Arm pitching machine having a lead timing arm

A pitching machine for pitching a ball to a batter positioned in a first batting location. The pitching machine including a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm is coupled to drive assembly and rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The pitching arm includes a forward side configured to contact and project the ball during a portion of the rotation of the pitching arm about the first axis. The pitching arm is configured to project the ball at least a first ball release position with respect to the first axis. The lead timing arm includes a marker. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm such that the marker is visible to the batter positioned in the first batting location prior to the pitching arm reaching the first ball release position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an arm pitching machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pitching machines are widely used by both professional and non-professional athletes for batting practice. Conventional pitching machines typically fall into two categories disc or wheel driven machines or arm pitching machines. Disc or wheel driven machines are more prevalent and include a pitching head having either one motor driven wheel or two counter-rotating motor driven wheels that engage a ball and project the ball toward an awaiting batter. Arm driven machines typically use an elongate arm that rotates about a pivot axis. The arm is typically spring loaded and includes a mechanism for allowing the stored energy in the spring to rapidly rotate the arm at a particular point in the rotation of the arm, typically soon after the pitching arm acquires a ball.

Arm pitching machines are preferred by many players because the arm release motion is closer to an actual pitch thrown by a pitcher than a ball being propelled from a disc or wheel driven machine. Arm pitching machines are often configured to hold a large number of balls, or attach to a feed tray with a large number of balls. The arm pitching machines typically rotate about an axis and acquire a ball from a ball retrieval location or assembly. Typically, after a few degrees of continued rotation about the axis at typically a fairly constant speed, the spring energy is released and the arm is driven quickly about the pivot axis resulting in the pitching of the ball from the pitching machine toward a batter. This pitch cycle is then typically repeated at some time interval for a next ball, and additional balls thereafter.

However, arm pitching machines do have some drawbacks. For example, during a baseball game, most batters typically load or prepare for the pitched ball during the pitcher's windup and then are prepared to execute their swing efficiently and effectively. If a batter does not have time to load or prepare, the batter can be caught off guard, off balance or in an inefficient batting position and thereby have a decreased chance of making solid contact with the ball and maximizing the potential of his or her swing. If a batter loads too early (such as before a pitcher begins his or her windup), the batter can lose focus, become distracted or even experience some level of fatigue. Accordingly, batters when working with pitching machines, and especially arm pitching machines, will attempt to prepare for the pitch by adapting to the time interval of the pitch cycle of the pitching machine. This practice is difficult to perfect, and can be tedious or even frustrating to batters. Many batters prepare or load too early or too late, and some machines have some variability in the interval of the pitch cycle which further increases the difficulty of properly timing the next pitch from a pitching machine. When a batter does not accurately adjust to the interval of the pitching machines pitch cycle, the batter's effectiveness decreases because he or she can find himself or herself preparing too early or too late for the pitch, or having both occur in the same practice session.

Indeed the entire purpose of using a pitching machine (for example, to improve the batter's swing and/or hitting ability) can be negated by a batter's inability to properly time the pitch cycle of a particular pitching machine. Therefore, what is needed is a pitching machine that can provide an easy, effective and repeatable way of providing an indication of when the pitch is about to leave the pitching machine. It would be advantageous to have an arm pitching machine that can provide a signal to the batter that could simulate the approximate time frame of a pitcher's windup. It would be beneficial to provide such a feature in a cost effective, reliable and easy to recognize manner. What is needed is a pitching machine that can allow a batter to readily time the pitched ball from the pitching machine.

Arm pitching machines have other drawbacks. The pitching arm of arm pitching machines typically include some structure for receiving the ball before the spring energy or other pitch generating force is applied to the pitching arm to pitch the ball toward the batter. These structures are typically referred to as throwing hands and can take many forms, and can be critical to producing an accurate pitch. Accuracy is a critical characteristic of a pitching machine. Batters often want to focus on hitting a ball in a particular location or portion of the strike zone. Batters also typically want to know that the pitch coming from the pitching machine will be a strike, and/or will be in the location they intend. Some existing throwing hands are constructed with a continuous or sharp curve along their longitudinal or major dimension. Such curved shapes can induce an undesirable back spin on the ball that can change the trajectory of the ball causing it to drift upward away from the intended target. Other throwing hands are constructed such that minimal contact exists between the ball and the throwing hand. For example, a throwing hand constructed with a pair of projecting ridges upon which the ball rests before being thrown results in the ball contacting the throwing hand along essentially two lines of contact. Such limited contact reduces the accuracy and control of the pitched ball.

Accordingly, there is a need for a throwing hand design of a pitching arm of an arm pitching machine that provides improved contact with the ball and maximizes the accuracy of the pitched ball. What is needed is a pitching arm and throwing hand construction that provides repeatable accurate pitches in the location desired by the batter or person (coach or manager) operating the pitching machine.

Further, arm pitching machines typically are configured to pitch one ball at a time from a feed tube or hopper containing numerous balls. Typically, the balls are gravity fed through a feed tube to the location where the throwing hand picks up the lowest ball. As a result, the group of balls is aligned in the tube with one ball contacting or bearing against the ball below it. This continues all the way to the lowest ball, which is typically the ball that is retrieved or picked up by the pitching arm. The weight of the balls above the lowest ball applies a force against, or side load to, the lowest ball that can cause the lowest ball to fall from the throwing hand of the pitching arm or move in an undesirable manner on the pitching arm before the pitching arm propels the ball out of the machine. This side load can reduce the repeatability and reliability of the pitching machine and can require an operator to stop the pitching machine to retrieve those balls that fall from the throwing hand. The side load can also negatively affect the accuracy of the pitched ball because the side load causes the lowest ball to shift or otherwise in an undesirable manner as it is picked up. This shifting or movement of the ball can inhibit the smooth pitching of the ball from the machine and therefore the accuracy of the pitched ball.

Accordingly, there is a need for an arm pitching machine capable of pitching multiple balls one at a time to have a feed system that eliminates the side load or force on the lowest ball from the group of balls next in line for pitching.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pitching machine configured for pitching a ball to a batter positioned in a first batting location. The pitching machine includes a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm is coupled to drive assembly and rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The pitching arm includes a forward side configured to contact and project the ball during a portion of the rotation of the pitching arm about the first axis. The pitching arm is configured to project the ball at least a first ball release position with respect to the first axis. The lead timing arm includes a marker. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm such that the marker is visible to the batter positioned in the first batting location prior to the pitching arm reaching the first ball release position.

According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a pitching machine for pitching a ball includes a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm coupled to the drive assembly, and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm includes a throwing hand having a first distal end. The pitching arm is rotatable in a first direction about a pivot axis. The radial distance from the pivot axis to the first distal end defines a first line segment. The lead timing arm includes a marker and has a second distal end. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm and is configured to move with the pitching arm. The radial distance from the pivot axis to the second distal end defines a second line segment. The first and second line segments define a lead angle, which is within the range of 10 to 120 degrees.

According to another principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a pitching machine for pitching a ball to a batter includes a frame, a pitching arm coupled to the frame, and a throwing hand coupled to a distal end of the pitching arm. The pitching arm is rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The throwing hand includes an elongate body and has a ball contact region. The ball contact region defines a portion of a cylinder wherein the curvature of the ball contact region defines a radius that is equal to or greater than the radius of the ball, and the length of ball contact region is at least twice as long as the diameter of the ball.

According to another principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a pitching machine for pitching a plurality of balls one at a time to a batter includes a frame, a ball feed trough coupled to the frame, a ball acquisition structure coupled to the frame, and a ball cup coupled to the frame. The ball feed trough has a lower end and is configured to retain at least three of the balls. The ball acquisition structure is spaced apart from, and is configured to support one of the balls at an elevation below, the lower end of the feed trough. The ball cup is positioned at the lower end of the ball feed trough and is adjacent the ball acquisition structure. The ball trough is sloped to allow for gravity feed of the balls to the ball cup. The ball cup is sized for retaining one of the balls. The ball cup has a curved wall defining a ball opening sized for receiving and dispensing the one of the balls. The ball cup is rotatable about a ball cup axis such that, during use, the ball cup receives one of the balls when the ball opening of the ball cup rotates to meet the lowest ball in the ball trough. As the ball cup rotates, the curved wall inhibits more than one ball from entering the ball cup, and as the ball cup continues to rotate, the ball opening opens toward the ball acquisition structure enabling the ball to exit the ball cup and drop to the ball acquisition structure.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 3, an arm pitching machine configured for projecting or pitching a ball is indicated generally at10. The present invention is described below with respect to a pitched baseball or softball. The present invention is also applicable to the projecting of baseballs or softballs for other purposes, such as to replicate a fly ball, a line drive or a ground ball. Further, the present invention is also applicable to other types of balls, such as, for example, footballs, tennis balls, soccer balls, and volleyballs.

The pitching machine10includes a frame12, a drive assembly14, a pitching arm16, a lead timing arm18, a biasing assembly20, a ball feed system22, a speed adjustment mechanism24and a pitch height adjustment mechanism26. The frame12is a support structure for supporting the components, assemblies and systems of the pitching machine. The frame12is configured to support the pitching machine10on a substantially horizontal surface during use. The frame12is also configured to support the pitching machine10a slightly angled or sloped surface such as a baseball field or pitching mound. The frame12is formed of a high strength durable material, preferably a steel. In alternative embodiments, the frame can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other alloys, a fiber composite material or combinations thereof. A multi-piece housing28is removably attached to the frame12. The housing28is preferably formed of a rigid material, such as steel. In alternative embodiments, the housing can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, a plastic, other allows, a fiber composite material, a resin or combinations thereof. The housing28includes a ball delivery window30which is advantageously sized to enable a batter or other user of the machine to see the lead timing arm18, the pitching arm16and the baseball32as the baseball32is delivered or pitched from the pitching machine10. The housing28further includes a plurality of openings34to provide some visibility of the internal components of the pitching machines, but are sized to inhibit a person or child from being able to contact the operating components of the pitching machine10during use. The openings34also allow for air flow through the pitching machine10.

The drive assembly14is connected to and supported by the frame12and operably coupled to the ball feed system22, the pitching arm16and the biasing assembly20. The drive assembly14includes a drive motor36, a drive shaft38, a drive collar40and a drive wheel42(FIG. 4). The drive assembly14provides a continuous rotational movement of the drive shaft38for rotating the pitching arm16through a portion of its pitch cycle and for continuously operating the ball feed system22. For purposes of this invention, the term pitch cycle refers to a single cycle or 360 degree rotation of the pitching arm16about a first pivot axis44. The pitching machine10is configured to pitch a single baseball during a single pitch cycle. The drive motor36converts electrical energy into mechanical rotational energy. The drive motor36is preferably an AC motor having a horsepower rating of and receives power from an off-machine AC power source. The off-machine AC power source can be a stand-alone generator or power supplied from a community electrical grid. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the drive motor36can be a DC battery powered motor. The drive motor36drives or rotates the drive shaft38. In a preferred embodiment, the drive motor36rotates the drive shaft38at a constant speed of approximately 8 rpm. In alternative preferred embodiments, the drive motor can be configured to provide to drive the drive shaft at other speeds or at variable speeds.

The drive shaft38is connected to the drive motor36and operably coupled to the pitching arm16and the drive wheel42(FIG. 4), and directly coupled to the drive collar40. The drive shaft38defines the first pivot axis44about which the pitching arm16, the drive collar40and the drive wheel42rotate. The drive shaft38is preferably formed of a high strength, durable material, preferably a steel. Alternatively, the drive shaft38can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other alloys, a ceramic, a fiber composite material, a plastic and combinations thereof. The drive collar40receives and is attached to the drive shaft38such that the drive collar40rotates with the drive shaft38. The drive collar40includes a drive pin (not shown) that is preferably positioned in an offset relationship to the drive shaft38. The drive pin bears against and drives (and is positioned directly adjacent to) an arm base unit48of the pitching arm16through a portion of the pitch cycle of the pitching machine10.

The pitching arm16is an elongate member rotatably coupled to the drive shaft38. The pitching arm16is configured to rotate 360 degrees about the first pivot axis44. The pitching arm16includes the arm base unit48, an arm link50and a throwing hand52. The arm base unit48is operably coupled to the drive collar40, the drive shaft38, the lead timing arm18and the biasing assembly20. The arm base unit48includes a cylindrical passage that is collinear and receives the drive shaft38and a portion of the drive collar40. The arm base unit48is rotatably coupled to the drive shaft38and the drive collar40through a bearing assembly54. The arm base unit48is rotatable about the pivot axis44independent of the drive shaft38. The base unit48further includes a drive surface for contacting the drive pin of the drive collar40during a portion of the pitch cycle and a bracket56outwardly extending from the pivot axis44. When the drive pin of the drive collar40bears against the drive surface of the base unit48, the arm base unit48rotates about the pivot axis44at the same speed as the drive collar40. The bracket56includes a first connection point58for connecting the arm base unit48to the biasing assembly20. The first connection point58is offset from the pivot axis44and radially spaced from the arm link50of the pitching arm16. At the point of the pitch cycle where the biasing assembly20reaches an “over the center” position with respect to the pivot axis44, the biasing assembly20is configured to release its energy and rapidly rotate the arm base unit48from the first connection point58about the pivot axis44. This rapid rotation upon release of the energy of the biasing assembly20causes the pitching arm16to pitch the baseball32.

The arm link50is an elongate member connecting the arm base unit48to the throwing hand52. The arm link50extends the throwing hand52away from the pivot axis44increasing the mechanical advantage of the pitching arm16. The arm base unit48and the arm link50are preferably formed of high strength, rigid material, preferably steel. In alternative embodiments, the base unit48and the arm link50are formed of other materials, such as, for example, other alloys, a fiber composite material, a plastic and combinations thereof.

The throwing hand52is coupled to the arm link50. In one preferred embodiment, the throwing hand52is fastened to the arm link50through conventional fasteners. Alternatively, the throwing hand52can be connected to the arm link50through other conventional means. In another preferred embodiment, one or more of the arm base unit, the arm link and the throwing hand can be formed as a single integral piece or as two pieces. The throwing hand52is configured for picking up and receiving the baseball32and then pitching or projecting the baseball32at the pitching arm16goes through its pitch cycle.

The lead timing arm18is an elongate member coupled to the pitching arm16. The lead timing arm18is configured to move in tandem or with the pitching arm16. In one preferred embodiment, the lead timing arm18can include a support link60and a marker62. The support link60couples the marker62to the pitching arm16. The support link60is preferably formed a rigid resilient material, such as aluminum Alternatively, the support link60can be formed of other metals, other alloys, a fiber composite material, a plastic, wood and combinations thereof. The marker62preferably includes a generally planar front surface. The marker62can be formed of a metal, wood, a fiber composite material, an elastomeric material, a thermoset material, paper, and combinations thereof.

The biasing assembly20is configured to adjustably store or load energy as the pitching arm16travels through a first portion of the pitch cycle, and then release its stored energy to the pitching arm16at the appropriate point in the pitch cycle. The biasing assembly20preferably includes a spring64, such as a coil spring. In other preferred embodiments, the spring64can be replaced with another biasing member or spring type, such as, for example, a leaf spring. The spring64is mounted to a carriage assembly66and operably coupled to the speed adjustment mechanism24and to the arm base unit48of the pitching arm16through the cable68.

The carriage assembly66includes a carriage frame70and a mounting bracket72. The carriage frame70supports the spring64and is preferably pivotally supported to the frame12and coupled to the height adjustment mechanism26. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the carriage frame can be fixedly coupled to the frame. The carriage frame70is formed of a high strength durable material, such as steel. In alternative embodiments, other materials can be used such as, for example, other alloys, a fiber composite material or combinations thereof.

The mounting bracket72is coupled to the spring64and has a second connection point74for the pivotal connection of the cable68. During an initial portion of the pitch cycle, as the drive assembly14rotates the pitching arm16about the pivot axis44. The arm base unit48rotates causing the mounting bracket72to load the spring64through the first and second connection points58and74and the cable68. As the pitching arm16continues to rotate in a clockwise direction from the vantage point ofFIG. 1, the first and second connection points58and74become aligned with the pivot axis44and define a straight line. As the pitching arm continues to rotate, the first connection point58of the arm base unit48moves out of alignment with the pivot axis44and the second connection point74and reaches the “over the top” position. At the over the top position, the spring64is unrestrained and unloads its stored energy. As the spring64unloads it accelerates the first connection point58of the arm base unit48about the pivot axis44. This very rapid acceleration occurring at the release or unloading of the spring64creates the pitch of the pitching arm16.

The speed adjustment mechanism24is coupled to the opposite end of the spring64and includes a shaft76and a gear assembly for adjusting the pre-load of the spring64. The shaft76extends from the gear assembly to the rear side of the pitching machine10through the aperture78for adjustment by the operator of the pitching machine. In one preferred embodiment, the gear assembly is a worm gear assembly having a base gear and a worm gear, whereby rotation of the shaft76increases or decreases the pre-loading of the spring64. The increase or decrease of the shaft76results in an increase or decrease of the pre-load of the spring64which corresponds to an increase or decrease, respectively, of the speed of the pitched baseball32.

Referring toFIGS. 2,11and12, the height adjustment mechanism26is coupled to and supported by the frame10and is coupled to the carriage frame70. The height adjustment mechanism26includes an elevation shaft82and an elevation carriage84. The elevation shaft82extends from the frame12through the elevation carriage84to an aperture86within the rear side of the housing28of the pitching machine10for access and adjustment by the operator. As the operator manipulates or adjusts the elevation shaft82, the elevation carriage84extends along the axial length of the elevation shaft. The elevation carriage84is coupled to the carriage frame70such that movement of the elevation carriage84causes pivotal movement of the carriage frame70with respect to the frame12. As the elevation carriage84moves fore and aft, the carriage frame70pivots and the height of the biasing assembly20and the spring64changes. The higher the elevation of the biasing assembly20, the later the release point of the baseball from the pitching arm16and the lower the pitch, and the lower the elevation of the biasing assembly20the sooner the release point of the baseball from the pitching arm16and the higher the pitch to the batter.

FIG. 11shows the height adjustment mechanism26in a first position in which the elevation carriage84is close to the frame12and the biasing assembly20is at a low position. The low position results in a higher pitch from the pitching machine10.FIG. 12shows the height adjustment mechanism26in a second position in which the elevation carriage84is positioned further from the frame12and therefore the biasing assembly20is elevated. This second position results in a pitched ball having a lower elevation. The over the top location of the pitch cycle is defined by the alignment of the first and second connection points58and74with the pivot axis44. InFIGS. 11 and 12, the change in the over the top position can be seen. InFIG. 11, since the pitching arm16moves in a clockwise manner from the perspective of the viewer during the pitch cycle, the over the top position occurs sooner resulting in an earlier release of the ball from the pitching machine10and a higher pitch. InFIG. 12, the over the top position occurs later in the pitch cycle resulting in a later release of the ball from the pitching machine and a lower pitch. A batter or operator of the pitching machine10can adjust the pitching machine to other height positions beyond the first and second positions ofFIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring to FIGS.1and4-6, the ball feed system22is illustrated. The ball feed system22is configured to retain a plurality of baseballs and to feed or supply the baseballs to a ball acquisition structure100of the pitching machine10. The feed system22includes a hopper102, a feeder dish104, a ball catch106, a feed trough108, a ball cup110, a ball cup linkage112and the ball acquisition structure100. Referring toFIG. 4, the hopper102is a ball storage structure configured for retaining a plurality of the baseballs32. The hopper102includes an enlarged opening104for loading the baseballs32into the hopper102. The hopper102can be sized to retain different quantities of baseballs, such as, for examples, 25 balls, 50 balls, 100 balls, etc. The hopper102includes sidewalls114and sloped lower surfaces116to direct the balls32to the feed dish104. The hopper102is advantageously positioned at the top of the pitching machine10to allow for a gravity feed of the baseballs32. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the hopper102can be removed and a remote feed trough or remote ball storage assembly can be coupled to the pitching machine10to supply the balls to the pitching machine.

The feeder dish104is positioned at the bottom of the hopper102and is operably coupled to the drive wheel42. Rotation of the drive wheel42caused by rotation of the drive shaft38causes the feeder dish104to rotate. In a preferred embodiment, the feeder dish104includes a plurality of fins118to agitate the balls32and facilitate the efficient movement of the balls to the feed trough108. The ball catch106is coupled to the hopper102for facilitating the collection of the balls into the feed trough108. As the feeder dish104rotates, the balls32at the bottom of the hopper102are directed toward the ball catch106, which assists in directing the balls toward the central opening120in the hopper102to the feed trough108.

The feed trough108is a sloped passageway and structure for routing the baseballs32that enter the feed trough108through the central opening120to the ball cup110. The feed trough108is sized and shaped to arrange the balls32in a consecutive order or line, such that no one ball32can overtake or pass up another ball32in the feed trough108. The feed trough108is sloped and routed to direct the balls32in an efficient manner to the ball cup110using gravity. The feed trough108also serves as a storage location for some of the plurality of balls.

The ball cup110is coupled to the ball cup linkage112and supported by the frame12. The ball cup110is sized for retaining a single baseball32or softball. The ball cup110includes a curved wall122defining a ball opening124sized for receiving and dispensing the single ball32.

The hopper102, the feeder dish104, the ball catch106, the feed trough108and the ball cup100can be formed from a number different materials, such as, for example, steel, other alloys, a fiber composite material, a plastic, wood, a thermoset material and combinations thereof. The ball cup linkage112uses the rotation of the drive shaft38to induce rotation of the ball cup110about a second pivot axis126. The linkage112is connected at one end to the drive shaft38and at the other to the ball cup110. The ball cup110thereby rotates at approximately the same speed as the drive shaft38. Accordingly, the operation of the ball cup110and the pitching arm16are coordinated and synchronized. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the ball cup linkage112can be arranged to provide rotation of the ball cup110at another speed that is a fraction or multiple of the speed of the drive shaft. As the ball cup110rotates about the second pivot axis126, the opening124presents itself or is moved next to the lowest ball in the feed trough108. Gravity causes the lowest ball to enter the ball cup110and the size of the ball cup prevents more than one ball from entering the ball cup110when the ball cup opening124is present at the balls of the feed trough. As the ball cup110continues to rotate, the curved wall122of the ball cup110bears against the one or more balls remaining in the feed trough108and prevents the balls from moving into the ball cup110or traveling elsewhere. As the ball cup100further continues to rotate, the opening124presents itself toward the ball acquisition structure100and when the opening124moves just below the ball32within the ball cup110, the ball32exits the ball cup110and drops to the ball acquisition structure100. As the ball cup110continues to rotate, the cycle repeats itself and eventually the ball cup opening124appears next to the next lowest ball in feed trough enabling it to enter the ball cup.

The ball acquisition structure100is configured for receiving the single ball32from the ball cup110and directing the ball32to a ball pick-up location140. The ball acquisition structure100includes a drop tray142having a lower edge144and a side wall146with a side edge148, and a ball stop150. The drop tray142is positioned at an elevation below the center of the ball cup110such that the ball32dispensed from the ball cup110through the ball cup opening124drops onto the drop tray142. The drop tray142is preferably sloped to direct the ball to the ball pick-up location140. The ball pick-up location140is defined by three spaced apart contact points one being the lower edge144, the second being the side edge148and the third being the ball stop150. These three points support the single ball32in a stable position and in a spaced apart manner such that the throwing hand52of the pitching arm16can travel upward through the space provided between the ball stop150and the edges144and148to pick-up the ball32. In other preferred embodiments, the ball acquisition structure100can take other forms and the ball pick-up location140can include other spaced apart support structures.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 7, the lead timing arm18provides an indication to a batter positioned in a first batting location a first predetermined distance from the pitching machine that the pitch from the pitching arm16is about to occur. The predetermined distance is dependent on the particular application and batter. The predetermined distance can be selected from the range of 30 feet to 100 feet. The lead indication provided by the lead timing arm18enables the batter to load or otherwise prepare for the pitched ball in the same manner the batter would for a pitcher entering his or her windup. In other words, the batter visually recognizes the lead timing arm18prior to seeing the pitching arm16or the pitched baseball32. The position of the lead timing arm18relative to the pitching arm16is adjustable to enable the batter or an operator of the machine reposition or adjust the lead timing arm18to the desired position ahead of the pitching arm16. The lead timing arm18is adjustably coupled to the pitching arm16. In one preferred embodiment, the lead timing arm18is coupled to the pitching arm16using fasteners. In alternative preferred embodiments, the lead timing arm18can be coupled to the pitching arm16through other means, such as, for example, a snap fit connection, a clamp or other fastening means. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support link60of the lead timing arm18includes a curved slot160and a first releasable fastener162extends through the slot160to connect the lead timing arm18to the pitching arm16, and a second releasable fastener164is spaced apart from the slot162and provides a pivot point for the lead timing arm18to be repositioned within the slot160.

Accordingly, the lead timing arm18is normally secured to the pitching arm16through the first and second releasable fasteners162and164. If the operator of the pitching machine10wishes to adjust the position of the lead timing arm18with respect to the pitching arm16, the operator simply loosens the first and second releasable fasteners162and164to allow for the repositioning of the lead timing arm18. The loosed releasable fasteners162and164enable the lead timing arm18to be easily readjusted by moving the lead timing arm such that the first releasable fastener162moves along the slot160. When the new desired position is obtained, the operator retightens the first and second releasable fasteners162and164to complete the adjustment. The size of the support link60and the slot160can be varied to produce a larger or smaller angular adjustment range for the lead timing arm18with respect to the position of the pitching arm16.

The radial distance from the first pivot axis44to a first distal end of the throwing hand52defines a first line segment150(or line), and the radial distance from the first pivot axis44to a second distal end of the marker62of the lead timing arm18defines a second line segment152(or line). The angle formed between the first and second line segments150and152is a lead angle α. In one preferred embodiment, the lead angle α is within the range of 10 to 120 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the lead angle α is within the range of 30 to 90 degrees, and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lead angle α is within the range of 50 to 70 degrees.

The marker62is configured to be visible to the batter. The marker62preferably has a planar front surface and has a rectangular shape. In alternative preferred embodiments, the marker including the front surface can be spherical, hemispherical, concave, convex, a three-dimensional polygonal shape, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, irregular or any combination thereof. Further, the marker62is preferably given a first color that is different from the color or colors of the other components of the pitching machine10including the pitching arm16, the housing28, etc. In other preferred embodiments, the front surface of the marker62can include a combination of two or more colors or a graphic image, such as, a target, a logo, a trademark, an image of a professional baseball pitcher, a notorious person, etc.

Referring toFIGS. 7 through 9, the throwing hand52is shown in greater detail. The throwing hand52includes a base180, a ball platform182and a ball contact pad184applied to the ball side of the ball platform182. The base180of the throwing hand52is connected to the arm link50, preferably through first and second fasteners186and188. The base180includes an adjustment slot190for selectable adjustment of the angle of the throwing hand52with respect to the arm link50. The base180also provides a ball rest point192. The ball platform182is a curved elongate support structure. The ball contact pad184is attached to the forward surface of the ball platform182. The ball contact pad184is preferably made of a resilient material preferably a rubber. In alternative preferred embodiments, the ball contact pad184can be formed of other materials such as, for example, other elastomeric materials, a plastic, wood, a foam layer and combinations thereof.

The ball platform182and the ball contact pad184define a ball contact region that is shaped as a portion of a cylinder. The ball contact region is linear about a throwing hand longitudinal axis194and curved radially about the longitudinal axis194. The radius R is equal to or greater than the radius of the ball32and the length of the ball platform182and ball contact pad184defining the ball contact region is at least twice as long as the diameter of the ball32. In one preferred embodiment, the R is at least 1.43 inches long and the length is at least 5.72 inches long. In other alternative preferred embodiments, larger radius values can be used and the length of the ball contact region can be at least 2.5 times, 3 times, 3.5 times, or 4 times the diameter of the ball. The selection of a curvature of the ball contact region that has a diameter at least as great as the radius of the ball enables more contact between the ball and the ball contact pad184as the ball32is pitched from the pitching arm16. The curvature of the ball contact region preferably extends over at least 60 degrees of the circumference of the ball32. In other preferred embodiments, the ball contact region can extend over at least 80 degrees of the circumference of the ball. This increased contact provides for greater repeatability and accuracy of the pitched ball from the pitching machine10.

The arm link150is preferably a linear support that extends about an arm link axis200. The angle, β, formed by the throwing hand longitudinal axis194and the arm link axis200is adjustable through adjustment of the fasteners186and188through the slot190. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β is adjustable within the range of 0 to 40 degrees. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the angle β is adjustable within the range of 15 to 30 degrees. The ball platform182and ball contact pad184further define a cutout198sized to receive a portion of the ball stop150thereby allowing the throwing hand52to come directly under the ball32as it is retrieved or picked-up by the pitching arm16in the pitch cycle.

Referring toFIGS. 2,3and13-19, the motion of the pitching arm16and the lead timing arm18are shown through different positions of the pitch cycle. InFIGS. 2-3, the pitching arm16is in a first position wherein the ball32has just been pitched from the pitching machine10. Referring toFIG. 3, the batter can see the ball32and the throwing hand52of the pitching arm16through the ball delivery window30.

Referring toFIGS. 13 through 15, the pitching arm16is shown in second, third and fourth positions as it travels in a clockwise manner through the pitch cycle. The ball32is being supported by the lower edge144, the side edge148, and the ball stop150of the ball acquisition structure100. The pitching arm16moves in a clockwise manner (from the perspective of the FIGS.) and is driven by the drive shaft38and the drive collar40as it approaches the ball pick-up position.

Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, the throwing hand52of the pitching arm16has just pick-up the ball32from the ball acquisition structure100. The first and second connection points58and74are aligned with the pivot axis44defining the top position. As the pitching arm16continues to move clockwise, the connection points58and72will become out of alignment with the pivot axis44and this over the top position is when the biasing assembly20can release its stored energy and rapidly rotate the pitching arm through the next portion of the pitch cycle. The marker62of the lead timing arm18is just visible to the batter providing the batter with the early indication that a pitch is about to occur.

Referring toFIGS. 18 and 19, the pitching arm16has just started to pitch the ball32. The connection points58and74are no longer aligned with the pivot axis44, so the biasing assembly20has released its energy to the pitching arm16through the cable68and the connection points58and74. The lead timing arm18is in an approximate vertical position with the marker62in full view to the batter. The batter now can view the marker62and recognize that the pitching machine10is about to pitch the ball32. During this portion of the pitch cycle, the pitching arm16is no longer driven by the drive shaft38and the drive collar40. Rather, the biasing assembly drives the pitching arm16rapidly through the top portion of the pitch cycle to pitch the ball32to the batter. Upon viewing the marker62, the batter can properly load or prepare to receive the pitched ball.

The pitching machine10of the present invention provides an easy, effective and repeatable way of providing an indication of when the pitch is about to leave the pitching machine10to the batter. The arm pitching machine10of the present invention provides a signal to the batter, via the marker62of the lead timing arm18, that can be used by the batter to simulate the approximate time frame of a pitcher's windup. The pitching machine10allows a batter to readily time the pitched ball from the pitching machine10. The arm pitching machine10includes a pitching arm16with a throwing hand52that provides improved contact with the ball and maximizes the accuracy of the pitched ball. The construction of the pitching arm16and throwing hand52provides repeatable accurate pitches in the location desired by the batter or person (coach or manager) operating the pitching machine10. The present invention provides an arm pitching machine10that allows for the speed and height of the pitched ball to be readily adjusted. The present invention also provides an arm pitching machine that pitches multiple balls one at a time and has a feed system that eliminates the side load or force on the lowest ball from the group of balls next in line for pitching.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiments described herein are illustrated in a pitching machine for pitching baseballs, the principles of the present invention could also be used for pitching machines for pitching practically any other type of ball. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.