Inventors:
Joe K. Heilhecker - Houston TX
Kathleen P. Heilhecker - Houston TX
Assignee:
Perfect Pitch, Inc. - Houston TX
International Classification:
A63B 6512
A63B 6940
Abstract:
An apparatus for accurately and adjustably throwing a ball to a specific location with variable speed while causing the flight characteristics of the thrown ball to simulate those of a pitched or batted ball. The apparatus includes an elongated planar deck, a flexible pouch for receiving the ball to be thrown, and elastic straps connecting the ends of the pouch to rigid members attached to the planar deck. The entire apparatus is mounted on a support structure which may be anchored to the ground to provide stability. The ball to be thrown is placed in the pouch and rests on the deck. The pouch is drawn to the rear of the deck thereby tensioning the elastics and causing the pouch to form a flared U-shape around the ball. Upon release, the pouch propels the ball down the deck which imparts rotation to the ball to its point of release from the pouch.