Patent ID: 7553244

Claim:
A machine for receiving and launching oval shaped footballs having two ends, said machine comprising: a collector for receiving said footballs thrown directly into said collector by a user, wherein said collector can receive oval shaped footballs thrown in any orientation; a funnel-type football orientor having sloped sides for orienting and guiding said oval shaped footballs having two ends, wherein said orientor includes structural elements that contact randomly oriented miss-aligned said oval shaped footballs that fall from said collector and at least partially orient them to a predetermined desired orientation; said collector being made from a compliant material supported by a rigid frame and having sufficient width and height and an opening to enable said collector to absorb the impact of said football thrown from distance into said collector, minimizing rebounding of said football and allowing said football to rail into said football orientor; a football accelerator for launching said footballs into the air; a motor for operating said football accelerator; wherein said football orientor receives said footballs from said collector and is in operable communication with said football accelerator.