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Multifunctional and random pitching apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game In Which Play Involves Base Running (e.g., For Baseball, Cricket, Etc.)Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060135290, Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional and random pitching apparatus for hitting a ball. More particularly, it relates to a pitching apparatus having a delivery mechanism for automatically delivering a ball in a predetermined direction or pattern, such as a left-handed or right-handed curve ball, a cutter or a sinker fastball and the like, allowing the hitter to practice swings for a given type of pitch. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Baseball is a popular sport and exercise in many countries such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Venezuela, and Japan. Usually a baseball game must be played by nine baseball players per team. If only one person desires to play baseball, a problem arises of not having at least a pitcher, a catcher and a batter (hitter) for batting practice by a player. To overcome this problem in the prior art, a baseball server for a single user was developed to eliminate the need for a pitcher and a catcher. In one prior art patent, the baseball server throws a baseball which has a flying path simulating the traveling path of the baseball from a pitcher. However, this prior art baseball server needs a larger area for use, so that it is inconvenient for many users. [0003] Another problem occurs when a user plays batting practice in a self-batting format with no mechanical equipment involved, wherein the batter throws a baseball upwards and then hits the baseball with a bat. The flight path of the baseball will be affected by the behavior of the batter such that the flight path of the baseball is either unfair or beneficial to the batter and does not represent a proper swinging movement by the batter. Moreover, after the baseball is thrown upward, the user must then hold and swing the bat quickly, often missing the thrown upward and arching baseball. This time period is too short for the batter to react quickly for a proper swinging movement. [0004] There remains a need for a pitching apparatus having a delivery mechanism for automatically delivering a ball in a predetermined pattern, for example a chest-high fastball, for allowing the hitter to practice his or her swings on that pitch pattern being delivered by the pitching apparatus. The apparatus should also include control means for adjusting the height, speed and/or direction of the ball being pitched. Additionally, the apparatus should further include a pair of positioning handles for adjusting the space between the rubber wheel and the base member for accommodating different size balls, such as a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, a squash ball, a rubber ball and the like. [0005] The prior art does not disclose or teach such a multifunctional and random pitching apparatus using a novel delivery mechanism for automatically delivering a ball in a predetermined pitching pattern in order to allow a batter to practice swings for hitting a ball for a given type of pitch. [0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional and random pitching apparatus having a novel delivery mechanism for automatically delivering a ball in a predetermined pitching pattern in order to allow a batter to practice hitting swings for batting the ball for a particular type of pitch. [0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has the delivery mechanism capable of delivering a baseball in a predetermined pattern, such as a left-handed curve ball, a right-handed curve ball, a slider, a screw ball, a splitter, a knuckle ball, a sinker, a fastball and the like, by adjusting a control box that includes control means for adjusting the height, speed and/or direction of the baseball being pitched. [0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has a pair of positioning handles for adjusting the space between the rubber wheel and the base member for accommodating different size balls being used in the apparatus, such as a baseball, a hardball, a softball, a tennis ball, a squash ball, a rubber ball and the like. [0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has a plurality of adjustable legs for adjusting the height of the apparatus in order to allow the batter to adjust the ball projectile based upon personal preference in his or her attempt to hit the ball for a particular-type of pitch while in the batter's box. [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has the ability to provide benefits to a hitter by randomly changing the speeds on the various pitches so as to simulate a real game situation, where a "real-live" pitcher randomly throws pitches at different speeds which may also be in and out of the strike zone to disrupt the timing of the hitter. [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has the ability of the user (hitter) to adjust the pitching apparatus to work on hitter weaknesses, such as hitting a curve ball, a slider, a knuckle ball or a change up pitch (hitters in high school and college have a tougher time adjusting to professional level pitching because the pitchers have a better command of their breaking and off-speed pitches). [0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that has the ability to deliver pitches at greater speeds and/or breaking pitches thus helping a hitter see more quality pitches than a "real-live" pitcher who may be throwing batting practice to the user (hitter). [0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is a benefit to players in cold weather climates in order to have players work in the off season and in-doors (during the winter months) for preparation of the forthcoming baseball season. [0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is simple to use, requires only a limited space, is easy to maintain, and is capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. [0015] A still further object of the preset invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0016] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pitching apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus spins and ejects a pitched ball in a predetermined pitching pattern into the air, and the batter swings a bat in order to hit the pitched ball. The pitching apparatus includes a housing having first and second side walls and a base member with a curved ball track member thereon for forming an interior wheel well. The pitching apparatus also includes a pitching rubber wheel member mounted within the interior wheel well and defining a space between the pitching rubber wheel member and the curved ball track member. The pitching apparatus further includes a first motor having a first motor shaft for rotating the pitching rubber wheel member in a clockwise rotation, and at least one positioning handle for adjusting the space between the pitching rubber wheel member and the curved ball track member in order to adjust the size of the space for receiving different size balls therethrough. Additionally, the pitching apparatus includes a pitching control assembly for controlling a predetermined pitching pattern from the pitching rubber wheel member for pitching the ball into the air from the housing; and a tripod assembly for supporting the housing in an elevated position, and having an upper platform connected to the base member. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pitching apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the apparatus in an assembled state being readied for operational use thereof; [0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pitching apparatus of the present invention showing the major component parts contained thereto; [0020] FIG. 2A is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the pitching apparatus of the present invention showing the compressible control cogwheel member and a rotatable pivot point member being attached thereto; Continue reading about Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus... Full patent description for Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Mending device for golf grass fields Next Patent Application: Training and strengthening device for throwing sports Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus patent info. 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