slipping the speed adjustment rod 42 into different slots 44 or slide past the slots 44 in spring relaxation slot 48 for shipping or storage purposes.
The ball stop device 50 is located along arm 28 in between the first end 30 and the second end 32 so as to place the ball 52 in the exact position required for an accurate throw. Too far forward and the ball 52 will be thrown too high. Too far back and the ball will be thrown too low. Adjustment slot 54 is useful in providing corrective positioning.
Two linkages, spring connectors 39 (shown in
A piece of material forms a front hand stop 66 at the front bottom of the machine to keep the user's 68 hand 72 from being placed too far forward during release and getting in the way of the arm 28.
In one aspect, the arm 28 is reinforced by throwing arm support 33 for the first five or six inches at or near second end 32 by, for example, inserting square aluminum tubing inside the u tubing the arm 28 is made from. That is, in one aspect, arm 28 is U-shaped tubing in order to reduce the weight of arm 28. Throwing arm support 33 reinforces the arm 28 and in one aspect ball stop device 50 is used to secure the arm 28 to the throwing arm support 33. Preferably, throwing arm support 33 ends just after the ball stop device 50 as illustrated.
Again, the arm 28 has very little power because it goes past the fulcrum and the power is transferred to the axle 34. In operation, the thumb is used to hold down the power exerted by the springs 36 prior to releasing the arm 28. Applicant has found that the device does not work as well with torsion springs or any power method that does not transfer the power to the axle and/or leave only slight power for the thumb to hold down. Thus, while a torsion spring, instead of the preferred extension springs 36, could be used, Applicant prefers the extension springs 36 because a thumb can hold down all the power before releasing and the device simply would not work as well without making it that way. Also, the slight pressure that is on the thumb is a ready reminder at all time when it is cocked and ready to throw. A trigger release would be like a rat trap and be dangerous, so the thumb release is also a big part of the device function.
By testing, Applicant has found that he could cock and release the device every two seconds. Also, Applicant was wondering if there would be any effect on the hands. Applicant cocked and released it 1000 times in one period and did not feel any discomfort at all.
The key is that Applicant tried to figure out a way to use as light weight of an arm 28 as possible so the springs 36 do not have to move the weight of an arm and throw a ball at the same time. A u channel aluminum arm 28 was as light as Applicant could find, but fiberglass or any other type of light strong material could be used. The key is that the arm 28 is useless by itself; therefore the two sides 14 and 16 of the machine are needed to hold the ball 52 in place as the force takes over causing the ball 52 to groove down the middle as it is thrown. The length of the arm 28 serves three purposes. One is that it is long enough to give leverage to cock it. The second is to sling the ball 52 with as much force as possible. The third is that it is long enough to come over the ball 52 as it is being released to guide the ball 52 down the middle.
A key to the ease of the way the device works is that the springs 36 go past the fulcrum which transfers the power onto the axle 34 so that arm 28 can be held down with just a thumb and release it when ready. It is easy to cock, but Applicant prefers to use the thumb release because Applicant did not want a rat trap effect of it being cocked. While pad 62 is under the thumb, the slight pressure always keeps the user 68 aware it is cocked and ready to throw.
The description of the present embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/023,992 filed Jul. 14, 2014 for a “Hand Held Ball Throwing Apparatus and Method”. The Applicant hereby claims the benefit of this provisional application under 35 U.S.C. §119. The entire content of this provisional application is incorporated herein by this reference.
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