Norman F O'Brien

US Patent:

62026364, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Jan 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/225520

Inventors:

Norman James O'Brien - Coppell TX

Assignee:

The Lobit Partnership - Farmers Branch TX

International Classification:

F41B 1100

US Classification:

124 71

Abstract:

The present invention is a pitching machine for use in batting and fielding practice for baseball and softball. The pitching machine of the present invention uses an expanding gas to propel a ball down a barrel toward the intended target. While the expanding gas could be created by a variety of means without departing from the scope of the present invention, including a piston, ignition of a combustible fuel, or a chemical reaction, the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses compressed air in a reservoir. The compressed air is held in a reservoir and released into the barrel behind the ball using a quick release valve. Spin is imparted on the ball by means of an engageable friction surface which forms a portion of the barrel, thereby allowing the pitching machine of the present invention to simulate any type of pitch. The barrel is able to rotate relative to the pitching machine to allow the engageable friction surface to contact the ball at any angle.