Abstract

A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.

IPC Classes  ?

• F41B 11/70 - Details not provided for in or
• F41B 11/60 - Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air gunsSteam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
• A63B 69/40 - Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls
• A63B 69/00 - Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
• A63B 71/06 - Indicating or scoring devices for games or players