Pneumatic ball projecting apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically is provided with an adapter for imparting spin to the ball. In a further aspect, the apparatus can be provided with a position adjuster that cooperates with a ball exit tube of the apparatus. A further aspect is directed to a platform that allows the apparatus to be supported on a ladder-like device. A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus is capable of achieving high speed with a simple and practical structure.

1 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus, comprising: 
 a pressure canister for containing a supply of air for pneumatically propelling a projectile, comprising an exit aperture through which a projectile is expelled;    a hopper for containing projectiles to be supplied to the canister;    a connector for delivering projectiles from the hopper to the canister by gravity; and    a blower for supplying air to the canister,    wherein a projectile travels in a substantially straight line from a point of entry into the canister to the exit aperture.    
   
   
       2 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a forward end of the canister is lower than a rear end of the canister.  
   
   
       3 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the line of travel for a projectile in the canister is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the canister.  
   
   
       4 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising an adjustable support leg.  
   
   
       5 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the adjustable support leg is at a front position of the canister.  
   
   
       6 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the adjustable support leg is at a rear position of the canister.  
   
   
       7 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the blower is a single electric motor blower that draws less than 15 amps of current and the apparatus is capable of propelling a tennis ball-sized or baseball-sized projectile at a speed of at least 90 mph.  
   
   
       8 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is capable of propelling a tennis ball-sized or baseball-sized projectile at a speed of at least 110 mph.  
   
   
       9 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the canister has a capacity of at least 6 gallons.  
   
   
       10 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the capacity is 6.5 to 8 gallons.  
   
   
       11 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the path of the projectile in the canister is defined by a substantially straight tube.  
   
   
       12 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein a sidewall of the tube has an aperture.  
   
   
       13 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the aperture is elongated in a direction of the length of the tube.  
   
   
       14 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising a partially cone shaped cover for the aperture.  
   
   
       15 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the aperture has a shape of an elongated triangle, with a base of the triangle being positioned toward the point of entry of the canister.  
   
   
       16 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the connector has a bend of about 90 degrees.  
   
   
       17 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 16 , further comprising a movable flap at an end of the connector adjacent the hopper.  
   
   
       18 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 1 , which is capable of propelling a tennis ball-sized or baseball-sized projectile at a speed of at least 140 mph.  
   
   
       19 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein a plurality of blowers are used.  
   
   
       20 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the canister has a capacity of at least 7 gallons.