Multifunctional and random pitching apparatus

Abstract

A pitching apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus spins and ejects a pitched ball in a predetermined pitching pattern into the air, and the batter swings a bat in order to hit the pitched ball. The pitching apparatus includes a housing having first and second side walls and a base member with a curved ball track member thereon for forming an interior wheel well. The pitching apparatus also includes a pitching rubber wheel member mounted within the interior wheel well and defining a space between the pitching rubber wheel member and the curved ball track member. The pitching apparatus further includes a first motor having a first motor shaft for rotating the pitching rubber wheel member in a clockwise rotation, and at least one positioning handle for adjusting the space between the pitching rubber wheel member and the curved ball track member in order to adjust the size of the space for receiving different size balls therethrough. Additionally, the pitching apparatus includes a pitching control assembly for controlling a predetermined pitching pattern from the pitching rubber wheel member for pitching the ball into the air from the housing; and a tripod assembly for supporting the housing in an elevated position, and having an upper platform connected to the base member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.