Patent Publication Number: US-2020298089-A1

Title: Projectile Launching Machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/318,718, filed on Jan. 18, 2019 (allowed), which is a 371 of PCT application PCT/US2017/04245, filed on Jul. 18, 2017, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/363,778, filed on Jul. 18, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/383,615, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/441,650, filed on Jan. 3, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     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  132   a  and an upper leg portion  132   b  that is releasably connected to lower leg portion  132   a . Similarly, leg  134  can be constructed from a lower leg portion  134   a  and an upper leg portion  134   b  that is releasably connected to lower leg portion  134   a . 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  132   a ,  132   b  and  134   a ,  134   b  are shown as connected to each other side-by-side, those skilled in the art will recognize that leg portions  132   a ,  132   b  and  134   a ,  134   b  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  135   a ,  135   b  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  136   a  of first brace  136  is removably attachable to end  135   a . A second end  136   b  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  137   a  of second brace  137  is removably attachable to end  135   b . A second end  137   b  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  185   a  connected to leg  132  and a second holding arm  185   b  connected to leg  134 . A handle bar  187  located at ends of holding arms  185   a ,  185   b , 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  185   a ,  185   b . 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  185   a ,  185   b  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  185   b  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  185   a  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  528   a  and upper leg portions  528   b ,  528   c  that is releasably connected to lower leg portion  528   a . A lower end  533  of leg portion  528   a  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  528   a . When second end  536  is removed from lower leg  528   a , 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  540   b ,  540   c  of each of legs  528   b ,  528   c , respectively, supports a throwing arm  550 . Throwing arm  550  is pivotally coupled to upper ends  540   b ,  540   c  of legs  528   b ,  528   c  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  528   b ,  528   c . Stabilizer bar  590  includes a bushing  591  that is rotatable relative to legs  528   b ,  528   c . 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  596   a ,  596   b ,  596   c  formed therein that can selectively engage support pin  535 . Engaging slot  596   a  adds more tension to biasing member  580  than engaging slot  596   c.    
     Referring back to  FIG. 17  and to  FIG. 22 , an arm release mechanism  598  includes a first end  610  connected to upper end  540   b ,  540   c  of each of legs  528   b ,  528   c  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  528   b  and a second holding arm  616  connected to leg  528   c . A handle bar  620 , located at ends of holding arms  614 ,  616 , distal from legs  528   b ,  528   c , 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  540   b  of leg  528   b . Ratchet mechanism  640  includes a ratchet  642  that is fixedly attached to upper end  540   b . 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.