Pitching machine

Abstract

An improved pitching machine is provided. The invented pitching machine may be capable of consecutively throwing balls that each have a different predetermined trajectory, rotational velocity, and velocity, without resetting the machine. The machine may be capable of simulating a pitch sequence, as thrown by a pitcher in a game situation, which may effectively train batters. The machine includes a pair of rotating belts that are vertically spaced and extend parallel to each other and generally horizontally. Once a ball is seized between the belts, the ball is rapidly conveyed by the belts and thrown in a predetermined direction and at a selected velocity. The velocity of the belts may be independently adjusted for imparting a predetermined rotational velocity on balls conveyed by the belts, for throwing balls of different predetermined trajectories. A control system is provided for selecting a pitch type for each ball thrown by the machine. The control system is used to select the velocity of each belt and horizontal and vertical inclination of the belts to enable the machine to throw balls of selected pitch types. The control system can be activated between each ball thrown, so that each consecutive ball thrown may have a different pitch type.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for propelling balls comprising: 
 a pair of spaced belt assemblies that extend generally parallel to one another and along a horizontal axis, each belt assembly including a pair of spaced pulleys with a belt having an outer surface that is concave in cross section extending around both pulleys and generally parallel to the horizontal axis and a motor that drives at least one pulley for rotating the belt;    
     
     
         2 . A device for propelling balls comprising: 
 a pair of spaced belt assemblies extending generally parallel to one another and along a horizontal axis, each belt assembly including a pair of spaced pulleys with a belt having an outer surface that is concave in cross section extending around both pulleys and generally parallel to the horizontal axis such that a space is provided between the two belts, each belt assembly further including a motor that drives at least one pulley for rotating the belt coupled thereto at a selected velocity.    
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein a control system is activated to adjust the velocity of each belt to a predetermined velocity and to rotate the belt assemblies to a predetermined horizontal and vertical inclination, so that the device propels a ball with a trajectory characteristic of a desired pitch.