Projectile Launching Machine

Abstract

A projectile launching machine includes a base having a front end and a rear end, a front leg assembly extending having a lower end coupled to the front end of the base and an upper end, distal from the lower end and a throwing arm pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front leg assembly at a pivot, the throwing arm having a biased end extending from the pivot and a ball end distal from the biased end, the throwing arm movable between a locked position and a throw position. A biasing member having a first biasing member end is connected to the biased end and a second biasing member end movably coupled to the front leg assembly. An arm release mechanism has a first end connected to the front leg assembly between the lower end and the upper end, and a second end movable between a locking position wherein the throwing arm is in the locked position and a release position wherein the throwing arm is biased by the biasing member to the throw position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pitching machines are used to help baseball batters practice to improve their swing. Baseball, however, is not the only sport where a ball is pitched (or bowled) toward a batter. Other games, such as cricket, require a bowler to bowl a ball toward a batsman, who tries to hit the ball. A cricket bowl, however, differs from a baseball pitch in that cricket requires the bowler to bounce the ball in front of the batsman, resulting in a significantly different motion on the part of the bowler as compared to a baseball pitcher.

It would be beneficial to provide a cricket ball bowling machine that emulates the motions of a cricket bowler to generate a more realistically bowled ball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a projectile launching machine having a base having a front end and a rear end, a front leg assembly extending having a lower end coupled to the front end of the base and an upper end, distal from the lower end and a throwing arm pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front leg assembly at a pivot, the throwing arm having a biased end extending from the pivot and a ball end distal from the biased end, the throwing arm movable between a locked position and a throw position. A biasing member having a first biasing member end is connected to the biased end and a second biasing member end movably coupled to the front leg assembly. An arm release mechanism has a first end connected to the front leg assembly between the lower end and the upper end, and a second end movable between a locking position wherein the throwing arm is in the locked position and a release position wherein the throwing arm is biased by the biasing member to the throw position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a projectile launching machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is right side elevational view of the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a front end of the frame of the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a throwing arm used on the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the throwing arm of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the throwing arm of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the throwing arm of FIG. 5, with the entire cradle adjusted relative to the position show in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the throwing arm of FIG. 5, with one finger of the cradle adjusted relative to the position shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9A is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a cradle mounted on the throwing arm of the machine and throwing arm release mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a front perspective view of the cradle and throwing arm release mechanism shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a rear perspective view of the cradle and throwing arm release mechanism shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is an exploded view of the cradle shown in FIGS. 9A-9C;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upper end of a biasing member adjustment mechanism used with the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower end of the biasing member adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a speed adjusting mechanism used with the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the speed adjusting mechanism of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a speed adjusting mechanism used with the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a foot pedal used with the biasing member adjustment mechanism shown in FIGS. 10-12;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a foot pedal locking mechanism used with the foot pedal shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a foot pedal locking mechanism used with the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 14 used with the projectile launching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIGS. 14 and 15, without the projectile launching machine;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a projectile launching machine according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lower end of the machine of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a throwing arm of the machine of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a first perspective view of a biasing mechanism used with the machine of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a second perspective view of the biasing mechanism of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an arm release mechanism used with the machine of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a ratchet and pawl mechanism used with the mechanism of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”

As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

As shown in the Figures, the present invention is a device for launching projectiles, such as balls. While the inventive device can be used for various different sports or other uses, for the sake of simplicity, the device herein will be described as a bowling machine 100 (“machine 100”) for bowling cricket balls. Machine 100 can be adjusted to vary the speed at which cricket balls are bowled, the angle of release of the ball from machine 100, and spin on the ball as the ball is bowled. Additionally, machine 100 can be used to launch balls high into the air to simulate “pop-ups” or fly balls for fielding practice as well.

In an exemplary embodiment, machine 100 is a portable device that is collapsible for transport and is easily assembled for bowling cricket balls. To facilitate the collapsibility of machine 100, several of the below-described components are removably connected to each other, such as with cotter pins or other removable connecting devices. While exemplary removable components are shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that machine 100 can be configured in other configurations that also allow for the collapsibility of machine 100. Alternatively, machine 100 can be constructed such that machine is not collapsible, such as for a permanent installation of machine 100.

FIGS. 1-13 show a first embodiment of a projectile launching machine 100 (“machine 100”). Machine 100 includes a base 110 having a rear end 111 comprising a foot pad 109. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a front leg assembly 113, constructed from a pair of parallel elongate frame legs 112, 114 extend underneath and forward of foot pad 111. Legs 112, 114 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Additionally, legs 112, 114 each includes a leveling pad 120 at either end to level machine 100 for operation.

The forward end of each frame leg 112, 114 is connected to a cross brace 122. A pair of vertical support brackets 124, 126 are fixedly connected to and extend upwardly from cross brace 122. Additionally, wheels 128, shown in FIG. 4 are mounted on cross brace 122 to allow machine 100 to be rolled without having to lift machine 100. When machine 100 is in an operating position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, wheels 128 extend forward of frame 110 and are off the surface on which machine 100 is placed.

A front leg assembly 130 includes a pair of front legs 132, 134. Legs 132, 134 can each be of a unitary construction. Alternatively, leg 132 can be constructed from a lower leg portion 132a and an upper leg portion 132b that is releasably connected to lower leg portion 132a. Similarly, leg 134 can be constructed from a lower leg portion 134a and an upper leg portion 134b that is releasably connected to lower leg portion 134a. A lower end 138, 140, respectively, of each of legs 132, 134 is coupled to front end 116 of base 110. In an exemplary embodiment, legs 132, 134 are each connected to a respective support bracket 124, 126. While leg portions 132a, 132b and 134a, 134b are shown as connected to each other side-by-side, those skilled in the art will recognize that leg portions 132a, 132b and 134a, 134b can be telescopically connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, a rod 135 connects legs 132, 134 to each other about half way up the length of legs 132, 134. Rod 135 extends generally parallel to a floor surface on which machine 100 is mounted. Rod 135 also has opposing ends 135a, 135b that each extend outwardly of front leg assembly 130.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first brace 136 extends upwardly from a mid-location on frame leg 112 to rod 135. A first end 136a of first brace 136 is removably attachable to end 135a. A second end 136b of brace 136 is removably attachable to frame leg 112. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, a second brace 137 extends upwardly from a mid-location on frame leg 114 to rod 135. A first end 137a of second brace 137 is removably attachable to end 135b. A second end 137b of brace 137 is removably attachable to frame leg 114. Braces 136, 137 are used to support frame 130 and are removable to support the collapsibility of machine 100.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, an upper end 142, 144 of each of legs 132, 134, distal from lower end 138, 140, respectively, supports a throwing arm 150. Throwing arm 150 is pivotally coupled to upper ends 142, 144 of front leg assembly 113 at a pivot 152. Throwing arm 150 has a biased end 154 that extends in a first direction from pivot 152 and a ball end 156 distal from biased end 154. Throwing arm 150 is movable between a locked position that allows a projectile, such as a ball 60, to be loaded onto throwing arm 150 and a throw position, in which throwing arm 150, and the totality of machine 100, launches ball 60.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, ball end 156 includes a cradle 160 that is adapted to receive and retain a projectile, such as a ball 60. Cradle 160 is adjustably mounted on throwing arm 150 such that the spin of ball 60 can be modified by adjusting cradle 160. Cradle 160 comprises a first finger 162 mounted on a first side of throwing arm 150 and a second finger 164 mounted on an opposing side of throwing arm 150 (see FIG. 6). Each of first finger 162 and second finger 164 are independently adjustable relative to throwing arm 150.

Each finger 162, 164 includes a generally curved face 166 on which ball 60 is placed, as shown in FIG. 7. Each finger 162, 164 also includes a generally elongate linear face 168 that extends from its respective curved face 166. Elongate linear face 168 provides a surface along which ball 60 rotates as ball is launched, thereby imparting a rotation to ball 60 as ball is launched from machine 100.

Each finger 162, 164 is pivotally mounted to throwing arm 150 at a pivot 169. An adjusting slot 170 is located distal from pivot 169. A locking device, such as a wing nut 172, extends through adjusting slot 170 and into throwing arm 150. Wing nut 172 allows its respective finger 162, 164 to pivot about pivot 169 to adjust the location of curved face 166 and linear face 168 relative to throwing arm 150 and secure the respective finger 162, 164 in a desired position.

Because fingers 162, 164 are independently adjustable, fingers 162, 164 can be pivoted different amounts, which can impart a spin on ball 60 as ball 60 is launched from machine 100. For example, moving fingers 162, 164 between the position shown in FIG. 7 and the position shown in FIG. 8 alters the angle at which ball 60 is launched from machine 100. Also, by way of example, moving fingers 162, 164 between the position shown in FIG. 7 and the position shown in FIG. 9 alters the spin imparted to ball 60 as ball 60 is launched from machine 100.

An alternative embodiment of a cradle 360 is shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. Cradle 360 is similar to cradle 160, but each finger 362, 364 is pivotally mounted to throwing arm 150 at a pivot 369. An adjusting slot 370 is located distal from pivot 369, above throwing arm 150. An adjusting device, such as a screw 372, extends through throwing arm 150 and into a threaded receiver 374. Rotational adjustment of screw 372 advances receiver 374 along the length of screw 372, pivoting the entire cradle 360 about pivot 369.

Receiver 374 includes threaded ends 376 that releasably retain receiver 374 in slot 370. Threaded ends 376 each allow its respective finger 362, 364 to individually pivot about pivot 369 to adjust the location of curved face 166 and linear face 168 relative to throwing arm 150 and secure the respective finger 362, 364 in a desired position.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a biasing member 180 has a first biasing member end 182 connected to biased end 154 of throwing arm 150 and a second biasing member end 184 movably coupled to front leg assembly 130. In an exemplary embodiment, biasing member 180 can be a helical spring, although those skilled in the art will recognize that biasing member 180 can be other suitable biasing devices. Biasing member 180 provides the motive force to pivot throwing arm 150 to launch ball 60.

Referring back to FIG. 7, ball end 156 of throwing arm 150 extends sufficiently far from cradle 160 such that, regardless of the pivoted location of fingers 162, 164, ball end 156 can engage with a throwing arm release mechanism 182 that is selectively movable between a first position to prevent throwing arm from launching ball 60 and a second position in which throwing arm release mechanism 182 releases throwing arm 150 to launch ball 60.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, arm release mechanism 182 includes a first end 184 connected to the front leg assembly 130 between lower ends 138, 140 and upper ends 142, 144 of legs 132, 134, respectively, and a second end 186 movable between a locking position wherein throwing arm 150 is in the locked position and a release position wherein throwing arm 150 is biased by biasing member 180 to the throw position.

First end 184 includes a first holding arm 185a connected to leg 132 and a second holding arm 185b connected to leg 134. A handle bar 187 located at ends of holding arms 185a, 185b, distal from legs 132, 134, provides a handle for a user to grasp to stabilize himself on machine 100.

Second end 186 of arm release mechanism 182 comprises a pull handle 188 pivotally coupled to holding arms 185a, 185b. Pull handle 188 is biased from a throwing arm release position to a throwing arm locking position. Pull handle 188 includes a pivot end 190 that is pivotally connected to and between holding arms 185a, 185b via a pivot bar 192. Pull handle 188 also includes a grasping end 194, distal from pivot end 190 that the user grasps and pulls toward himself to release throwing arm 150 to launch ball 60. Grasping end 194 extends oblique to a vertical axis toward the user such that, when throwing arm 150 is moved to the locked position, ball end 156 engages and slides down grasping end 194, pivoting grasping end 194 away from the user.

Pull handle 188 includes a throwing arm engager 196 that engages ball end 156 when throwing arm 150 is in a locked position. A biasing member 198 includes a first end 200 connected to pivot end 190 above pivot bar 192 and a second end 202 connected to holding arm 185b below pivot bar 192 such that pull handle 188 is biased toward throwing arm engager 196, engaging ball end 156 of throwing arm 150 when throwing arm 150 is biased toward a locked position.

Referring back to FIGS. 9A-9C, an alternative embodiment of a release mechanism 382 is shown. Mechanism 382 includes a single holding arm 385 that is connected to and extends from leg 134. A single pivot end 390 pivots about a pivot bar 392. A biasing member 398 includes a first end 400 connected to a pivot end 390 above a pivot bar 392 and a second end 402 connected to holding arm 185a below pivot bar 392 such that a pull handle 388 is biased toward throwing arm engager 396, engaging ball end 156 of throwing arm 150 when throwing arm 150 is biased toward a locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, machine 100 also includes a biasing member (or speed) adjustment mechanism 210 that is used to adjust the tension of biasing member 180. Adjustment mechanism 210 includes a load arm 212 having a free end 214 connected to second biasing member end 184. Free end 214 includes legs 216, 218 that are parallel to each other and spaced apart sufficiently for send biasing member end 184 to extend therebetween. A pin 220 extends through each of legs 216, 218. Second biasing member end 184 is connected to pin 220.

Load arm 212 also includes a pivot end 222 that is pivotally coupled to front leg assembly 130 via a pivot pin 224. Adjustment mechanism 210 also includes a tension arm 226 having a first tension arm end 228 pivotally coupled to pivot end 222 of load arm 212 at pivot pin 224 and a connecting arm end 230, distal from pivot pin 224. A speed adjuster 232 is connected to tension arm 226 and has a plurality of speed varying locations 234 releasably connectable to load arm 212. In an exemplary embodiment, speed varying locations 234 comprise a plurality of slots that are aligned to form an arc such that, as tension arm 226 is pivoted about pivot pin 224, different speed varying locations 234 align with and between co-linear slots 236, 238 in legs 216, 218 of free end 214 of load arm 212. A pin 240 is removably insertable through slots 236, 238 as well as through a selected speed varying location 234 to releasably secure speed adjuster 232 to load arm 212.

Connecting arm end 230 of tension arm 226 is pivotally connected to a foot pedal assembly 239 that is operatively connected to 226 tension arm between a pedal release position and a tension adding position wherein tension is added to biasing member 180. Foot pedal assembly 239 further includes a connecting arm 242 having a first end 244 pivotally connected to connecting arm end 230 of tension arm 226 and a second end 246 that is pivotally coupled to a foot pedal 250 at a bracket 252 fixed to a central portion 253 of foot pedal 250. Foot pedal 250 includes a coupled end 254 pivotally coupled to one of frame 110 and front leg assembly 130. As shown in FIG. 12, coupled end 254 is pivotally coupled to brackets 124, 126. Foot pedal 250 further comprises a foot pad 256 distal from coupled end.

Foot pedal 250 is operable to add tension to biasing member 180. Depression of foot pad 256 pulls connecting arm 242 downwardly as shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 11, thereby pivoting tension arm 226 about pivot pin 224, which in turn pulls load arm 212 downward as shown by arrow “B” in FIG. 11 and elongating and loading biasing member 180 as shown by arrow “C” in FIG. 10. The amount of the load applied to biasing member 180 can be adjusted by varying the speed varying location 234 that engages pin 240. A speed varying location 234 closer to tension arm 226 that engages pin 240 results in more tension being applied to biasing member 180 than a speed varying location 234 farther from tension arm 226 that engages pin 240. Consequently, the higher the tension applied to biasing member 180, the quicker that biasing member 180 pivots throwing arm 150 when throwing arm 150 is released, resulting in a higher speed that is imparted to ball 60 when ball 60 is launched.

Referring to FIG. 13, a locking mechanism 260 is adapted to releasably lock foot pedal 250 in the tension adding position. In a first exemplary embodiment locking mechanism 260 includes a handle 262 that is rotatable between a pedal locking position and a pedal release position. Handle 262 includes a lower end 264 that is rotatably mounted on frame leg 112 An upper end 266 of handle 262 includes a horizontal bar 268 that the user can grass to rotate handle 262. Handle 262 includes a plurality of slots 270 extending partially along the length of handle 262 proximate to lower end 264. A vertically adjustable locking arm 272 is removably insertable into each of the plurality of slots 270.

Handle 262 is rotatable between a first position in which locking arm 262 is out of the way of foot pedal 250 so that foot pedal 250 can be depressed to frame 110 and a second position that engages foot pedal 250 after foot pedal 250 has been depressed to frame 110 to prevent foot pedal 250 from upward movement beyond locking arm 272 after a user removes his foot from foot pedal 250. The slot 270 into which locking arm 272 is inserted determines how high foot pedal 250 moves upward after the foot is removed from foot pedal 250. The location of foot pedal 250 relative to handle 262 impacts the tension applied to biasing member 180 and, consequently, the speed of ball 60 when ball 60 is launched from machine 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, depending on multiple factors, including the strength of biasing member 180, the particular speed varying location 234 that engages that engages pin 224, and the location of locking arm 272 along handle 262, the speed of ball 60 being launched from machine 100 can vary between about 65 miles per hour (about 105 kilometers per hour) and about 95 miles per hour (about 150 kilometers per hour).

FIG. 11A and 11B show an alternative embodiment of a speed adjustment mechanism 410 according to the present invention. A load arm 412 is a linear bar having a first end 414 connected to biasing member 180 and a second end 422 connected to a connecting arm 442 at a connection 448. Load arm 412 also includes a slot 416 extending part way up the length of load arm 412 from second end 422.

A top end 444 of connecting arm 442 includes a cam 446 having a plurality of slots 434 spaced around a top end 436 in an arc. Slot 416 in load arm 412 is located such that connecting arm 442 can be pivoted relative to load arm 412 at connection 448 such that a selected one of the slots 434 lines up with slot 416 in load arm 412 such that a pin 444 can be inserted therein to secure load arm 412 to connecting arm 442. The selection of different slots 434 changes the angle of connecting arm 442 relative to load arm 412, thereby changing the effective length between biasing member 180 and pedal assembly 239, adjusting the tension applied to biasing member and the resulting speed of throwing arm when ball 60 is launched.

FIG. 11C shows another alternative embodiment of a speed adjustment mechanism 510 according to the present invention. A load arm 512 is a generally “T-shaped” bar having a top end 514 releasably connected to biasing member 180 and a bottom end 522 connected to connecting arm 442 at a connection 548.

Top end 514 of load arm 512 includes a plurality of slots 534 spaced throughout. Second end 184 of biasing member 180 is selectively inserted into one of the plurality of slots 534. The selection of different slots 534 changes the angle of connecting arm 442 relative to biasing member 180, thereby changing the effective length between biasing member 180 and pedal assembly 239, adjusting the tension applied to biasing member 180 and the resulting speed of throwing arm when ball 60 is launched.

In an exemplary embodiment, machine 100 can be largely constructed from steel, or some other a rigid, lightweight material, such as aluminum, to reduce weight for the ease of transport. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that machine 100 can be constructed from other materials, such as composites.

To set machine 100 for launching ball 60, prior to applying any tension to biasing member 60, a user selects a desired speed varying location 234 for engagement with pin 224. Additionally, the user selects a desired slot 270 into which to insert locking arm 272. The user pulls throwing arm 150 back grasping end 194 until ball end 156 is engaged by and secured to throwing arm engager 196.

The user at this time can adjust cradle 160 to impart the desired pin on ball 60 and then place ball 60 in cradle 160. The user then steps on foot pad 256 and depresses foot pad 256 toward frame 110, applying more tension to biasing member 180. After foot pad 256 is depressed below locking arm 272, the user rotates handle 260 as shown by arrow “D” in FIG. 13 such that locking arm 272 is above foot pedal 256 and releases foot pedal 256, allowing foot pedal 256 to bias upward and engage locking arm 272.

At this point, machine 100 is ready to launch ball 60. When the user is ready, the user pulls grasping end 194 of pull handle 188 toward himself, releasing toward ball end 156 of throwing arm 150 from throwing arm engager 186 and allowing biasing member 180 to contract, pivoting throwing arm 150 about pivot 152 and launching ball 60 from machine 100.

After ball 60 is launched, the user rotates handle 260 to allow foot pedal 250 to raise up, releasing tension from biasing member 180. Machine 100 is now in a condition to be re-set to launch another ball 60.

While locking mechanism 260 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment of a foot pedal locking mechanism 360 is shown in FIGS. 14-16. Locking mechanism 360 includes a lock 362 that is mounted to an underside 251 of foot pedal 250. Lock 362 includes a frame 364 and a movable lock member 366 that is pivotally connected to frame 364. Movable lock member 366 includes a forward, biased end 368 and a rear lift engager 372. A biasing member 374, such as a helical spring, has a first end 376 connected to foot pedal 250 and a second end 377 connected to biased end 368 such that biasing member 374 biases rear lift engager 372 in a downward position.

A release pedal assembly 380 is pivotally mounted on frame leg 112 about pivot 382. Release pedal assembly 380 includes a forward end 384 having a generally planar release pedal 386 that extends above frame leg 112 and a rear end 388 having a lifting bar 390 that extends toward frame leg 114.

A lock bar 392 extends laterally between frame leg 112 and frame leg 114 such that, when foot pedal 250 is depressed, movable lock member 366 engages lock bar 392, releasably securing foot pedal 250 to lock bar 392. After ball 60 is launched, the user depresses release pedal 386, pivoting lifting bar 390 upward and engaging lift engager 372 to move lock member 366 and open lock 362, releasing lock member from lock bar 392, thereby allowing foot pedal to pivot upwardly and release tension from biasing member 180. Biasing member 374 pulls on biased end 368 of lock member 366 such that, when foot pedal 250 is depressed again, lock member 366 can engage lock bar 392.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of a projectile launching machine 500 (“machine 500”) is shown in FIGS. 17-____. Like machine 100, machine 500 is a portable device that is collapsible for transport and is easily assembled for bowling cricket balls. To facilitate the collapsibility of machine 500, several of the below-described components are removably connected to each other, such as with cotter pins or other removable connecting devices. While exemplary removable components are shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that machine 500 can be configured in other configurations that also allow for the collapsibility of machine 500. Alternatively, machine 500 can be constructed such that machine is not collapsible, such as for a permanent installation of machine 500.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 17 and 18, machine 500 includes a base 508 having a rear end 511 comprising a foot pad 509. A front leg assembly, constructed from a single frame leg 515, extends underneath and forward of foot pad 511. The forward end of frame leg 515 is connected to a cross brace 523. A pair of vertical support brackets 524, 526 are fixedly connected to frame leg 515 and also fixedly connected to and extend upwardly from cross brace 523.

A front leg assembly 527 includes a single front leg 528. Leg 528 can be of a unitary construction. Alternatively, leg 528 can be constructed from a lower leg portion 528a and upper leg portions 528b, 528c that is releasably connected to lower leg portion 528a. A lower end 533 of leg portion 528a is releasably coupled to vertical support brackets 524, 526.

As shown in FIG. 18, a support bar assembly 530 connects leg 528 to frame leg 515. Support bar assembly 530 includes parallel bars 531, 532 that are connected to each other by support pins 533, 535. A first end 532 of support bar assembly is pivotally attached to frame leg 515 which a second end 536 of support bar assembly 530 is removably attached to lower leg portion 528a. When second end 536 is removed from lower leg 528a, front leg assembly 527 can be folded back toward frame leg 515 so that machine 500 can be easily stowed and transported.

Referring to FIG. 17, an upper end 540b, 540c of each of legs 528b, 528c, respectively, supports a throwing arm 550. Throwing arm 550 is pivotally coupled to upper ends 540b, 540c of legs 528b, 528c at a pivot 552. Throwing arm 550 has a biased end 554 that extends in a first direction from pivot 532 and a ball end 556 distal from biased end 554. Throwing arm 550 is movable between a locked position that allows a projectile, such as a ball, to be loaded onto throwing arm 550 and a throw position, in which throwing arm 550, and the totality of machine 500, launches the ball.

Referring to FIG. 19, ball end 556 includes a cradle 560 that is adapted to receive and retain a projectile, such as a ball. Cradle 560 is adjustably mounted on throwing arm 550 such that the spin of the ball can be modified by adjusting cradle 560. Cradle 560 comprises a first finger 562 mounted on a first side of throwing arm 550 and a second finger 564 mounted on an opposing side of throwing arm 550. Each of first finger 562 and second finger 564 are independently adjustable relative to throwing arm 550.

Each finger 562, 564 includes a generally curved face 566 on which the ball is placed. Each finger 562, 564 also includes a generally elongate linear face 568 that extends from its respective curved face 566. Elongate linear face 568 provides a surface along which the ball rotates as the ball is launched, thereby imparting a rotation to the ball as the ball is launched from machine 500.

Each finger 562, 564 is pivotally mounted to throwing arm 550 at a pivot 569. Because fingers 562, 564 are independently adjustable, fingers 562, 564 can be pivoted different amounts relative to throwing arm 550, which can impart a spin on the ball as the ball is launched from machine 500. Exemplary adjustments of cradle 560 are described above with respect to cradle 160.

A holding arm engager 570 is attached to the ball end 556 of throwing arm 550. Engager 570 includes parallel extending frames 572, 574, mounted on opposing sides of throwing arm 550 from each other. An engaging rod 576 extends between frames 572, 574 and allows a slot 624 on a release bar 622 (shown in FIG. 22) to engage engaging rod 576 to pull throwing arm 550 to a throwing position.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a biasing member 580 has a first biasing member end 582 connected to biased end 554 of throwing arm 550 and a second biasing member end 584 movably coupled to a fine adjusting rod 586. In an exemplary embodiment, biasing member 580 can be a helical spring, although those skilled in the art will recognize that biasing member 580 can be other suitable biasing devices. Biasing member 580 provides the motive force to pivot throwing arm 550 to launch the ball.

Fine adjusting rod 586 includes a connected end 588 that is fixed to a stabilizer bar 590 that extends between legs 528b, 528c. Stabilizer bar 590 includes a bushing 591 that is rotatable relative to legs 528b, 528c. Fine adjusting rod 586 includes a plurality of through slots 592 so that second biasing member end 584 can be selectively inserted into one of the through slots 592 to provide fine adjustments to the tension on throwing arm 550.

A gross adjusting rod 594 extends downwardly from fine adjusting rod 586 and is used for providing gross adjustments to the tension on biasing member 580 and throwing arm 550. Gross adjusting rod 594 includes a plurality of slots 596a, 596b, 596c formed therein that can selectively engage support pin 535. Engaging slot 596a adds more tension to biasing member 580 than engaging slot 596c.

Referring back to FIG. 17 and to FIG. 22, an arm release mechanism 598 includes a first end 610 connected to upper end 540b, 540c of each of legs 528b, 528c respectively, and a second end 612 movable between a loading position wherein arm release mechanism 598 engages throwing arm 550 in an unbiased condition and a loading position wherein throwing arm 550 is biased by biasing member 580 to the throw position.

First end 610 includes a first holding arm 614 connected to leg 528b and a second holding arm 616 connected to leg 528c. A handle bar 620, located at ends of holding arms 614, 616, distal from legs 528b, 528c, provides a handle for a user to grasp to stabilize himself on machine 500.

Arm release mechanism 598 also includes a release bar 622 located proximate to handle 620. Release bar 622 is mounted to a bushing 623 for rotation between first holding arm 614 and second holding arm 616. Slot 624 is provided in release bar 622 proximate to bushing 623 for releasably engaging the engaging rod 576. Release bar 622 also includes a connector 626. A biasing member 628 has a first end 630 connected to connector 626 and a second end 632 connected to a connector 634 attached to arm 616. Biasing member 628 rotates release bar 622 to the position shown in FIG. 22 after release bar 622 is pulled back toward handle 620 to release throwing arm 550.

A stop rod 635 extends between arms 614, 616 forward of release bar 622. Release bar 622 includes a lip 636 that engages stop bar 635 to prevent release bar 622 from pivoting past the point shown in FIG. 22. A through opening 638 is provided on release bar 622 above slot 624. Stop bar 635 can be removed from arms 614, 616 for disassembly, and release bar 622 can be folded forward, toward throwing arm 550. When release bar 622 is folded forward, through opening 638 aligns with through openings 639 in arms 614, 616 (shown in FIG. 17) and stop bar 635 can be inserted through openings 639, 638 to secure release bar 622 between arms 614, 616.

Referring to FIG. 23, a ratchet mechanism 640 is attached to upper end 540b of leg 528b. Ratchet mechanism 640 includes a ratchet 642 that is fixedly attached to upper end 540b. Ratchet 646 has a plurality of teeth 644 that engage a pawl 646. Pawl 646 is pivotally attached to arm 614 at a pivot pin 648. Ratchet mechanism 640 is provided to prevent arms 614, 616 from inadvertently releasing as throwing arm 550 is being pulled back to a throwing position.

A pull device 650 attached to pawl 646 above pivot pin 648 is attached to a pull wire 652 that extends along the length of arm 614 toward handle 620. Pull wire 652 can be pulled by a user located at handle 620 to pull pawl 646 out of ratchet 642 to allow arms 614, 616 to pivot upwardly to engage throwing arm 550.

A connector 654 is provided at the bottom of pawl 646. Another connector 656 is provided below arm 614 and a biasing member 658 extends between connector 654 and connector 656 to bias lower end of pawl 646 toward connector 656 to force pawl 646 into teeth 644 of ratchet 642 and prevent arms 614, 616 from pivoting upwardly.

To use machine 500, a user can adjust the tension applied by biasing member 580 to throwing arm 550 by adjusting the engagement of biasing member 580 with respect to fine adjusting rod 586 and the engagement of gross adjusting rod 594 with support pin 535.

The user then steps on foot pad 509 and pulls on pull device 650, releasing pawl 646 from ratchet 642. The user then pivots arms 614, 616 upwardly until slot 624 in release bar 622 engages engager 570 at the top of throwing arm 650. The user then releases pull device 650 so that pawl 646 engages ratchet 642 and user then pulls arms 614, 616 back, pulling throwing arm 550 with arms 614, 616 and applying tension to biasing member 580.

The user places a ball in cradle 560 and adjusts fingers 562, 564 as desired to adjust for a desired spin on the ball. When the user is ready to release the ball, the user pulls back on the top of release bar 622, allowing engager 570 to slide out of slot 624. Biasing member 580 pulls biased end 554 of throwing arm 550 downward, launching the ball from cradle 560.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A projectile launching machine comprising: a base having a front end and a rear end;a front leg assembly having a lower end pivotally coupled to the front end of the base;a support bar assembly having a first end removably attached to the base and a second end pivotally attached to the front leg assembly, the support bar being releasable from the base such that the front leg assembly is pivotable toward the base;a throwing arm pivotally coupled to the front leg assembly at a pivot, the throwing arm having a biased end extending from the pivot and a ball end distal from the biased end, the throwing arm movable between a locked position and a throw position; anda biasing member having a first biasing member end connected to the biased end and a second biasing member end movably coupled to the front leg assembly.

3. The projectile launching machine according to claim 2, wherein the front leg assembly comprises a lower leg portion directly attached to the base and an upper leg portion, distal from the base, the upper leg portion being releasably attached to the lower leg portion.

4. The projectile launching machine according to claim 3, wherein the support bar assembly is attached to the lower leg portion.

5. The projectile launching machine according to claim 3, wherein the lower leg portion comprises a single leg and wherein the upper leg portion comprises a first upper leg portion on a first side of the lower leg portion and a second upper leg portion on a second side of the lower leg portion.

6. The projectile launching machine according to claim 5, wherein the support bar assembly comprises a first support bar attached to the lower leg portion below the first upper leg portion and a second support bar attached to the lower leg portion below the second upper leg portion.

7. A projectile launching machine comprising: a base having a front end and a rear end;a front leg assembly coupled to the front end of the base;a support bar assembly having a first end attached to the base and a second end attached to the front leg assembly;a throwing arm pivotally coupled to the front leg assembly at a pivot, the throwing arm having a biased end extending from the pivot and a ball end distal from the biased end, the throwing arm movable between a locked position and a throw position;a biasing member having a first biasing member end connected to the biased end and a second biasing member end; anda biasing member adjustment mechanism comprising: a first adjusting rod having a free end connected to the second biasing member end and a connected end pivotally connected to the front leg assembly; anda second adjusting rod pivotally coupled to the first adjusting rod and selectively coupled to the support bar assembly.

8. The projectile launching machine according to claim 7, wherein the connected end of the first adjusting rod is pivotally connected to the front leg assembly.

9. The projectile launching machine according to claim 7, wherein the first adjusting rod comprises a plurality of connections formed along a length thereof, wherein the second biasing member end is selectively attached to one of the plurality of connections.

10. The projectile launching machine according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of connections comprise a plurality of through openings.

11. The projectile launching machine according to claim 9, wherein the support bar assembly comprises first and second parallel bars and a support pin connecting the first and second parallel bars, the second adjusting rod comprising a plurality of slots for selective engagement with the support pin.

12. The projectile launching machine according to claim 11, wherein an adjustment of the second adjusting rod between adjacent of the plurality of slots results in a larger tension adjustment in the biasing member than an adjustment of the first adjustment rod between adjacent of the plurality of connections.

13. A projectile launching machine comprising: a base having a front end and a rear end;a front leg assembly coupled to the front end of the base;a throwing arm pivotally coupled to the front leg assembly at a pivot, the throwing arm having a biased end extending from the pivot and a ball end distal from the biased end, the ball end having an engaging rod;a biasing member having a first biasing member end connected to the biased end and a second biasing member end;a holding arm having a first end pivotally connected to the front leg assembly, and a second end;a release bar attached to the holding arm such that the holding arm is pivotable about the front leg assembly such that the release bar is releasably engageable with the engaging rod such that, when the holding arm is pivoted to a loading position, the throwing arm is pivoted to a throwing position.

14. The projectile launching machine according to claim 13, wherein the release bar comprises a notch, wherein the engaging rod is releasably insertable into the notch when the holding arm is pivoted to the loading position.

15. The projectile launching machine according to claim 13, further comprising a pawl, and wherein the first end of the holding arm comprises a ratchet such that the pawl is releasably engageable with the ratchet.

16. The projectile launching machine according to claim 15, wherein, when the pawl is engaged with the ratchet, the holding arm is precluded from inadvertently releasing as the throwing arm is being pulled back to the throwing position.

17. The projectile launching machine according to claim 16, wherein the pawl is biased to engage with the ratchet.

18. The projectile launching machine according to claim 13, further comprising a cradle at the ball end of the throwing arm, wherein the cradle is adapted to receive and retain a projectile.

19. The projectile launching machine according to claim 18, wherein the cradle is adjustably mounted on the throwing arm.

20. The projectile launching machine according to claim 19, wherein the cradle comprises a first finger mounted on a first side of the throwing arm and a second finger mounted on an opposing side of the throwing arm.

21. The projectile launching machine according to claim 20, wherein each of the first finger and the second finger are independently adjustable relative to the throwing arm.