An improved object or projectile throwing device may include a handle and base having an element configured for improved projectile retention and release. The handle may be removably attached to a coupler, where the couple may include a receptacle or socket that is attached to the handle. Various bases include different projectile retention and release elements that configured secure or retain different types of objects or projectiles, thereby enabling the projectile throwing device to be adaptable to throw a variety of objects. Two or more handles of different lengths can be selectively coupled to a base of the projectile throwing device, such as to adapt the throwing distance, or the effort required to throw an object, to the throwing strength or abilities of an animal caregiver or to facilitate throwing of objects of different weight or density.

An improved object or projectile throwing device may include a handle and base having an element configured for improved projectile retention and release. The handle may be removably attached to a coupler, where the couple may include a receptacle or socket that is attached to the handle. Various bases include different projectile retention and release elements that configured secure or retain different types of objects or projectiles, thereby enabling the projectile throwing device to be adaptable to throw a variety of objects. Two or more handles of different lengths can be selectively coupled to a base of the projectile throwing device, such as to adapt the throwing distance, or the effort required to throw an object, to the throwing strength or abilities of an animal caregiver or to facilitate throwing of objects of different weight or density.

A ball collection apparatus constituted of: a control circuitry; a body; motors; wheels arranged to rotate responsive to the motors, the body arranged to move along a surface responsive to the rotation of the plurality of wheels; a collection compartment arranged to maintain a ball within a predetermined area in relation to the body; a ball input port in communication with the collection compartment; and a ball ejector arranged to eject the ball from the collection compartment, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to: receive information regarding the location of the ball; responsive to the received information, control the at least one motor to advance the body towards the location of the ball, the collection compartment arranged to collect the ball through the ball input port; and control the ball ejector to eject the ball from the collection compartment and propel the ejected ball towards a predetermined target area.

A ball collection apparatus constituted of: a control circuitry; a body; motors; wheels arranged to rotate responsive to the motors, the body arranged to move along a surface responsive to the rotation of the plurality of wheels; a collection compartment arranged to maintain a ball within a predetermined area in relation to the body; a ball input port in communication with the collection compartment; and a ball ejector arranged to eject the ball from the collection compartment, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to: receive information regarding the location of the ball; responsive to the received information, control the at least one motor to advance the body towards the location of the ball, the collection compartment arranged to collect the ball through the ball input port; and control the ball ejector to eject the ball from the collection compartment and propel the ejected ball towards a predetermined target area.

A pitch training ball includes a center portion, a first cap, and a second cap. The center portion is opaque and has a first planar surface at a first end thereof, and a second planar surface at a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The first cap portion has a first base that is adjacent to the first planar surface. The second cap portion has a second that is adjacent to the second planar surface. The first cap, the center portion, and the second cap cooperate to define a baseball shape. The first and second caps are transparent to translucent.

A baseball pitching machine that is configured to precisely index and spin a baseball before pitching the baseball. The machine comprises a baseball spinner and launcher that is configured to spin the baseball using at least one spindle, and then launch or pitch the ball using air (i.e., pneumatic). Preferably, the position of the ball spinner and launcher can be adjusted in terms of position in both the x and y directions (i.e., both side to side, and up and down), as well as its angle. The baseball pitching machine is configured to be controllable such that pitches (in terms of type, location and velocity) can be changed on a pitch-by-pitch basis.

A baseball pitching machine that is configured to precisely index and spin a baseball before pitching the baseball. The machine comprises a baseball spinner and launcher that is configured to spin the baseball using at least one spindle, and then launch or pitch the ball using air (i.e., pneumatic). Preferably, the position of the ball spinner and launcher can be adjusted in terms of position in both the x and y directions (i.e., both side to side, and up and down), as well as its angle. The baseball pitching machine is configured to be controllable such that pitches (in terms of type, location and velocity) can be changed on a pitch-by-pitch basis.

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.

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.

The present invention is a toy launcher system. A lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is composed of a shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile within its curvature. When the launcher is rotated by a user using a general throwing motion the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight.