| 摘要 |
A ball throwing device for projecting a game ball, in particular for pitching a baseball or simulating the trajectory of a batted baseball, is manually operated and requires no electrical power. The device is also transportable in the manner of a hand truck and collapsible into a compact storage configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the pitching machine includes a frame with a base support for resting on the ground, a ball throwing arm pivotally supported on the frame for swinging motion, with a ball seat on the arm, and a latch on the frame for latching the throwing arm in a pre-throwing position until such time as the ball is to be released. A foot lever preferably is provided, pivoted from the frame, for receiving foot pressure and motion from a user. The foot motion loads a spring with a spring loading force which is transferred to the ball throwing arm, the arm remaining stationary when latched in the pre-throwing position. A linkage member connects the foot lever to the spring to load the spring and apply the spring loading force. In preferred embodiments the device includes a trajectory setting for adjusting the ball throwing arm so that the flight trajectory of the ball can be adjusted, from a hard pitch to a fly ball. Also, a height adjustment preferably is included, for adjusting the height of a thrown ball at a selected distance forward of the ball throwing device. |
