Abstract:
An automatic launching assembly that delivers balls vertically from the ground upwards to a user. The user may take swings at the vertically-launched balls and deliver the balls into a catching assembly. The catching assembly intercepts the balls and directs the balls to a return ramp and a ball sequencer. The ball sequencing mechanism aligns the balls into a single-file line and returns each ball back to the launching mechanism.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    Techniques relate to equipment used for sports conditioning. More particularly, embodiments relate to automatic tennis ball delivery to users. Techniques relates to equipment used for sports conditioning. More particularly, this invention relates to automatic tennis ball delivery to users. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0002]    U.S. Design patent application Nos. 29/538,955 and 29/538,950 having the same title and inventors as the present application are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    People enjoy practicing for athletic activities. The nature of sports such as tennis and baseball is such that each requires a lot of space. Prior machines for self-practice include serving machines that pitch balls to users from many yards away across a court, field, or cage. Additionally these machines include large hoppers of balls to compensate for being inanimate and unable to catch balls struck by the user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view a continuous ball feeding and catching apparatus, according to various embodiments; 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a method for operating a continuous ball feeding and catching apparatus; 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a launching assembly, according to various embodiments; 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a sequencing assembly; 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a sequencing assembly; 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a catching assembly and return ramp; 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a catching assembly and return ramp; 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a stowed configuration of a continuous ball feeding and catching apparatus, according to various embodiments; 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a launching assembly including a pneumatic hammer, according to various embodiments; 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a launching assembly including one or more gas jets, according to various embodiments; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a contact sensitive backstop with a display screen. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Embodiments include a machine with a ground based launching assembly for feeding a ball vertically to a user or player. Once the ball is launched, a player is able to strike the ball and deliver the ball towards a catching assembly. The catching assembly receives the ball and returns the ball back to the launching assembly. Disposed between the catching assembly and the launching assembly is a return ramp and a ball sequencer. All of these components require no more than ten feet in length. Width of the play area depends on arm wingspan, and swing stance of the player. Such a device may readily be used in a single car garage or other small room. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view a continuous ball feeding and return apparatus  20 , according to various embodiments. The continuous feed and return apparatus  20  includes a ball launching assembly  22  which provides predetermined, vertical force at a regular time interval to a ball  24 . The launching assembly  22  is placed on the ground and balls  24  are launched upwards. The means for applying force to a ball  24  can vary. Examples include the use of a motorized or pneumatic hammer  25  (see  FIG. 9 ). Other embodiments make use of high pressure air/gas jets  27  (see  FIG. 10 ) or accelerating wheels. Embodiments of the launching assembly  22  further include an interval selection mechanism for adjusting the rate upon which the launching assembly launches balls. This mechanism varies in shape and character depending on what means apply force to the ball  24 . Embodiments include a slider or a dial which provides speed tuning for the means for applying force. 
         [0017]    The ball launching assembly launches balls of any kind, though any given embodiment of the launching assembly is only configured for balls in a relatively narrow diameter range (e.g. an embodiment that launches tennis balls would not also launch basketballs). The apparatus  20  works most readily with balls that are intended to be struck mid-air such as tennis balls, baseballs, softballs, racquetballs, lacrosse balls, etc. 
         [0018]    The apparatus  20  further includes a sequencing mechanism  26  positioned adjacent to the ball launching assembly  22 . The sequencing mechanism  26  feeds balls  24 , one at a time, to the ball launching assembly  22 . It is important that multiple balls are not fed to the launcher  22  at the same time, as this can cause jams. Further, some balls, such as tennis balls, have a tendency to stick to one another, thus sequencing resolves issues caused by this tendency. Sequencing means include the use of gates, the use of a selection/grabbing mechanism, or a cycling opening. Gravity is often utilized in each of these means. 
         [0019]    Once launched, if untouched, the balls  24  will reach an apex height, then fall to the ground. Should the balls  24  remain untouched for enough cycles, the apparatus  20  will exhaust the supply of balls  24  and cease to continue launching. However, the intent is that a user or player  28  strike the balls  24  such as with a racket  30  or bat. Alternatively, the player  28  may catch and throw the balls with either their hands or some other sporting apparatus. Embodiments of the launching assembly  22  include an adjustment mechanism (not shown) for increasing or decreasing the force applied to the ball thereby adjusting the apex height. 
         [0020]    The apparatus  20  further includes a catching assembly  32 . The catching assembly receives the balls  24  once the player strikes/throws the balls. Multiple embodiments of a catching assembly  32  exist. The important details for a catching assembly  32  are that balls  24  propelled by the player  28  having a substantially horizontal flight arc towards a selected area are caught and funneled to a predetermined location, often by gravity. In some embodiments, the player  28  may readily disassemble and stow the catching assembly  32  (tool-less). While shape varies between embodiments, the catching assembly  32  includes a substantially concave shaped backstop  34  and side netting  36 . As is observable in  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of the backstop  34  are constructed in a parabolic hyperboloid shape. 
         [0021]    The apparatus  20  includes a return ramp  38  disposed between the catching assembly  32  and the sequencing mechanism  26 . The return ramp  38  directs balls caught by the catching assembly back to the sequencing mechanism thereby completing the cycle loop. Accordingly, relatively few balls are required to keep the apparatus in constant operation with the participation of the player. The return ramp includes a means for rigidity such that the ramp remains taught between the sequencing mechanism  26  and the catching assembly  32  and balls  24  do not get caught on the ramp  38 . Displayed in  FIG. 1 , a tension bar  40  positioned between the launching assembly  22  and the storage base unit  42  keeps the return ramp  38  taught. Further, some embodiments of the return ramp  38  are configured for tool-less disassembly. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the racket  30  is attached to the launching assembly  22  by rope or cable (not shown). This enables the apparatus  20  to be set up in an arcade or public area and reduces the likelihood a malcontent walks away with the racket  30 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a method for operating a continuous ball feeding and catching apparatus. In step  202 , a player checks the settings for the launching assembly such that the launch interval and launch apex are at preferred settings. In step  204 , the launching assembly launches a ball vertically upward from a ground. The ball reaches a predetermined apex height above the ground based launcher. Step  205  is determined by player action or non-action. 
         [0024]    In step  206 , the ball receives horizontal force from a player thereby altering the direction of the ball towards the catching assembly. Alternatively, if the player does not strike the ball, in step  208 , the ball reaches its flight apex and falls to the ground. In step  210 , if more balls are present in the sequencing mechanism, and by extension the launching assembly, additional balls are launched. Otherwise, the process ends. 
         [0025]    In step  212 , the catching assembly halts the horizontal progress of the ball and directs the ball towards the return ramp. In step  214 , the ball is returned to the sequencing mechanism in a controlled manner. In step  216 , the sequencing mechanism feeds balls, one at a time, to the launching assembly. In step  218 , this process continues until the apparatus is shut off. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a launching assembly  22 , according to various embodiments. The depicted embodiment makes use of a spring loaded hammer to strike balls  24 . Across the top of the first embodiment is a feed channel  44  for delivering balls to a launch platform  46 . The feed channel  44  works with the sequencing mechanism  26  to deliver the balls  24 . In embodiments other than that depicted in  FIG. 3 , the feed channel  44  and sequencing mechanism  26  may differ in appearance and form, but provide the same function. 
         [0027]    In the displayed embodiment, a single electric motor  47  (see  FIG. 1 ) turns an axle  48  which rotates a guide wheel  50  which guides a hammer  52 . A hammer  52  driven by a motorized axle  48  is a motorized hammer  53 . The hammer  52  is affixed to a lever  54  positioned by a spring  56 . The guide wheel  50  displayed includes a spiraled groove  58 . The spiraled groove  58  draws back and releases the spring loaded hammer  52  to strike a ball  24  on the launch platform  46  as the guide wheel  50  is rotated by the electric motor. The natural tendency of the hammer  52  is to remain in the striking position as a result of the spring  56 . The hammer  52  includes a peg or a guide (not shown) which is received by the spiraled grove  58 . When the guide wheel  50  rotates such that the release groove  60  is at the top of the guide wheel  50 , the peg/guide of the hammer  52  is freed and the hammer  52  springs upwards. 
         [0028]    The spring  56  includes an adjustment mechanism  62 . Depicted here, the adjustment mechanism  62  is a threaded loop. Turning the threaded loop  62  on adjacent screws  64  stretches or relaxes the spring  56  thereby causing more or less force to apply to the hammer  52 . In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism  62  takes other forms. For example where compressed air propels the ball or a hammer, a valve adjusts the amount of force provided. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism  62  includes an apparatus exterior control for ease of use. This control comprises a dial, a knob, a lever, a locking rod the user pulls on and locks at varying levels of extension, or other control means known in the art. 
         [0029]    Affixed to the guide wheel  50  is an indicator peg  66 . As the guide wheel  50  rotates, shortly before the release groove  60  reaches the top of the rotation, the indicator peg  66  clips a resistance card  68  which generates a sound. The sound indicates to the player  28  that the ball  24  is about to be launched. The indicator peg  66  and resistance card  68  may be described as a “noisemaker”  69 . The same result is achievable through use of a speaker or placing the indicator peg  66  on any other timed component of the apparatus  20 . Adjusting the extension of the spring associated with the spring loaded hammer adjusts the apex height of the launched balls. Adjusting the speed of the electric motor changes the interval of ball launch. 
         [0030]    Other types of launching mechanism are additionally included in preferred embodiments. The spring loaded hammer is an illustrative example. In other embodiments, a pneumatic hammer may perform the same function. Alternatively, an air compressor and a set of valves beneath the launch platform  46  provide sufficient force to launch the ball from the launch platform to an apex height. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a sequencing assembly  26 . On the reverse side of the guide wheel  50  are cams  70   a ,  70   b . The cams  70   a ,  70   b  guide direct levers  72   a ,  72   b  to lower gates  74   a ,  74   b  at opposing times. Depending on the configuration of gate springs  76   a ,  76   b , either releasing pressure or applying pressure to the levers  72   a ,  72   b  draws open the gates  74   a ,  74   b . As displayed in  FIG. 4 , applying pressure with the cam  70   a  to lower the lever  72   a  the lever lowers the gate  74   a  and enables a single ball  24   a  to roll down the feed channel  44  to the launching platform  46 . When the gates  74   a ,  74   b  alternate, the next ball  24   b  will roll into the staging area  78 . 
         [0032]    The design displayed in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is configured for compactness. The size can be further reduced from the displayed embodiment by adjusting the angle of the components, the size of the springs and the thickness of the electric motor. The size of the feed channel  44  is dictated by the size of the balls  24  sequenced and launched. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a sequencing assembly  26 B. In the displayed alternate embodiment, rather than using a feed channel  44  and alternating gates  74   a , 74   b , a feed hopper  80  and sliding collection plate  82  is used. Balls delivered by the return ramp  38  are deposited in the feed hopper  80 . At the base of the feed hopper  80  is a sliding collection plate  82 . The sliding collection plate  82  contains a hole  85  sized to one ball  24 . The sliding collection plate  82  moves laterally across a shelf  84  with an actuation like motion. The actuation of the sliding collection plate  82  is powered by a motor  47 . 
         [0034]    When the hole  85  is positioned under the feed hopper  80 , a ball  24  falls from the feed hopper  80  to the hole  85  in the sliding collection plate  82 . The sliding collection plate  82  then moves across the shelf  84  with the ball  24  and deposits the ball  24  in a chute  86 . The chute  86  delivers the ball to the launch platform  46 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a catching assembly  32  and return ramp  38 . The embodiment of the catching assembly  32  displayed includes a backstop  34  which is substantially a parabolic paraboloid. This shape is sometimes likened to that of a “Pringle” chip. The backstop  34  is positioned at an angle such that were a ball  24  to strike any point on the backstop  34 , the ball  24  is redirected downward and towards the return ramp  38 . 
         [0036]    Additionally, side nets  36  are strung up on either side of the backstop  34  and return ramp  38  to provide greater control in catching incoming balls  24 . The return ramp  38  includes a rigging  88  to attach to the sequencing mechanism. The rigging  88  detaches from the sequencing mechanism  24  without the use of tools for easy disassembly and storage. 
         [0037]    The backstop  34  is constructed of flexible and durable material. Examples includes nylon, polyvinyl, urethane, vinyl, hypalon, or nitrylon. The backstop  34  is supported by a bendable hoop  90  affixed to a storage base unit  42 . The store base unit  42  further includes a support structure configured to keep the back stop and side netting taught (see  FIG. 1 ). The return ramp  38  remains taught as a result of a tension bar  40  positioned between the launcher/sequencer  22 / 26  and the storage base unit  42  of the catching assembly  32 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments the backstop  34  includes a contact sensitive layer. The contact sensitive layer detects where the ball strikes on the backstop  34 . This data is then provided either wirelessly by a network transceiver, or wired using cable configurations commonly known in the art to a processor operated device. The processor operated device can be programmed to analyze and report the data. 
         [0039]    The backstop  34  may further include a display screen  89  (see  FIG. 11 ). Examples of the sort of thing displayed on the screen include targets or the opposing side of a tennis court. In combination with the contact sensitive layer, the display screen  89  reacts to contacts of the ball  24  to certain locations on a contact sensitive backstop  34 A. In use, a player  28  is encouraged to hit targets displayed on the display screen with balls  24 . In another portion of the display screen a player score is displayed. Images on the display screen are directed by the processor operated device. The processor operated device includes a graphics card to aid in the presentation and alteration of images. As is observable in  FIG. 6 , some embodiments of the backstop  34  are a parabolic hyperboloid. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment  91  of a catching assembly  32 B and return ramp  38 B. The displayed embodiments of the catching assembly  32 B and return ramp  38 B are inflatable. The ridged structure is maintained through air pressure. An air pump  92  inflates the catching assembly  32 B and return ramp  38 B. In some embodiments, the air pump  92  is affixed to the launching assembly  22  and sequencing mechanism  26 . Alternatively, the air pump  92  is contained in a separate base unit (not shown) associated with storage of deflated apparatus. 
         [0041]    The second embodiment  91  includes a plurality of netting  94  strung between inflatable structural elements. The return ramp  38 B affixes to the sequencing mechanism  26  with a rigging  88 . Side nets  36  extend from a catching assembly backstop  34 B to the return ramp rigging  88  for improved control of stray balls  24 . The inflatable catching assembly  32 B and return ramp  38 B are supported by an inflatable base  96 . Example materials for the inflatable catching apparatus and return ramp include flexible and durable material such as nylon, polyvinyl, urethane, vinyl, hypalon, or nitrylon. 
         [0042]    The inflatable backstop  34 B includes flexible panels  98  to reduce friction between the catching assembly  32 B and the ball  24 . The flexible panels  98  stretch taught within the backstop  34 B and fold for storage when the backstop  34 B is not inflated. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a stowed configuration of a continuous ball feeding and catching apparatus, according to various embodiments. The catching assembly  32  and the return ramp  38  have been folded up, the bendable hoop  90  disassembled, the backstop rigging  100  telescoped to a smaller form and folded atop the storage base unit  42 . The tension bar  40  has also been broken down into pieces. All of these components are placed inside the hollow volume of the storage base unit  42 . The resulting apparatus  102  is compact and easy to store.