1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to devices and apparatuses used to train athletes to hit a moving ball, and more particularly relates to pitching machines utilized by a coach to fire a ball towards a batter, with the pitching machine utilizing elastic bands or straps for propulsion of the ball.
2. Background Information
The training of athletes, namely baseball and softball players, to properly hit baseballs/softballs is frequently done. Typically, a batter will spend time within a “batting cage” receiving balls pitched by a commercial pitching machine. Alternatively, portable pitching machines are known in the prior art and are utilized by coaches to pitch balls to batters.
There are many disadvantages in the prior art. A first disadvantage is the fact that balls are often fired along a generally constant flight path through use of a mechanized pitching machine that can be aimed differently and the motor on the machine can be sped up and/or slowed down. In addition, it is generally difficult to deliver to a batter balls pitched at a great variety of pitching speeds and pitching locations in real time.
A second disadvantage to the utilization of commercial pitching machine equipment is cost. These commercial pitching machines typically utilize actual baseballs or softballs as the propelled ball. Such units are typically expensive to purchase, own, and operate. Additionally, such units typically require some type of netting to contain the pitched and hit balls.
An additional concern is that mechanical pitching machines are typically powered through the use of an electrical motor, thereby requiring the utilization of the unit in an area that has convenient access to an electrical power supply.
What is needed is a less expensive, easy to use, adjustable, variable speed, non-motorized, portable pitching machine that is self-contained, allows an operator to shoot balls toward a ball player by using an elastic sling type pouch, is used for the purpose of hitting or fielding practice, and allows the operator to comfortably position himself or herself on top of the apparatus and behind the projection sling pouch for convenient and accurate operation. The apparatus allows the operator to easily adjust the speed and location of each pitch by simply adjusting the point of release of the ball pouch. The apparatus preferably utilizing perforated plastic balls. Embodiments of the present invention satisfy this need.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.