Pneumatic ball propulsion 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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An adapter for imparting spin to a ball projected from an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically from an exit tube, comprising an engaging member that extends beyond an exit end of an exit tube and extends into a path of a ball propelled from the exit tube.  
     
     
         2 . The adapter of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of engaging members.  
     
     
         3 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the engaging members are mounted on a tubular member that engages an exit tube of an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically.  
     
     
         4 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the engaging members comprise a bendable and resilient core and a covering.  
     
     
         5 . The adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the core is made of metal.  
     
     
         6 . The adapter of  claim 5 , wherein the covering is made of rubber.  
     
     
         7 . The adapter of  claim 4 , wherein the core has a free end and the cover extends beyond the free end of the core.  
     
     
         8 . The adapter of  claim 4 , wherein at least one lateral groove is provided in a ball-contacting surface of the covering.  
     
     
         9 . In an apparatus that pneumatically propels a ball from an exit tube, the improvement comprising an engaging member that extends beyond an exit end of an exit tube and extends into a path of a ball propelled from the exit tube.  
     
     
         10 . A position adjuster for an exit tube of an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically from an exit tube, comprising: 
 a first member; and    a second member for engaging an exit tube of an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically from an exit tube, the second member being relatively movable with respect to the first member.    
     
     
         11 . The adjuster of  claim 10 , wherein the first member comprises a T-shaped slot and the second member comprises an aperture, the adjuster further comprising an elongate fastener comprising a first end that extends through the aperture of the second member and a second end that engages the slot in the first member.  
     
     
         12 . The adjuster of  claim 11 , wherein the first end of the fastener is threaded and he adjuster further comprises a bolt threaded on the threaded first end.  
     
     
         13 . A platform for an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically from an exit tube, comprising: 
 a first surface for supporting an apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically from an exit tube; and    first and second engaging members for engaging a ground-contacting device, provided on a second surface opposed to said first surface;    at least one of the engaging members being movable with respect to the other of the engaging members.    
     
     
         14 . The platform of  claim 13 , further comprising a pair of parallel grooves for carrying the movable engaging member.  
     
     
         15 . The platform of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second engaging members are movable.  
     
     
         16 . The platform of  claim 14 , wherein the grooves have recessed sidewalls.  
     
     
         17 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus, comprising: 
 a pressure canister for containing a supply of air for pneumatically propelling a projectile, comprising an exit tube through which a projectile is expelled;    a hopper for supplying projectiles to the canister; and    a blower for supplying air to the canister,    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.    
     
     
         18 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus, comprising: 
 a pressure canister for containing a supply of air for pneumatically propelling a projectile, comprising an exit tube through which a projectile is expelled;    a hopper for supplying projectiles to the canister;    a cover that contains a blower for supplying air to the canister, the cover being disposed in the hopper, an outlet of the blower being in fluid communication with the canister.    
     
     
         19 . A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus, comprising: 
 a pressure canister for containing a supply of air for pneumatically propelling a projectile, comprising an exit tube through which a projectile is expelled;    a hopper for supplying projectiles to the canister; and    a cover that contains a blower for supplying air to the canister, the canister being carried by the cover and the hopper being carried by the canister.