This disclosure relates to a relatively compact smart ball launching system and associated methods for using the same. In various embodiments, the disclosed ball launching system may comprise a collapsible ball hopper that can store a larger number of balls while maintaining a relatively compact size. In certain embodiments, brushless motors may be used to improve power efficiency while allowing for accurate launch speeds and/or spins. In some embodiments, a pre-launch chamber may be included in a ball dispensing mechanism that may facilitate on-demand shots and/or power savings by shutting the ball launching system down when the ball hopper is empty. In further embodiments, the ball launching system may be controlled, at least in part, via a mobile device. In some implementations, the ball launching system may include and/or otherwise interface with a camera system to facilitate improved calibration and/or record user actions.

A sheath for an article of athletic equipment having a shaft, which includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of the athletic equipment and the sheath is unrolled onto the shaft to the desired length or the entire length of the shaft. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the athletic equipment so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

A launching device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, a head coupled to the first end of the shaft and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft. The head comprises a cavity and a launch ramp curved both upwardly and outwardly from the cavity, wherein a distal portion of the launch ramp extends outwardly beyond the cavity in a forward launching direction. An angle is defined by the longitudinal grip axis and the distal portion of the launch ramp to direct a projectile disposed in the cavity in the forward launching direction.

The invention relates to a novel interactive pet ball launcher wherein digital circuitry in the ball and launcher will wirelessly track and record throw data, allowing a User to view the data on a readout in the launcher handle, or to transfer the data to a smartphone or computer via wireless technology or a data dongle that connects via USB in the handle of the launcher.

A sheath for an article of athletic equipment having a shaft, which includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of the athletic equipment and the sheath is unrolled onto the shaft to the desired length or the entire length of the shaft. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the athletic equipment so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.

A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.

An improved projectile throwing apparatus is described comprising a handle, an elongate shaft, and a throwing head for throwing a projectile, such as a golf ball. The throwing head may be interchangeable with golf shafts of varied lengths, with lacrosse shafts, or other shafts to achieve accurate, long distance golf ball throws. The throwing head may be shaped to achieve throws of different distance, launch angle, and trajectory, optionally imparting spin with a retrograde ramp at the distal end of the throwing head. The throwing apparatus is useful for golf-type game play, including for those with physical disabilities, as well as for a training and instructional aid for golf, lacrosse, and other sports.

A thrower includes an elongate arm. A handle is attached to one end of the arm. A retaining device has a base attached to an opposite end of the arm and at least one gripping member extending from the base to define a retention volume together with the base. The, or each, gripping member is resiliently displaceable with respect to the base to permit the retaining device to be urged on to the object to be thrown such that the, or each, gripping member is displaced to permit the object to be received in the retention volume, with the, or each, gripping member subsequently retaining the object in the retention volume.

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.