Patent ID: 6508243
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
Pitching apparatus for simulating a plurality of different pitches, said apparatus including(a) a plurality of pitching machines, each including means for engaging and propelling a ball through the air to simulate at least a first kind of pitch and a second kind of pitch, each of said pitching machines being adjustable between at least two operative positions, (i) a first operative position for delivering said first kind of pitch, and, (ii) a second operative position for delivering said second kind of pitch; and, (b) mounting means including a common base for said pitching machines to move each of said pitching machines between (i) a first delivery position from which a ball is propelled from the pitching machine through the air, each of said pitching machines occupying a selected space on said base when in said first delivery position, (ii) a second standby position different than said first delivery position, each of said machines when moved to said second standby position being moved on said base completely out of said selected space such that another of said machines can be moved into and occupy said selected space; and, (c) means for obscuring each of said pitching machines when said pitching machine is in said first delivery position such that a batter is unable to discern the orientation of said pitching machine in said first delivery position.