Ball ejector apparatus and methods of use

Abstract

A ball launching device may include a launch shaft connected to the ball holder, and a launcher body. The device may include a launch mechanism configured to launch a ball off-of the ball holder and into the air after a dwell period of the launch mechanism, wherein the launch mechanism includes a restraining member connected to the launch shaft and a control tunnel with a dwell portion and a release portion. The device may further include a biasing member mechanically connected to the launch shaft, wherein the biasing member is configured to store a release energy when the launch shaft is pressed downward into the control tunnel and a piston damping device with a release cap configured to counteract an unrestrained release of the stored release energy during a dwell period, wherein during a dwell period the restraining member is constrained by the release cap so that the piston damping device counteracts the release of the stored energy of the biasing member, and wherein a release of the constraint of the restraining member with the release cap causes a substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft to launch the ball emplaced onto the ball holder off of the ball holder and into the air.

Description

Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018BALL EJECTOR APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 759,830, titled: Ball Ejector Apparatus and Methods of Use, filed on February 18, 2025. The aforementioned U.S. Provisional Application is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to training aids for baseball and softball.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that uses a timedelay mechanism incorporating a gas piston and spring assembly to launch a baseball or softball into the air, allowing the user to hit the ball while in the air.OVERVIEW

[0003] The sports of baseball and softball involve hitting a ball with a bat.Improving batting requires repetitive practice to improve hand-eye coordination, timing, and batting mechanics. Further, a user or users may wish to practice batting without the need for pitcher. Many existing solutions, such as pitching machines, are expensive, require electrical power, or depend on the assistance of another person.

[0004] The inventors appreciated that there is a need for a training aid that is portable, affordable, and provides a controlled and consistent delay between the activation of the mechanism and the launch of the ball, allowing players to prepare for the swing. The present disclosure fulfills this need by describing a ball launcher with a time-delay system that uses a piston and spring mechanismAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018to regulate launch of a ball while further providing a robust and relatively low maintenance design that does not rely on a power source.SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ball launching device including: a ball holder configured to have a ball emplaced thereon; a launch shaft connected to the ball holder; a launcher body, wherein the launch shaft is configured to translate with respect to the launcher body from a retracted position to an extended position; and a launch mechanism configured to launch a ball off-of the ball holder and into the air after a dwell period of the launch mechanism, wherein the launch mechanism includes: a restraining member connected to the launch shaft; a control tunnel with a dwell portion and a release portion and configured to have the launch shaft translated therein; a biasing member mechanically connected to the launch shaft, wherein the biasing member is configured to store a release energy when the launch shaft is pressed downward into the control tunnel; and a piston damping device with a release cap configured to counteract an unrestrained release of the stored release energy during a dwell period, wherein during a dwell period the restraining member is constrained by the release cap so that the piston damping device counteracts the release of the stored energy of the biasing member, and wherein a release of the constraint of the restraining member with the release cap causes a substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft to launch the ball emplaced onto the ball holder off of the ball holder and into the air.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the restraining member is a pivoting arm that is mechanically connected to the launch shaft.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the pivoting arm is configured to pivot from a restrained position to a release position, wherein in a restrained position the pivoting arm is constrained between the release cap and an inner wall of the control tunnel.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the release cap has a conical portion with a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius that is smaller that the first radius.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the release cap has a second conical portion with a third portion with a fourth radius and a fifth portion with a fifth radius that is smaller than the fourth radius.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the first radius and the fourth radius are equal.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the pivoting arm is configured move from contact with the first portion to contact with the second portion when a user presses downward on the ball emplaced on the ball holder causing the launch shaft to be pressed downward into the control tunnel.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the launch mechanism further includes a pivoting arm biasing memberAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018that is configured to be bent by the pivoting arm as the pivoting arm moves from contact with the first portion to contact with the second portion.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the control tunnel includes top portion with a conical inner surface, wherein the conical inner surface has a first inner surface radius and a second inner surface radius that is greater than the first inner surface radius.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the first inner surface radius constrains the pivoting arm into engagement with the release cap by preventing the pivoting arm from pivoting from the constrained position to the release position and wherein the second inner surface radius allows the pivoting arm to pivot from the constrained position to the release position.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the piston damping device is a pressurized gas piston with a piston shaft and the release cap is connected to an end of the piston shaft.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the restraining member is a plurality of pivoting arms that are configured to pivot with respect to the launch shaft.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the launch shaft is configured to move upward with a first force during a dwell period and is configured to move upward with a second force during the substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft, wherein the second force is greater than the first force.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of launching a ball using a ball launcher device, the method including: placing a ball to be launched onto a ball holder connected to a launch shaft; compressing a biasing device within the launcher device by pressing downward on the ball and causing the launcher shaft to translate into a control tunnel of the launcher device to store energy via the compressed biasing device; causing one or more restraining members to press downward onto a release cap of a piston damping device within the ball launcher device until the restraining members move from a top portion of the release cap to a bottom portion of release cap; releasing the ball, wherein releasing the ball allows the launcher shaft to move upward during a dwell period, wherein during the dwell period the piston damping device prevents unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member through engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and the restraining members; and releasing engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and restraining members for substantially unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member to launch the ball emplaced on the ball holder into the air.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view one example of a ball ejector according to aspects of this disclosure.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of example components of the ball ejector.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective cross sectional view of the ball ejector.

[0023] Figure 4 is side cross sectional view of the ball ejector in a first state of operation.

[0024] Figure 5 is side cross sectional view of the ball ejector in a second state of operation.

[0025] Figure 6 is side cross sectional view of the ball ejector in a third state of operation.

[0026] Figure 7 is side cross sectional view of the ball ejector in a fourth state of operation.

[0027] Figure 8 is side cross sectional view of the ball ejector in a fifth state of operation.

[0028] Figure 9 is a flow chart showing one example operation of the ball ejector according to aspects of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known components are hidden from view to avoid obscuring such concepts. In addition, it is appreciated that theAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.I. Terminology

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to one aspect, an aspect, one example or an example means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example may be a feature included in at least example of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one aspect, in an aspect, one example or an example in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and / or sub-combinations in one or more or examples described herein.

[0031] Throughout the disclosure, the terms substantially or approximately may be used as a modifier for a geometric relationship between elements or for the shape of an element or component. While the terms substantially or approximately are not limited to a specific variation and may cover any variation that is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable level of variation, some examples are provided as follows. In one example, the term substantially or approximately may include a variation of less than 10% of the dimension of the object or component. In another example, the term substantially or approximately may include a variation of less than 5% of the object or component. If the term substantially or approximately is used to define the angular relationship of one element to another element, one non-limiting example of the term substantially or approximately may include a variation of 5 degrees or less.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on the understanding of acceptable limits to one of skill in the relevant art.

[0032] For purposes of the disclosure, directional terms are expressed generally with relation to a standard frame of reference when the aspects or articles described herein are in an in-use orientation. In some examples, the directional terms are expressed generally with relation to a left-hand coordinate system.

[0033] T erms such as a, an, and the, are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but also include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms a, an, and the, may be used interchangeably with the term at least one. The phrases at least one of and comprises at least one of followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list. All numerical ranges are inclusive of their endpoints and non-integer values between the endpoints unless otherwise stated.

[0034] The terms first, second, third, and fourth, among other numeric values, may be used in this disclosure. It will be understood that, unless otherwise noted, those terms are used in their relative sense only. In particular, certain components may be present in interchangeable and / or identical multiples (e.g., pairs). For these components, the designation of first, second, third, and / or fourth may be applied to the components merely as a matter of convenience in the description. / / . Detailed Examples

[0035] The detailed description and examples that follow, have been presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be exhaustiveAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018nor to limit the disclosure to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible considering the teachings herein, including any combination of the different examples described herein. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The various aspects were chosen and described to best illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and various aspects as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the present disclosure is, of course, not limited to the examples or aspects set forth herein but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ball ejector 100 according to aspects of this disclosure. The ball ejector apparatus 100 may include a base. The base may for example include a bottom base portion 128 configured to be placed on a ground or other surface. The base may further include an outer cover or cover 108 configured to protect or otherwise house therewithin an ejector mechanism and other components of the ejector apparatus as described in further detail below. The bottom base portion 128 and / or the cover 108 may be weighted or may be formed of a heavy material to prevent momentum from operation of the launch mechanism 101 (described in further detail below) from moving or otherwise causing undesirable shifting of the position of the ball ejector 100 with respect to the ground. For example, the bottom base portion 128 and / or cover 108 may be formed of a steel, steel alloy, iron, and / or iron alloy to name a few examples. In one example, the bottom base 128 and / or cover 108 may be formed as stamped aluminum components. In other examples, the bottom base portion 128 and / orAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018the cover 108 may be formed of any combination of plastics or thermoplastics and may incorporate a weight (not shown) within the cover 108.

[0037] The cover 108 may further include an opening 112 that is configured to have a launch shaft 106 translated therethrough in both an upward ULI and downward DD direction(s). The launch shaft 106 may for example be cylinder shaped. However, it is noted that any cross-sectional shape is contemplated by the disclosure, which include(s) but is not necessarily limited to the following cross-sectional shapes or combinations thereof: oval, stadium-shaped, rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. Further, as shown in Figure 1, the launch shaft 106 may include a keyed structure or portion to prevent the launch shaft 106 from rotating relative to the cover 108 and / or bottom base portion 110.

[0038] The launch shaft 106 may have ball holder 104 connected to or formed as the distal end of the launch shaft 106. In some examples, the ball holder 104 may be concave shaped with a radius / diameter corresponding with a standard baseball and / or softball.

[0039] In operation, a user may place a ball into the ball holder 104. The user may then press downward on the ball, thereby applying a downward force (i.e. at least partially in direction DD), which causes the launch shaft 106 to retract. The user may then let go of the ball thus releasing the downward pressure DD on the ball holder 104 and / or the 106. Once the downward pressure DD is released, the launch mechanism (described in detail below) causes the launch shaft 106 and / or the ball holder 104 to move upward gradually during a release dwell period. Then, after a dwell period, the launch shaft 106 and the ball holder 104 are forcefully moved upward in direction ULI, thus launching the ball that is emplaced on the ballAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018holder 104 off of the ball holder 104 and into the air, allowing a user to hit the ball while it is in the air.

[0040] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of example components of the ball ejector 100. Within the cover 108, a launch mechanism 101 may be employed. The launch mechanism 101 may include a biasing member 118. As shown in the example of Figures 2-8, the biasing member 118 may be a coil spring. The biasing member 118 may be configured to compress and thus store energy as a user presses the ball emplaced on the ball holder 104 downward in direction DD. In some examples, the biasing member (e.g., spring) 118 may be 3-8 inches and may have a spring rate of approximately 8.5 pounds (lbs) per inch with maximum load of approximately 33lbs and a max compressed load of approximately 1.2 inches. In one example, the biasing member (e.g., spring) 118 may be compressing to approximately 80% of the maximum load of the spring during the cycle described below. In one example, the biasing member 118 may provide a force of 7 Ibs / inch to 10 Ibs / inch. The launch mechanism 101 may further include two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b that are pivotally mounted to the launch shaft 106 via one or corresponding pivot shafts 116a and / or 116b. Throughout the disclosure the pivoting arms may alternatively be referred to as a restraining members. As further shown in Figures 3-8, the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b may be J-shaped and may include a latching surfaces 115a and / or 115b (Figure 4) that are configured to latch onto or otherwise be constrained with respect to a release cap 122 of the launch mechanism 101. The release cap 122 may for example be mounted to the end of a piston device 120. The piston device hydraulic piston 120 may for example include a shaft 120b and a body 120a). In one example, the mounting portion of the launch shaft 106 thatAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018is configured to have the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b pivotally mounted thereto may include rotation stop member 117a and / or 117b, which prevent the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b from pivoting too far in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 3.

[0041] As described in further detail below, the piston device 120 may function as a damper and may be configured to naturally rest in an extended state (e.g., with the shaft 120b extended from the body 120a). Further, the piston device 120 may be configured to provide resistance in direction DD (i.e., may provide a counteracting force DD, when a force in direction ULI is applied to the shaft 120b of the piston device 120). In some examples, the net counteraction force (e.g., force in direction DD) may be slightly less than the release force of the biasing member 118. The piston device 120 may for example be a gas strut, with a sealed cylinder as the body 120a with the moveable piston or shaft 120b (the terms piston or shaft may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure). The shaft 120b may be configured to compress into the body 120a when an external force (e.g., in direction DD) is applied. When the strut compresses, energy is stored in the gas within the body 120a. When the external force is released, the gas within the body 120a may be configured to expand, extending shaft 120b from the body 120a. The piston device 120 may further include a damping circuit, which counteracts the expansion force and / or an external force applied to the shaft 120b and controls the speed and / or acceleration of the extension of the shaft 120b with respect to the body 120a by providing a counteraction force or resistance in direction DD. The piston device 120 may for example provide a resistive force of 7 Ibs / inch to 10 Ibs / inch. In some examples, the piston device 120 may be an off- the shelf or commercially available gas-strut or piston.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0042] The release cap 122 may be conical shaped and may have a bottom conical portion 122b (Figure 4) and an upper conical portion 122a. The upper conical portion 122a, which may be interchangeably referred to throughout the disclosure as a first portion) may be configured to have the two or more pivoting arms 114a and 114b provide a downward force thereto as the arms are translated along the outer surface thereof when the ball ejector 100 is pressed downward (e.g., by a user) in a downward position DD. The upper conical portion may be cone-shaped and / or may have a first portion with a first radius and a second portion with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius. When pressing the ball holder 104 in a downward direction DD, the two or more pivoting arms 114a and two or more pivoting arms 114b translate or slide over the surface of upper conical portion 122a until the J-shaped portion of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b pass over a ridge or transition between the upper conical portion 122a and bottom conical portion 122b. The bottom conical portion 122b may be referred to in the alternative as a second conical portion. The bottom conical portion may be cone shaped an / or may have a third portion with a third radius and a fourth portion with a fourth radius that is smaller than the third radius. Then the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114 pivot back inward and translate along the bottom conical portion 122b causing the launch shaft 106 to be constrained or otherwise locked in place with respect to the piston device 120. Thus, the biasing member 118 is also constrained or otherwise prevented from releasing the spring-force that is built-up or stored in the biasing member 118 due to the user pressing the ball holder 104 downward in direction DD.

[0043] The ball ejector 100 may further include a control tunnel 124 (Figure 5) or passage for constraining the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114bAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018during operation of the ball ejector 100. The control tunnel or passage 124 may include a top portion 124a (which may be alternatively referred to as a release portion), that may include a middle portion 124d (which may be alternatively referred to as a dwell portion), and / or a bottom portion 124e, which may include one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c. During operation, the control tunnel 124 may for example control or otherwise constrain the rotational position(s) of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b. For example, the top portion 124a may be conical shaped and / or may have a diameter that is larger than the middle portion 124d and the bottom portion 124e. As noted above, the top portion 124a may be conical and / or may be any shape that has a first inner surface with a first inner surface radius and a second inner surface with a second inner surface radius that is greater than the first inner surface radius. In some examples, the first inner surface radius and the second inner surface radius may be greater than the radius of the middle portion 124d and / or the bottom portion 124e.

[0044] The bottom portion 124e may include as part of the inner surface thereof, the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and 124c. the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and 124c may be configured to flex or bend when a force is applied thereto and return to an un-flexed configuration when the force is removed. For example, the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c may be stationarily connected at a first end and may have a second end that is configured to flex or bend. In the example implementation shown, the control tunnel 124 may have openings (e.g., opening 125b shown in Figure 2, with the opening corresponding to pivoting arm biasing members 124c hidden from view) that a proximal to the bottom portion 124e of the control tunnelAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018124. The one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c may be mounted to the control tunnel 124 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screwed, riveted, bonded, or welded), with the free ends thereof passing through the openings in the control tunnel 124. In other examples, the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c may be integrated with or formed as part of the control tunnel 124 and / or as part of the bottom portion 124e of the control tunnel 124.

[0045] During operation, and as shown in Figures 2-6, the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c may have a free-end that is configured to flex outward when the top portion two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b press against them, forexamplewhen a user presses downward on the ball holder 104 causing the latching surfaces 115a and / or latching surfaces 115b to travel downward and outward along the outer surface of upper conical portion 122a of the release cap 122.

[0046] As a user presses downward on the ball holder 104 with sufficient force to compress the biasing member 118, the launch shaft 106 and two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b pivotally mounted thereto translate downward along with the launch shaft 106 and with respect to the control tunnel 124. The two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b are tunneled towards the release cap 122 due to the funnel-shaped inner surfaces of the top portion 124a contacting the surfaces of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b. As a user continues to press downward in direction DD, the outer surfaces of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b contact the top portion 124a of the control tunnel 124, while the latching surfaces 115a and / or 115b of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or two or more pivoting arms 114b contact the upperAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018conical portion 122a of the release cap 122. Thus, in addition to compressing biasing member 118, the user also compresses the piston device 120 due to contact between the latching surfaces 115a and / or 115b of the with the upper conical portion 122a. Both the spring and the piston device 120 are simultaneously compressed as a user continues to press downward in direction DD, until the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b come into contact with the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c. Once the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b come into contact with the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c, the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and / or 124c flex outward as best shown in Figure 5. As a user continues to press downward the latching surfaces 115a and latching surfaces 115b pass over the border or ridge between the upper conical portion 122a and bottom conical portion 122b. The force applied to the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 115b by the one or more pivoting arm biasing members 124b and 124c, then causes the latching surfaces 115a and / or 115b to move back inwards and latch onto or otherwise be constrained by the bottom conical portion 122b of the release cap 122.

[0047] Once the latching surfaces 115a and / or 115b move back inwards and latch onto or otherwise be constrained by the bottom conical portion 122b of the release cap 122 (e.g., as show in Figure 6), the launch shaft 106 may bottom-out inside the control tunnel 124 thus indicating to a user that the ball ejector 100 is ready to be released to launch a ball placed on the ball holder 104.

[0048] Once the ball ejector 100 is prepared to be released, a user may let go or otherwise remove the applied force in direction DD. Once the external force from the user is released, the biasing member 118 (which has been compressed),Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018begins to expand in direction ULI as the stored energy in the spring is released. However, the piston device 120, is configured to provide a counteracting force in direction DD (through the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b which are engaged with the bottom conical portion 122b of the release cap 122 connected to the end of the piston device 120), and prevents the sudden release of energy from the biasing member 118. Thus, the counteracting forces between the compressed biasing member 118 and the piston device 120 causes the launch shaft 106 to “dwell” or slowly move upward with a speed and force that is not sufficient to launch a ball emplaced on the ball holder 104 into the air. As further described below, the dwell period may be 2-10 seconds. In another example, the dwell period may be 2-7 seconds. In yet another example, the dwell period may be 3-4 seconds. Further, as described in additional detail below, the dwell time may be adjusted by altering any one or combination of the spring constant of the biasing member 118, the length of the launch shaft 106 and / or control tunnel 124 and / or by altering the resistance force of the piston device 120.

[0049] Further, during the dwell period, the launch shaft 106 may move upward slowly in direction UU with respect to the control tunnel 124 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6). Once the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b reach the top portion 124a of the control tunnel 124 (e.g., as shown in Figure 7), the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b, which were previously constrained to latch onto bottom conical portion 122b, are able to pivot outward (e.g., as shown in Figures 7 and 8 and as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3). Once the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b are able to pivot outward past the end of the bottom conical portion 122b, the energy stored in the biasing member 118 is no longer counteracted by the force applied by the piston device 120 and the launch shaftAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018106 is then forcefully released in an upward direction ULI (e.g., as shown in Figure 8) causing a ball emplaced onto the ball holder 104 to be launched upwards in direction UU. The aforementioned operation allows a user to manually compress the launch shaft 106 with a ball thereon, release the ball emplaced on the ball holder 104, and to prepare to hit the ball during the above described dwell time before the stored energy in the biasing member 118 is rapidly released and the ball launched off of the ball holder 104 and into the air. Once the ball is launched into the air, the above steps may be repeated if a user wishes to launch another ball.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an example method of use of the ball launcher according to aspects of this disclosure. At step 910, a ball may be place on the ball holder (e.g., ball holder 104) which is connected to the launch shaft (e.g., launch shaft 106).

[0051] At step 920, a user may compress the biasing device (e.g., biasing device 118) within the launcher device by pressing downward on the ball and causing the launcher shaft (e.g., launch shaft 106) to translate into a control tunnel of the launcher device to store energy via the compressed biasing device]

[0052] At step 930, a user pressing downward on the ball may cause the one or more restraining members (e.g., two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b) to press downward onto a release cap (e.g., downward onto the upper conical portion 122a) of a piston damping device (e.g., piston device 120) within the ball launcher device until the restraining members (e.g., two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b) move from a top portion of the release cap (e.g., upper conical portion 122a) to a bottom portion of release cap (e.g., bottom conical portion 122b)Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0053] At step 940, a user may release the ball, wherein releasing the ball allows the launcher shaft (e.g., launcher shaft 106) to move upward within the control tunnel (e.g., control tunnel 124) during a dwell period, wherein during the dwell period the piston damping device (e.g., piston device 120) prevents unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member (e.g., biasing member 118) through engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap (e.g., bottom conical portion 122b) and the restraining members (e.g., two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b).

[0054] At step 950, the dwell of the launcher shaft (e.g., launch shaft 106) upward may cause a release (e.g., by outward pivoting of the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b) of the engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap (e.g., the bottom conical portion 122b) and restraining members (e.g., the two or more pivoting arms 114a and / or 114b) for substantially unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member (e.g., biasing member 118) to launch the ball emplaced on the ball holder into the air.

[0055] While various steps are described above, it is noted that steps may be omitted, modified, re-ordered, and / or added without departing from the scope if this disclosure.

[0056] Additional example implementations of the disclosure are described in the clauses that follow:

[0057] Clause 1. A ball launching device comprising: a ball holder configured to have a ball emplaced thereon; a launch shaft connected to the ball holder; a launcher body, wherein the launch shaft is configured to translate with respect to the launcher body from a retracted position to an extended position; and a launch mechanism configured to launch a ball off-of the ball holder and into the air afterAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018a dwell period of the launch mechanism, wherein the launch mechanism comprises: a restraining member connected to the launch shaft; a control tunnel with a dwell portion and a release portion and configured to have the launch shaft translated therein; a biasing member mechanically connected to the launch shaft, wherein the biasing member is configured to store a release energy when the launch shaft is pressed downward into the control tunnel; and a piston damping device with a release cap configured to counteract an unrestrained release of the stored release energy during a dwell period, wherein during a dwell period the restraining member is constrained by the release cap so that the piston damping device counteracts the release of the stored energy of the biasing member, and wherein a release of the constraint of the restraining member with the release cap causes a substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft to launch the ball emplaced onto the ball holder off of the ball holder and into the air.

[0058] Clause 2. The device of clause 1, wherein the restraining member is a pivoting arm that is mechanically connected to the launch shaft.

[0059] Clause 3. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pivoting arm is configured to pivot from a restrained position to a release position, wherein in a restrained position the pivoting arm is constrained between the release cap and an inner wall of the control tunnel.

[0060] Clause 4. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the release cap has a conical portion with a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0061] Clause 5. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the release cap has a second conical portion with a third portion with a third radius and a fourth portion with a fourth radius that is smaller than the third radius.

[0062] Clause 6. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first radius and the third radius are equal.

[0063] Clause 7. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pivoting arm is configured move from contact with the first portion to contact with the third portion when a user presses downward on the ball emplaced on the ball holder causing the launch shaft to be pressed downward into the control tunnel.

[0064] Clause 8. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the launch mechanism further comprises a pivoting arm biasing member that is configured to be bent by the pivoting arm as the pivoting arm moves from contact with the first portion to contact with the second portion.

[0065] Clause 9. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control tunnel comprises top portion with a conical inner surface, wherein the conical inner surface has a first inner surface radius and a second inner surface radius that is greater than the first inner surface radius.

[0066] Clause 10. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first inner surface radius constrains the pivoting arm into engagement with the release cap by preventing the pivoting arm from pivoting from the constrained position to the release position and wherein the second inner surface radius allows the pivoting arm to pivot from the constrained position to the release position.

[0067] Clause 11. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the piston damping device is a pressurized gas piston with a piston shaft and the release cap is connected to an end of the piston shaft.Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018

[0068] Clause 12. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

[0069] Clause 13. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the restraining member is a plurality of pivoting arms that are configured to pivot with respect to the launch shaft.

[0070] Clause 14. The device of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the launch shaft is configured to move upward with a first force during a dwell period and is configured to move upward with a second force during the substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft, wherein the second force is greater than the first force.

[0071] Clause 15. A method of launching a ball using a ball launcher device, the method comprising: placing a ball to be launched onto a ball holder connected to a launch shaft; compressing a biasing device within the launcher device by pressing downward on the ball and causing the launcher shaft to translate into a control tunnel of the launcher device to store energy via the compressed biasing device; causing one or more restraining members to press downward onto a release cap of a piston damping device within the ball launcher device until the restraining members move from a top portion of the release cap to a bottom portion of release cap; releasing the ball, wherein releasing the ball allows the launcher shaft to move upward during a dwell period, wherein during the dwell period the piston damping device prevents unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing memberthrough engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and the restraining members; and releasing engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and restraining members for substantiallyAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member to launch the ball emplaced on the ball holder into the air.

[0072] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, implementing the function of any one or combination of the devices described in the preceding clauses.

[0073] This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the invention, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the aspects thereof, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of these aspects is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspect, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.

Claims

Atorney Docket No. 041633.00018CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A ball launching device comprising:a ball holder configured to have a ball emplaced thereon;a launch shaft connected to the ball holder;a launcher body, wherein the launch shaft is configured to translate with respect to the launcher body from a retracted position to an extended position; anda launch mechanism configured to launch a ball off-of the ball holder and into the air after a dwell period of the launch mechanism, wherein the launch mechanism comprises:a restraining member connected to the launch shaft;a control tunnel with a dwell portion and a release portion and configured to have the launch shaft translated therein;a biasing member mechanically connected to the launch shaft, wherein the biasing member is configured to store a release energy when the launch shaft is pressed downward into the control tunnel; anda piston damping device with a release cap configured to counteract an unrestrained release of the stored release energy during a dwell period, wherein during a dwell period the restraining member is constrained by the release cap so that the piston damping device counteracts the release of the stored energy of the biasing member, and wherein a release of the constraint of the restraining member with the release cap causes a substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft to launch the ball emplaced onto the ball holder off of the ball holder and into the air.Atorney Docket No. 041633.000182. The device of claim 1, wherein the restraining member is a pivoting arm that is mechanically connected to the launch shaft.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the pivoting arm is configured to pivot from a restrained position to a release position, wherein in a restrained position the pivoting arm is constrained between the release cap and an inner wall of the control tunnel.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the release cap has a conical portion with a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the release cap has a second conical portion with a third portion with a third radius and a fourth portion with a fourth radius that is smaller than the third radius.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first radius and the third radius are equal.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the pivoting arm is configured move from contact with the first portion to contact with the third portion when a user presses downward on the ball emplaced on the ball holder causing the launch shaft to be pressed downward into the control tunnel.Atorney Docket No. 041633.000188. The device of claim 7, wherein the launch mechanism further comprises a pivoting arm biasing member that is configured to be bent by the pivoting arm as the pivoting arm moves from contact with the first portion to contact with the second portion.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the control tunnel comprises top portion with a conical inner surface, wherein the conical inner surface has a first inner surface radius and a second inner surface radius that is greater than the first inner surface radius.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first inner surface radius constrains the pivoting arm into engagement with the release cap by preventing the pivoting arm from pivoting from the constrained position to the release position and wherein the second inner surface radius allows the pivoting arm to pivot from the constrained position to the release position.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the piston damping device is a pressurized gas piston with a piston shaft and the release cap is connected to an end of the piston shaft.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the restraining member is a plurality of pivoting arms that are configured to pivot with respect to the launch shaft.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the launch shaft is configured to move upward with a first force during a dwell period and is configured to move upward with a secondAtorney Docket No. 041633.00018force during the substantially unrestrained release of the biasing member and extension of the launch shaft, wherein the second force is greater than the first force.

15. A method of launching a ball using a ball launcher device, the method comprising:placing a ball to be launched onto a ball holder connected to a launch shaft; compressing a biasing device within the launcher device by pressing downward on the ball and causing the launcher shaft to translate into a control tunnel of the launcher device to store energy via the compressed biasing device;causing one or more restraining members to press downward onto a release cap of a piston damping device within the ball launcher device until the restraining members move from a top portion of the release cap to a bottom portion of release cap;releasing the ball, wherein releasing the ball allows the launcher shaft to move upward during a dwell period, wherein during the dwell period the piston damping device prevents unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member through engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and the restraining members; andreleasing engagement between the bottom portion of the release cap and restraining members for substantially unrestrained release of the energy stored in the biasing member to launch the ball emplaced on the ball holder into the air.

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