Multiple Machine Remote Control Portable Automatic Ball Feeder

Abstract

The present invention is a ball feeding and throwing apparatus that is capable of feeding multiple ball throwing devices. The present invention feeds balls to each device at a constant rate and allows each ball feed to be independently controlled via a remote control. The present invention comprises a main hull, feeder modules, feeding tubes, and ball throwing devices. The main hull be an all-in-one system which feeds balls via the feeder modules at a constant rate. The feeder modules then transfer the balls through the feeding tubes to each of the multiple ball throwing devices where the balls are thrown towards an athlete.The present invention allows a single coach to control a number of ball feeds remotely and independently. Thereby allowing a single coach to train a number of athletes at one time. Further, the training experience is improved as the coach is free to control the ball feeds remotely, placing the coach in close proximity to an athlete. The close proximity allowing improved communication, greater observation, and allows for hands on training and demonstration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ball feeding and throwing apparatus comprises:
 a main hull;   a number of feeder modules;   a number of feeding tubes;   a number of ball throwing devices;   the number of feeder modules each having an entrance opening and an exit opening;   the number of feeding tubes each having a first end and a second end;   the main hull further comprises a ball hopper and a number of feed lanes;   the number of feed lanes each having an entrance side and an exit side;   the ball hopper being connected to the entrance side of the number of feed lanes;   the exit side of each of the number of feed lanes being connected to the entrance opening of one of the number of feeder modules;   the exit opening of each of the number of feeder modules being connected to the first end of one of the number of feeding tubes; and   the second end of each of the number of feeding tubes being connected to one of the number of ball throwing devices.   
     
     
         2 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the number of feeder modules further comprises a number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms and a number of feeder fork motors; 
 the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being positioned within the number of feeder modules; 
 each of the number of feeder fork motors being attached to one of the number of feeder modules; 
 the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being connected to the number of feeder fork motors; and 
 the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms being configured to rotate when the number of feeder fork motors are activated. 
 
     
     
         3 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  comprises:
 wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are configured to rotate at a constant rate. 
 
     
     
         4 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  comprises:
 wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are configured to rotate at a user defined rate. 
 
     
     
         5 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  comprises:
 wherein the number of rotating ball feeder mechanisms are a number of feeder forks. 
 
     
     
         6 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the number of feeder modules further comprises a remote control; and 
 the remote control being configured to activate and deactivate the number of feeder modules. 
 
     
     
         7 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the ball hopper further comprises at least one viewing panel; 
 the at least one viewing panel being mounted within a wall of the ball hopper; and 
 the at least one viewing panel being configured to allow a user to view into the ball hopper. 
 
     
     
         8 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the ball hopper further comprises a vibrating mechanism; and 
 the vibrating mechanism being connected to the ball hopper. 
 
     
     
         9 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the ball hopper further comprises a number of guide stubs; and 
 the number of guide stubs being mounted within the ball hopper. 
 
     
     
         10 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the number of feed lanes further comprises a number of rotating cylinders; and 
 the number of rotating cylinders being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the ball hopper. 
 
     
     
         11 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the number of feed lanes further comprises a number of horizontal ramps and a number of vertical ramps; 
 the number of horizontal ramps being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the exit side; and 
 the number of vertical ramps being positioned within the number of feed lanes adjacent to the exit side. 
 
     
     
         12 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 the main hull further comprises a support frame; and 
 the support frame being mounted to the main hull. 
 
     
     
         13 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  comprises:
 the support frame further comprises a set of removable legs; and 
 the set of removable legs being removably mounted to the support frame. 
 
     
     
         14 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  comprises:
 the support frame further comprises a set of wheels; and 
 the set of wheels being rotatably attached to the support frame. 
 
     
     
         15 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 wherein the number of ball throwing devices is comprised of a number of baseball pitching machines configured to throw a baseball. 
 
     
     
         16 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  comprises:
 wherein the baseball weighs  4  ounces or less. 
 
     
     
         17 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  comprises:
 wherein the baseball weighs  6  ounces or greater. 
 
     
     
         18 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprises:
 wherein the number of ball throwing devices is comprised of a number of tennis ball serving machines. 
 
     
     
         19 . A ball feeding and throwing apparatus comprises:
 a main hull;   two or more feeder modules;   two or more feeding tubes;   two or more ball throwing devices;   the two or more feeder modules each having an entrance opening and an exit opening;   the two or more feeding tubes each having a first end and a second end;   the main hull further comprises a ball hopper and two or more feed lanes;   the two or more feed lanes each having an entrance side and an exit side;   the ball hopper being connected to the entrance side of the two or more feed lanes;   the exit side of each of the two or more feed lanes being connected to the entrance opening of one of the two or more feeder modules;   the exit opening of each of the two or more feeder modules being connected to the first end of one of the two or more feeding tubes; and   the second end of each of the two or more feeding tubes being connected to one of the two or more ball throwing devices;   
     
     
         20 . The ball feeding and throwing apparatus as claimed in  claim 19  comprises:
 the two or more feeder modules further comprises a remote control; and 
 the remote control being configured to activate and deactivate the two or more feeder modules.