Ball Throwing Device

Abstract

A ball throwing device comprising a flexible line, a ball attached to one end of the line, and a connection device secured to the line at a position spaced from the ball. In one embodiment, the connection device is grasped by or attached to a non-throwing arm of a thrower. The flexible line limits the distance the ball will travel when it is thrown by the thrower.

1 . A ball throwing device comprising
 a flexible line,   a ball attached to one end of the line, and   a connection device secured to the line at a location from the ball, said connection device being adapted to be grasped by or attached to a non-throwing arm of a thrower whereby the flexible line limits the distance the ball will travel when it is thrown by the thrower.   
   
   
       2 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said location is adjustable for varying the length of line between the ball and the connection device. 
   
   
       3 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said connection device comprises a strap adapted to be releasably secured to said non-throwing arm. 
   
   
       4 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said connection device further comprises a line connector on the strap for connecting the line to the strap. 
   
   
       5 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said line connector comprises a connecting member having one or more openings therein for receiving said line, said line being movable through said one or more openings to adjust said location at which the connection device is secured to the line. 
   
   
       6 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said line connector comprises a loop on the strap. 
   
   
       7 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said connection device comprises a handle. 
   
   
       8 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said handle has one or more openings therein, said line being movable through said one or more openings to adjust said location at which the connection device is secured to the line. 
   
   
       9 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising an adjustment device for adjusting the length of the flexible line between the ball and the connection device. 
   
   
       10 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said adjustment device comprises an adjustment member having first and second openings for receiving a portion of the flexible line between the ball and the connection device, the flexible line having a free end opposite the ball secured to the adjustment member. 
   
   
       11 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said adjustment member has a third opening for receiving said free end of the flexible line for attachment of the line to the adjustment member. 
   
   
       12 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the ball has the properties of an official baseball or softball. 
   
   
       13 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising an anchor secured in a bore in the ball, said line being secured to said anchor. 
   
   
       14 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said bore extends from an outer surface of the ball to a core of the ball. 
   
   
       15 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 14  wherein the line is secured by adhesive to the anchor. 
   
   
       16 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said line is substantially non-stretchable. 
   
   
       17 . A ball throwing device comprising
 a flexible line,   a ball attached to one end of the line, and   a connection device secured to the line at a location spaced from the ball, said connection device being adapted for connection to a non-throwing part of or on a person throwing the ball whereby the flexible line limits the distance the ball will travel when it is thrown by the person.   
   
   
       18 . A ball throwing device as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said non-throwing part is a non-throwing arm of the person, and wherein said connection device is configured for connection to said non-throwing arm.